Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios reviews

29 Jul 25'

Zak & Amy reviewed: Two day Leaded Stained Glass panel making.

"Laura is an incredibly inviting and friendly host who offers a fantastic and affordable course which I would absolutely recommend to anyone. We took this course as an opportunity to do something different for our anniversary, and came away with two fantastic mementos! Having no experience we did wonder how we would get on, but Laura offers an absolute wealth of knowledge and tips, which got us up and running in no time. We both brought our own designs and whilst one wasn’t suitable, she offered insightful and useful information as to how it could be made suitable, which as artists keen to try, was very useful. She also had some fantastic recommendations for places to eat on your break, and place to look if your interested in glass. 10/10 would absolutely do again!"

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"Thank you so much, Zak! What a great 2 days we had. I really enjoy passing on these techniques and both of you took to it very quickly. Well done and you are welcome anytime. All my best to you, Laura "

30 Jun 25'

Paula reviewed: Half day mosaic workshops with Laura Barnes.

"Excellent mosaic beginners course. A small group and a very attentive tutor. I would highly recommend. "

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"Thank you so much, Paula! You were a great group to guide through the basics of mosaic.... would be lovely to see you all again. Laura "

20 Jun 25'

Laura reviewed: Half day mosaic workshops with Laura Barnes.

"I really enjoyed the half day mosaic course with Laura. I was a complete beginner but with Laura’s guidance and expertise I was able to create a dragon fly mosaic for our yard that I’m really proud of. It was a great to do something creative and I would highly recommend this course. "

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"You did a great job, Laura! Lovely colour choices in iridescent tiles really suited the dragonfly. I hope it looks well in your yard, I have one in mine and see it every day. Laura "

30 May 25'

Edward Ryles reviewed: Two day Leaded Stained Glass panel making.

"Just completed my Leaded Stained Glass panel making 2 day workshop with Laura. What a brilliant experience, Laura is an excellent tutor, warm, friendly and extremely helpful, puts you at ease straight away. Takes you through each of the stages and explains what to do before letting you do it yourself. I took a couple of ideas and Laura indicated which was best suited and the final result was absolutely stunning, I’m really pleased and proud of what I’ve made. I would thoroughly recommend doing this workshop"

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"Hello Edward, I'm still looking at the pictures I took of the angel panel. I'm so pleased you liked the workshop! Loved your design and colour choices, they really work together and this is something I will show other students in the future. Thank you very much for your review, I really appreciate it. Laura. "

8 May 25'

Nicola Woods reviewed: Full Day Mosaic For Outdoors on slate with Laura Barnes.

"I booked the full-day mosaic class for my birthday with Laura at the last minute. I enjoyed the day to myself, being creative. With Laura's patience and expertise, I ended up creating something I'm so proud of and excited to hang outside. I found the whole day relaxing and thoroughly enjoyable. I would recommend Laura's classes in a heartbeat and look forward to the next time I can go. Thanks again Laura. :)"

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"Hi Nicola, how nice to hear from you! It was a really good day and I am so glad you enjoyed it. Do come again any time you can get a free day and fancy more crafting. Would be lovely to teach you again. Thank you for your review! Laura. "

23 Apr 25'

Rachel reviewed: Classic Mosaic day

"Really enjoyed doing this course, and went home with a lovely new (mosaic) cat. I learned plenty of new things, Laura is very generous with sharing her knowledge and experience. I have mosaic experience, so Laura was happy to let me get on with them bits I was happy to, but still always there for guidance if required."

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"Hi Rachel! So glad you chose my classic mosaic course.... and it was a pleasure to work with you. Love the cat mosaic, your work on the face was brilliant. All the very best with your pursuits to turn that spare room into a studio. Keep on with your skill building and even more confidence will follow. Laura. "

14 Apr 25'

Pamela reviewed: Two day Leaded Stained Glass panel making.

"The two-day stained glass panel course was fantastic. Laura is an excellent tutor who guided me through the process, explaining everything really well. I particularly enjoyed cutting the glass and also soldering, both of which were a first for me. And I am really happy with my piece. "

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"Hi Pamela... a lovely review, thank you. I hope you made it home to Scotland ok and have found a place for your beautiful work! Take care, Laura. "

22 Mar 25'

Liz Lambert reviewed: Two day Leaded Stained Glass panel making.

"This was a really enjoyable course. I’ve never worked with stained glass before and was an absolute beginner and rather cack-handed. Laura was incredibly patient, demonstrating what to do and repeating when necessary - quite often in my case! There were 3 of us on the course, Laura was extremely encouraging throughout and shared her time with us equally and when needed. The process and technique of leaded stained glass is complex and I don’t think I’ve fully appreciated the skill and artistry involved - I will be looking through windows with greater respect from now on. I finished the course having completed a small panel which at the start felt unlikely. I would like to do another course with Laura and can absolutely recommend this course to anyone thinking about it. I also got to meet Molly which was an unexpected bonus 🤗"

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"Hi Liz... thank you for your review! I really enjoyed the course, too. Passing on this art form is important to me as no college or university teaches it anymore. And you are right, it does make you respect the stained glass windows all about us and see them anew. Your autumn leaf panel was gorgeous and is much admired by my students! You are very welcome to join us again. Laura "

7 Feb 25'

Steph reviewed: Two day Leaded Stained Glass panel making.

"A fantastic 2 day course with finished products at the end. Thoroughly enjoyable and delivered at a lovely pace. "

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"A lovely 2 days by all accounts... so glad you all enjoyed it. I hope you got the photos I sent. Thank you for your review! Safe journey home. Laura. "

2 Feb 25'

Rhiannon reviewed: Half day mosaic workshops with Laura Barnes.

"We had a great afternoon at the mosaic workshop, we throughly enjoyed it! Laura is very welcoming and creates a relaxed atmosphere so you feel right at home. A knowledgeable craft maker, would highly recommend and we’d love to book another workshop soon. Thanks so much! "

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"Hi Rhiannon, thank you for your review! Lovely work and a lovely day, and a bit of extra with the glass scoring techniques too. Come again any time you'd be very welcome. Laura "

2 Jan 25'

Karla reviewed: Half day mosaic workshops with Laura Barnes.

"This is my second half day mosaic workshop with Laura and it was great learning even more than last time. I took my mum along and she felt really welcomed. The time went so fast! Thanks Laura for all your encouragement and help. Hope to see you again in the new year!"

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"You are always welcome at the studio! Lovely to meet your mum, too. She definitely had more confidence by the end of the day. If you can send a picture of your mosaics in the garden I'd really appreciate it! Laura "

1 Jan 25'

Catherine reviewed: Half day mosaic workshops with Laura Barnes.

"We had a great time in the 3 hour half day mosaic workshop. My dad has mobility issues and also had recent surgery on his hand that hadn’t healed as quickly as hoped. Laura was able to support him to achieve a great finished piece with clever suggestions to simplify design and by offering to help intermittently, without making a fuss. The process is easy to grasp, with some fiddly bits that require good hand control but nothing is irreversible as cement takes a lot of time to set. Laura has carefully designed the session with a cuppa on arrival and guidance on what can be achieved in the time and has lots of ready made stencils to jump straight in on making without overwhelm. I’m confident in arty things and made my design more complicated using small pieces and I probably pushed the limit of what could be done in 3 hours but wasn’t made to feel rushed at any point and am really happy with the result. Laura is really friendly and open and there’s lots to look at and inspire in the studio and pictures of her work. Some practical notes are that the studio is upstairs in an old mill though apparently there is a lift somewhere. The toilet however is downstairs and a bit ropey so good tip would be to go before you arrive. "

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"Thank you Catherine, that is some review! I'm delighted you mentioned the flexibility here at my workshops and I applaud you for making the journey here under difficult circumstances. It was a lovely afternoon and I am glad to have met you and your family. Happy New Year to you all. Laura. "

8 Dec 24'

Carina reviewed: Two day Leaded Stained Glass panel making.

"A really wonderful experience. We learnt so much, had wonderful chats with tea and completed a really stunning panel of stained glass each. Thank you! Clear, supportive instruction, got lots done, feel very pleased!"

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"Such a good weekend... perseverance really does give results! Lovely work and I enjoyed passing on the techniques of leaded stained glass. So glad you met Deborah, too. All the best to you both. "

17 Nov 24'

Julia reviewed: Half day mosaic workshops with Laura Barnes.

"We had a lovely afternoon on Laura’s half day mosaic course. It was a perfect mix of freedom to choose our design and colours but with support, encouragement and guidance from Laura. The whole vibe is calm and we left feeling relaxed and very accomplished with our efforts! "

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"Hi Julia, I was just showing off your mosaics to a friend and your review came through! I hope you continue your new craft and I'm always here for advice. Well done!"

17 Nov 24'

Michelle Wray reviewed: Two day Leaded Stained Glass panel making.

"A good course that takes you through the whole process of creating stained glass. Laura explained every step and was helpful in giving advice. I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of using the required tools and learning the different techniques involved. Looking forward to hanging the piece I made. "

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"Hello Michelle, thank you for your review! You were a joy to work with. I was impressed with everyone bringing a design to translate and all the work was so different. A great weekend all round. "

12 Nov 24'

Elizabeth reviewed: Two day Leaded Stained Glass panel making.

"This was a wonderful five star course - we learned a lot, had a lot of fun and came away with stained glass panels we are very proud of to display at home. Laura was an incredibly encouraging and patient teacher - she made us feel very welcome and relaxed and able to ask even the slightest question. Thank you Laura!"

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"Hello! This class certainly highlighted resilience in all of us. I loved the difference in designs and I'm so glad you have a reminder of the home you live in. You all showed great interest in the craft and it was a privilege to work with you. "

25 Aug 24'

Jan Erskine-Power reviewed: Half day mosaic workshops with Laura Barnes.

"Laura is friendly and encouraging and was so helpful in making my choices. There were so many great materials to choose from and such a relaxed workshop. Was delighted with the end results. Am signing up for another course at the Crafty Fox Den."

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"Ooh thank you, Jan! It was a pleasure to work with you and your colour choices are great. See you again! Just a thought... it's Crafty Fox Studios you came to, incase you refer me to friends. Laura 😃 "

31 Jul 24'

Camilla reviewed: Mosaic numbers and letters

"I really enjoyed my time spent with Laura learning the process of mosaic making. Laura was generous with her knowledge and skills and I am very happy with the result."

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"Hi Camilla, I'm delighted and thank you for your review. The no. 17 has been admired by all my evening class students. Well done! Laura "

26 May 24'

Phil Rigby reviewed: Full Day Mosaic For Outdoors on slate with Laura Barnes.

"Had a full day mosaic course with Laura. It was a great experience and I learned so much, Laura is a great teacher. I managed to do a parrot on slate based on a sketch I brought with me, it turned out brilliantly with lots of bright colours which Laura kindly advised which ones to use. I can highly recommend anyone to do the course, Laura explains it all very easily and guides you through it step by step. I had a fantastic day"

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"Hi Phil, I keep looking at your parrot mosaic and thinking, wow. Really good work. I'm delighted you trusted me with the grouting. You are welcome anytime and I'd love to see the mosaic in its final place, indoors or outdoors? Thank you so much for your review. "

19 Apr 24'

Phil reviewed: Two day Leaded Stained Glass panel making.

"Just completed the 2 day stained glass course. I'm delighted with my finished piece of work now displayed proudly in the conservatory! Laura is an excellent tutor and was very patient and made it all easy to understand. I have certainly learnt a new skill. I can highly recommend the course. I will return in the near future to try something else"

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"Thank you so much for your review. A great result. I want to make an art deco rose now! You were really keen to learn which is a delight for me. Come again any time. Laura "

14 Apr 24'

Lesley Rafferty reviewed: Two day Leaded Stained Glass panel making.

"Just completed a two day leaded stained glass course with Laura and loved every minute of it. It was relaxed, informative, creative, challenging and fun all at once. Can't thank Laura enough for making us feel so welcome at the studio, hopefully see you again soon - Lesley & Si x"

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"Hello Simon and Lesley! I was just admiring your beautiful panel photos and this review came through. For a first go at this technique-heavy course I was delighted at how quickly you both got a grip of it. Really well done... and thank you for choosing this workshop, I enjoyed teaching you. "

5 Apr 24'

Jill and Ian reviewed: Hares and Hedgehogs mosaic day

"We really enjoyed this one day Mosaic course. It was just what we were hoping for. Laura was very patient and helpful and we created a lovely mosaic each. This was our first attempt at Mosaic work and we were thrilled with the outcome."

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"Hi Jill! Thank you so much for your review. Both of your lovely mosaics are now on course images for this very course! Lovely to meet you both, come again. Laura. "

26 Mar 24'

Julie Mackenzie reviewed: Half day mosaic workshops with Laura Barnes.

"Three of us attended a half-day course in mosaics with Laura. None of us had any previous experience, but we arrived with enthusiasm and a few ideas on what animal we wanted to attempt. We were made very welcome by Laura and shown what to do in a friendly and informal environment. Laura shared her skills, and the experience was really enjoyable. We were absolutely thrilled with our final efforts which we took home and hung in our gardens. I thoroughly recommend this craft session to anyone who enjoys a new artistic challenge. "

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"Hi Julie, thanks so much for your review! I love to share my knowledge with people and you all made beautiful mosaic work. I hope the mosaics enhance your garden throughout the year. Lovely to hear back from you. Laura.."

1 Mar 24'

Andrea Abbas reviewed: Willow Hares, Bees & Stag heads

"I had such an enjoyable and relaxing day making a Willow Hare. Laura was ever so patient and guided me through each step. I’ve travelled all the way from Cumbria but it was certainly worth it. Had a great day. Thanks very much Laura! Would love to come back for more!"

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"Oh you are so welcome! Love your hare sculpture which isn't easy but you took to the craft quickly. Well done and I thank you for your review. Would be great to work with you again! Laura. "

15 Feb 24'

Matt reviewed: Full Day Mosaic For Outdoors on slate with Laura Barnes.

"I absolutely loved this course! Laura is an intuitive, patient, and friendly teacher, and the studio atmosphere is incredibly relaxed and welcoming. I've applied all the skills I learned during the day to establish my own creative mosaic practice at home—a skill I will now have for life and am eager to continue building upon! I highly recommend this experience. Thank you, Laura!"

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"Hi Matthew, what a wonderful review! You were a delight to teach with all the enthusiasm you brought with you. I'm glad to hear that you still mosaic and love the craft. Keep it up and come back anytime for more input. Thank you again. "