Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn reviews

17 Oct 22'

Liz Venn reviewed: New - Create with a Gel Plate - Advanced Gel Plate in Hampshire.

"Enjoyed the course very much and have come away with lots of creative ideas. Lovely setting and everyone was very friendly and supportive."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Liz, It was lovely working with you again . So pleased that you enjoyed the day and came away with lots of ideas . Happy printing ! Best wishes Alison and Liz"

16 Oct 22'

Henriette reviewed: New - Create with a Gel Plate - Advanced Gel Plate in Hampshire.

"Wonderful course. Filled with colour in every way. Enthusiastic , knowledgeable, encouraging and fun teachers, making this day extra special. Amazing learning environment in a beautiful converted barn in the Hampshire countryside. I absolutely loved it! "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Henriette, Thank you so much for letting us know about your time in the barn. It is always lovely to work someone who is so open and engaged, who approaches something with such positivity. We saw your understanding grow over the weekend, alongside your confidence. Your large mono prints from yesterday will look fabulous once you have them mounted and framed. We too particularly enjoyed our printing yesterday; there was a lovely vibe in the barn. Happy printing. Best wishes Alison & Liz "

16 Oct 22'

Chris Vardy reviewed: Create with a Gel Printing Plate - Mono Printing Without a Press

"Fascinating and enjoyable course with endless, unpredictable pieces of work. Great tuition. "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Chris, Thanks for taking the time to tell us about your day with us - it’s much appreciated and it was good to work with you. Gel plate printing is fascinating, with so many possibilities for development. It takes a bit of thinking about, but with a few sessions under your belt, you’ll have the experience to predict your outcomes. Happy printing. Alison & Liz "

14 Oct 22'

Katy Day reviewed: Beautiful Batik

"We loved this day long course, what fabulous course tutors and amazing surroundings. I felt that we couldn’t have learnt from more patient and knowledgeable people, Alison and Liz were the absolute best. We were taken through the different stages in an easy to understand way and given a chance to try everything along the way. I came away with various pieces on paper and fabric along with recommendations on where to buy supplies if I want to try batik at home. A perfect way to spend a Friday "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Katy , It was lovely to meet and work with you both . Thank you so much for your feedback , so pleased that you enjoyed the day so much. You both produced some beautiful work and I hope that you both feel confident to continue at home ! All the Best, Alison and Liz"

14 Oct 22'

Carol reviewed: Lino cutting for Beginners and Rusty Printmakers

"Fantastic, informative and relaxing course learning the basics of lino cutting, with the emphasis on continuing & developing at home. Liz, who tutored this course, was the perfect teacher; extremely knowledgeable & passionate in sharing her experience to enhance our learning. Alison was the perfect host, supporting this course, while the barn, amenities & location... not to mention the yummy treats during breaks, all led to a brilliant, enjoyable day. Many thanks, Alison & Liz. "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Carol, Thank you so much for your kind words - we are feeling slightly overwhelmed! We love sharing our skills and passion for the processes that inspire us and hope the lovely folks attending our workshops want to carry on making. We are really fortunate to be able to work in such an inspirational setting and it’s equally lovely that everyone feels buoyed up from a day working in the barn. Happy printing. Best wishes Alison & Liz"

21 Apr 22'

Mary Kershaw reviewed: Block printed Lampshades Thursday 15th May 2025

"Very enjoyable and interesting day, nothing was too much trouble for Alison. Excellent instruction and resources. Great to be in a small group, so that we all had plenty of help and encouragement."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Mary, Thank you for taking the time to review the day. It was lovely to work with you and hopefully the skills you have learnt can be put to good use ! Best wishes Alison"

21 Apr 22'

Hellis reviewed: Block printed Lampshades Thursday 15th May 2025

"Alison is a wonderful guide to the world of hand block printing. She took us through the various stages and processes without making it seem difficult or overly demanding. Alison allows one to progress at one's own pace and is extremely willing to add her expertise when one asks for assistance. I enjoyed having such a light airy environment to work in. The whole workshop was well resourced and planned, yet there was an informality and friendliness which would suit any learner lacking in confidence. This was a delightful experience and I will be carrying on with this hobby at home. Thank you Alison for making this a memorable and rewarding workshop."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Hellis, Thank you for taking the time to review your day and for your kind feedback. It was lovely to work with you and I am pleased to hear you are keen to continue this rewarding hobby at home. Wishing you all the best and happy printing ! Alison"

20 Apr 22'

Saoirse Cassidy reviewed: Block printed Lampshades Thursday 15th May 2025

"Lovely relaxed course. Great teacher. No pressure environment for complete beginners. Thoroughly enjoyed learning block printing with this teacher. Lovely, organised work environment with all tools provided. Lovely touch having home made brownies and tea ?"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Saoirse, thank you for your review and feedback. It was lovely to work with you yesterday. You produced some lovely designs which hopefully you will continue to develop at home. I wish you all the best. Happy printing! Best wishes Alison"

4 Apr 22'

Joanne Day reviewed: Beautiful Batik

"I had a fantastic day in a beautiful setting with plenty of refreshments throughout. Alison really helped me understand Batik and for someone who only did it school many years ago I managed to come away with my own lovely framed piece. I can't wait to go back just looking at all her design portfolio was a huge inspiration. Thoroughly recommended ?"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Jo, Thank you for your lovely review, It was great to meet and work with you. I am so pleased you enjoyed the day and I hope that it has given you the confidence to develop your skills further. Happy batiking ! Best wishes Alison"

4 Apr 22'

Victoria Grainger reviewed: Beautiful Batik

"Thank you Alison for a really brilliant day, you are so talented, skillful, professional and hospitable. Firstly, you looked after our every need with a few little surprises too to make it special. Secondly, everything was prepared and ready for our activities which were well staged to help us succeed with the technique. Thirdly, you were attentive to each person helping them in a relevant, encouraging and understanding way. I would love to come back to this beautiful setting for future workshops and would recommend this to friends too."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Victoria, Thank you so much for your lovely feedback, it was great to meet you and work with you yesterday.I am so pleased you enjoyed the day and I hope it has given you the confidence to develop your batik skills ! I look forward to seeing you again. Best wishes Alison"

30 Mar 22'

Jennie whitemore reviewed: Beautiful Batik

"I had a great time in a wonderful place. we were given excellent equipment to work with and good tuition - always someone to help if I wasn't sure what to do next. A lovely atmosphere."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Jennie, Thank you for your feedback . It was lovely to meet you last week and we are really pleased you enjoyed the day and had a wonderful time. We hope to see you again. Best wishes Alison and Liz"

23 Mar 22'

Gill reviewed: Lino cutting for Beginners and Rusty Printmakers

"Alison and Liz were very welcoming and friendly. The tables were well spaced out with plenty of workspace. The day was very well planned out and Liz was informative and encouraging. Alison kept us supplied with drinks and biscuits. We were very pleased with our work at the end of the day and definitely intend to do more Lino printing. I did find rollering the ink on newspaper rather tricky though as the newspaper tended to keep lifting with the roller. If I did another course I’d bring something else to roller the ink onto. All in all a very enjoyable day! Thank you very much Alison and Liz."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Gill and Steve, Good to hear from you - it’s lovely to hear about your time in the barn and it was great working with you both. Lino is a lovely process, with lots of new techniques to explore, including printing methods that suit you and your facilities. Get a few single colour prints under your belt and we may see you Spring 2023 for a reduction printing workshop. Happy printing Best wishes Alison & Liz"

23 Mar 22'

Ruth reviewed: Beautiful Batik

"A really great day - surrounded by Alison's beautiful batiks! Lovely welcome, relaxed atmosphere, clear instructions. Many thanks to Alison and Liz for an inspiring day! Ruth"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Ruth , Thank you for your feedback , it is much appreciated . It was lovely working with you and seeing your skills and designs developing throughout the day . Happy waxing !! Best wishes Alison and Liz"

20 Mar 22'

Mandy Phillips-James reviewed: Lino cutting for Beginners and Rusty Printmakers

"The Lino printing course I attended yesterday was really well organised, careful clear instructions by Liz who’s enthusiasm for the craft was clear and I certainly caught the enjoyment during the day and was really pleased with my finished work and learnt so much about this very satisfying craft, loved it. I felt safe in the venue with social distance being observed and masks used whilst moving around, the facilities are excellent and in such inspiring surroundings . Thank you to Liz and Alison for yet another fabulous day."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Mandy, It was lovely to work with you again. We are so pleased you enjoyed the day and hope it has inspired you to continue exploring this lovely process at home . Happy printing ! Best wishes Alison and Liz"

19 Mar 22'

Liz Venn reviewed: Create with a Gel Printing Plate - Mono Printing Without a Press

"Really enjoyed the course and have lots of ideas for further prints. Excellent teaching of group and individual help whether you were a beginner or more advanced. Came home with a whole pile of prints. Liz and Alison are very friendly, kept us well supplied with materials for printing and also hot drinks and nibbles! Barn is in a fabulous setting. A lovely creative day to get away from it all."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Liz, Lovely to hear from you and we really appreciate you taking the time to tell us about your day. We are really pleased you enjoyed your day exploring Gel plate prints; you created some great pieces and it was lovely to work with you again. Happy printing Best wishes Alison & Liz"

16 Feb 22'

Carolyn reviewed: Block printed Lampshades Thursday 15th May 2025

"Alison was the perfect host including the delicious home baked brownies! As a complete novice, Alison took great care to explain the processes and allowed me all the time I needed to practice before progressing to the next stage. Alison helped with design ideas and refinements and I was delighted with all my take home pieces. The venue is quiet and peaceful and the craft room exceptionally well equipped and comfortable. Plenty of parking and all the facilities you need for a brilliant creative experience. I’ve been totally inspired and have acquired all the equipment needed to carry on my newly acquired skills at home. A fantastic day and highly recommended."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Carolyn, I am so pleased that you enjoyed the day , it was lovely to work with you both . You produced some great designs and I am delighted to hear that you have been inspired to continue your new hobby at home. Happy printing ! Best wishes Alison"

12 Feb 22'

Kerry reviewed: Block printed Lampshades Thursday 15th May 2025

"Such a lovely day learning a new craft. Alison was so friendly and we came away with lovely bags, gift tags and wrapping paper. Tea, coffee and homemade brownies were a bonus. Highly recommend x"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Kerry, Thank you so much for your feedback. It was lovely to meet you all yesterday, so pleased you enjoyed the day. You produced some lovely prints - keep on creating! Best wishes Alison"

19 Oct 21'

Sonhild Grey reviewed: Beautiful Batik

"This was my second workshop at Art in The Barn, previously did Gelli Plate mono printing and this time Batik on Paper. Absolutely LOVED the entire day, learning a new skill, taught at a perfect level, brisk and with plenty of individual attention and even extra time at the end to finish my main piece. ( time just flies, when you’re having a great time!). The venue was lovely to work in, with the Covid regulations in place. Highly recommended."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Sonhild, Thank you for your feedback, it was great to work with you again. We enjoyed guiding you through the batik process and you produced some beautiful and vibrant works of art. We look forward to seeing you again. Best wishes Alison"

16 Oct 21'

Jennifer Adams reviewed: Inspired by Bloomsbury: exploring a mixed media approach - Saturday 22nd March 2025

"I thoroughly enjoyed the day & felt I gradually got the feel of looser, more relaxed brushwork using vibrant colours. It’s a fabulous venue & the teaching was just right for me. Thank you."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Jennifer, It was great to see you again for the Still Life workshop. We were really pleased that you enjoyed the day and embraced the mixed media approach using dyes, inks and collage. it was lovely to see all the varied work that everyone produced on the day. We look forward to seeing you again next year. Best wishes Alison and Liz"

13 Oct 21'

Sonhild Grey reviewed: Create with a Gel Printing Plate - Mono Printing Without a Press

"The GELLI plate printing workshop with Liz and Alison, both professional artists, was absolutely top notch. Meticulously organised, in a delightful Hampshire countryside setting. There was plenty of space, copious refreshments and plenty of gentle encouragement, suggestions and individual attention when needed. The GELLI Plate is a fun and accessible medium and I came away with loads of prints, and a HUGE smile. Highly recommended."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Sonhild , Thank you for your feedback . We are really pleased that you enjoyed the day and came away with lots of prints that you could continue to work on at home , Gelli plate is such a versatile medium suitable for all levels and you produced some Great work . Happy printing ! Best wishes Alison and Liz"

13 Oct 21'

Judith Horgan reviewed: Beautiful Batik

"This was my second craft course with Alison and Liz at Art in the Barn. It was equally as good as the lino cutting course I had previously done. Alison and Liz are very good hosts who quickly put you at ease while they show you the various techniques. There is no pressure to finish anything at a set time but they do show you the next step you might take as the day goes on. There is no pushing you out of the door at the end of the day either, but you are made welcome to stay and finish your final piece. Would thoroughly recommend."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Judith , Thank you for coming on the batik workshop, it was lovely to work with you again and we were pleased that you enjoyed the day. We look forward to seeing you again. Best wishes Alison and Liz"

12 Oct 21'

Charlotte Rose reviewed: Beautiful Batik

"Fantastic day! I had so much fun learning the techniques and trying new things. It was great to come away with a few pieces. The venue was brilliant and the tuition very clear and helpful. Highly recommend- thank you!"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Charlotte, We’re really pleased you enjoyed your day at Art in the Barn and thanks for taking the time to review your experience. You produced some beautiful pieces and you’ll hopefully get the chance to explore some more batik work. Best wishes Alison"

12 Oct 21'

Liz Venn reviewed: Festive Blind embossing: lino printing without inks in Hampshire.

"Excellent course in a lovely location. Very friendly, knowledgeable tutors and generous supply of materials and refreshments! Learnt how to use lino cutters and emboss various designs using a press. Very pleased with the work I produced and would recommend their courses."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Liz, Lovely to work with you again and thank you for your taking the time to review your day. Blind embossing is such a lovely process, with lots of off shoots to explore - you just need to get your press ordered! Best wishes Alison"

11 Oct 21'

Rachel Cable reviewed: Festive Blind embossing: lino printing without inks in Hampshire.

"Another fantastic workshop facilitated by Liz and Alison in Art at the Barn. Its my third workshop and I was not disappointed. Didn’t know what to expect with Blind Embossing but it was a real treat. Everything was explained thoroughly and all materials supplied. You leave with a thirst for creativity and a sense of achievement having learnt something new. Brilliant day."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Rachel, Lovely to work with you again and we really appreciate your review. We are basking in your lovely words. See you in the Spring. Best wishes Alison"

11 Oct 21'

Jacquie Wood reviewed: Festive Blind embossing: lino printing without inks in Hampshire.

"A wonderful relaxing and creative course. For an absolute beginner they took me through the whole process and I finished the day delighted with my embossing skills. Great teaching and great location. Absolutely recommend for all levels. They adapt to suit you."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Jacquie, Lovely to work with you and we really appreciate your taking the time to review your day with us. Blind embossing is such a lovely technique and it’s great to share it. Despite this being your first experience of lino cutting, you created some beautiful pieces. Happy cutting. Best wishes Alison"