The Arienas Collective reviews

Yvonne King reviewed: Lino-printing onto fabric

"I found this lino printing workshop really good fun to do. Suzanne made some helpful suggestions with my design, and the lino was quite easy to work with. It was great to see the end result and have our own cards to take away."

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Hi Yvonne. How lovely to get your feedback, and thank you for taking the time. The newer style of lino we use is much easier to cut than I remember from my school days! And we love to send people home with something they've completed. Hopefully you can continue lino printing at home onto different products. Best wishes, Lynn"

Lesley Gordon reviewed: Lino-printing onto fabric

"I really enjoyed this workshop. It was my first time Lino Printing but with Suzanne’s guidance I produced some lovely cards. There is plenty of time to complete each step and Arienas Collective provides a homely setting and a lovely lunch. You take away all the materials so I’ve been able to give it a go at home. Would definitely recommend."

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Hello Lesley. Thanks for taking time to leave us feedback, and I'm so glad to hear you enjoyed your workshop. Our courses are designed so that people learn a skill they can continue at home if they want to, so it's lovely to hear you've carried on with your lino printing! Best wishes, Lynn"

Libby Bauchope reviewed: Festive soap and cream making with The Scottish Soapworks

"An absolutely wonderful course in soap making in very relaxed and beautiful surroundings. The warmest of welcomes from Lynn and Jenny, made it a really special day. The soap making was very well explained, and to see the finished soaps gives a real sense of accomplishment, I now can't wait to make my own. We shared some absolutely gorgeous food, and its a great chance to have a chat and socialise. An amazing day. Xx"

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Hi Libby. Thanks so much for your really lovely review. We're so glad you enjoyed your day with us so much. We hope you will continue making your own soap at home, and look forward to seeing photos! Hope to welcome you back to The Arienas Collective one day. Best wishes, Lynn x"

Suzanne Higgs reviewed: Multi-coloured screen-printing the photo emulsion way

"I had done Screen printing a very long time ago and this was a perfect day for getting back to something I really enjoyed. As an artist I work in paints in a realistic way. Jody really helped to get me to open up and explore the fun/child artist in me. I loved what I created and the day flew by too fast. The atmosphere was relaxed and Lynn supplies a superb lunch. Would recommend for anyone who want a bit of time out to explore something new."

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Hi Suzanne. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review. We do get quite a few people who are coming back to screen-printing after a long time - though not all are working artists like you! We're so glad you were pleased with what you created, and to hear the day flew past. That's what we hope for! Best wishes, Lynn x"

Suzanne Higgs reviewed: Make a bespoke Macramé bag

"I really enjoyed my evening with Nichole learning Macrame and was delighted with my finished wall hanging. Nichole was so patient with all of us as we repeatedly asked how to do a certain knot again! Loved the ambient environment with relaxing music and meeting new people. Would definitely recommend."

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Hello Suzanne. Thanks for your lovely review. Nichole is a great teacher and very patient with all of us as we try to master the basic knots. Your plant holder looked amazing, and features in some of our online photos and video! (Thanks for giving us permission to use them.) Hope it's got pride of place in your home - send us a photo of it hanging up if you've time. Best wishes, Lynn x"

Elaine Ford reviewed: Art + Wine evenings

"If you have never picked up a paintbrush since leaving school, or if you are and absolute beginner, I can thoroughly recommend the Art and Wine evening. At the end you will be astonished and delighted with your work - go on, try it! Under the expert guidance of Suzanne and Lynn's generous hospitality, the evening provides time to step aside from the hurly burly of life and create something beautiful."

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Thanks for the lovely review Elaine. The Scottish Colourist-themed paint and wine evenings with Suzanne are perfect for those who haven't painted for a while...or ever! We hope the friend you brought along for a birthday treat enjoyed her evening too. And we're sure the other lucky friend who is getting your finished work will be absolutely delighted with it. Well done. It's amazing what you can create in 3 hours, while enjoying a glass of wine and nibbles with friends! We hope to welcome you back to The Arienas Collective again soon. With best wishes, Lynn :-)"

Katherine Phipps reviewed: Beginners silver clay jewellery class with Anna Campbell

"Very well presented course with all materials that are needed provided as part of it. We all made several items, Anna was extremely helpful and explained everything very clearly. Notes were made available to us afterwards to save us writing things down, and all questions were answered clearly. The location is fabulous, a really beautiful setting that was relaxing and comfortable all day. The refreshments were extremely good, lunch was fabulous and way more than I had expected being included in the price. Strongly recommend, and will be looking for other courses by the Arienas Collective myself!"

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely review Katherine. We're so glad you enjoyed your day - the jewellery you created was fantastic! We look forward to welcoming you back to The Arienas Collective soon - perhaps on one of Anna's intermediate courses now you've mastered the basics so well! Best wishes, Lynn :-)"

Sarah reviewed: Festive soap and cream making with The Scottish Soapworks

"Everyone was immediately put at ease by Lynn’s warm welcome in such beautiful surroundings. The day starts with a cup of tea/ infused water and a brief chat about the day. The tutor is Jenny, who has years of experience in the soap industry. The attention to detail is wonderful for everything about the day. We were learning a new skill with detailed instructions, friendly chat, generous offers to share further knowledge and a lovely environment to learn in. As if learning how to make soap wasn’t enough fun we were then given the option to create wrappings for our soaps. The table was a crafters dream - laden with tissue paper, wrapping paper, coloured twine, stamps, pens, scissors, gift bags…. This section of the day could have been a workshop on it’s own. I felt entirely looked after, deliciously fed and came away with 8 glycerine soaps (with more to come when the cold pressed one’s have cured). This is a wonderful way to get away from everything as I honestly had no other thoughts in my head during the day. It would also make a great party for a group of friends or even a very relaxing way to do some gift shopping."

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Thanks for your lovely feedback Sarah. I'm so glad you enjoyed your day, and that the craft table was such a hit. We love seeing people getting creative wrapping up their soap, and you certainly gave us some excellent ideas! Hope you're enjoying the cold process and organic glycerine soaps you made. Best wishes, Lynn :-)"

Anne A reviewed: Art + Wine evenings

"I never thought I could paint but was invited to go along to this workshop by a friend - and loved it. The setting was very relaxed and and we were given a good introduction, so by the time it came to putting pencil - and paint - to paper I was ready to give it a go - and by the end of the workshop I had managed to paint a picture worthy of framing and hanging on my wall. In fact, everyone had produced their own masterpiece whatever their 'starting level'. This workshop really does give you confidence to paint, and it was a great way to spend an evening with friends. We had all got to know each other by the end of the evening. Huge thanks to my friend for the opportunity (which makes me think this would make great present for a someone else...). Highly recommended!"

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Hi Anne, thanks for the lovely feedback! We hope these social painting evenings will encourage people like yourself who don't think they can paint to come along and give it a go, and - like you - discover they CAN paint after all! Well done. Best wishes, Lynn :-)"

Anne A reviewed: Silver clay jewellery taster with Anna Campbell

"What a fabulous day this was. A group of us had got together to celebrate a (big) birthday and we each designed and made a necklace for ourselves and a special charm for the birthday girl (- before celebrating with a glass of fizz which was included for the occasion!), We all went away feeling inspired to do more - and I have been wearing my necklace ever since. The process was made remarkably easy as we were taken though it step by step. Although it is described as a taster workshop, we all produced amazing jewellery, and its definitely inspired me to go on and do more."

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Thanks for your feedback Anne. A silver clay taster workshop is a fabulous way to celebrate a special birthday occasion, and we do always include a glass of fizz and cake too for private groups like this one. We enjoy running these so much, and you all made such amazing jewellery - as well as having a lot of fun! I'm glad it's inspired you to continue, and we look forward to welcoming you back to learn some new silver clay skills with Anna! Best wishes, Lynn :-)"

Anne A reviewed: Festive soap and cream making with The Scottish Soapworks

"This workshop is great fun and seemed remarkably easy (but don't tell everyone as I have been impressing friends with presents of my hand-made soap ever since!). This was partly due to the relaxed atmosphere and everyone was really friendly - we chatted over coffee and shared ideas so I never felt I was working on my own. It would also be great to do with a bunch of friends or for a special occasion. As well as fun on the day, it was lovely to have something to take home and use - hand made, designed and packaged by ME! I highly recommend you give it a go."

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Hello Anne. We're so glad you enjoyed your glycerine soap-making workshop. It is an easy process to learn, but of course it's all down to you to which shapes you make, and how you choose to gift wrap the soap - and that's what makes it unique! So be proud of your truly hand made soap! Glad your friends are getting to enjoy your lovely soap too, but hope you kept some for yourself :-) Hope to see you back again soon, Best wishes, Lynn"

Anne A reviewed: Multi-coloured screen-printing the photo emulsion way

"I had never tried anything like this before but was amazed by what I achieved. The atmosphere was very relaxed and there was a lovely introduction to the course, which boosted everyone's confidence. Although what we produced was all our own work, there was plenty instruction and help throughout, and I would highly recommend this course to anyone wanting to try something new and a little different."

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Thanks for the lovely review. I'm so glad you were proud of what you created, and that the simple drawing exercises at the start helped you. Quite a few people have commented on this: both the artists who run this workshop are recent Edinburgh College of Art graduates, which I think helps. Screen-printing is a great skill to learn, and once you know the basics you can print onto pretty much anything. Enjoy your tote bag and tea towel, and hope your framed print is up on your wall! Best wishes, Lynn"

Panna reviewed: Multi-coloured screen-printing the photo emulsion way

"Great introduction to screen printing in a lovely setting with lovely people. Nice and relaxed day and extremely grateful for all the advice and teaching me a new skill ! I found it very relaxing and enjoyable. Great day which i highly recommend!!!"

Beth reviewed: Art + Wine evenings

"I have to say that I was pretty amazed with how my painting turned out. I had previously done a wine & painting class where it was much more prescriptive and everyone paints the same picture. This class gives you the option to choose your painting and learn a bit more in the process. Also, I can confirm that it's great for all levels - I have very little artistic talent but still managed to make something worth framing."

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Hi Beth. Thanks for your lovely feedback about the art and wine evening! We're so glad you found it just right in terms of the mix between instruction, and leaving you to develop your own style of painting. We think Suzanne has got the balance just right so that the class works for those who have never picked up a paint brush before, as well as those who would like to develop their skills, or give acrylic paint a try for the first time. Hope to welcome you back to The Arienas Collective again soon. Lynn x"

Julie reviewed: Art + Wine evenings

"I attended this workshop in July and had an excellent evening. Suzanne created a very welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, and catered to all ability levels. Every single one of us was amazed at what we were able to create! This was such a fun alternative way to spend an evening out with a friend."

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Hi Julie. Thanks for your lovely review. I'm so glad you enjoyed your paint and wine evening. The class is great for beginners...but also fun for those like you who have painted before! We loved your finished piece :-) Hope to welcome you back to The Arienas Collective soon. Lynn x"

Anna Campbell reviewed: Introduction to speed-sketching workshop in Edinburgh's historic New Town

"I really like Mark’s sketching style so I thought I would give this taster class a go. The Arienas Collective is a very relaxed, creative environment. From the moment I arrived I felt welcome. I had the chance to chat with the other members of the group over a cup of tea, a half and half mix of locals and tourists, before a brief introduction from Mark along with a look at his example sketchbooks. We then took our clipboards and pens out for sketching in the local New Town area. Each short sketch gave us the opportunity to try out a different technique including perspective, shape and shading. We then walked to the nearby Portrait Gallery and did two sketches in there. Back at the Arienas Collective we were treated to soup and cheese for lunch. We then learnt how to use watercolour to add colour washes to our sketches. I really enjoyed adding the layers of colour to my black and white drawings. All too quickly the course was over and we were choosing which of our sketches to put into a frame. The Arienas Collective is a great place to come as a creative break from day-to-day life whether you come on your own or with a friend. This sketching course was an excellent taster class to learn the basics. Thanks to Mark and Lynn for a very productive morning! I am now looking at the full day class so I have more time to develop my skills and I’m off to buy some watercolours!"

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Thanks for your lovely and detailed feedback Anna. Mark has a knack for releasing the sketcher in everyone, and I'm so glad you enjoyed your morning with him capturing the beautiful Georgian New Town of Edinburgh. Your sketches were amazing! Best wishes, Lynn :-)"