Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn reviews

Liz Collins reviewed: Flower Power - Exploring Colour

"My daughter and I joined the course and had a wonderful day learning how to apply 3 different techniques to drawing and painting flowers. Alison and Liz are excellent teachers who demonstrated first and then were very hands on offering advice throughout the day; I particularly appreciated the way they sat next to you and drew/painted with you. They created a warm and friendly atmosphere in a beautiful rural setting. Thank you. I would highly recommend spending a day at Long Barn. Liz "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Liz, Thank you for taking the time to tell us about your day with us . We are so pleased you enjoyed the day. You both produced some lovely work and it was great to see your confidence growing as the day progressed . We hope it has inspired you both to continue creating. Best wishes Alison "

Lindsey McBarron reviewed: Create with a Gel Printing Plate - Mono Printing Without a Press

"Another great day with Liz and Alison. They taught more advanced techniques to two of us as we had some experience with the basic technique. Their experience and patience is second to none and I like the way they encourage you to experiment saying that no results are "wrong". Strongly recommended"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Lindsey , It certainly was a great day and some great results, the possibilities are endless with gel plate and hopefully this advance session has given you lots of new techniques to experiment with at home . Happy printing ! Best wishes Alison "

Melanie Rose reviewed: Lino cutting for Beginners and Rusty Printmakers

"I have recently done a lino printing course with Alison and Liz with my daughter. We had a great day, learnt a lot and came away with very nice lino prints. I would highly recommend it."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Melanie, Thank you for your feedback, it was great to work with you both. You both produced some lovely work using this process and hopefully it has inspired you to continue exploring it at home . All the best Alison"

Julia M reviewed: Create with a Gel Printing Plate - Mono Printing Without a Press

"Great course - the second I have done with Alison and Liz. I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but there is plenty of scope for exploring different techniques with completely differing results. On the day of the course you are introduced to several different techniques - with lots of experimenting as a result. Looking forward to having another go and trying to refine the process - however, the technique itself lends itself to happy accidents and an open mind about results!"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Julia, It was great to work with you again and thank you for your feedback. Gel plate is such an exciting process, you never know quite what you are going to get, as you say lots of happy accidents! Enjoy exploring and experimenting! Best wishes Alison"

Jan Dutson reviewed: Lino cutting for Beginners and Rusty Printmakers

"I am a complete beginner and this course provided an excellent introduction to Lino cutting and printing. Liz explained everything very clearly and was extremely patient. The pace of the course was just right - moving onto each stage as we were ready and allowing plenty of time. I learned a lot and produced some nice prints. The atmosphere at The Long Barn was calm and friendly - and what a lovely setting. Alison was welcoming and always on hand to help, advise and provide refreshments. All in all I enjoyed the day very much. Thank you"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Jan, Good to hear from you and thank you for taking the time to let us know about your day with us - it was lovely to meet and work with you. You made excellent progress throughout the day and will be ready to tackle your next prints. More wrens? Happy cutting and printing. Best wishes Alison Butler"

Jill reviewed: Fancy a Cuppa? - Create Decorative wire Sculpture

"The course was very well structured and paced so that you could work at your own pace. You were able to make several pieces during the day. The barn venue is stunning and a very creative space. Plenty of refreshments and biscuit treats on offer all day!"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Jill, Good to meet and work with you. Thank you for letting us know about your workshop and day with us. Wire is such a lovely material to work with and so adaptable for lots of different ideas and projects. I’m sure you’ll be busy making for quite sometime. Best wishes Alison Butler"

Beverley Gearey reviewed: Create with a Gel Printing Plate - Mono Printing Without a Press

"Excellent course but knowledgable tutors. Second time I’ve done this one and both Alison & Liz went out of their way to provide additional ideas and instruction. Amazing surroundings too. Highly recommend this course in particular but also the Art in the Barn workshops in gdneral"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Beverley, Lovely to hear from you and thanks for taking the time to let us know about your workshop with us. It was great to work with you again, to further develop your printmaking skills. There’s so much potential for your work and working at this larger scale will provide lots of opportunities for development. Happy printing. Best wishes Alison Butler "

Barbara Barclay reviewed: Experimental printmaking in Hampshire

"I had a fabulous day in the barn with Liz and Alison - right from the start, with a very warm welcome, the day was informative and fun. Highly recommend. I will certainly book another course again!"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Barbara, Good to hear from you and thanks so much for letting us know about your time here in the Long Barn. Experimental printing is such a great method of working, with lots of opportunities to play with lots of materials and equipment - you won’t be bored! It’ll be lovely to work with you again. Best wishes Alison Butler "

Suzanne reviewed: Block printed Lampshades

"The block printing on textiles experience was such fun. Set in a beautiful Hampshire rural location, the venue was excellent. The workshop took place in a very lovely, warm beautifully renovated barn. Alison and her colleague Liz were very welcoming and really knowledgeable. It was a wonderful experience, and we all went home with our own block printed lampshade. I highly recommend the day course, and hope to return to one of the other workshops Alison gives at a later date. Thank you!!! "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Suzanne, Thank you so much for your thoughtful words - they are much appreciated and we have big smiles on our faces. Block printing is such a great process and pretty addictive, so beware! We’re looking forward to working with you again. Very best wishes Alison Butler "

Charlotte Kennard reviewed: Block printed Lampshades

"Beautiful location and great facilities, knowledgeable tutors with a very informative and encouraging session. It was lovely to be part of a small group. Great to come home with a finished lampshade. Thank you! "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Charlotte, Thank you for your feedback; lovely to work with you and we are so pleased you enjoyed the day. Block printing is such a lovely process and gives such a sense of satisfaction. You produced a beautiful shade and I hope that you, and it, are rightly receiving praise and encouragement to create more. Best wishes Alison Butler "

Rebecca L reviewed: Experimental printmaking in Hampshire

"Had such an enjoyable day - there was enough explanation to give us confidence and then plenty of time to experiment. It has definitely left me with lots of ideas and wanting to do more. As well as some pieces I’m happy to have made!"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Rebecca, Lovely to hear from and thank you for your kind words - it’s much appreciated. Printmaking provides so many opportunities for ideas and experimentation and is also good fun. Be aware that it’s quite addictive! Happy cutting and printing. Alison Butler"

CA reviewed: Experimental printmaking in Hampshire

"A great day - lovely venue, lovely people. We were kept busy but also given time to explore. Can’t wait to go back!"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Charis, Thank you for your kind feedback , it’s very much appreciated ! So pleased you enjoyed the day it was great to meet and work with you . We hope you will have a chance to explore your printing some more . All the best Liz and Alison "

Sue Legg reviewed: Block printed Lampshades

"Absolutely wonderful day, block printing onto fabric was the first time for me. Alison our tutor was very patient and knowledgeable. Thank you "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Sue, Thank you for your feedback . It was lovely to meet you both, you produced some great work. Happy printing! Best wishes Alison "

Kim jones reviewed: Birds on a Wire: Create tiny wire sculptures (Art in the Barn)

"Excellent teaching. Wonderful environment. Totally professional experience. Loved it. "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Kim, Thank you for your feedback, it was lovely to meet you both last week and we are so pleased you enjoyed the day! We hope to see you again. Best wishes Alison"

Lindsey McBarron reviewed: Lino cutting for Beginners and Rusty Printmakers

"Excellent course as always. I have attended several now and they never disappoint. Liz and Alison know their stuff and are very helpful and patient, guiding and advising. I can't praise them enough."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Lindsey , Thank you very much for your kind feedback , so pleased you enjoyed the day, We look forward to working with you again. Best wishes Alison and Liz "

Fran Lunn reviewed: Drawn to Still Life

"Alison and Liz build your confidence throughout the day and bring out your true potential. I learnt so much with their clear tuition using different mediums and producing a range of designs. I was so pleased with my achievements A wonderful day which went so quickly, I don’t think anyone wanted to put their chalk, charcoal down! All this was done in an amazing barn in wonderful surroundings with like minded people. Lots of tea and delicious treats, what more could you want. 👩‍🎨"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Fran, Thank you so much for your lovely feedback , the progression in everyone’s work throughout the day was really impressive, you all worked so hard ! Hopefully we have inspired you to continue with the techniques you have learnt at home and your confidence will go from strength to strength. It is always a pleasure to work with you and we look forward to seeing you again! Best wishes Alison and Liz"

Mary-Anne Berendt reviewed: Lino cutting for Beginners and Rusty Printmakers

"I very much enjoyed my day with Alison and Liz. It was perfectly paced. We all achieved our goal and went home very happy and pleased with what we had learned. Alison and Liz create a relaxed and comfortable environment in beautiful surroundings. I would like to go forward to working my way through the courses one by one!"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Mary-Anne, Thank you for your feedback , so pleased that you enjoyed your day ! It is so nice to see the variety of work produced in the day and you should be really pleased with the results, I hope it has inspired you to carry on printing at home. We look forward to seeing you again . Best wishes Alison and Liz"

Jane reviewed: Lino cutting for Beginners and Rusty Printmakers

"Another lovely workshop with Liz & Alison. The venue is beautiful with lots of space and great facilities. Liz & Alison are friendly and passionate about their subject and excellent at passing on their knowledge. Such an enjoyable day and I learnt so much. I can't wait to have a go at some more linocut at home. "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Jane, Thank you for your feedback, it was great to work with you again. Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you need any information, we are very happy to give help and advice. Happy printing ! Best wishes Alison and Liz."

Gillie Morgan reviewed: From the garden: Still life with a mixed media approach

"I was lucky enough to be given a day of painting at 'Art in the Barn' as a belated Christmas present from one of my daughters and all I can say is that it was absolutely lovely from start to finish! We were there just over a week ago and found the studio full of natural light and equipped to a high standard. Each trestle table provided had all the equipment we would need for the day and more. We had chosen to do a day of painting garden flowers using mixed media. As I really enjoy using just watercolours, this was a great introduction to trying other mediums. We were encouraged to try everything provided on different paper while keeping our energy levels up with home cooked brownies and freshly made coffee! In all it was a great day out and has inspired us to be more bold and creative in our painting . I loved it all! Thank you so much Alison."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Gillie, Thank you for your lovely feedback, it was really great to meet and work with you and Sarah, I am so pleased you enjoyed the day so much. Hopefully it has inspired you to carry on painting using some of the new techniques you have learnt, ( if you need any more information please do get in touch !) Wishing you all the best, Alison"

Sarah Edsall reviewed: From the garden: Still life with a mixed media approach

"My mother and I thoroughly enjoyed our 'Still life from the garden' mixed media workshop with Alison in her beautiful barn. I have done very little painting and this was the most wonderful introduction into using a variety of different techniques. Alison is a great teacher. Kind and patient, she has definitely given me the confidence to have a go and try some different methods which I have never seen before. I would thoroughly recommend."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Sarah, It was a pleasure to meet you both and I am so pleased that you enjoyed the day so much . It was really lovely to see how your work developed as the day went on, I hope it has inspired you both to continue at home, you both produced some beautiful florals ! All the best and good luck, Alison"

Emily reviewed: Block printed Lampshades

"Alison was amazing, so accommodating. We had a hen party of 8 with her and as the hen's bridesmaid I was in charge of organising. We met a few weeks before to discuss and plan for the day. Alison allowed me to decorate the space however I wanted. It was not an easy task with a larger group but Alison made sure each person was given equal amount of attention. I would highly recommend her course whether that be hen or no hen. I would also highly recommend the cafe down at the fishery who do amazing grazing boards! You will need to pre-book though. The setting is beautiful with lots of greenery, cows etc. I'd make sure to follow the sat nav carefully as it really is out in the sticks but once you're there you'll never want to leave!"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Emily , Thank you for your review, I am so pleased you all had such a great day and it was lovely to meet you all and be involved in making Freya’s hen weekend so special . Block printing is a great choice for your celebration , suitable for all ages and the results were amazing ! Wishing you all the best for August with the big day . Best wishes Alison "

Suzanne Stronge reviewed: Create with a Gel Printing Plate - Mono Printing Without a Press

"A creatively transformative experience. We left with lots of possibilities and ideas, only limited by our imagination."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Suzanne, Thank you for your feedback, it was lovely to meet and work with you both. Gel plate printing is such an exciting and addictive process, hopefully yesterdays' workshop has given you the tools and the knowledge to continue your creative journey at home. Happy printing ! Best wishes, Alison"

Sheila reviewed: Beautiful Batik

"My friend and I had a wonderful day making batik samples and using batik to create our own pieces of artwork. The workroom was well set out and well equipped. Alison was very knowledgeable and patient; teaching us the necessary techniques and allowing us to work at our own pace. Many examples of Alison’s work were displayed, which offered us inspiration. The venue is located on a working farm which was a very tranquil setting and a lovely place to eat our lunch. I would certainly recommend this course and Alison as a tutor and am likely to be booking on another course."

Judith Waddington reviewed: Create with a Gel Printing Plate - Mono Printing Without a Press

"I thoroughly enjoyed the gel printing workshop with Alison. She is such an encouraging tutor and gives you the confidence to believe in your own creative vision. I am excited about the new processes and techniques shared on the workshop. I look forward to joining another workshop soon. "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Judith , it was great to work with you for the day and share techniques and ideas ! Looking forward to seeing the results . You produced some beautiful prints , definitely lots of new ideas to develop there, so can’t wait to see the outcomes . Look forward to working with you again . Best wishes Alison"

Lindsey McBarron reviewed: Create with a Gel Printing Plate - Mono Printing Without a Press

"I cannot rate this course high enough. Alison is an inspiration and full of good ideas to get the best out of our pictures. I have 4 I will def frame for my walls. The venue in the South Downs is just right. Plenty of light and space. Tea, coffee and snacks supplied to keep us going. I have been on several of the courses and the high standard is always maintained"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Lindsey , thank you so much for your lovely feedback ! Gel plate is such a versatile process , it always makes for an enjoyable creative day with a host of exciting outcomes ! You produced some lovely work and I hope you are inspired to continue creating . Best wishes Alison "