Teacher

Makings and Musings by Irene Ruby

50 reviews

Hi Everyone,

Makings and Musings was born out of the wish to create a space where everyone was welcome to join and create. A space where stress ebbs away and where mindspace is born. Irene is an illustrator from Holland who lives and works in London. Her work focusses on the human experience and she used watercolour, charcoal and inks in her work. In her classes she wants to show how relaxing it is to make something creative. In our classes we focus on the act of creating over the end result as you will learn so much more when you feel free to experiment and experience.

All classes are being taught in small groups and are suitable for every level. From absolute first timers to super experienced crafters, all are welcome.

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Reviews(50)View all reviews

Irene was a great teacher, and guided me through all the basics of the craft. I am a total beginner, so she was very patient and careful answering all my questions. I wish it was an in-person class, so she could see what I was doing at my paper, as long as I was doing it; but times are like they are, so it was nice to have this introduction, despite the virtual experience's limitations.

Great class had allot of fun with my wife

Fantastic session with friends learning how to draw an owl with just a biro! Can def recommend.

Lovely relaxing 1.5 hours.... Invest in some good paints first and lots of space to get comfy.

Reviews

Great class had allot of fun with my wife

Fantastic session with friends learning how to draw an owl with just a biro! Can def recommend.

Lovely relaxing 1.5 hours.... Invest in some good paints first and lots of space to get comfy.

Really enjoyed the class, very easy going and was pleased with the result. Would recommend it.

Irene was a very warm teacher, simple explanations and tips, very enjoyable mindful class. I came to it as a total beginner but can imagine that someone with more experience would also have plenty to take away and enjoy.

A wonderful class where Irene shows the way whilst giving valuable techniques and tips. Very enjoyable

Thank you for a really lovely class, like you said I probably wouldn't have chosen to attempt to draw that photo of the crystal but as a beginner it was great to just be able to experiment and ask questions and be in a supportive environment. I do love charcoal as a medium.

Lovely tutor! Such a relaxing class

Excellent course! I really enjoyed taking time out to get back to drawing. Wonderful tutor, she takes time to explain how to develop shadowing in a particular areas. Definitely returning while I'm still working from home.

Enjoy the watercolour class! Irene is amazing and explain each step very clearly and it's easy to follow!

Irene is amazing. The class is easy to follow and she gives very clear guideline how to draw. I'm so happy with my drawing I did.

A very open and enjoyable class. Great for some drawing inspiration

I've never used charcoal before yesterday but Irene was very clear with her guidance. Her multiscreen tech use was very impressive and much more sophisticated than some Zoom lessons I've done. I am very pleased with the drawing I did!

Small venue but Irene was a lovely teacher and took time with each person. I liked that it was about self expression as opposed to painting something like for like. Definitely recommend for 2 hours of relaxation!

I really enjoyed this class and would highly recommend it. Irene style of teaching made it very easy for a beginner like myself to release hidden creativity. Irene is calm, patient and very encouraging. I love the fact that the classes are small, which allowed Irene to give everyone her personal attention. I left the class feeling relaxed, confident and extremely proud of the beautiful artwork that I had created with the guidance and help of amazing teacher. I will definitely be attending more classes!

Very mindful and chilled class, the teacher was helpful, the class size very small and cosy, thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience :)

Last Monday it was my first art class with Makings&Musings. I really like what I chose to learn that day (Gouache watercolour technique). I found Irene, the teacher, very nice and talented. During the class she paid attention on what I was doing, giving me inspiration and advice in order to perform the technique in the correct way. I really appreciated this. More, the atmosphere was very relaxing with a musical background. This led me to be more involved with drawing by using my imagination. So, I strongly recommend anyone this class!

I had a really great time at my watercolour class in Stratford. I’m often quite nervous going to classes for the first time but it was a really safe space to create at your own ability, with Irene to guide you all the way. The class size was not too big and everyone was lovely. We created two beautiful designs with all the paints, materials (and biscuits!) provided, with plenty of examples of Irene’s own artwork to guide us, and a clear demonstration from her. The only thing was the venue was a bit hard to find, but that could be my hopeless sense of direction! Other than that would 100% recommend :)

So much fun doing this class with friends. Irene was a brilliant teacher, giving instuction but also freedom to make the pictures our own and allowing even someone as lacking in artistic talent as myself to go home with a picture that looks like it should. Highly recommended

I had a lot of fun on this class. As a complete beginner I was a little apprehensive at first but thanks to Irena's expert tuition I soon felt right at home. Looking forward to the next one!

I got this class as a gift from friend, and really loved it. The teacher Irene explains everything clear and nice, and the class was so helpfull! Will we back for others classes absolutely!

I can’t think of a better thing to do on a Monday night. An informal and friendly class which brings out hidden talents. Irene is an inspirational teacher, I’ll be back for more. Thank you

Fun and really interesting session. Really clever!

Loved this session. Teacher was super helpful and helped me create something I never thought I'd be able to

Wonderful teacher and a great environment for learning. Highly recommended!

Irena was such an amazing teacher. Made the class so much fun but also allowed me to leave with a picture I was really quite proud of. Highly recommended.

I really enjoyed the charcoal class at Makings and Musings. Im not a confident drawer but Irene made me feel so at ease, with her support and tips I really came on in the class. I would definitely go again!

Irene was a great tutor - the whole class was friendly, fun and I learnt a huge amount. Will definitely be returning.

Another fantastic class with Irene. This time it was watercolour paintings. Irene is a fantastic teacher - patient and knowledgable. She had time for everybody in the class and made sure we all felt confident in what we were doing. I can’t wait to do another!

This class was really great. I learnt how to use different techniques and materials to creat a drawing of an owl. The two hours flew by I was so absorbed and enjoying myself. The teacher is lovely and her instructions are clear and she comes around with really useful tips. I got home after class and showed my husband my drawing and he didn't believe that I did it. Just shows what quality teaching can help achieve. I will be back.

CLAss was excellent experience. Irena is really informative, talked us through the materials, gave enough guidance and tips but allowed us to be creative. Time just flew by as everyone was engrossed in their masterpieces. I havent drawn in 20 years and was never particularly talented but i felt completely at ease and created something which i was actually quite proud of. .i have never used charcoal before so it was a great experience to introduce myself to that. The class was small which is great as lots of opportunities to ask questions tips etc. Would definitely return for more classes.

If there’s one thing learnt in this class is that literally everyone can paint and create impressive artworks as long as she/he has been given the right tools and the right teacher. Irene definitely was the perfect instructor for me. She is very mindful and loving, exactly what you need after a long and stressful day at work. I learnt a lot about water colours and I’m very happy with the outcome, the painting I created and took home with me. Everyone’s paintings were amazing to be honest and most of us haven’t held a brush in years, some not since childhood. I cannot recommend Irene’s classes highly enough and I’m really looking forward to creating my next artwork with her!

The class was hugely enjoyable and informative. The teacher was very clear and helpful. I learnt much more than I had anticipated and came away with two paintings which I was pleasantly surprised at how they looked. The venue is above a pub and the room had a peaceful and cosy feel. Very suited to learning. I will definitely be going again.

I really enjoyed this class. The teacher is lovely and helpful, clear and inspiring I came away with two paintings and feeling very relaxed. Will definitely be going again. Can't wait.

I throughly enjoyed our water colouring workshop this evening. Irene, our tutor, inspired us to explore with the many colours we had to choose from and the different techniques that she uses. I was happy that I was able to go home with a painting that I was proud of. The venue was fun and friendly too. Looking forward to attending another one of your classes very soon.

Really enjoyed revisiting watercolour painting with Irene and the group on Monday's class. It was such a friendly and relaxed atmosphere and Irene is a very friendly and patient tutor. I'd previously not used watercolour's (gouash paints) since upper school, so I was more then a little rusty, but I was really pleased with what myself and the rest of the group were able to achieve with Irene's guidance. The lesson was well paced and well structured and I'd recommend it to anyone, especially beginners and hobbyists.

This was a fun and inspiring class - all materials were provided, along with plenty of inspiration, and no experience is necessary. I hadn't painted since school, but before I knew it Irene had me blending colours and creating a work I could be proud of. The class size ensured plenty of individual time with the teacher and everything was explained clearly and at a relaxed pace. The location is great, a nice airy room with a relaxing atmosphere and a good selection of drinks at the bar downstairs.

What a fantastic class! Irene, our teacher, was fantastic - very attentive and instructive. There was a lovely light atmosphere and a mix of ability levels so no need to be worried if you are new to the arts. Irene walked us through the workings step by step and everyone in the class had a fantastic price of art work to take home at the end. Can’t wait to go to another one!

Such a lovely host and class. Irene is warm and friendly, and is really good at sharing her passion for creative tjings with everyone. I will definitely go back to other classes. Thank you!

I really enjoyed the painting class with Irene. I don't feel very confident about my artistic skills but Irene was very thoughtful and took her time with each of us to guide us through the techniques. I also enjoyed that Irene provided different options so we could choose which colour scheme we want to use and which motive we prefer in the center of our art piece :) The group atmosphere was great and after a stressful day at work, I was very happy that I have created an art piece I am now enjoying hanging up the wall at home. Thank you very much Irene and I will definitely book another class with Makings and Musings :)

You can tell Irene really has a passion for Art and this comes across in her class. She made it fun and instructive and i came away from the class with a picture my kids dont believe i painted. Ill definitely do another class with her.

I can’t wait to book another class at Makings & Musings, really enjoyed the friendly owner Irene and I felt inspired afterwards. Thanks for the great, informative evening!