art equals happy.: The Amazings. :: Reviews & Talented Friends.

Hello! The lovely people at 'The Amazings' wrote to me about their great project & I've done a little review of their new Video classes.

Here's a little bit about the project:

The Amazings is an online platform where retired and retiring people pass on craft skills through classes and courses. There are now over 200 real life workshops on offer.

Demand for the classes has far outstripped what the individual Amazings can provide, so in order to widen the availability of the courses, they will now be available through a digital platform.

Online classes will be offered in everything from knitting and sewing, to bookbinding and retro-hair dos. They will consist of over 2 hours of video tutorials, commentary, teacher’s notes, and asking the teacher a question. Once enrolled, users will be able watch a class anywhere, anytime, and for as long as they like.

Okay, and here's what I think:

First of all, I've got to say that I found it really hard to come up with anything bad to say! Overall it's a very well structured, friendly and informative way to give classes. Great job, guys! I had a really in depth look at the Natural Beauty Products and the Retro Hair Dos classes (for something a little different!) but am very enticed by all the other ones too.

It's wonderfully friendly, like they are sat with you at your craft table. Sometimes video tutorials can feel forced or stiff, these were easy going and fun! Not too 'serious', lots of laughing and 'real'. You don't feel like you're missing out on anything, which I LOVE! It's like being in the front row. And as a bit of a geek when it comes to learning, I love that.

The set up of the video is more like a conversation between student and teacher. If I had any questions they were answered in the video. Very cool. Plus, you've got to love that Depth Of Field filming magic.

Included is written instructions and a description to look back on easily. Doing an online class in a video format is a brilliant idea, it's great for us anxiety-ridden people who want to get involved but are maybe a bit shy- or if you're someone that needs things repeated or explained again (you can just pause and rewind!), you can go at your own pace, and you can even wear your pyjamas while learning!

Below are a concise version of my notes from the two classes:

-Beauty products have always fascinated me. It's one of those mysteries- but not any more! Learning from a 'real person' that really knows what they are talking about has given me much more confidence. Thanks The Amazings!

-Retro Hair Dos! Something I've dabbled in before but never really known how to do it properly. So great to see it being done professionally and explained in a way that's easy to understand. Great step-by-step and fun looks to choose from. Wonder how it would work on different hair lengths... oh wait, he's now giving advice for super long hair! Thought of everything. Perfect.

And some photos of my go at doing my own 'Retro Hair Do'.
Seriously fun! I can't wait to try out more of the classes. Here's a link that (I think) gets you your first online class free. Otherwise go to theAmazings.com to learn more and browse what they've got online. It's such a great idea, learning old skills from the people that know them best!