Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios reviews

8 Dec 24'

Carina reviewed: Two day Leaded Stained Glass panel making.

"A really wonderful experience. We learnt so much, had wonderful chats with tea and completed a really stunning panel of stained glass each. Thank you! Clear, supportive instruction, got lots done, feel very pleased!"

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"Such a good weekend... perseverance really does give results! Lovely work and I enjoyed passing on the techniques of leaded stained glass. So glad you met Deborah, too. All the best to you both. "

17 Nov 24'

Julia reviewed: Half day mosaic workshops with Laura Barnes.

"We had a lovely afternoon on Laura’s half day mosaic course. It was a perfect mix of freedom to choose our design and colours but with support, encouragement and guidance from Laura. The whole vibe is calm and we left feeling relaxed and very accomplished with our efforts! "

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"Hi Julia, I was just showing off your mosaics to a friend and your review came through! I hope you continue your new craft and I'm always here for advice. Well done!"

17 Nov 24'

Michelle Wray reviewed: Two day Leaded Stained Glass panel making.

"A good course that takes you through the whole process of creating stained glass. Laura explained every step and was helpful in giving advice. I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of using the required tools and learning the different techniques involved. Looking forward to hanging the piece I made. "

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"Hello Michelle, thank you for your review! You were a joy to work with. I was impressed with everyone bringing a design to translate and all the work was so different. A great weekend all round. "

12 Nov 24'

Elizabeth reviewed: Two day Leaded Stained Glass panel making.

"This was a wonderful five star course - we learned a lot, had a lot of fun and came away with stained glass panels we are very proud of to display at home. Laura was an incredibly encouraging and patient teacher - she made us feel very welcome and relaxed and able to ask even the slightest question. Thank you Laura!"

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"Hello! This class certainly highlighted resilience in all of us. I loved the difference in designs and I'm so glad you have a reminder of the home you live in. You all showed great interest in the craft and it was a privilege to work with you. "

25 Aug 24'

Jan Erskine-Power reviewed: Half day mosaic workshops with Laura Barnes.

"Laura is friendly and encouraging and was so helpful in making my choices. There were so many great materials to choose from and such a relaxed workshop. Was delighted with the end results. Am signing up for another course at the Crafty Fox Den."

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"Ooh thank you, Jan! It was a pleasure to work with you and your colour choices are great. See you again! Just a thought... it's Crafty Fox Studios you came to, incase you refer me to friends. Laura 😃 "

31 Jul 24'

Camilla reviewed: Mosaic numbers and letters

"I really enjoyed my time spent with Laura learning the process of mosaic making. Laura was generous with her knowledge and skills and I am very happy with the result."

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"Hi Camilla, I'm delighted and thank you for your review. The no. 17 has been admired by all my evening class students. Well done! Laura "

26 May 24'

Phil Rigby reviewed: Full Day Mosaic For Outdoors on slate with Laura Barnes.

"Had a full day mosaic course with Laura. It was a great experience and I learned so much, Laura is a great teacher. I managed to do a parrot on slate based on a sketch I brought with me, it turned out brilliantly with lots of bright colours which Laura kindly advised which ones to use. I can highly recommend anyone to do the course, Laura explains it all very easily and guides you through it step by step. I had a fantastic day"

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"Hi Phil, I keep looking at your parrot mosaic and thinking, wow. Really good work. I'm delighted you trusted me with the grouting. You are welcome anytime and I'd love to see the mosaic in its final place, indoors or outdoors? Thank you so much for your review. "

19 Apr 24'

Phil reviewed: Two day Leaded Stained Glass panel making.

"Just completed the 2 day stained glass course. I'm delighted with my finished piece of work now displayed proudly in the conservatory! Laura is an excellent tutor and was very patient and made it all easy to understand. I have certainly learnt a new skill. I can highly recommend the course. I will return in the near future to try something else"

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"Thank you so much for your review. A great result. I want to make an art deco rose now! You were really keen to learn which is a delight for me. Come again any time. Laura "

14 Apr 24'

Lesley Rafferty reviewed: Two day Leaded Stained Glass panel making.

"Just completed a two day leaded stained glass course with Laura and loved every minute of it. It was relaxed, informative, creative, challenging and fun all at once. Can't thank Laura enough for making us feel so welcome at the studio, hopefully see you again soon - Lesley & Si x"

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"Hello Simon and Lesley! I was just admiring your beautiful panel photos and this review came through. For a first go at this technique-heavy course I was delighted at how quickly you both got a grip of it. Really well done... and thank you for choosing this workshop, I enjoyed teaching you. "

5 Apr 24'

Jill and Ian reviewed: Hares and Hedgehogs mosaic day

"We really enjoyed this one day Mosaic course. It was just what we were hoping for. Laura was very patient and helpful and we created a lovely mosaic each. This was our first attempt at Mosaic work and we were thrilled with the outcome."

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"Hi Jill! Thank you so much for your review. Both of your lovely mosaics are now on course images for this very course! Lovely to meet you both, come again. Laura. "

26 Mar 24'

Julie Mackenzie reviewed: Half day mosaic workshops with Laura Barnes.

"Three of us attended a half-day course in mosaics with Laura. None of us had any previous experience, but we arrived with enthusiasm and a few ideas on what animal we wanted to attempt. We were made very welcome by Laura and shown what to do in a friendly and informal environment. Laura shared her skills, and the experience was really enjoyable. We were absolutely thrilled with our final efforts which we took home and hung in our gardens. I thoroughly recommend this craft session to anyone who enjoys a new artistic challenge. "

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"Hi Julie, thanks so much for your review! I love to share my knowledge with people and you all made beautiful mosaic work. I hope the mosaics enhance your garden throughout the year. Lovely to hear back from you. Laura.."

1 Mar 24'

Andrea Abbas reviewed: Willow Hares, Bees & Stag heads

"I had such an enjoyable and relaxing day making a Willow Hare. Laura was ever so patient and guided me through each step. I’ve travelled all the way from Cumbria but it was certainly worth it. Had a great day. Thanks very much Laura! Would love to come back for more!"

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"Oh you are so welcome! Love your hare sculpture which isn't easy but you took to the craft quickly. Well done and I thank you for your review. Would be great to work with you again! Laura. "

15 Feb 24'

Matt reviewed: Full Day Mosaic For Outdoors on slate with Laura Barnes.

"I absolutely loved this course! Laura is an intuitive, patient, and friendly teacher, and the studio atmosphere is incredibly relaxed and welcoming. I've applied all the skills I learned during the day to establish my own creative mosaic practice at home—a skill I will now have for life and am eager to continue building upon! I highly recommend this experience. Thank you, Laura!"

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"Hi Matthew, what a wonderful review! You were a delight to teach with all the enthusiasm you brought with you. I'm glad to hear that you still mosaic and love the craft. Keep it up and come back anytime for more input. Thank you again. "

12 Feb 24'

Tony Robinson reviewed: Two day Leaded Stained Glass panel making.

"A superb course expertly led by Laura who took us through all the stages of design, glass cutting, leading, soldering and finishing. Had my own complicated design which took some fiddling around to fit - but in the end managed to produce a unique glass panel - cant wait til I can see the sun shining through it! A great way to spend a weekend."

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"Hello Tony, the faffing was worth it! Leading up is a fiddly business even for me. I hope the finished panel sails with you wherever you go. Your perseverance paid off. All the best, and you're welcome any time. "

11 Feb 24'

Alice :) reviewed: Two day Leaded Stained Glass panel making.

"Laura was a wonderful teacher, very genuine and passionate about her work. We had a great laugh. Only 2 of us on the course so we got a lot of supervision which is often needed as it’s a lot harder than you’d expect!"

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"Hi Alice! You forgot to say how gorgeous your flower turned out, and your colour choices were great. Yes, it's a process intensive course, and you never wavered from getting from one stage to another. It was lovely to work with you both, and a pleasure to be your tutor. "

27 Jan 24'

Gillian Spry reviewed: Two day Leaded Stained Glass panel making.

"I did this course in October and I cannot praise Laura enough for a great experience! Fabulous studio and tutor. I made the most wonderful stained glass panel inspired by William Morris under Laura's guidance which now has pride of place at home. "

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"Hello Gillian, what a lovely review! It was great working with you and a great design idea. I still have your original inspiration to show other students. All the very best, Laura. "

19 Dec 23'

Joan reviewed: Half day mosaic workshops with Laura Barnes.

"I went to the mosaic course with my daughter. It was for 3hrs, which was long enough for us to learn the basics and make something to take home. Laura was very patient and very knowledgeable and guided us both through the steps. We would highly recommend this course as it is so much fun and it's something you could easily carry on after the day. Laura is very passionate about her craft and she was eager to pass on as much of this skill onto us as she could. The venue was easy to get to and able to park right outside of the venue. The area of Todmorden is worth a look round while you're there, great market. I made a Robin slate wall hanging whilst my daughter made a teapot stand. We are both very proud of what we achieved just in a few hours, fun afternoon. "

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"Thank you, Joan for your lovely review! It's amazing how much can be learnt in 3 hours and both of you took to the art of mosaic straight away. I enjoyed your company and am delighted you had a chance to see Todmorden. My best wishes to you both. "

18 Dec 23'

RuthD reviewed: Two day Leaded Stained Glass panel making.

"Just had a fantastic weekend making a stained glass panel with Laura. I was very lucky as I was the only student in the workshop this weekend and so had Laura’s undivided attention. As a result I managed to complete a panel that I would not have attempted in a class with other participants. Laura was very encouraging and taught me all the various stages of the process with boundless patience. I am so pleased with the final panel, which has been widely admired already! Thank you Laura for helping me so much in your lovely studio. I would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone who is interested in seeing how a traditional craft is carried out and has determination and dexterity in their hands! A thoroughly enjoyable two days."

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"A great weekend all round! I hope your panel looks wonderful in place. It's a lot to learn and you took my advice throughout. A lovely review, thank you. "

2 Nov 23'

Gill Robinson reviewed: Willow Hares, Bees & Stag heads

"What a wonderful day making a willow hare. Laura was patient and kind, helpful and generous with her time. I can't recommend this course and Laura as a tutor enough. I am so pleased with my finished hare. I absolutely love him. Thank you so much ❤️"

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"Thank you so much for your review... it was a great day all round. Wallace is fabulous! I really appreciate the picture of him in his forever home with Jax. Thanks again, Laura. "

30 Oct 23'

Rob & Serena reviewed: Two day Leaded Stained Glass panel making.

"We really enjoyed our stain glass experience with Laura. The course was accessible and Laura was very helpful in ensuring that we used the correct techniques on our pieces. Would highly recommend."

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"That's a lovely review, thank you. It was a pleasure to meet and work with you both. It's a big learning curve and you both took it on with enthusiasm. I hope you treasure your first stained glass panels, they are wonderful. "

14 Aug 23'

Kat reviewed: Two day Leaded Stained Glass panel making.

"Good introduction to different stages of the stained glass making process. Laura is knowledgeable and supportive and her studio space, including the building it’s in, is amazing. I was really pleased with what I was helped to achieve in a short space of time and am definitely inspired to want to do more stained glass work! Thank you!! "

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"My pleasure.... it was great to work with you. I'm delighted you feel inspired to continue learning about this wonderful craft. All the best to you, Laura. "

12 Aug 23'

Sara from Liverpool reviewed: Two day Leaded Stained Glass panel making.

"We attended the two day stained glass course this month, Aug 2023. Laura is a fantastic tutor. We both received really good one-to-one instruction & support. The pace of the course was just right, not too fast that we felt rushed, with Laura keeping us total beginners on track to complete our pieces on time. Totally recommend this course. Sara from Liverpool. "

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"Hello Sara, I was showing your work to new students today and they loved it, too! Really good choice of colour to suit the design. Thank you so much for your review, it means a lot to me. Laura "

19 Jul 23'

Alison Smith reviewed: Willow Hares, Bees & Stag heads

"Booked this course for my mum's birthday. She had an amazing day and her willow hare(Herbert) is beautiful. Laura was a great teacher. "

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"Thank you! Your Mum was a delight to work with. I hope Herbert enjoys his new home. Don't forget the linseed spray before putting him in the garden. Laura "

3 Jun 23'

Julia King reviewed: Two day Leaded Stained Glass panel making.

"Had a great time. I learnt so much and Laura was brilliant; very knowledgeable and supportive. I will definitely be trying another of Laura's courses."

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"Hi Julia, I really enjoyed working with you. You are very welcome to come again and learn another skill. Thank you for your review! Laura "

22 May 23'

Hannah reviewed: Two day Leaded Stained Glass panel making.

"I completed the 2 day leaded stain glass course with Laura this weekend and loved every minute! It was a very small class which was perfect as meant that Laura was always on hand to help and guide me (with the patience of a saint!). The process was broken down and explained really well, it was amazing to start with a simple drawing and see that turn into something so lovely. As someone who isn’t very arty at all, or confident when learning new things, it was definitely a plus to be taught by someone so supportive and encouraging. The course made me want to put the skills I’ve learned to use and try to make something on my own so thank you! "

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"Hello Hannah! Thank you so much for your review. I had complete faith in you! It's part of my job to understand how people learn in an environment that's completely new. Learning a whole new skill in 2 days is a real challenge and you worked your way through it to the finished art work. That little boat on choppy seas is charming and well made, so very well done. Come again any time. Laura. "