Yes I do :) teaching mindful art classes for groups and at events is actually how Makings & Musings started. I have a whole range of different classes that I can offer in various price ranges and I can teach both online or in-person. You can find more info here: https://www.makingsandmusings.com/group-bookings

My online classes include various topics similar to my in-person offerings, such as watercolour painting, mixed media, and portraiture. They are designed to be interactive and accessible, allowing you to learn and create from the comfort of your home.

Online classes typically last about 1.5 hours and are held via video conferencing platforms (At the moment I use Zoom). Once you register, I will send you a link to join the class. You just need a device with internet access and a quiet space to create. Each of my classes lists the art materials that we will use in that class. My Online classes are free for community members. You can join the Makings and Musings Community for £15 a month.

Each of my online classes lists the materials that I will use during the class. However, many people like to just watch the first time and many people join in using material they already have which may be different from the ones that I use. If you ahve any questions about art matrials just ask away, the easiers way to ask is by using the chat function on my website, by sending me an email (contact@makingsandmusings.com) or by sending me a DM on Instagram. In my in-person classes I usually provide all materials unless I specifically ask people to bring their own.

Absolutely! My online classes are designed to be Calm and Mindful and a little interactive. You’ll have the chance to ask questions, share your work, and connect with other participants in a supportive environment. However, you really don't have to. Many people prefer keeping their camera off and just participate quietly which is totally fine too!

If you signed up to a class and you cannot make it, just let me know and I can change your ticket to a different date. I also record all classes and my community members have access to all (over 200) previous recordings.

Yes, I offer constructive feedback throughout the class to help you develop your skills. I also encourage peer-to-peer feedback, as sharing insights with fellow participants can enhance the learning experience.

You can browse and sign up for all my online courses on the Courses page. Simply choose the one that suits you, and you will receive all the access details to get started: Courses. Some courses are only open once a year - you can sign up to the waitlist when you click on that course. You can join my weekly online classes here: Community Events You can find my in-person classes in Cambridge here: Cambridge Events

Yes! You can find free tutorials, tips, and creative inspiration on my Blog or YouTube channel. It’s a great way to try out a project before joining a full course: Blog | YouTube. This is a free taster mixed media class when you sign up to my newsletter: Free Class at Makings and Musings

In-person classes are held in my art studio at Fitzroy Street, Together Culture, in Cambridge. Each month features a different theme or art material. For example, we might explore watercolour abstract landscapes one month, then move on to charcoal animal portraits, followed by line and wash painting. Currently, (at the time I write this) we are focused on drawing with colour pencils. This approach keeps the classes fresh and engaging for everyone! You can see what classes I am running on the Cambridge page on my website.

My in-person classes run every Monday evening from 6:00 to 7:30 PM. Each month, I introduce a new block of classes based on a specific theme or art material, ensuring there’s always something new to explore.

I provide most of the art materials needed for my classes, but sometimes I ask participants to bring their own specific items. I always list any required materials in the class description, so you'll know what to prepare ahead of time.

Yes, my studio is wheelchair accessible and step-free on the ground floor. However, the toilet is located upstairs and is accessible only by stairs. There is a nearby accessible toilet in the Grafton Centre that can be used with a radar key.

My in-person classes are designed for adults only. However, if you have an older teenager who would like to join, please let me know beforehand so we can discuss it.

If you can’t attend a class, please let me know in advance. While I don’t offer recordings for in-person sessions, I can suggest other classes that might cover similar topics.

At Makings and Musings, I believe that everyone is welcome, and my classes are designed to be inclusive for all individuals, regardless of their background or experience. I aim to create a supportive environment where everyone can express their creativity freely. My pronouns are she/her, and as someone who is neurodiverse, I understand that everyone has unique perspectives and ways of learning. I encourage participants to share their experiences and needs, as I am committed to making adjustments that foster comfort and confidence in the creative process. Whether you are just starting out or have years of experience, you will find a space here where you can flourish and connect with others who share your passion for art.

Is your studio accessible for everyone? Yes, my studio is located on the ground floor, making it wheelchair accessible and step-free. However, please note that the toilet is situated upstairs and is reachable only by stairs. There is an accessible toilet nearby in the Grafton Centre, which can be used with a radar key. Do you accommodate people with disabilities in your in-person classes? Absolutely! I strive to create an inclusive environment for all participants. If you have specific needs or require assistance, please feel free to reach out to me before attending, and I’ll do my best to accommodate you.

Are your online classes accessible for people with mobility issues? Yes, my online classes are designed to be accessible for everyone, including those with mobility issues. Participants can join from the comfort of their homes, allowing them to engage at their own pace and in a familiar environment. How do you support participants who may need extra time or assistance in online classes? I encourage participants to take their time during online classes. The format allows for individual pacing, and I’m always available to answer questions or provide additional guidance through chat or email. I want everyone to feel comfortable and supported in their creative journey. Can I join your online classes if I have limited experience with technology? Of course! I aim to make my online classes user-friendly, and I'm happy to help participants navigate the technology. If you're new to online learning, just let me know, and I can provide tips and assistance to ensure you feel confident joining in.

In my classes, you can expect to explore various artistic techniques and materials, depending on the monthly theme. Each session is designed to enhance your skills, boost your creativity, and help you discover your unique artistic voice. I focus on creating a supportive environment, allowing everyone to learn at their own pace.

Absolutely! My classes cater to all skill levels, from complete beginners to more experienced artists. I provide guidance and support, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and encouraged to try new techniques and ideas.

Each class typically includes a brief introduction to the topic, demonstrations of techniques, and plenty of time for hands-on practice. I encourage participants to ask questions and share their work, creating a collaborative atmosphere.

I provide most of the necessary art materials for in-person classes. However, for some sessions, I may ask participants to bring specific items, which will be clearly listed in the class description. For online classes, I will suggest materials that you can easily obtain or use what you already have at home.

Yes! I encourage sharing your work during classes, as it fosters a sense of community and allows everyone to learn from each other. Whether it's through discussions or group critiques, sharing is an essential part of the creative process.

The Makings and Musings Community is designed for anyone curious about making art a regular practice in their daily life. It’s perfect for those who want to start a sketchbook but don’t know how to fill it, or for people who loved art as children and want to reconnect with their creativity. We focus on bringing creativity into everyday life, whether you’re new to art or returning to it after a break. The Makings & Musings Creative community is a place to find inspiration, to learn about all things creative, to share art and to come together and create as a community. You can find all details about the Makings & Musings creative community here

Every week, usually on Thursday, we gather to paint and draw on a different topic. I typically work in my sketchbook and invite you to draw along with me. We use reference photos, inspiration from my older sketchbooks, or even images from Google Maps. We experiment with a variety of materials like watercolours, mixed media, coloured pencils, charcoal, and markers.

My online community is open to everyone who wants to make art from home. It includes: Weekly live sessions on Zoom Access to over 200 class recordings An inclusive, supportive space to learn and grow at your own pace You can join for just £15 a month here: Join the Community.

I have always loved the concept of 'musing' One of the questions I get a lot is what the name Makings & Musings means. Did you know that 'to muse' is a verb?  The dictionary describes to muse- the verb as "to think about something carefully and for a long time' or as 'meditation'." and off course a Muse is also a noun: 'an imaginary force that gives you ideas and helps you to write, paint, or make music, or a physical representation of this force'  This makes Makings & Musings a combination of making things and being present in the moment - I want to be the creative force that helps you on your art journey!

You can find all my creative courses here: https://www.makingsandmusings.com/online-courses At the moment all my courses are available for you to join in your own time.

Absolutely! For a glimpse of what I teach and the type of art we create, visit my Instagram page for examples and inspiration: Instagram. If you’re still unsure, feel free to reach out through the Contact page: Contact.

You can register for classes through my website, where you'll find a schedule of upcoming sessions. Simply select the class you’re interested in and follow the instructions to complete your registration.

I accept various payment methods, including credit/debit cards and PayPal. Payment details will be provided during the registration process to ensure a smooth transaction.

I sometimes offer discounts for participants who register for multiple classes at once. Keep an eye on my website or social media for any special promotions or packages available!

I make illustrations for books, websites, products, murals and window designs. I love working with businesses with a social or environmental positive impact and I am always happy to have a chat about what it is you are looking for. You can find my portfolio with previous projects here: Folio. Please email me with the details.

I sometimes draw take on these type of personal illustrations but only a few times a year as I am spending most of my time of larger projects and creating courses for you all. Feel free to ask though, If I have time I might take on your commission. If you follow me on social media you will see in my announcements when I open my portrait commissions. you can find me on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makingsandmusings/ and on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/makingsandmusings and since recently on TikTok: https://www.facebook.com/makingsandmusings

I get many questions about procreate and drawing on an Ipad. I might create a procreate course one day but for now just a few points: You do not need an Ipad pro to use procreate. Procreate is supported on the following Ipad models (copied from procreate website) I would recommend using an apple pencil (1st or 2nd generation) as it is very hard to draw without a stylus. I used an Ipad 6th generation for ages and I even created commissioned illustrations on there and it worked absolutely fine. 12.9-inch iPad Pro (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th generation) 11-inch iPad Pro (1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation) 10.5-inch iPad Pro 9.7-inch iPad Pro iPad (9th generation) iPad (8th generation) iPad (7th generation) iPad (6th generation) iPad (5th generation) iPad mini (6th generation) iPad mini (5th generation) iPad mini 4 iPad Air (5th generation) iPad Air (4th generation) iPad Air (3rd generation) iPad Air 2

Yes, I take on these type of commissons on occasion (when I have the time). I love creating something personal and special for you. The best thing to do is to email me with the details of what you are looking for. I need to know the date of when it needs to be ready, the occasion, theme and style you are looking for. You can find some of me previous work here. Prices start from £250 for a design

I love experimenting with all sorts of creative materials. with Makings and Musings I focus on painting and drawing but I also work in needle crafts (macrame, knitting, crochet, embroidery) and I love trying out all arts and crafts supplies. In my Creative Community there is a group where we talk about all types of art materials and this is the space to ask questions regarding materials. When you are joining one of my courses you will receive details about what you need for that course. if you have a material already and you would like me to create a workshop or course with it, let me know. I am always happy for new inspiration and if I know people want to learn something specific I can add it to my to-do list. A list of materials that I use a lot are: Paper: a moleskine watercolour sketchbook Bockingford cold pressed paper Painting: Winsor and Newton Gouache Brushes from proarte masterstroke Travelset watercolours Drawing: derwent procolour colour pencils Faber-Castell Polychromos pencils Tombow Mono Erasor willow charcoal compressed charcoal For filming I use: Overhead Tripod Camera, Canon For digital art I use: procreate app adobe photoshop adobe illustrator affinity designer affinity photo apple Ipad with apple pencil *Many links are affiliate links. If you choose to buy anything through these links, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you :) Thanks for your support!

No, I am self taught. I studied law originally and even did a masters in human rights and international law but art and creativity have always been my passion.

I have always been creative and used to draw and paint a lot as a child. My first comission was in 2018 for a book cover. At that time I worked in an office still and I made that illustration for fun, not realising that it would set me on a path of becoming a full-time artist. This is an old drawing that I found recently. (not the book cover!)

Q: How can I collaborate with you on a group workshop, speaking opportunity, illustration commission, or fine art sale? A: If you're interested in partnering with me for any of these opportunities, please visit my collaboration page for more details: Collaborate with Irene Ruby. For more information or to discuss specific projects, feel free to get in touch with me directly via email at contact@makingsandmusings.com. I look forward to exploring exciting opportunities together!

I would just say do it! So many people let fear and perfectionism stop them. I do not think you are ever completely ready to start a business and you learn so much from doing it in practice so just get started and take it from there. That said, there are lots of ways to start your creative business without having to jump in completely. You can start as a side business, keep a part time job and see how that goes first. there is absolutely nothing wrong with keeping a safety net and that way keeping the pressure on your business a bit down for a while. I would also say just to practice and create lots! It is ok to make bad drawings, trerrible paintings and lots of mistakes as that is how you learn. Do not give up when your work is not as 'good' as you want it to be.

You don’t need to go viral to build a successful business. Many small, consistent steps—creating art regularly, sharing it on social media, building a website, and engaging with your audience—add up over time. It's the steady, everyday actions that create long-term success. Social media is a useful tool for reaching and engaging with your audience, but it’s not the only way to grow your business. Word of mouth, referrals, Google searches, blog posts, and newsletters can be just as effective. Don’t rely solely on social media—explore multiple channels to reach potential customers.

In the beginning, focus on quantity over quality to develop your skills. Make as much art as possible—some of it will be great, and some won't be. That’s part of the process. Over time, the quality will come as you refine your style and technique. When it’s time to send out your portfolio, make sure it showcases your strongest pieces.

It’s important to accept that not everyone will like your art, and that’s completely normal. Focus on creating for your target audience, not trying to please everyone. If necessary, don’t hesitate to block or mute negativity on social media. The most successful artists have critics—so let go of the need to win over everyone.

No, perfection is not necessary to begin. Starting before you’re completely ready allows you to learn and grow as you go. If you wait until you feel 100% ready, you might never start, as your goals will likely evolve. Start at 80%, take small steps, and adjust along the way.

Yes, I understand that sometimes plans change. If you notify me at least 48 hours before the class, I can offer a full refund or a credit towards a future class. Unfortunately, if you miss the class without prior notice, I won't be able to provide a refund. I can usually change the date on a ticket though so just let me know if there is an issue and I am happy to help.