Latest reviews

Gill reviewed: 10-week online watercolour for beginners course with live tuition via zoom

"Thank you Raya for reigniting my love of portraiture and drawing. Your help and encouragement enabled me to look at various areas of a portrait with fresh eyes, to concentrate and continue exploring the human face. I am very grateful to you."

Magic Wool Art and Craft Studio responded:

"Dear Gill, Thank you so much for your lovely comment. I am so happy that my course inspired you and helped to resume drawing, especially drawing portraits. It opened up new avenues for exploring the portraiture for you and gave you new ideas. I wish you very success in exploring Portrait further and I hope to see you again at the interactive online Intermediate Level Portrait course in April. Raya"

Deborah reviewed: Beginner Sewing Workshop via ZOOM + kit

"Holly was so patient and explained things every time I asked, my short term memory problems makes learning a real challenge but Holly was wonderful! Anything I needed included wasn’t a problem either. I have had two lessons one face to face before lockdown and one this year over FaceTime. I recommend Holly every time for craft and sewing."

Holly Edwards Textiles responded:

"Thankyou so much - very kind of you to say ?"

Julia Lyle reviewed: Watercolours for beginners online course, by Sarah Colgate

"I found this course inspiring! Sarah has a very calm and organised way of presenting the techniques and the handouts and videos are excellent. She gave me really helpful feedback and built my confidence when I was getting frustrated and impatient with myself! I would highly recommend."

Sarah Colgate responded:

"Thank you, Julia for your review. I am glad you found the course inspiring and that you were able to develop your skills and confidence through the course materials and feedback. Sarah"

Paula Bonilla reviewed: Resin art course for beginners

"I attended Normans course beginning of March. Norman is a great character with lots of stories to tell. He was very welcoming and full of knowledge. There were things I didn't realise when working with resin but came away with all my questions answered. Norman went though all stages step by step at a pace that I could follow being a beginner. I learnt about health and safety, preparation which is key to your end results, about weighing, ratios and so much more. Norman was a great trainer and would highly recommend this course to anyone I learnt so much, big thanks to Norman. Hopefully will be doing the 3 day course with him in the near future."

Reson-8 responded:

"Many thanks Paula, Your review is greatly appreciated, was a pleasure to work with you and hope to see you again. Very Best Regards Norman"

Jane Bruce-Veness reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"I attended this course after meeting Jo at a Farmer's Market and absolutely loved her candles and scents. Candlemaking has always been something I've been interested to learn more about and Jo's so friendly and approachable (and hilarious), I just knew she would be the right fit for me. The course was brilliant, Jo is so knowledgeable about the craft of candlemaking and so honest about the industry and the challenges and rewards of setting up your own business as well as being very generous with sharing her knowledge. I really enjoyed my day with her, the studio is amazing and the snacks were v. tasty too! I'm hoping to start a little side business, but have put on hold for now as heavily pregnant but I'm VERY excited to read back over my notes and get cracking this summer. Thank you so much Jo, hopefully see you sometime in the future when there is a little more normality and we can get back up to Suffolk! xx For anyone wishing to learn more about candlemaking or just fancying a very fun day out with friends or as an offsite team building activity, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this course! 5/5 STARS ? ? ? ? ?"

Adrianne Carter reviewed: Beginners Crochet 9.30am - 11.30am

"Excellent teaching style. Very patient and the course was spot on"

Oh So Pretty And Clever responded:

"Hi Adrianne, really glad you enjoyed it. Looking forward to seeing you again for the next step on your crochet journey! Emma"

Anita Stagg reviewed: Beginners Crocheting Course Learn at Home Live with Rachel

"Beginners crochet course taken during lockdown - I really enjoyed this course, it is excellent value for money and Rachel is a very patient, knowledgeable teacher. The lessons are very informal and it works well virtually. Now planning my next crochet project and buying yarn will be my new favourite pastime."

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Thank you so much Anita. You are lovely. I really appreciate you taking the time and being so kind!"

Julie reviewed: Scented soy candle making kit - vegan-friendly

"Loved this kit, really great and easy to follow instructions. Resulted in perfect candles that smell amazing. Great service and good price ???"

Hiltingbury Holistics responded:

"Absolutely delighted you loved the kit and the aroma from your hand poured candles. You can call yourself a chandler now! So appreciate you taking the time to write this lovely review. Thank you Julie."

Sarah reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"I and some friends went to Jo’s very first hare sculpture day workshop back in 2019 and I put a review on at that time as we all enjoyed ourselves so much. Unfortunately my leaping hare was badly damaged in an accident so I contacted Jo to see if he could be repaired. Luckily I live fairly close to her studio and she took him in and did a ‘Repair Shop’ makeover, which she made a video of. My hare repair is now on youtube and he is famous! He is now back on my sideboard fully restored – thank you Jo!"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"My pleasure Sarah ;-) That workshop seems an eternity ago! It was fun locating the photos I took of you making your hare which I included in the video - thank you again for letting me put them in. The video can be found on youtube and my website. Really pleased he is back on your sideboard. Jo x"

Jill Prior reviewed: Mandala drawing for beginners (private large group)

"I was the group organiser for a private event with Kathryn for on Tuesday 23rd November. It was the most relaxing workshop that I have ever attended. I think we all wondered if we would be able to create such an intricate pattern, but believe me, were all were really happy with the end results! The instructions were so clear and Kathryn's Powerpoint presentation on screen meant that no one get lost along the way. For anyone who likes doodling - this is the craft for you. You learn how to make a precise base template with just a compass, clear ruler, protractor and HB pencil and from that point Kathryn guides you on how to create the intricate patterns. No need to worry if you pattern doesn't look perfect when you are creating it - this craft is very forgiving and it's almost impossible to spot any imperfections. Kathryn was also able to help us source some really good value compasses and pens for the event which was a great help. After the event she also sends participants the Powerpoint slides of her session and a pdf with some further patterns that they can incorporate into your own designs. If you want to reward a team with a good, calming and inspiring activity, this is the one to do!! We are all addicted!!"

Mandala Meadow responded:

"Thank you, Jill. It was great to meet you all and I'm so pleased everyone enjoyed it. It was a fun afternoon. We all need a creative outlet, especially in these strange times and mandala drawing is very beneficaial for our mental health, particularly for relaxation - it's a great stress buster. And I find it so rewarding when people who say they can't draw are delighted with the results they achieve drawing a mandala."

Mandy Harris reviewed: Watercolour for All 4 week Online Course Monday Morning Via Zoom

"I have only just started watercolour classes but I really enjoy them. The video tutorials are easy to follow. Purnima is fun and very positive. She really enjoys the classes as much as the participants. She allows the class to grow at a pace suited to them."

Mandy Harris reviewed: Watercolour techniques for all - 4 week online course Tuesday evenings via Zoom

"I have only just started watercolour classes but I really enjoy them. The video tutorials are easy to follow. Purnima is fun and very positive. She really enjoys the classes as much as the participants. She allows the class to grow at a pace suited to them."

Lesley Wall reviewed: Watercolour techniques for all - 4 week online course Tuesday evenings via Zoom

"Such a fantastic and fun class. I have learnt so much and looking forward to continuing."

Shirley reviewed: Watercolour for All 4 week Online Course Monday Morning Via Zoom

"I am enjoying these classes and feel that I have made improvements. The sessions are well structured and Purnima is an excellent teacher. All the information needed is sent to you beforehand and then feedback and help given by Purnima (via e mail) after the sessions. The group are very friendly and welcoming. I would recommend these sessions to beginners and more experienced painters."

Catherine W reviewed: Bronze hare kit using air-drying clay - including on-line video with Jo Garden Art

"Bought the hare kit, along with the sleeping cat kit, a few weeks ago, was a really good experience. The YouTube video was great to follow and any issues Jo responded very swiftly and was a great help. The instructions and kit was everything you needed, you just added the coffee and cake!! Will be purchasing again - the dog one next I think. Hoping to visit in person in the near future. Thanks Jo."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Ah ha! Here is the cake once more ;-) - thank you Catherine! I loved the photos of your hare along with little basket of carrots made with the spare clay - an inspiration! (was the cake Carrot Cake?). Would love to meet you in the summer. Jo x"

Catherine W reviewed: Bronze clay sculpture kit: sleeping cat

"Bought the sleeping cat kit a few weeks ago, was a really good experience. The YouTube video was great to follow and any issues Jo responded very swiftly and was a great help. The instructions and kit was everything you needed, you just added the coffee and cake!! Will be purchasing again and hoping to visit in the near future. Thanks Jo."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Catherine ;-) and thanks for sending your great photos through (including little mouse!). I like the idea of coffee & cake (on Slimming World at moment, so cake is making me heady!). Jo x"

Renate Harris reviewed: Sugarcraft Classes 4 week course online via Zoom

"Nice relaxed learning, helpful for all skills as class caters for all. Have learnt a lot about sugar craft while doing the class but plenty more to learn and perfect. Purnima has helped my confidence to try anything. Would recommend giving it a try."

Mignon Meneaud reviewed: Sugarcraft Classes 4 week course online via Zoom

"Purnima's classes are relaxing fun and enjoyable way to learn the art of cake decorating, I have learnt a lot from them."

Jennie S-W reviewed: Watercolour techniques for all - 4 week online course Tuesday evenings via Zoom

"I had tried watercolour painting on and off for ages but wasn't happy with the results. Purnima's approach to soft 'impressionistic' floral painting helped me to understand the use of a minimal palate and helped me to develop the skill of 'touching in paint' into washes to create soft effects. The Zoom classes are well paced and each step is explained by demonstration. Participants are then given enough time to complete the exercise. Participants, as a group, are friendly and encouraging."

Tony reviewed: 10-week online watercolour for beginners course with live tuition via zoom

"Have just finished the Introduction to Portraits course online. I can say that Raya is a truly inspirational tutor! - she encourages you all the way and is also good making constructive comments to improve your drawing. The course also gave me a lot of new experiences using charcoal, chalk pastels, pencils & crayons. I was also impressed with the way that she arranged the sessions on Zoom - clear demonstrations, clear guidance and great recordings to go over techniques etc. I will definitely start some sketching and visit some portrait galleries after lockdown. You never stop learning"

Sharon Agar reviewed: Making a stained glass leaded panel

"The course did not run it is to be rescheduled in June."

Paula reviewed: Sculpt your own faithful dog!

"I was bought this as a present after my lovey labrador Dylan passed away. Despite having no natural artistic ability, I followed the video and was delighted with my finished Dylan. He was a black labrador and my friend had contacted Jo to see if she would put black paint in instead of bronze which she did. There was clay left over and I made a tiny food bowl to sit beside him as he was always hungry! He is now on my kitchen window ledge and we have a chat everytime I washup. Would recommend this kit very much even if you think you have no creative skill!"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to place a review Paula ;-) So sorry to hear about your loss, but glad you were pleased with how your Dylan sculpture turned out - really like the little food bowl idea! Jo x"

Audrey N reviewed: Traditional Leather Workshop (small leather goods)

"I made a vegetable tanned small leather weather and I enjoyed the whole experience. Kingsley is the most knowledgeable person if you want to learn about leather craft. He is happy to share his knowledge and tips. He is a friendly and patient teacher. He was happy to answer all the questions I had. I learned so much! Thank you, Kingsley!"

Paul reviewed: Traditional Leather Workshop (small leather goods)

"Simply: Absolutely amazing workshop. A fun and charming character, Kingsley is a great teacher and mentor, taking time to go through all basics and more advanced techniques in great detail. This is something I've always been curious to know how it worked, and I would highly recommend this course for anyone who has ever been curious about how leather goods are made and why handmade craft are always so much better and longer lasting. Kingsley also did a commission for me, his craftsmanship is incredible, it was truly inspiring to see my design come to life with his hands"

Kate reviewed: Machine knitting bite-size, one to one tuition with Claire Newberry-ask me anything!

"Great session with Claire - tailored content and at my pace - I learnt loads and feel more confident to experiment with my machine! Claire has useful tips and tricks and explained in a clear and accessible way - thanks so much!"