Amanda Duke Artist reviews

Annette Harrison reviewed: Inspired to stitch - a two day fabric collage and handstitch course

"A lovely course in a beautiful setting. Amanda was very generous with her knowledge and experience and it was interesting to look at textiles from an art perspective through the many books Amanda made available, and how the two genres can inform each other. Using simple running stitch in different ways against a background of collage fabrics was relaxing and the results were pleasing. I have continued to work on the pieces I started during the course and now have the confidence to try more. Excellent."

Amanda Duke Artist responded:

"Thankyou for your review Annette. I am so pleased that you enjoyed the course and would love to see your final stitched pieces when they are complete. I hope to see you again in the future. Best wishes, Amanda"

Shirley Rawlings reviewed: Inspired to stitch - a two day fabric collage and handstitch course

"I signed up for this course after joining the Embroiderys Guild and seeing all the lovely, interesting 'modern' embroidery, and wanting to get away from the traditional restrictive embroidery I had done in the past. The description of the course was very clear and encouraging. The welcome I received when attending the first day was warm and very welcoming. It was easy to meet my fellow participants and to feel part of the group (not something I find easy). The resources available were many and inspiring, the notes sent afterwards were extremely thorough and provide a good reference for future work - much appreciated! The guidance given, for all aspects of the course, couldn't be better. Thorough preparation by Amanda meant that the work proceeded at a good pace without feeling rushed or pushed. We could all work at our speed, but felt encouraged to be adventurous in what we were doing. It was a very happy group, we were encouraged to share ideas and talk about what we were doing and wanted to achieve. I can't think of any improvements that could be made in the venue, subject or tutor and have already booked my place on one of Amanda's future courses and will certainly follow happenings at The Prairie Gardens with much interest and anticipation. We need more of this!!!"

Amanda Duke Artist responded:

"Thankyou Shirley. I am so pleased that you enjoyed the course and very much look forward to working with you again. Your flexible approach in interpreting the aims of the course means that you are already on your journey to freeing up in the future. You are a pleasure to work with."

Sheila Firth reviewed: Natural dye and ecoprint course - a magical introduction to using plant dyes and leaf contact print

"An excellent workshop. The tutor had clearly spent a lot of time researching and experimenting with Eco printing and had considered how best to impart her knowledge to the course participants in a way that encouraged and enabled us to learn for ourselves and from each other. The two day workshop format with a break in between and a chance to read her pdf information works very well. I was grateful for the opportunity to reflect on the process and think about what I wanted to do in the second session. I also really appreciated being taught how to tie a non slip knot!"

Amanda Duke Artist responded:

"Thank you so much Sheila. I am so glad you enjoyed day 1 and are looking forward to day 2. Your flexibility, enthusiasm and sense of fun are just what any course leader wishes for to make a course run so well. I look forward to revealing your Ecoprint results on Wednesday and hope to see you again sometime. Best wishes, Amanda"

K Crofton reviewed: Natural dye and ecoprint course - a magical introduction to using plant dyes and leaf contact print

"It has been an awe inspiring course. There is a magic about waiting for the whole process to dry which lasts a week. The process has been well explained and those on the course have been shown portfolios linked to this process which supports the whole course. I have enjoyed the course so much I would love to do it again. I would recommend this course and the teacher."

Amanda Duke Artist responded:

"Thanks Kerry, I could not have wished for a more enthusiastic student. I look forward to seeing you again next week. Amanda"

Linda Armitage reviewed: Explore Shibori - An ancient Japanese resist dye method for fabric

"Amanda's courses and workshops are a great mixture of practical demonstration, intellectual and historical background and, wonderful energy and support for the group as a whole and individual efforts. They are truly nourishing to the soul. Amanda is able to take any fledgling idea you have and offer both solid support and a fountain of further options to consider. Her energy is boundless, she is so much fun and, she is able to unify - intellectually and practically - the diverse artefacts that any group produces. In short she makes magic. At the end of her courses you go home immensely enthused and inspired. She is a wonderful form of rescue remedy - in human form. Amanda is one of those rare tutors who is brilliant at finding your forte and offering the right support and encouragement, in the right context. Plus, lots of fun and endless extra thoughts and ideas. What a bonus! You will come away from one of her courses or workshops raring to carry on with all the options generated, amongst the group and individually. Amanda is such a wonderful tutor, do not linger on booking up her next courses and workshops!"