Latest reviews

Lesa reviewed: Candlemaking workshop

"This course is superb, and you learn loads. Janine is an expert, very knowledgeable and super passionate about candles and room fragrances. As usual I had no idea what to expect and really enjoyed it. I can't wait to get my candle and light it...... Thank you"

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

"What a fantastic batik workshop day we spent with Mel! The planning that had gone into the course for our benefit was second to none and each of us left with pieces of work we were proud of. I was a novice and loved the day and am looking forward to another batik workshop in the near future."

Heather Elliott reviewed: Make a Garden Mosaic in Manchester City Centre

"I recently took part in a glass appliqué class, making a Mandela Mosaic, glass on glass. I really enjoyed my day and was very happy with it. I have some experience cutting glass, but learnt several new cutting tips that will be very useful. We also experimented with different glues, discussed design and grouting. I found Tracey's experience of mosaic and Caroline's experience of stained glass to be a very good combination of skills. Both were very friendly and knowledgeable, both very approachable. The workshop was well-organised too. No complaints. Very happy."

Liz reviewed: Willow bird sculpture with Joe Gregory in Todmorden, Yorkshire

"We did the birds course at the Clitheroe studio. Joe was a great tutor, friendly and approachable and she explained the process in detail but in an easy to understand way. The hours whizzed by and I was so pleased with my first attempt. I will definitely be rebooking for another course!"

Creative with Nature Ltd responded:

"Thanks for a lovely review Liz! really appreciate it. joe. xx"

David Lilly reviewed: Gem cutting - cabochon cutting and an introduction to faceting

"What an amazing experience. James is such a laid back and generous teacher. I learnt an incredible amount in the afternoon I spent with him and he then made himself available the following day so that the gem could be soaked off and I could return and collect it at leisure. I would totally recommend this workshop for anyone with zero skills or more as there is just so much to learn and it's a really chilled experience."

Toni Turner reviewed: Beautiful Batik

"Really enjoyable class, with the opportunity to learn something new from scratch, and actually produce some not bad pieces to take home. Excellent teacher, lovely venue - highly recommended."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Toni, Thank you so much for your feedback. Glad you enjoyed the day and came away feeling you had produced with some lovely pieces of work! Best wishes Alison Butler"

Suzanne reviewed: Easel Weasel Wednesday Art workshops - Derbyshire Peak District

"The workshop with Denise was a wonderful surprise birthday gift! The course states it is informative, liberating and therapeutic and I certainly found this to be the case. I thoroughly enjoyed my day with Denise and came away with a real sense of achievement! Starting the day as a novice I took home with me two pieces of art work I can proudly hang on my wall. In a lovely, homely setting I had a wonderful relaxing and creative time! A welcomed distraction and the perfect day! Would highly recommend and I can't wait to return for another class. Thank you so much Denise for such inspiration!"

Anon reviewed: Basic beekeeping

"Brian was extremely knowledgeable and easy to listen too, and clearly enthusiastic about his subject. He made the theory part of the day as (if not more) fascinating as the practical element."

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 Thursday 15th May 2025

"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 Thursday 15th May 2025

"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"