Latest reviews

Corinna reviewed: Linocut printmaking at Bull Mill Arts Wiltshire

"I was given this workshop as a birthday present by my two thoughtful sisters-in-law. The day was perfect: Olivia is a generous and inspirational artist and tutor, and it was wonderful to be immersed in printmaking, surrounded by like-minded people, in such a beautiful setting. Thank you for a magnificent experience. I would quite happily do this every month - there's an idea, Olivia? (cue: cheesy grin)."

Heather Knowles reviewed: Straw skep hive making course - with Bees for Development

"What a fabulous day making a bee skep with Chris Park. He's enthusiasm for the subject was infectious and made the day so enjoyable. Whilst we worked away on our skeps he was feeding us with knowledge on skep bee keeping and its history. It gave me the confidence to easily finish off the skep at home. The venue was perfect with a break for lunch in the Yew Tree Inn with excellent food."

Marion Eley reviewed: Beautiful Batik

"This was my first introduction to Batik. I found the initial working with the wax quite taxing. I enjoyed planning the initial designs and then applying the wax. Clear guidance was readily given at every stage. My final design did not turn out as I'd hoped but lots of suggestions and encouragement as to how to proceed was given. I loved the use of colour. It was a very attractive environment to work in. The tutors had a very relaxed but efficient and effective approach to their teaching. It is certainly something I would like to pursue further."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Marion, Thank you for taking the time to review the course and thank you for your kind comments and feedback . Best wishes Alison Butler"

Jayne Hughes reviewed: Silver Clay Beginners Workshop

"An excellent day with a great patient instructor. Marianne is well prepared, there are lots of choices of styles and pieces you can make. I managed to make 4 pieces with her guidance. It is a technique you can also do at home, so a really valuable course that is easy for all to do. I really can recommend it and will be back. Thank you for a great day. Jayne Hughes"

Grey Clouds & Silver Linings responded:

"Thank you, Jayne, I’m glad you enjoyed it. You made some lovely silver pendants, well done. Hopefully see you back again for more classes, watch out for a new class going online soon."

Jacquie Biddlecombe reviewed: Experimental printmaking in Hampshire

"Really good tuition from Liz and Als, they help you get the most from the workshop. Lovely relaxed atmosphere in a beautiful environment which inspires the creative juices. Excellent range of materials supplied to use in the print making and expertise to assist with Lino cutting. Give it a try."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Jackie, Thank you for your kind comments and feedback. Really pleased you enjoyed the day. Best wishes Alison Butler"

Jacquie Biddlecombe reviewed: Block printed Lampshades

"This course is a lovely way to learn how to create and then use print stamps onto a variety of fabrics. Cutting lino stamps and then learning to place them on gift tags, wrapping paper, tea towels and items of your choice. Liz and Als are both excellent at helping and guiding you through the different projects so that you get the most from your day. The venue is beautiful and the countryside helps to inspire you along with homemade cake and mugs of tea. Give it a try, you will not be disappointed."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Jackie, Thank you so much for your lovely comments and feedback, we really appreciate you taking the time to review the day . We hope you enjoyed putting your new skill to good use ! Best wishes Alison Butler"

Sarah Coles reviewed: Free Machine Embroidery

"I thoroughly enjoyed my one day course learning free machine embroidery. There is nothing more fulfilling than learning a new skill and discovering a passion for something new! Ruth showed me so many techniques, and she has such a wealth of knowledge and so many examples, that I genuinely came away inspired to continue to build upon what I had learnt. Ruth's studio was a great place to learn in; it was both relaxing and had a beautiful outlook, and I enjoyed so much delicious homemade food. All in all, the workshop experience was a real treat!"

Sara Hall reviewed: Persian Patterns: Exploring the geometric genius of the Persian master-craftsmen

"It’s been a mind blowing & momentous 3 days of discovery, initiation & finding my way back into a world so expansive yet contained; filled with love, grace, spiritual connection & beauty. I loved the dark & I’ve loved the light. I’ve loved the chaos & I’ve love the calm. I cannot believe how much I’ve discovered, not only about myself but about the universe all contained within these works ... each one a portal of information within which one can choose to enter or observe while constructing. Extraordinary, inspiring & weird in that magical & mystical way. I truly cannot wait until I return. So many thanks you’s!!!"

Sian Hughes reviewed: Crafts in the Valley - Batik textile workshop in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

"Absolutely loved this batik workshop! I haven’t done batik for years since college and really enjoyed the day. The day is set out really well and really enjoyed getting stuck in to the creating! Would highly recommend this workshop!"

Joan Leitch reviewed: Straw skep hive making course - with Bees for Development

"It was so much better having Chris as a guide, than trying to learn this skill from a book. It was also nice to have others around to chat to. An addictive pastime I think - we didn't want to stop for lunch! They also let us take the tools home so we could complete our skeps."

Sally-Anne reviewed: Stained glass one day course for beginners: one-to-one

"I thoroughly enjoyed my day with Emma making a small stained glass window to put in the gap above our downstairs loo door. I was really pleased when Emma agreed to help me make a bespoke piece and with her excellent expert guidance I've ended up with something unique and colourful to brighten up our hallway. Emma is friendly, relaxed and encouraging and we had a great chat as I worked under her watchful eye! I would definitely recommend this course to anyone."

Stephanie Bila reviewed: Steam-Bending Courses in Cumbria

"I did the one day steam bending beginners course and I found it extremely inspiring and interesting. I felt that Charlie delivered the course passionately and that the day was really well organised. He really managed to show us a lot of techniques in a day with great energy and was attentive to any questions or particular experiments we wanted to try within the group and on an individual basis."

Sarah Shuffell reviewed: Willow skep hive (Alveari) making - with Bees for Development

"The course was well organised and run and the food and venue very good. A nice informal atmosphere and friendly tutor. I am a basket maker and so joined the course in order to learn how to make and apply clum, not for the weaving skills. I came all prepared, as requested in the briefing notes, but sadly we did not cover this on the day and I was disappointed. This is not to detract from the overall experience and the group made and finished some lovely baskets but for me it did not fulfil my needs or meet the course description. Some supporting handouts on bee keeping in skeps would have been helpful."

Bees for Development responded:

"Dear Sarah, thank you for joining our course and for your review. On last week's course our tutor Chris had been unable to access the right materials to plaister the hives and therefore could not demonstrate this technique, although Chris did bring a finished hive to show you, and he did describe how to do this, and discuss various different 'recipes'. We invite you to come along to the next Willow Skep Course on Sunday 6 October in Monmouth when Chris will be able to show you how to do this. You could also view our video which shows the technique in Uganda which can be found in the Resource Centre section of our website. Kind regards, Nicola Bradbear"

Henrietta reviewed: Lino printing landscapes

"I really enjoyed Lee's workshop in landscape lino printing and will definitely be back for more excellent lessons, soup, and brownies. We worked quite hard but learnt a lot. I was happy with my prints but now I know how to do it I think I will be able to achieve better results in the future. Lee also sent us links to where to buy all the equipment we would need to do it at home."

Cath Mears & Linda palmer reviewed: Kate Morrell willow sculpture courses

"We thoroughly enjoyed our Willow Sculpture workshop. Excellent tutoring from Kate. We made a heron and a hare which we are very proud of. Kate was most helpful, informative and creative. She was very attentive and made sure we were on the right track all the time and was more than happy to help us whenever we asked. Kate has a great workshop environment and lots of sculptures for ideas and inspiration. A great day out with a lovely lunch thrown in. Highly recommended. Thank you Kate."

Lesley Rhodes reviewed: Willow skep hive (Alveari) making - with Bees for Development

"I really enjoyed the day. Chris was very informative and helpful. He had a lot of patience and explained the skep making very well. A suggestion would be a hand out, to refer to, on making the cloon to cover the skep in the future. The food was excellent, as was the venue. A relaxed and happy atmosphere."

Hanks reviewed: Block printed Lampshades

"Professionally run by experienced tutors, warm welcome, fun day, learnt lots, definitely coming for more!"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Hanka, Thank you so much for your feedback, really pleased you enjoyed the day ! Best wishes Alison Butler"

Laura S reviewed: Natural soap making

"Very great course about soap making, amazing people and beautiful place, thank you!!!! Hope to see you soon."

Liz Bullock reviewed: Beautiful Batik

"A lovely day in a fabulous setting; a thatched barn beats a church or village hall hands down. Having some experience with the Batik process was an advantage, but Alison had so much more to teach us. She was patient and supportive, allowing us time to play and think through our ideas, but never far away when a bit more information and advice was needed. Alison also had some fabulous examples of her Batik work to inspire us, from when she was designing for fashion and children’s wear - somehow I don’t think I will ever create work to such a standard, but I spent a really enjoyable day trying too. Thanks again. Liz"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Liz, Thank you for your kind comments and feedback. Best wishes Alison Butler"

Heather Mather reviewed: Bountiful baskets at Cowshed Creative in the Lake District

"I thoroughly enjoyed my day, Hannah was very patient and knowledgable in answering all our questions. I came on my own and met some great people. We had a lovely lunch which we ate outside. It is a super venue and I am proud of my trug. George has thought of everything and I have already booked and am looking forward to my next workshop."

Cowshed Creative responded:

"Thanks so much Heather. We look forward to seeing you again!"

Liz Hill reviewed: Introduction to traditional stained glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"I had always wanted to have a go at making a stained glass panel and I'm pleased to say I wasn't disappointed. Kate, our tutor, was totally lovely, patient and very supportive of all members of the group. All materials were set out in our own workspaces beforehand and she clearly explained each stage of the process so we all knew the appropriate tools and techniques to use. Everyone was encouraged to work at their own pace and we all ended up with beautiful pieces to take home. A lovely atmosphere and a fabulous experience. Thanks!!"

Carolyn reviewed: Leather Crossbody/Messenger or Tote bag

"I had a fantastic day making my leather bag on the hottest day. But we were in a very cool workshop at the bottom of Richard's garden. A great experience and would recommend this to anybody. Richard is a great teacher and explains everything well from start to finish. Thank you Richard."

Bobby reviewed: Introduction to green woodworking at Sallerton Wood

"Really great course. I booked the Intro course and the Shave Horse course together with a day free in between. Andy tailored the course to suit everyone, complete beginners and those like me with some experience. There were a couple of us who were staying on for the Shave Horse course so we were given ample opportunity to practise our pole lathe skills ready for the weekend! Andy is a great teacher and a very generous and trusting individual and I recommend his courses to anyone new to or looking to get into green woodwork."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks, Bobby, for your kind review, and for taking the time to review both of the courses you attended recently. We're glad that you enjoyed both courses, and we look forward to seeing you back at Sallerton Wood before long."

Laura reviewed: Flower crown workshop & bubbly in Brighton

"We went to the flower crown making course for my friends birthday, and we loved it, we had a laugh while making some beautiful crowns with Charlie’s help"

Lesley Tollyfield reviewed: Introduction to traditional stained glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"This one day traditional stained glass course is excellent. I have tried fused glass, but have always wanted to try stained glass and this was thoroughly enjoyable. The workshop is big enough to accommodate 12 people comfortably - although 8 was our number - and all materials and tools are provided. It is full on concentration and help is always at hand if you struggle with any of the stages. Today we had Kate as our tutor as Martin was with family on a much needed day off and she was very good at explaining what to do and why. I will consider doing either more workshops or a longer course or even trying the other courses available. I'm very pleased with how my piece turned out, just need to decide where to hang it. I would highly recommend these courses. Thank you. Lesley"