Penelope Designs reviews

Rowena Joseph reviewed: Textile design one day workshop for adults with Penny Mason, Birmingham (NO CLASSES UNTIL MARCH 2021)

"I returned to Penny’s, this time for a day of Batik. Penny led us through the process of planning a design, starting with many examples of work to inspire us and then giving us guidance and assistance whenever needed. She is brilliant at giving you just the right amount of information, encouragement and guidance to both inspire and build confidence. Dan was on hand with teas and coffees and provided us with a scrumptious lunch and Jane made the yummiest dessert. What a lovely way to spend the day!"

Rowena Joseph reviewed: Painting and Drawing one day workshop for adults with Penny Mason, Birmingham (NO CLASSES UNTIL MARCH 2021)

"I had an amazing day going through the processes of mark making, drawing & painting. Welcomed into their home Penny and Dan made the whole experience a pleasure. The studio is cosy and light, a perfect creative environment. Penny is a wonderful teacher, always encouraging and ready to help at any moment. The groups are small so there is always help when needed. Dan provided us with teas and coffees throughout the day and a delicious lunch. There was homemade cake too!"

Kevin Day reviewed: Painting and Drawing one day workshop for adults with Penny Mason, Birmingham (NO CLASSES UNTIL MARCH 2021)

"I had a brilliant day yesterday on this one-day course, and would recommend it to anyone who is thinking of learning to draw and paint. Penny created a great learning environment for us to relax, and to get the best out of us in a day. The hospitality was great too, lovely food and drink which helped make it such an interesting time...thank you!"

Andrea Baker reviewed: Painting and Drawing one day workshop for adults with Penny Mason, Birmingham (NO CLASSES UNTIL MARCH 2021)

"I can't recommend this workshop highly enough!!!! Penny is warm and welcoming and you immediately feel relaxed. The tuition is brilliant - I managed to produce several items I was proud of! Wonderful coffee, cake and amazing soup at lunchtime just added to the experience. The day just whizzed by - I will be back for more."

Penelope Designs responded:

"Thank you Andrea. I'm so glad you enjoyed it and had great time learning new skills. I hope to see you again soon."

Suzie Elliott reviewed: Painting and Drawing one day workshop for adults with Penny Mason, Birmingham (NO CLASSES UNTIL MARCH 2021)

"I attended Penny's One Day Drawing and Painting workshop on 28th September at her home studio and had an absolutely brilliant time. As a complete beginner Penny took the workshop in easy to follow stages, explaining the basics of mark making and then showed us how to develop drawings of solid objects using this technique, and I was absolutely blown away by what I was able to create in such a short space of time. After an incredible home-cooked lunch she then showed us how to develop this further using painting techniques, encouraging us to use mixed media in our creations. She was incredibly patient and gave individual support and ideas throughout in a relaxed and fun environment with some lovely people. I would absolutely recommend her courses (and Penny herself) - I will certainly be signing up to another one soon!"

Christine O’Hara reviewed: Textile design one day workshop for adults with Penny Mason, Birmingham (NO CLASSES UNTIL MARCH 2021)

"I did a sketching course one evening in Penny’s lovely studio. I was a reluctant participant due to my lack of knowledge and ability!! Much to my surprise I really loved it and my family were impressed on my return home with my sketchings - maybe there is a hidden Picasso in me after all!!! Penny was fab- patient, calm, inspiring - I didn’t feel intimidated at all. think I’ve found a new hobby! Would definitely return to do another course."

Kathy Lamb reviewed: Textile design one day workshop for adults with Penny Mason, Birmingham (NO CLASSES UNTIL MARCH 2021)

"What an amazing course. It’s years since I picked up a pencil so felt a bit nervous. Penny was lovely. Encouraging, good advice. Thoroughly enjoyable. Gorgeous studio and great snacks. Thanks Penny"

Cate Dearn reviewed: Textile design one day workshop for adults with Penny Mason, Birmingham (NO CLASSES UNTIL MARCH 2021)

"Had a fantastic day in such a warm and friendly environment. Penny is a knowledgeable and patient teacher who helped me to create some designs that I could feel really proud of having started the day as a complete beginner. Delicious soup and cake topped off the perfect day. Thank you Penny."

Linda Lindan reviewed: Textile design one day workshop for adults with Penny Mason, Birmingham (NO CLASSES UNTIL MARCH 2021)

"I had an absolutely lovely day yesterday on the Textile Design Workshop. I was fully immersed in colour, shapes, patterns and being introduced to techniques of applying my interpretation of what I saw to paper and fabrics. Penny gives demonstrations and provides guidance whilst at the same time encouraging you along to do your own thing. It was hard to peel myself away but then Penny had the most amazing home made soup and breads, cakes and coffee, so I had to! I would have liked to have just stayed there and continued into the night but I will just have to return again instead!"

Sara & Lani reviewed: Painting and Drawing one day workshop for adults with Penny Mason, Birmingham (NO CLASSES UNTIL MARCH 2021)

"We had a really fabulous day exploring drawing, mark making & painting. My daughter is studying art A level & this was the perfect day to introduce her to new drawing techniques under Penny’s excellent guidance. We left feeling really inspired & my daughter with new found confidence! A truly wonderful way to spend a day! And a delicious lunch too! A huge Thank You to Penny. Sara & Lani Xx"

ELLE HOCKING reviewed: Textile design one day workshop for adults with Penny Mason, Birmingham (NO CLASSES UNTIL MARCH 2021)

"Penny is warm and friendly, she spends time explaining techniques and helping you develop your ideas. A thoroughly enjoyable day including a fabulous lunch and delicious tea and cake. Highly recommended! *****"

Vanessa Houghton reviewed: Textile design one day workshop for adults with Penny Mason, Birmingham (NO CLASSES UNTIL MARCH 2021)

"I have just spent a lovely day with Penny. She was so encouraging and patient, taking time to help me, an absolute beginner, create an impressive amount of work. I now feel inspired to carry on and create something I can be proud of. Thank you so much Penny!"

Simone Chester reviewed: Painting and Drawing one day workshop for adults with Penny Mason, Birmingham (NO CLASSES UNTIL MARCH 2021)

"Penny's lovely gentle, manner put me immediately at ease and so I relaxed and learned loads in the warmth of the beautiful Home Studio. There was a lovely group as keen as me to learn as much as possible and Penny guided us effortlessly through lots of practical exercises, gems of techniques and tips, small nuggets you only get from a seasoned, patient and confident teacher. It was a joy to be part of and yes the soup was marvellous, Thank you, Penny. I will coming back to learn more."

SATISH MEHTA reviewed: Painting and Drawing one day workshop for adults with Penny Mason, Birmingham (NO CLASSES UNTIL MARCH 2021)

"I couldn't have asked a for a better introduction by Penny into the techniques of drawing and painting. I spent the day at her studio and was thoroughly immersed into what she was telling us and what we were doing. The day went so quickly that I was amazed at it was soon time to go home so soon, even though I spent a day there. In Penny's wonderful surroundings it was way a perfect start to learn various techniques and I shall be attending again in the near future. I would also like to thank Dan for the numerous coffees and wonderful soup which which he made. I would thoroughly recommend Penny if you want an intro into drawing and painting and it was well worth the cost!! See you soon Penny. satish mehta. 30.01.2019"

Danny Davis reviewed: Painting and Drawing one day workshop for adults with Penny Mason, Birmingham (NO CLASSES UNTIL MARCH 2021)

"Had a fantastic day learning new skills that I didn't know that I had. Penny is a brilliant teacher who inspires you to look at things in a different way and how you translate this onto the page. I came away from the day with a whole new outlook and cannot wait to continue my hobby in a new light."

Jayne Cooke reviewed: Painting and Drawing one day workshop for adults with Penny Mason, Birmingham (NO CLASSES UNTIL MARCH 2021)

"Brilliant drawing and painting course. Fabulous people with a fantastic tutor. I learned a lot about drawing and painting while having the time of my life. I am now drawing and painting and would not hesitate to go back for another day. can't wait for the next drawing course."

Steve Mayhew reviewed: Painting and Drawing one day workshop for adults with Penny Mason, Birmingham (NO CLASSES UNTIL MARCH 2021)

"I went on this course having selected from the vast range of courses listed. As a relative novice, I found Penny's teaching style to be just what was required. I learnt new techniques and methods and went away feeling fulfilled and enthusiastic to develop my learned skills. Thanks Penny for a great day."

Penelope Designs responded:

"Hi Steve Thank you for your review and I'm so glad you enjoyed the day. Maybe see you at a further course in the future. Best wishes, Penny"

Sarah Follis reviewed: Painting and Drawing one day workshop for adults with Penny Mason, Birmingham (NO CLASSES UNTIL MARCH 2021)

"Wonderful and inspiring day where I learnt so much! I would definitely go again and would recommend to anyone"

Pamela Carter -Morris reviewed: Painting and Drawing one day workshop for adults with Penny Mason, Birmingham (NO CLASSES UNTIL MARCH 2021)

"I have just had the loveliest day at Pennys beautiful home and garden.Our small group spent the morning learning about drawing and sketching with the afternoon spent painting on canvas on easels in her lovely garden which attracts lots of butterlies,(not forgetting Pennys lovely cat Star who joined us in the garden) ,the scented candles were a lovely touch .Penny has so much knowledge to share,has a warm personality and is a great tutor.I have learnt so much in one day. The relaxing environment and the lovely food all added to a lovely relaxing day. Thoroughly enjoyable, i will definately be returning for more art days/workshop."

Jacquie Banister reviewed: Textile design one day workshop for adults with Penny Mason, Birmingham (NO CLASSES UNTIL MARCH 2021)

"I have just arrived home after a long journey, but well worth the effort to spend the day having fun printing with Penny. The day was lovely from start to finish and it was everything I'd hoped for and more! Straight away I was made to feel welcome and relaxed in Penny's beautiful home. We were plied with drinks and nourishment all day and the soup and special olive bread at lunch was delicious. The day was really 'full on' in a relaxed atmosphere with great company. We explored the effects we created, (using various methods of block printing and designs) on different materials. I found Penny so helpful, knowledgeable and inspiring; there were plenty of questions and Penny always had the answers! Thank you so much Penny for a fabulous, fun, friendly and formative day! I look forward to my next visit.... perhaps in your new studio."

Sue Powell reviewed: Painting and Drawing one day workshop for adults with Penny Mason, Birmingham (NO CLASSES UNTIL MARCH 2021)

"Feeling very relaxed and enthused by Penny's art class yesterday. After a warm welcome and introductions to the other participants the class started with an introduction to basic drawing techniques. A welcome light lunch of hot soup and olive bread was served and I must say this was delicious. Coffee cake followed which was perfect made by Jane and created fun chat about the eggs used from her hens. Back to the art and the afternoon was spent on painting a still on to a canvas. Lots of support and encouragement from Penny and I arrived home with a great memento of the experience. A lovely day with lovely people, thank you Penny. I think you will see me again."

Jane A reviewed: Textile design one day workshop for adults with Penny Mason, Birmingham (NO CLASSES UNTIL MARCH 2021)

"I had a wonderful day at Penny’s lovely home with her guiding me through the techniques to produce a piece of artwork, which I never thought would be possible in one day. It was such an inspiring day and I can’t wait to put into practice what I have learned. Hospitality awesome! Highly recommend."

Donna Mulvey-Jones reviewed: Painting and Drawing one day workshop for adults with Penny Mason, Birmingham (NO CLASSES UNTIL MARCH 2021)

"Penny is a miracle worker! What a fun day of learning and with such great achievement and inspiration! I originally only attended the course to keep my Mum company. I’ve never been able to draw before. When I started I was actually worse than I thought. But within hours I’d achieved more than I could have thought possible with Penny’s help. The whole day was different and fun. Penny welcomed us into her beautiful home, inspired us greatly in many ways and her wonderful husband kept the coffee on tap and got the homemade soup on. I would absolutely recommend to anyone and hope to go back for more."

cherese reviewed: Textile design one day workshop for adults with Penny Mason, Birmingham (NO CLASSES UNTIL MARCH 2021)

"Thank you Penny, this was a wonderful print making day! This course is taught by a fabulous and inspiring teacher. I would highly recommend this experience from those looking for an introduction to those who want to develop and take printmaking further . A very fun day :)"

Jayne cooke reviewed: Painting and Drawing one day workshop for adults with Penny Mason, Birmingham (NO CLASSES UNTIL MARCH 2021)

"Had a wonderful day at Penny's warm and inviting workshop. Penny has a natural talent to teach drawing and painting techniques that not only enhances your creativity but pushes you beyond the Boundaries. Clearly, her dedication and knowledge in the arts is a credit to her. We are privileged to be taught by this former foundation teacher on this auspicious occasion and would highly recommend the course to every creative soul. Freedom to laugh, have fun to create, enjoy warm soup, bread and cake are a must and worth the trip alone."