Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn reviews

24 Apr 23'

Roberta G reviewed: Block printed Lampshades

"Loved every minute of it! The farm is in the most beautiful setting and you arrive relaxed! Alison showed great patience with all of us doing quite a diverse range of designs. I was really pleased with what I achieved on the course and came away inspired to do more."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Roberta, Thank you for taking the time to tell us about your day. It was lovely to meet you and I am really pleased you had a great time and have come away inspired to do more! Hopefully now you have to knowledge and the confidence to continue with this addictive process at home. Happy Printing ! Best wishes Alison "

23 Apr 23'

Alison reviewed: Block printed Lampshades

"What a lovely day out, block printing with an old friend of mine. Thoroughly enjoyed the experience and look forward to applying all these new techniques to print up a lampshade of my own. Highly recommend the course. Alison"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Alison, Thank you for your feedback, it was great to work with you both yesterday and it was lovely to see how your designs developed throughout the day. Hopefully you can both apply what you have learnt to begin designing your lampshades. I will keep you posted on dates for lampshade workshops. Happy printing! Alison "

19 Apr 23'

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

"A wonderful course covering many interesting styles of art. We even made our own ‘cola pens’ to use with colourful ink. I attended the course with my daughter and we both enjoyed looking at flowers in the garden and then making our art work using our flower patterns and other designs. A lovely day altogether. "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Monika, it was lovely to work with you again and your daughter. You both produced some great work using all the techniques you learnt during the day and I hope you will enjoy experimenting with what you have learned at home. Happy painting ! Best wishes Alison"

8 Apr 23'

Monika Mathur reviewed: Beautiful Batik

"A relaxing day with a focus on creating something beautiful using the medium of batik. Plenty of opportunity to make different designs and then use your favourite one on fabric by the end of the day. Plenty of refreshments throughout the day. You will feel both pampered and relaxed and come home with plenty of beautiful creations to display proudly in your home. Thanks to Alison and her colleague for such a wonderful day. Can’t wait until the next one. "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Monika, It was great to meet and work with you. You produced some lovely work exploring different flowers using batik and dyes, the results were stunning. I think you have much to explore here, so looking forward to working with you again soon! Best wishes Alison "

2 Apr 23'

Leonie (Lee) Winter-Rimmer reviewed: Block printed Lampshades

"Another really enjoyable day, think printing is my thing. Alison and Liz are both great teachers and always very welcoming, definitely worth a go."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Lee, Thank you for your feedback, it was great to work with you, I hope the recipients of your bags were pleased with them ! Block printing is a very addictive process with endless possibilities, so enjoy !! Best wishes Alison and Liz "

27 Mar 23'

Eileen V reviewed: Block printed Lampshades

"Thoroughly recommend. A very enjoyable day in a lovely setting. Alison and Liz are excellent teachers even for complete novices like me!"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Eileen, It was lovely to meet and work with you. As a novice, you made great progress throughout the day and produced some lovely work . Happy printing ! Best wishes Alison and Liz "

24 Mar 23'

Sue reviewed: Block printed Lampshades

"Alison and Liz were excellent giving support and guidance as we developed our ideas and tried out cutting tools , printing blocks onto paper first and then onto fabric later in the day . The barn is beautiful , a really calm welcoming setting with lots of tea , coffee and tasty wrapped chocolate treats . It felt great to take away a uniquely designed tea towel and tote bag with lots of ideas to pursue and information on block printing equipment suppliers . "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Sue, Liz and I were pleased you were able to join us for such a lovely productive day ! It was great to see you progress creating a number of beautiful and individual outcomes. Wishing you well with your future block printing projects. Best wishes Alison and Liz"

23 Mar 23'

Gaye Spencer reviewed: Block printed Lampshades

"This is the second excellent course I've done at Long Barn and I would thoroughly recommend anyone to come, either by themselves or with friends. Linda and Alison have endless patience, creativity and kindness. It took me ages to get my stamp looking lovely as I'm not precise but they ensured there was time to finish my. bag and my apron anyway. The barn set up is ideal, other participants friendly and helpful and either doing batik or block making like I did, well explained and plenty of time to learn. Try a course!"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Gaye, Thank you for taking the time to tell us about your day. Sometimes the creation of your design can take longer than expected, but this is all part of the learning process and the end result was lovely ! You now have the knowledge and skills to design and produce your own stamps at home - happy printing ! We look forward to seeing you again soon . Best wishes Alison and Liz"

23 Mar 23'

Liz Venn reviewed: Block printed Lampshades

"I am very pleased with what I achieved during the day and will definitely be doing more block printing. Alison and Liz were very clear in their instructions and always at hand to assist during the day. The atmosphere was very friendly and supportive and there were lots of materials to use. We were also well supplied with refreshments! A fabulous setting in their restored barn on the South Downs Way."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Liz, Thank you for your feedback , it was great to hear about your day . The work you produced were really lovely and we are pleased that it has inspired you to continue block printing ! Best wishes Alison and Liz."

22 Mar 23'

Alison reviewed: New - Create unique mono prints in Hampshire, Tuesday 21st March 2023.

"Thoroughly enjoyed the day learning a new technique of mono printing. The tutors were extremely helpful and informative. I can’t wait to attend another craft course of blockprinting very soon. Highly recommended!"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Alison , Thank you for taking the time to tell us about your day . So pleased you enjoyed the day and hope to see you again soon for some block printing ! Best wishes Alison and Liz "

21 Mar 23'

Caroline reviewed: Beautiful Batik

"Absolutely brilliant day. Beautiful, peaceful setting where you can relax and be creative. Two lovely artists who are enthusiastic and encouraging, showing Batik techniques and ideas. "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Caroline , Thank you for your lovely feedback , it was a pleasure to meet and work with you and see your work develop throughout the day . Hopefully the day has inspired you to continue with this addictive process ! Best wishes Alison and Liz "

21 Mar 23'

Jane reviewed: Explore drawing, print and collage

"Alison and Liz were lovely enthusiastic and talented teachers and the long barn is a beautiful venue. I enjoyed the way the workshop gradually built through different techniques to achieve the finished piece. I learnt a lot and left feeling inspired "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Jane, It was lovely to meet you and work with you and thank you for letting us know about your time with us. The processes we used have lots of potential for development and exploration and should provide you with lots of ideas to continue working at home. A workshop is a great stepping off point, so hopefully it's all go and you are drawing, printing and cutting with gusto! Happy making. Alison & Liz "

19 Mar 23'

Milla STACPOOLE reviewed: 1 and 2 Colour Lino cutting and printing - (Art in the Barn) Tuesday 25th March 2025

"A great course. Excellent and v clear professional tuition, relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Beautiful location and all very well set out. Highly recommend. "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Milla, Thanks for letting us know about your time with us in the barn - it’s much appreciated and we really enjoyed working with you. You created a beautiful lino cut, so we hope that it’s the start of a new creative departure for you. Have you planned your next composition? Best wishes and happy cutting. Alison & Liz"

17 Mar 23'

Sue Wood reviewed: It’s only Natural - create decorative wire sculptures in Hampshire, Thursday 16th March

"Excellent day, good fun and great tuition. I loved that Liz came round all the time, to check how we were doing and to help if needed. "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Sue, Thanks for letting us know about your time with us. It was lovely to work with you and share your day. Fine wire is such a lovely material to work with and great when you have a creative urge. We hope you’re order is in for tools and wire. Happy making. Best wishes Alison & Liz"

17 Mar 23'

Beverley Bannister reviewed: It’s only Natural - create decorative wire sculptures in Hampshire, Thursday 16th March

"A great day learning how to work with wire in a lovely place with nice people. Would highly recommend."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Beverley, Thanks for telling us about your day in the barn - it’s much appreciated. It was lovely meeting and working with you, seeing your skills develop throughout the day. We hope you have the time to carry on working with wire and lose yourself in some making. Best wishes Alison & Liz "

17 Mar 23'

Henriette reviewed: It’s only Natural - create decorative wire sculptures in Hampshire, Thursday 16th March

"Wonderful, fun , friendly course in a beautiful setting in the rolling hills of Hampshire "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Henriette , Thanks for telling us about your day. It was lovely to work with you again , always good fun 🤩! You created some beautiful pieces, so hopefully you have an order for materials sorted and time to continue making. Best wishes Alison & Liz"

16 Mar 23'

Mary-Anne Berendt reviewed: It’s only Natural - create decorative wire sculptures in Hampshire, Thursday 16th March

"Lovely day. Relaxing atmosphere. Sharing the experience with other craft lovers. Great tuition and the occasional chocolate biscuit. Please offer courses more than twice a year!"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Mary -Anne , lovely to meet you and thank you for taking the time to tell us about your day . We too have really enjoyed the day , it’s been a great start to our spring arts week . We would love to work with you again . Until then, happy making ! Best wishes Alison and Liz "

22 Feb 23'

Lindsay Donoghue reviewed: From the garden: Still life with a mixed media approach

"This was a wonderful experience. Alison was welcoming, knowledgeable, interesting and a great teacher. She was also incredibly patient when I had a bit of a wobble. The course is suitable for all levels. I am a complete beginner and not only produced something worthy of hanging on the fridge but also had great fun. The Stables is a beautiful place to make art and the flapjacks were delicious. Thank you! "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Lindsay, Thank you for your feedback, it was lovely to meet and work with you both. I think you both made some great progress throughout the day learning new techniques and hopefully it has given you the confidence to continue creating at home. Wishing you all the best ! Alison"

29 Jan 23'

Caroline Kirkman reviewed: Block printed Lampshades

"Excellent course! In spite of being creatively challenged (!) I made gift tags, a tea towel and a tote bag. I’m very pleased with them all! I am confident that I could do more by myself at home. Alison was an excellent tutor - thank you! "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Caroline, it was great to meet and work with you . You produced some fantastic work. Keep up the good work at home ! Best wishes Alison "

16 Jan 23'

Sheena D reviewed: Create with a Gel Printing Plate - Mono Printing Without a Press

"My friend and I arrived on an incredibly wet and windy Saturday into the warm and inviting stable block. We were lucky enough to be part of a very small group so we had lots of expert attention from Alison. She guided us through the process in an easy to understand way and as a complete beginner I was thankful the pace was slow. Once you start making your prints you are completely hooked, every print is a magical discovery and once you start using layers the excitement builds. I came away with 50 prints and I have so many more ideas just waiting to be explored. Alison guides you throughout and is equally enthusiastic about all art produced. We just used one 6x6 gel plate for this course and Alison had a big bucket of paints to borrow but we also took some of our own. Hot drinks were offered frequently and we had the best homemade brownies ever! This course is suitable for literally anyone and is so much fun the hours just shot by. You are given a goodie bag with most importantly well written instructions. I cannot wait to see where my next session of gel printing takes me. Thank you Alison, you may have guessed by now that I loved it. :)"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Sheena, Thank you so much for your feedback, it was really great to meet you and Cathryn at last and it was a pleasure to spend the day teaching you both ! I think you both produced some lovely work and have lots to work with and develop at home now that you both have the basic skills . The great thing about Gel plate printing is you never know what you are going to get which is half the fun and what makes it so addictive. Keep up the good work! Happy printing ! Best wishes Alison"

9 Dec 22'

Rowena reviewed: Block printed Lampshades

"I had a really great day with Alison. The course is in a stunning location and Alison was warm and welcoming. The barn was warm and cosy and was beautifully prepared with everything we needed and extra goodies too. Her patient guidance meant that I came away with some pieces that I was very happy with and inspiration to dabble alone at home. I’ll definitely be back to join her other courses. "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Rowena, Thank you so much for your feedback, it was lovely to meet and work with you. It is always great to see the wide variety of beautiful designs produced, your scarf will make a lovely present! Happy printing ! Best wishes Alison "

9 Dec 22'

Rosie reviewed: Block printed Lampshades

"What a lovely way to spend a day learning a new skill, such a lovely peaceful setting and a nice cosy room. I throughly enjoyed finding out how to block print, as Alison was very helpful and informative giving us great tips on different techniques. The tea, coffee and cakes were an added bonus too. I’m looking forward to trying out some more printing at home. I throughly recommend this course either for yourself, a group of friends, or with family. "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Rosie, Thank you for your feedback, it was great to work with you. So pleased that you enjoyed the day and have caught the printing bug! Hopefully you will continue with this addictive process and go on to produce lots more lovely prints at home! Best wishes Alison "

20 Nov 22'

Marnie Duval reviewed: Beautiful Batik

"I attended this course as part of a 60th birthday gift. I highly recommend it and really enjoyed a totally new crafting experience without feeling daft as a result of being a complete novice. Alison is great at including everyone and explaining the process in a straightforward way. Lovely premises, snug and warm on a chilly November day, plenty of welcoming and on-going refreshments. Good range of inspirational works/examples around to give ideas. Professional, thoughtful and encouraging advice and guidance. If in any doubt - DO IT."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Marnie, Thank you so much for your feedback. It was a pleasure to meet and work with you both, celebrating your special birthday and I hope the rest of your celebrations went well ! I hope to see you again. Best wishes Alison"

16 Nov 22'

Helen Houghton reviewed: Block printed Lampshades

"What a brilliant day spent learning about block printing on fabric. Alison was the perfect host explaining everything really well and spending time with each person. Nothing was too much trouble. We all came away with some lovely pieces of artwork. We were also treated to home made flapjack and hot drinks to keep us all going. I really enjoyed this workshop and block printing is very addictive!"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Helen, Thank you for your feedback. It was lovely to work with you ! You produced some great designs which hopefully you will take away and continue to develop at home. Block printing is a very addictive process and once you have the skills, the sky is the limit! Happy printing! Best wishes Alison"

16 Nov 22'

Anita reviewed: Block printed Lampshades

"What a lovely day, having fun learning new skills and making a design or two that actually looked ok. Thank you Alison for making a beginner actually feel like I’d made a master piece 😂"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Anita, It was lovely to work with you . I am glad you enjoyed the day and hope that you are pleased with your outcomes. Happy printing! Best wishes Alison"