The Arienas Collective reviews

27 Sep 22'

Dorothy Hawthorn reviewed: Lino-printing onto paper

"Great course that provided knowledge and experience to get going with lino printing at home. Tutor was skilled and knowledgeable and a good communicator. Course held in beautiful surroundings making it an enjoyable day. Easy to access by public transport. Pleasing to come away with cards and a framed picture. "

The Arienas Collective responded:

" Hello Dorothy Thank you so much for taking the time to leave this lovely review for Suzanne's lino printing workshop. I'm so glad you enjoyed your course and were pleased with the cards and framed print you designed and printed on the day. It was lovely, well done! We hope to welcome you back to The Arienas Collective again. Best wishes Lynn :-)"

28 Aug 22'

Michelle Calvert reviewed: Screen printing using paper stencils

"Really enjoyed the afternoon. Everything was supplied, great tuition. Only thing is, it went by far too quickly! I would highly recommend. "

The Arienas Collective responded:

" Hello Michelle Thank you so much for taking the time to leave this lovely review of Lou's screen printing workshop. They say time always passes quickly when you're enjoying yourself - and especially when you're fully engaged in getting creative, we find ;-) I hope to welcome you back...maybe to one of Lou's full day printing workshops?! With best wishes Lynn"

18 May 22'

Janice A reviewed: Festive soap and cream making with The Scottish Soapworks

"A most enjoyable and relaxing experience. Our tutor, Jenny, made us feel right at home (and that's where we were! Thank you Lyn). A great mixture of giving information, demonstrating, and practical experience of making soap. Everyone in the group was so friendly, and I felt as if I had known them much longer than a few hours. It was very pleasing to be able to take away the soap we had created - a real sense of achievement. Looking forward to making more at home. Many many thanks to Jenny, Lyn and the team for a memorable day: I loved it."

The Arienas Collective responded:

" Hi Janice. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave this wonderful review. I'm glad you enjoyed your workshop and now feel ready to make your own soap at home. I'll be emailing you Jenny's notes soon, so keep an eye on your inbox! I'm sorry to miss seeing you, but it sounds like you quickly made friends with the others in the class. We love it when that happens :-) With best wishes, Lynn and Jenny "

22 Jan 22'

Shula Murdoch reviewed: Art + Wine evenings

"Spent a lovely evening with Suzanne and Lynn. Met lovely people. Would recommend this for beginners."

The Arienas Collective responded:

" Hello Shula Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us this lovely review. You were a great group, and it was amazing to see how everyone's interpretation of Iona by Cadell turned out. Each one had its own individual style. I hope to welcome you back one day. With best wishes Lynn"

4 Sep 21'

Elain Bauchop reviewed: Introduction to silver clay jewellery

"Great course with Anna. Enjoyed it so much I booked on two subsequent more advanced courses and am enjoying wearing the jewellery I made."

The Arienas Collective responded:

" Hello Elain Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review, and we're delighted you've got so hooked on making silver clay jewellery that you've come back for more! We're so impressed with everything you've made, and are particularly glad you're proud enough of it to wear it out and about. Keep creating! Best wishes Lynn and Anna"

4 Sep 21'

Elain Bauchop reviewed: Silver clay ring making

"Excellent course run by Anna learning how to make two rings. Anna is very knowledgable and very patient."

The Arienas Collective responded:

" Hello Elain Thanks so much for another lovely review, and I'm pleased you found Anna so helpful. She is indeed very knowledgeable, and we are fortunate to have an expert like Anna on hand to teach our silver clay jewellery workshops. It's lovely that so many have said how patient and inspiring she is. Look forward to seeing you again soon! With best wishes Lynn"

4 Sep 21'

Elain Bauchop reviewed: Silver Clay Boxes and Beads

"Anna is a superb tutor and extremely knowledgable. The boxes and beads workshop was great for building the skills learnt on an earlier course by Anna."

The Arienas Collective responded:

" Hi Elain It's so lovely you've come back to do not one, but two intermediate level silver clay workshops with Anna, and that you've found her to be knowledgeable and patient. Thanks to Anna, many people fall in love with silver clay and this has allowed us to introduce a series of next level workshops, and also introduce our first-ever masterclass course in October - which we're very excited about! We look forward to welcoming you back again soon. Keep creating! Lynn"

18 Aug 21'

Laura MacPhie reviewed: Creative workshop hub in Edinburgh's beautiful and historic New Town

"I recently attended a one-day workshop (lino printing on fabric) at Arienas Collective and cannot rate it highly enough for the entire process. If you are considering using it as a workshop venue, just do it! The venue itself is beautiful and airy, and is full of interesting and quirky pieces and couldn't be handier for travel. Lynn is lovely, friendly and welcoming and the admin was faultless despite so many Gov't Covid cancellations and restrictions: she kept us fully updated with when the course could go ahead, and juggled what must have been a nightmare timetable perfectly. It is just the right size for a small group workshop where everyone can get enough space to work and be safe (Covid again... aargh but necessary) yet still feel part of the group. As a participant, I'll definitely be back and as someone who knows artists who struggle to find the "right"place to lead courses I would totally recommend it. Loved it!"

The Arienas Collective responded:

" Hello Laura. Thank you so much for this lovely, considered review of our workshop space, and for your understanding of the challenges small creative businesses like ourselves have had to face this past 16 months or so. It has been a tough time for so many, but it's thanks to loyal and supportive creatives like yourself that we have survived, and found the will to keep going. Thanks for your personal recommendation: I can't tell you how much it means to me personally, and to all members of our creative Collective. We can't wait to welcome you back, and would encourage any creatives who wish to bring their workshop ideas to life here to get in touch. Lynn x"

18 Aug 21'

Laura MacPhie reviewed: Lino-printing onto fabric

"Great workshop, perfectly pitched for the range of experience across the group. Suzanne is informative and made the learning fun and people quickly grew in confidence trying out various designs and techniques; my toadstool tea-towel has been well complimented at home! The setting is beautiful and airy and is a restful place to work in, and Lynn is doing everything humanly possible to meet the dreaded (but necessary) Covid guidelines with grace and good humour. This meant we could confidently and safely focus on the workshop itself. I look forward to coming back to Arienas for future workshops - loved it!"

The Arienas Collective responded:

" Hello Laura. Thank you so much for this lovely feedback. We really do appreciate it when people take the time to add a review of their course. We are glad you felt safe enough to enjoy your lino printing workshop to the full. We do our best to get the right balance between keeping the space and everyone in it safe, and being able to switch off and focus on getting creative. The compliments for your tea towel are very well-deserved! I absolutely loved your toadstool design and I could think of a few people I know who would love one (you could probably go into hand production with them!). We look forward to welcoming you back. With best wishes, Lynn and Suzanne :-)"

16 Aug 21'

Sian Clifton reviewed: Lino-printing onto fabric

"A well taught and fun workshop. Would highly recommend it."

The Arienas Collective responded:

" Hello Sian, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review. I'm so glad you enjoyed your workshop. Personal recommendations are always the best! We look forward to welcoming you back to The Arienas Collective :-) With best wishes Lynn and Suzanne"

26 Jul 21'

Lara Mieduniecki reviewed: Silver clay jewellery making taster workshop in Edinburgh's historic New Town

"A really enjoyable class, I had wonderful day. Anna and Lynne couldn't have been more welcoming. The class was extremely well organised and Anna has endless patience in showing everyone the different techniques. Especially impressed that they sent through an email afterwards detailing what we had covered so we could refer back to it. I have booked the soldering class for later in the year as well to carry on building on what I've learned."

The Arienas Collective responded:

" Hello Lara Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us this lovely review. We're so glad you enjoyed your day - we were very impressed with what you made! We can't wait to welcome you back for the soldering class, which we hope you'll enjoy just as much. With best wishes Lynn :-)"

18 Jul 21'

Kirsty Campbell reviewed: Silver clay jewellery making taster workshop in Edinburgh's historic New Town

"I thoroughly enjoyed the silver clay day workshop and would definitely recommend it to friends. Anna created a very calm atmosphere and was so patient explaining everything individually and helping everyone with their pieces. I was so proud of what I achieved with the silver clay- they look fab! Will definitely return for another workshop."

The Arienas Collective responded:

" Hello Kirsty Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us this lovely review. I'm so glad to hear you felt calm - it's what we try to achieve even given the Covid restrictions - and that you were proud of what you achieved: they did indeed look fabulous! We look forward to welcoming you back :-) With best wishes Lynn"

17 Jul 21'

Lesley reviewed: Silver clay jewellery making taster workshop in Edinburgh's historic New Town

"It was absolutely fantastic to be able to finally attend another course with Anna and Lynn - very relaxed, great course with enough time to craft the silver clay, it was a bit different with the COVID rules but felt completely safe at all times - loved making my charms and stone setting- highly recommend The Arienas Collective and my friend and I are already looking to book another course - there is something for everyone ???"

The Arienas Collective responded:

" Hello Lesley. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us this lovely review. We're so glad to hear you felt safe, since this is important for being able to relax and enjoy your workshop, and benefit from the wellbeing benefits of engaging in a creative activity. We look forward to welcoming you back soon! I wonder what you'll choose next??? With very best wishes Lynn :-)"

28 Jun 21'

Lynda Hepburn reviewed: Bookbinding and sketching workshop at The Arienas Collective in central Edinburgh

"Such an enjoyable day of face-to-face crafting. The book binding with Cass was as always clear, unhurried and helpful. Sketching was the challenge for me, but Mark made time to help each participant with their sketches and give plenty tips. The Arienas Collective is a lovely space to work in and the whole day was a rare treat."

The Arienas Collective responded:

" Hi Lynda Thank you so much for taking the time to leave this lovely review. We're so glad you enjoyed your day. The beauty of smaller classes is that the artists have time to give you the support you need, and I'm glad you got some helpful tips from Mark to progress your sketching skills. We hope to welcome you back one day. With best wishes Lynn, Cass and Mark x"

13 Jun 21'

Lucy Logan reviewed: Silver clay jewellery making taster workshop in Edinburgh's historic New Town

"My mum and I really enjoyed our morning making earings, charms and pendants. Thank you Anna and Lynne"

The Arienas Collective responded:

" Hello Lucy Thank you so much for leaving a review. I'm so glad you both enjoyed your day so much. You and your mum made some beautiful pieces! It's such a wonderful material to work with, and lovely to see all the different things people create from the same piece of metal clay. Hope to welcome you both back again one day. With best wishes Lynn"

1 Oct 20'

Nancy reviewed: Art + Wine evenings

"In the midst of all the current chaos, this was a lovely sanctuary of calm! Suzanne and Lynn create a friendly, open atmosphere where you feel encouraged and supported throughout, and as other reviewers have mentioned, you will be amazed at what you create! I'd highly recommend this, and it would make a lovely gift."

The Arienas Collective responded:

" Thank you so much for taking the time to leave this lovely review Nancy. We're so glad you found some sanctuary while you were here, and really happy to hear that you were amazed at what you created within just 3 hours. You should be rightly proud! Hope to welcome you back soon. With best wishes Lynn"

11 Sep 20'

Ed Robertson reviewed: Learn to sketch with the Edinburgh Sketcher

"Short taster course and really enjoyable. I don't consider myself to be very "Arty", but this brief intro got straight to the point, here is a pen and paper and get sketching. Mark has a relaxed manner and makes time for each person in the group. I've already got a place booked on one of the advanced courses, so I'd better get some practice in. Lynn had everything sorted out for Covid 19 precautions - information, screens, single use items, hand sanitizer etc."

The Arienas Collective responded:

" Hello Ed. Thanks for your lovely review! I’m so glad you enjoyed your workshop with Mark, and felt safe while you were with us for our first In-person workshop since lockdown. We love helping people release their inner artist, and look forward to welcoming you back for your advanced sketching workshop with Mark and to seeing how you’ve progressed. Meantime, keep sketching! Best wishes, Lynn"

21 Mar 20'

Janet Dodds-Direen reviewed: Create your own letterpress stationery

"Brilliant course, I really enjoyed it. The setting is wonderful and very welcoming. Lou was a great teacher and obviously knew her stuff. There was an amazing choice of cards and type, as well as the 2 lovely presses themselves to use. I love letterpress and I now feel confident about progressing further myself."

The Arienas Collective responded:

" Hello Janet Thanks for this glowing review :-) I'm so glad you enjoyed your letterpress workshop with Lou, and I hope you will enjoy continuing to get creative with letterpress printing. With best wishes Lynn"

15 Mar 20'

Nardina reviewed: Make a macramé plant hanger

"Lucy and Lynn have been absolutely fantastic. I have learnt so much during this inspiring workshop and it has given me the knowledge to keep working at home on my own. The space is welcoming and a lovely buffet is provided with plenty of teas, coffee and cakes. I will go back soon to try another of the many workshops they run. Highly recommended! Thank you, Arienas Collective, for being so awesome!!"

The Arienas Collective responded:

" Hello Nardina Wow! Thank you so much for this really lovely review. I'm so glad Lucy inspired you to bring macramé into your life, and that you enjoyed your time in our home-based workspace (which I hope will be open to the public again very soon). Look forward to welcoming you back :-) With best wishes Lynn"

27 Feb 20'

Sian Clifton reviewed: Screen-print repeat patterns on fabric

"So many aspects of screen printing were covered in a day"

The Arienas Collective responded:

" Hello Sian Thanks so much for taking the time to leave us feedback. Lou has a lot of knowledge and skills to share, being a printer herself, and I'm glad you feel that the course covered so much. It's the benefit of a full day workshop over a half day that you have time to cover so much more. Hope it inspired you to keep printing! Best wishes Lynn"

27 Feb 20'

Elizabeth Hogg reviewed: Learn to sketch with the Edinburgh Sketcher

"This was an excellent taster course. I learnt a lot and would be happy to take a further course. The small class size meant we could hear and see well when we were outdoors, and Mark gave us any attention we wanted. The length of the course was just right and the coffee was perfect."

The Arienas Collective responded:

" Hello Elizabeth Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us this review. We do keep all our class sizes small so our artists and makers can give you the help and support you need to get the most of your time. And glad you enjoyed the coffee! Hope to see you back at one of Mark's advanced sketching with watercolour workshops sometime soon. Meantime, keep sketching! With best wishes Lynn"

27 Feb 20'

Sylvie Soudan reviewed: Learn to sketch with the Edinburgh Sketcher

"Suitable for beginners and more experienced artists. As the group is deliberately kept small Mark is able to give everyone individual guidance at their own level. A relaxed but very stimulating session, highly recommend."

The Arienas Collective responded:

" Hello Sylvie Thank you so much for this lovely review. We keep our group sizes small for exactly the reasons you give, and I'm so glad you felt this meant that Mark was able to give you each the individual support you needed. He has a lovely relaxed way of teaching, yet your sketching results show that much was achieved in a relatively short time. Maybe see you at one of his upcoming advanced sketching with watercolour workshops? Meantime, keep sketching! Best wishes Lynn"

27 Feb 20'

Graham Brown reviewed: Learn to sketch with the Edinburgh Sketcher

"I was given this course as a gift at Christmas. Despite losing my glasses on the way to the course I really enjoyed the experience. I was very pleased with what I managed to produce, despite the lack of glasses, under the expert guidance of our tutor Mark. He made everyone feel welcome and relaxed and was always on hand with help and advice. I would certainly recommend this course to others and hope to join further courses in the future."

The Arienas Collective responded:

" Hello Graham You did so well without your glasses! I do hope you recovered them. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review. I thought you all created some fantastic work - on what was a chilly day! Mark has a lovely relaxed way of teaching a skill some people are a bit scared of trying. I'm glad your experience has encouraged you to continue, and hope to welcome you back soon. With best wishes Lynn"

11 Feb 20'

Ann Robertson reviewed: Bookbinding and sketching workshop at The Arienas Collective in central Edinburgh

"A fantastic workshop with very high quality tuition. A lovely environment and tasty lunch. Enjoyed the mix of making a sketchbook and then getting out and about in the afternoon. Learnt loads with excellent follow up notes. Looking forward to exploring their other workshops."

The Arienas Collective responded:

" Hi Ann Thanks so much for taking the time to leave us a review, and Cass, Mark and I are delighted to hear you enjoyed it so much. I hope to welcome you back to The Arienas Collective soon. Meantime keep filling up that lovely sketch book you made! With best wishes Lynn :-)"

9 Feb 20'

Karen Giles reviewed: Silver clay jewellery making taster workshop in Edinburgh's historic New Town

"A very big thankyou to Lynn and Anna for their warm welcome & the fantastic silver clay taster session - the perfect way to spend an afternoon! Really proud of what I created and still amazed by the alchemy of turning a piece of clay into fine silver. Already looking to book a space on the Introduction course!"

The Arienas Collective responded:

" Hello Karen You are most welcome, and thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. Anna and I are so pleased that you are proud of what you created, and that you find silver clay as magical a material as we we do! We look forward to welcoming you back for the full day beginners class, and I'm sure you'll love learning how to make a moulded shape, and how to set a stone in your silver clay jewellery. With best wishes Lynn"