Latest reviews

Patricia Harrison reviewed: Self-care Sundays - create a personal pamper pack with The Scottish Soapworks at The Arienas Collective in central Edinburgh

"I recommend the venue and this workshop for a relaxing, congenial and productive day out. The presentation was relaxed and instructive and it was good to have finished items to take home, together with information regarding how to create the products at home and where to source the ingredients. The recipes and processes are set out in handouts provided for each attendee. The workshop is rewarding day out and a great gift for someone else as a present."

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Hello Patricia Thanks for taking the time to leave us this lovely review, and for your thoughtful words. We do try to get the right balance of relaxation and productivity so you can take home something you've created, completed and feel proud of while still feeling you've had some 'time out' from day-to-day life. And it sounds like we managed to achieve that for you which makes us very happy. We hope to welcome you back to The Arienas Collective soon - perhaps you can add it to your own gift wish-list! ;-) With best wishes Lynn :-)"

Anna Campbell reviewed: Creative workshop hub in Edinburgh's beautiful and historic New Town

"I love teaching jewellery workshops with the Arienas Collective. The venue is homely and welcoming and in such a great location, close to travel links. Lynn and John work hard to create a lovely atmosphere and provide excellent locally-sourced refreshments. On one day workshops, a delicious lunch is included for us all. There are a great range of creative workshops available and as well as teaching I've attended some myself! Highly recommended"

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Thanks Anna :-) We so enjoy hosting your silver clay workshops, and never tire from watching the magic of clay turning into hallmark quality silver! It's great that we've had so many people attend your beginner workshops that we've been able to introduce 3 intermediate classes this year - and next year our first silver clay Masterclasses! Congratulations on all your lovely 5 Star reviews on Craft Courses, and for choosing The Arienas Collective as your workshop space. We look forward to hosting your silver clay jewellery workshops in 2020. With best wishes Lynn"

Deborah Knowles reviewed: Glass Christmas Decorations Workshop

"Attended this workshop on 08/11/19. We had a fabulous time. Jane was very patient and explained all the different techniques. She gave us free rein to be as creative as we wanted but was always willing to help or give ideas if we got stuck. The decorations have just arrived in the post today, beautifully packaged. My goodness I am impressed with myself, I didn't know that I could make such lovely things that will last forever. I managed to make 7 decorations and I am thrilled with all of them. Can't wait to attend more workshops with this very talented lady."

Giacomo reviewed: Straw skep hive making course - with Bees for Development

"Wonderful and inspirational day with Chris and three fellow students, all of whom lovely and full of interesting things to tell. It was my first time working with straw, which I really enjoyed. Amazing to witness a bundle of chaotic stalks transform into a tight, strong spiral. Chris is a well of wisdom and a master storyteller: lots to learn about bees, honey, health, skeps, ancient myths and more. Huge, diverse and delicious spread of dishes for lunch. Highly recommended to anyone who has an interest in beekeeping or just likes to work with their hands and an open mind."

Kate Stallard reviewed: Straw skep hive making course - with Bees for Development

"I had the most fabulous and rewarding day. Great tuition with interesting conversation throughout. So pleased with my skep so far and feel confident that I can finish at home with the tools provided. Lunch was excellent. Highly recommend and looking forward to further courses."

Jane Walsh reviewed: Fused glass Christmas decorations (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"A fabulous day yet again on one of Martins courses. We’ve done a few now and we’re never disappointed. Already booked in for some next year. Xx"

Mark lee reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 pottery / ceramics workshop for 1 person

"A good day spent with Louise fun with throwing on the wheel and some slab work. Finished about 4 bits of work and Louise fired them and sent them by post to me a few weeks after the course. Had a nice lunch and both Louise and Simon were very helpful . A full day well spent."

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"Hi Mark, Thank you for your lovely review! I'm so glad you enjoyed the course. It was lovely to meet you and Caroline. Hope you continue with the craft. Don't hesitate to contact me if you'd like information about the resources, equipment or techniques. Kind regards Louise (Blended Monkey)"

Karen reviewed: Modern calligraphy for beginners - Somerset

"I thoroughly enjoyed my day on the Modern Calligraphy for Beginners course. Charlotte was an encouraging and knowledgeable teacher and provided all of the information and equipment I needed to start to learn this beautiful art. The workbook was very helpful for introducing me to the basic strokes, building confidence with each page. I left the course with a selection of my own calligraphy gift tags (of which I am very proud!) and desire to continue practising and developing my calligraphy skills. Thank you!"

ANNE MACDONALD reviewed: Divine Dahlia - felt headpiece

"Fabulous experience. Lovely people, beautiful surroundings and food was fab too. Had a great day with Margaret who had done so much prep to ensure the day ran smoothly. Margaret was attentive and supportive to all the willing learners. She has a very easy style with people which helps create confidence when attempting something g new. Created a gorgeous headpiece & had a great day. Will definitely return. Thanks Margaret."

Fiona Palmar reviewed: Festive soap and cream making with The Scottish Soapworks

"Inspiring surroundings (thanks for opening your home), people and detailed step by step guide for making both cold process and melt and pour soaps.. The soaps I made on Saturday, I had intended to give away, but they are all mine! I will just have to make everyone soaps for Christmas next year! I do intend to come back again soon, and I am thinking about at least 1 voucher for gifting. Many thanks for all the inspiration Lynn and Jenny."

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Thanks for this lovely review Fiona. And we're happy that those lovely soaps you made are making their way into your personal soap stash! We're glad you found the guides helpful, and hope it will inspire you to give soap-making a go at home...or of course to come back here to make more :-) We look forward to welcoming you back soon, and thanks for supporting local artists and makers. With best wishes Lynn :-) PS If you are thinking of buying (or asking for) a gift voucher for Christmas, we've a special offer on at this Saturday's Open Day where you get a free gift box with every voucher worth £45 or more. Just saying ;-)"

Gaye Easton reviewed: Needle Felting course with FURZIE at Wadswick Country Store, Corsham, Wilts

"Wow! An absolutely fantastic day creating a lovable character to take home. Michelle is friendly, funny, knowledgable and patient, full of encouragement to help you breath life into your project. A great way to spend the day, learning about animal anatomy, natural fibres as well as colours and shading..... Fabulous!"

Gaye Easton reviewed: Stained glass introduction at Blue Kite Stained Glass

"Enjoyed a fabulous day with my husband at Iain’s workshop, learning through fun and laughter with concentration combined. When you think he’s just drinking his tea, Iain is paying close attention to everyone and everything that’s going on and close to hand for the challenging questions he must have been asked hundreds of time already. Already thinking of designs we could possibly bring to life with another visit......... sorry Iain ? Definitely a course to recommend to friends and family as there’s something for everyone to enjoy"

Blue Kite Stained Glass responded:

"Thanks Gaye, hope you and Nick's panels are proudly hanging somewhere, excellent work!"

Julie Long reviewed: Fascinator making Birmingham millinery workshop

"I thoroughly enjoyed the fascinator making workshop. Rachel is a very knowledgeable, enthusiastic and patient teacher. I learnt a lot and was delighted with what I was able to achieve. I would definitely recommend."

Gilly Thompson reviewed: Heritage teddy bear making - residential

"A super weekend and a really lovely bear, I find it hard to believe I actually made him. Refreshments and company were an added bonus."

Crafty Breaks in the Lakes responded:

"Hi Gill So glad you enjoyed the weekend. Everyone's bears were lovely, as the photos show. Kind regards Kathy"

Jean reviewed: Christmas wreath class with Christina Mellaugh

"Love my Christmas Wreath. Thank you Christina Melaugh. Fab class yesterday."

Helen Paish reviewed: Needle Felting course with FURZIE at Wadswick Country Store, Corsham, Wilts

"Just got home from a fabulous felting day with Michelle. Great teacher and you are made to feel very comfortable and able to produce a lovely felting product whatever your ability. A fun day and I would definitely recommend!"

Abigail Potter reviewed: Pottery classes in Teesside

"I had never worked with clay before but Louise made it so relaxing and fun! I ended up making a pot that I never thought I would be able to, it’s actually good! Louise is brilliant at giving you the help you need and working at your pace. Thanks Louise!"

PoppyRose responded:

"Thank you for your review Abi! It was lovely to have you both on the taster session. Your pots are fabulous, well done! Best wishes, Louise"

Vicky Evans reviewed: Art course for improvers

"Stimulating, interesting and rewarding, the classes are friendly, fun and non judgmental and stretch the improver so that we are always learning new skills and consolidating old ones. The classes have clear aims and objectives and build the confidence of even the shakiest improver - me!"

Yolanta Sarno reviewed: Natural soap & cosmetic products workshop

"Absolutely amazing was made to feel very welcome. learnt amazing skills plus the hr food was delightful whcih was a bonus!"

Sue Palmer reviewed: One day intensive traditional stained glass for beginners

"A really interesting, hands on course. Angela is a very patient tutor. She explains and shows you the processes very clearly and she makes the whole day fun. So rewarding to be able to go home with something that you have made from the very start. By the end of the course I felt I had learnt so many new skills. A wonderful venue too - in an idyllic spot with the sea just outside the windows. I would definitely recommend it!"

Herston Stained Glass responded:

"Thanks for the really positive review. It was a pleasure working with you and I hope you can use your new-found skills."

Rebecca Brown reviewed: Keum Boo: the art of adding 24k gold to silver jewellery

"This is a fantastic class with a great teacher. I loved the course and it is a really cost effective way to be able to make gold jewellery. I am lucky to live close to her Eastleigh based studio but to those that are located further away it is a course worth travelling to. It was set in a large studio with really good equipment and a small group of students who ranged from complete beginners to the more experienced. Jo was really good at explaining everything in great detail, in a logical order with demonstration at each stage. She set the pace and I didn't feel rushed and she had enough time for her to be able to give individual help and attention to anyone that needed it. I feel confident to give it a try at home and am over the moon with my two sets of earrings and necklace that I made."

Joanne Tinley Jewellery responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Rebecca! It is always a pleasure to have you in the workshops. I look forward to helping you to expand your jewellery skills in the next class!"

Ian reviewed: Contemporary bench making weekend course

"Hugely enjoyable weekend - great location, great tuition, great atmosphere, new skills learnt and a fantastic bench to take home."

Karl reviewed: Make a silver ring

"I normally do IT stuff so this course was a real dive into something different for me! Rob makes it look really easy and is an excellent teacher. I'd definitely recommend this course."

The Workshop Jewellers responded:

"Hi Karl, Thank you so much for your lovely review, we're so glad you enjoyed the course! Many thanks, Jenny :o)"

Emily Gittings reviewed: Make a silver ring

"Excellent ring making session. I can’t believe I managed to make a fabulous sliver ring to take home, in just three hours. Rob guided me through the process step by step keeping it fun and interesting. Can’t wait to try my hand at making more jewellery. Thank you ?!"

The Workshop Jewellers responded:

"Hi Emily, Thank you so much for your great review! We'll look forward to seeing you again on your next jewellery making session :o) See you soon! Jenny :o)"

Emma Phillips reviewed: Quilling Workshop

"Lovely gentle introduction to quilling. Everything you need to know was covered with plenty of time to practice. Jan was so patient and very clear in her instructions and demonstrations. Excellent course - would happily recommend this to anyone."