Zantium Studios Ltd reviews

Meg Neill reviewed: Creative Paper Cutting (1 day) in the Peak District

"A really great day at a lovely place, Christine was a excellent tutor, and I very much hope they put on a follow-on course for 3D paper cutting in the future. Good cakes too!"

Louise Stevenson reviewed: Creative Paper Cutting (1 day) in the Peak District

"I thoroughly enjoyed my day at Zantium learning how to begin papercutting. The tutor was excellent, teaching us the basic skills necessary, but also encouraging us to design our own pieces within the first hour. As a complete novice, I was thrilled with what I was able to achieve in such a short time and will certainly be continuing with this new craft. Zantium Studios is set in an idyllic hamlet and the studio itself was flooded with beautiful natural light . Inspirational artworks surrounded us throughout the building. Food was excellent with homemade soup and cheese for lunch and delicious flapjacks and cakes (still warm from the oven) in the afternoon."

Catharine Morris reviewed: Creative Paper Cutting (1 day) in the Peak District

"This course was very interesting and enjoyable. Christine is an excellent teacher and she was full of enthusiasm and conveyed this throughout the day. She managed to give us all enough individual time and help as needed. These days are however never long enough; needed more time. There is an assumption that participants should to go home with a finished "piece"; I feel this is not as useful as learning more techniques and trying out different ways of doing things. It was a good start and I hope to continue with it. The venue was excellent with very friendly hosts and excellent refreshments. Highly recommended."

Karen A reviewed: Creative Paper Cutting (1 day) in the Peak District

"I really enjoyed this course. Every detail was fantastic - being welcomed on the driveway, the fantastic studio, the inspiring tuition from Christine, the lovely materials, the wafting smells of freshly made soup and cake, the excellent company of others on the course, the pace of work and the abundant creativity. Thank you."

Anne Nichol reviewed: Creative Paper Cutting (1 day) in the Peak District

"This course was held in a wonderful setting and run by Christine who is extremely skilled talented and experienced. We had 8 people in the group which was an ideal number so we could both work independently and be given plenty of guidance if needed. Christine explained all the processes involved in paper cutting in an encouraging and enabling way. I would have liked more time to develop and work on the afternoon project as that felt a bit rushed but otherwise a really inspiring and worthwhile introduction to an interesting craft. The hosting, venue and yummy food greatly enhanced the experience. Thank you all."

Zantium Studios Ltd responded:

"Hello Anne, Thanks so much for your positive review. Great to hear you enjoyed the course. I will pass on your comment about needing longer for the afternoon project. Time tends to fly on our one-day workshops...partly the nature of creative pursuits, I'm afraid, but if we can pace things differently we will. So glad you enjoyed the setting and sustenance!"

angie reviewed: Creative Paper Cutting (1 day) in the Peak District

"A big thank you to Christine, Ali and Pete for a really great day out. Christine gave us spot on tuition throughout the day - an inspiration, and Ali made a delicious lunch, tea, coffee and home made cakes. .what more could you ask for? Zantium Studios is in one of the most beautiful areas of the Peak District with much to offer should you wish to stay longer and explore."

Jane Livermore and Phil Spinney reviewed: Mosaic (1 day) in the Peak District

"The location was fantastic being part of Peter and Alison's home, including the Peacock Godfrey who put in a splendid performance to entertain us at lunch. Lunch was a homemade delight! All of which adds to the creative juices in my opinion. Very welcoming!! The course was as described on the tin, I have never created using mosaic before and was able to come home with a fully mosaic-ed mirror and coaster. All the materials were provided and that, plus my partners more professional effort, cost only£20.00 over the course costs. We were also given grouting to take home so we could complete our creations. Peter was very informative, taking us through each stage of the process in a very relaxed and comfortable manner, he is very approachable and helpful to everyone there. Would definitely recommend!!"

Zantium Studios Ltd responded:

"Dear Jane & Phil, Many thanks for such heartwarming and enthusiastic words. Delighted to hear you enjoyed our mosaic course so much...and the atmosphere here at Zantium Studios. Godfrey Peacock was working his magic! Thankyou for coming. Best wishes Alison & Peter"

Sue Watkins reviewed: Willow Sculptural Forms (1 day) in the Peak District

"Fantastic day, thoroughly enjoyed learning new skills from Emma and Alison was a very attentive hostess. We had such a good time we’re booked in for another 2 day course. Well done Zantium and Emma Parkins."

Zantium Studios Ltd responded:

"Thankyou Sue, We loved having you on board. See you again soon!"

Kerry reviewed: Creative Paper Cutting (1 day) in the Peak District

"Everything about this two day course was a joy! Peter and Alison are warm and welcoming hosts at Zantium Studios, situated in beautiful rolling countryside of the Derbyshire Dales, serving a delicious home-cooked lunch, and afternoon tea with homemade cake. The paper cutting course was fantastic! Christine is an inspiring and encouraging teacher, guiding us through each stage and sharing her vast knowledge generously. Zantium take only small groups, ensuring lots of individual attention and support. I cannot recommend Zantium Studios, or Christine Green highly enough!"

Alison Humphries reviewed: Mosaic (1 day) in the Peak District

"I attended a one day "Introduction to Mosaic" at Zantium studios in November 2017. I have to say it was an absolute pleasure from start to finish. Alison welcomes you to their lovely home and provides tea and coffee while you browse books for ideas. Next it is off to the airy and bright studio where Peter has a huge range of materials available for you to choose from. After some helpful guidance on cutting and pattern design you are ready to start. I was amazed that I was able to make two coasters and an item to hang on the wall having never attempted the craft before. Peter is on hand to offer advice and tips and provides you with grouting to finish your project(s) at home. A tasty lunch is provided plus afternoon tea and cake. All in all a fabulous course and I am hoping to do one of the longer courses next year. Thank you to Alison and Peter!"

Steph reviewed: Mosaic (2 days) in the Peak District

"This is the third weekend mosaics course that I have attended at Zantium Studios. They have all been superb courses with excellent tuition and individual support from Peter and wonderful home made lunch and snacks from Alison. The studio has a lot of light, plenty of room to work in and good choice of mosaic tiles. Good relaxing weekend. Highly recommend this course."

jane worthington reviewed: Mosaic (2 days) in the Peak District

"As always well organised, thoroughly enjoyed the course and would always recommend Zantium Studios as a great place for courses to attend."

Ali reviewed: Mosaic (2 days) in the Peak District

"Pure delight to have the opportunity to do some mosaic and be so well supported by professionals in a friendly environment."

Heather Green reviewed: Mosaic (2 days) in the Peak District

"Very enjoyable and relaxing weekend with kind and encouraging tutor. Having done a small amount of mosaic making before, my enthusiasm was rekindled. The ambiance and the lovely food all helped towards our creativity and working alongside people of like mind was a pleasure."

Lindsey Hughes reviewed: Willow Plant Supports (1 day) in the Peak District

"Spent a lovely day making an obelisk for next year's sweet peas which will take pride of place in our garden. Eddie explained everything very simply and was very encouraging. The setting was wonderful and our hostess very welcoming and a lovely lunch and refreshments were provided throughout the day."

Catherine reviewed: Stained Glass - Leaded Light (3 days) in the Peak District

"Highly recommend this course. I have been to Zantium Studios three times and each time has been a wonderful experience. Fantastic hospitality, plus lovely lunches and cakes! Great tuition, I have learnt so much in a short space of time. Looking forward to going back for quite a few of the many courses they have to offer!"

G Foster reviewed: Willow Animal Sculpture (2 days) in the Peak District

"Well run , after a brief introduction we quickly got down to creating our own pieces of sculpture which was great. The course tuition was clear and hands on. The willow was easy to use and I was surprised that we all achieved great sculptures in such a short time. The snacks, lunch and cakes to keet us going and were good as well. All in all had a very enjoyable and productive two days ."

Frankie Esposito reviewed: Willow Animal Sculpture (2 days) in the Peak District

"Recently, I was very fortunate to be able to participate in the two day animal willow weaving sculpture course at Zantium studios, needless to say I was awfully excited about the two days, with visions of coming away with a beautiful animal sculpture that I'd made myself. I can wholeheartedly say that my expectations were more than met, with the help of Caroline I made a beautiful dear that is now sitting proudly on my front lawn, walkers passing by and neighbours comment on it all the time, and I had a fair few "likes" on facebook also. The two days at zantium were brilliant, the studio was nice and cosy with plenty of space to work, the rest of the group were great fun and we all got on like a house on fire. Best of all were the delicious home made lunches by Alison, plenty of coffee and tea and certainly the homemade cake in the afternoon went down a treat. All in all, it was a brilliant couple of days, well worth it, and I can highly recommend the course. many thanks to all."

Joan Cook reviewed: Mosaic (2 days) in the Peak District

"Brilliant inspirations, beautiful setting, good food, excellent tuition, resources, encouragement and individual support. I was expecting the course to be good, but it was even better - thank you!"

Jill Balmont reviewed: Willow Plant Supports (1 day) in the Peak District

"I had a great time, and I love the things we made. I will definitely try to have a go myself, and to book further courses with Zantium Studios."

Belinda Oakley reviewed: Willow Plant Supports (1 day) in the Peak District

"I had a wonderful day creating some striking structures with willow. Our tutor explained everything clearly and was very helpful at every stage. The weather was kind and the setting beautiful and relaxing. Our hostess was welcoming and attentive, providing drinks and delicious food and treats. I've been inspired to have a go at home with the willow from my garden."

Jackie Anthony reviewed: Fused Glass (2 days) in the Peak District

"As I was new to glass fusing, I struggled with glass cutting on first day, but soon picked it up on second. At the end of the 2 day course, I had learnt, how to cut glass, different types of glass, and what they are used for, and how they are likely to come out when fired. I really enjoyed it and was pleasantly surprised with my end result. Great hosts, in a lovely countryside setting, offering tea, coffee and biscuits with lunch included in the fee. Look forward to improving on my next course."

Angela Carey reviewed: Willow Animal Sculpture (2 days) in the Peak District

"An excellent course in wonderful, welcoming surroundings. Very organised, the artist enabled each of us to complete our desired creation, calmly and confidently, when we thought we would run out of time! Excellent lunches provided, with 'on tap' teas and coffee. Highly recommended!"

Esther Klein reviewed: Mosaic Summer/Autumn School (5 days) in the Peak District

"I've attended the week long mosaic course 5 times now and it never disappoints! Lovely surroundings, great tuition and never-ending encouragement from Peter, plus the most delicious lunches and teas from Alison - such a pleasure to surrender all your worries and commitments for 5 days and escape to another world and let loose your creativity. The atmosphere is so friendly and fun and yet, somehow, at the end of your stay, you have produced something you probably never imagined you could......! I would highly recommend a visit."

Alyson Rawnsley reviewed: Mosaic Summer/Autumn School (5 days) in the Peak District

"As a 'newby' to mosaics I first came to Zantium in 2003 and discovered a medium I love working in. The tuition from Peter and the can do attitude he inspires makes each visit a positive experience and I always leave with a wonderful piece of art I didn't think I could achieve. Everyone can work at their own pace and Peter is great at getting you over any design or execution problems. On top of that that the studio is a lovely place to work in and the outside garden a calming place to go for breaks. Ali's wonderful lunches and homemade cakes just add the finishing touches to a truly lovely week. In addition I have really enjoyed the company of all the interesting people I have met on the courses. Can't wait to go back!"