Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn reviews

11 Oct 21'

Amanda reviewed: Lino cutting for Beginners and Rusty Printmakers

"An excellent course. A really enjoyable and well planned day that was skillfully paced. It was relaxed and friendly with the momentum to ensure that skills were acquired and results obtained by the end of the day. Alison and Liz are really knowledgeable, approachable with a wide range of ideas and suggestions. I started as a complete beginner but left the course with tangible results and skills learned, along with the confidence to continue making at home. The location is idyllic with plenty of car parking. I can't wait to do another course with Liz and Alison."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Amanda, Thank you for taking the time to review your workshop. We’re really pleased that you enjoyed your day with us, as we did with you. Your lino cut was beautifully precise and we can see that you’ll want to carry on and create more lino pieces - it’s addictive. We look forward to working with you again. Best wishes Alison"

11 Oct 21'

Marion reviewed: Block printed Lampshades Thursday 15th May 2025

"Totally absorbing. Well presented. Techniques clearly demonstrated Encouragement and help always near at hand. An en joyable day with the added bonus of lunch outside in the sun in a beautiful setting."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Marion, It was lovely to meet you again. Glad that you enjoyed the day and came away with some lovely work. Happy printing ! Best wishes Alison and Liz"

10 Oct 21'

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

"A really creative course, working with inks, paints and collage, using the Bloomsbury group as inspiration for making your own flower pictures. It is suitable for all types of experience - due to the quality of the teaching. The course is set in a beautiful, large, airy, light barn in West Meon. What’s not to like?"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Jeni, It was lovely to see you again and great to see you engaging with the Bloomsbury vibe ! Happy painting . Best wishes Alison"

10 Oct 21'

Susanna Jarrett reviewed: Block printed Lampshades Thursday 15th May 2025

"It was a hectic week and then to spend six hours in the calm of the barn learning a new skill was just amazing. I came away not only with a hand printed apron but with a feeling of achievement and enthusiasm for making more of my own stamps and continuing my journey with block prints. I really enjoyed the day and would really recommend it to anyone wanting to learn a new skill or just to reset and take a day out to focus on yourself."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Zanna , It was lovely to have you here in the barn again, it was lovely to see your love of flowers transferring to your block prints . Next time I buy flowers I look forward to the hand printed card ! Happy printing ??"

8 Oct 21'

Lee Winter reviewed: A day of drawing with line and wire in Hampshire.

"Really enjoyed the day, learnt loads and feel like I can pick up a paint brush again. Good company too."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Lee, Thank you for your feedback. We are really pleased you enjoyed the day and learnt so much. We hope you continue with the drawing and painting and we hope the fish are much admired! Best wishes Liz and Alison"

8 Oct 21'

Susan reviewed: Lino cutting for Beginners and Rusty Printmakers

"Instructive and very friendly. Lovely venue and very welcoming… definitely recommend this course."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Susan , Thank you for your feedback , it was lovely to meet you , so pleased you enjoyed the day. We look forward to seeing you again . Best wishes Liz and Alison"

8 Oct 21'

Abbey Hollands reviewed: A day of drawing with line and wire in Hampshire.

"What a lovely day, exceeded my expectations. Excellent teaching with a smile."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Abbey, Thank so much for taking the time to review your day - it’s much appreciated. We’re really pleased that you enjoyed your day and it was good fun working with you. Happy drawing and hope to see you again. Best wishes Alison"

7 Jun 21'

kate Titley reviewed: Block printed Lampshades Thursday 15th May 2025

"Great day out - beautiful setting, patient and thoughtful teaching. Friendly group - wonderful way to share a day, learning a new skill in lovely company."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Kate, Thank you for your feedback, it was lovely to work with you. Happy printing ! Best wishes Alison"

5 Jun 21'

Wendy Nev reviewed: Beautiful Batik

"What an amazing class. I’m still glowing from it. Alison is wonderful and takes the class at a good pace. Learned so much and I’m inspired to take it up at home. The Art Barn is a fab venue."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Wendy, I am so pleased that you enjoyed your day, it was a pleasure to work with you all. I hope that you now feel inspired to continue creating at home . Very best wishes Alison"

24 May 21'

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

"This is the fourth course I have been on at Art in the Barn and as usual I was not disappointed - it was excellent! Lots of fun, creativity and I’ve come back with lots of prints! The setting is beautiful, there are lots of materials and the course works for all levels and abilities, I can’t recommend them highly enough!"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Jeni, Thank you for your review, it was really lovely to work with you again. You produced some great prints and now you can now take the opportunity to develop these further. We look forward to seeing the results - happy printing! Best wishes Alison and Liz"

19 May 21'

Susie Harries reviewed: Create with a Gel Printing Plate - Mono Printing Without a Press

"This was an excellent session. It was very clear that our teacher, Liz Wellby has come from a teaching background. Everything was extremely well organised and she stretched everyone to achieve their best, whether they were complete novices or experienced artists. A thoroughly enjoyable day in which I achieved lots of exciting work and I can’t wait to develop the skills I have learnt further. Thanks Liz."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Susie, Lovely to see you again and really appreciate you taking the time to do a review. You produced some great work and we hope that you continue to explore this exciting process. Best wishes Alison and Liz"

19 May 21'

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

"What a lovely day at the barn. Very well organised with hands on (socially distanced of course) instruction , encouragement and advice. The structure was well planned and we were supplied with everything we needed. I forgot my acrylic paint and was able to use theirs which was helpful. We all went away at the end of the day with a huge amount of prints that we had created."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Annabel, Lovely to meet and work with you and hope that you can continue developing your printmaking skills. We really appreciate you taking the time to review your day and we look forward to seeing you again in the future. Best wishes Alison & Liz"

19 May 21'

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

"I thoroughly enjoyed the day - Liz’s demonstrations and teaching were great and the one to one help made all the difference in trying to achieve each of the three projects. The barn itself is a lovely space to be in with a very friendly atmosphere and Alison’s coffee was delicious and generous! I will look forward to the next workshop! Thank you both."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Wendy, Lovely to meet and work with you and thank you for taking the time to review your day. We’re very happy that enjoyed your workshop and hope you will create many more lovely wire pieces. Looking forward to seeing you again. Best wishes Alison & Liz"

19 May 21'

Mary Rowland reviewed: Beautiful Batik

"The gradual build up of the layers in preparation for a final picture, helped me to understand the processes and see the possibilities. A real learning experience with such enjoyment. Thanks for a delightful day. I would strongly recommend doing this course."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Mary, Lovely to work with you again and so pleased that you found your day helping to reinforce your knowledge and understanding. Thank you for recommending this workshop. Best wishes Alison"

19 May 21'

Mary Rowland reviewed: Create with a Gel Printing Plate - Mono Printing Without a Press

"A totally wonderful day! Excellent and kind tuition, with endless patience. Good advice and suggestions without saying "do it this way." Lovely setting as well and as soon as you arrive you can't help but feel a sense of well being. Thank you so much."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Mary, We are sat with very large smiles on our faces. Thank you for your kind words. Best wishes Alison & Liz"

18 May 21'

Oenone Hammersley reviewed: Create with a Gel Printing Plate - Mono Printing Without a Press

"The gel printing workshop was great fun and very intensive. We learned how to print and mask print also how to make stencils. It was all very interesting and useful for me. Liz and Alison are very friendly and helpful. They make sure that everyone is happy and has when they need. They guide you if it’s needed and serve hot drinks and chocolate biscuits to keep you going. What more could you want!"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Oenone, Lovely to see you again, really pleased that you enjoyed the workshop and your day. We hope it helps develop your painting ideas ; you produced some lovely work. Best wishes Alison and Liz"

18 May 21'

Mandy Phillips-James reviewed: Beautiful Batik

"Really enjoyed my day of learning a new skill, it was taught at a good pace and lots of opportunities to ask questions and seek advice . The venue was so lovely to work in and I felt very safe with the Covid guidelines in place . I came away feeling I had achieved something beautiful and the time flew by. Excellent day."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Mandy, Lovely to work with you. Really pleased that you enjoyed your day with us. Hope this is the start of something new for you. Very best wishes Alison"

17 May 21'

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

"What a lovely day. Very relaxed in a beautiful setting with great tuition and lovely projects. Everyone working to their own pace after the demonstrations and great instruction. Love all the things I made they’re all CUTE which I love. Thanks. Lesley"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Lesley , we really appreciate you taking the time to do us a review. It was lovely working with you and we are really pleased you had such a great day. Best wishes Alison and Liz"

17 May 21'

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

"Really enjoyable day. Instruction excellent by Liz who made it a fun learning experience. Learnt the art of making wire birds which was achieved and much more. Lovely hospitable atmosphere created by Liz and Alison."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Sue, Really happy you enjoyed your day with us and thank you for taking the time to tell us. You created some beautiful pieces, which I hope you will enjoy at home. Go order that wire! Best wishes Alison & Liz"

16 May 21'

Lindsey McBarron reviewed: Block printed Lampshades Thursday 15th May 2025

"Thoroughly enjoyed the day. The tutors were knowledgeable and very helpful."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Lindsey, Thanks for taking the time to do a review, it is much appreciated. Hope you continue with your cutting and printing . Look forward to seeing you in June. Best wishes Alison and Liz"

16 May 21'

Judith Horgan reviewed: Block printed Lampshades Thursday 15th May 2025

"I really enjoyed the block printing course run by Alison and Liz which I recently attended. The location was fabulous. The welcome was lovely from the start despite the social distancing. Alison and Liz explained each section of the process in a relaxed, informal way whilst still covering health and safety and all the important bits. Personally I quite liked the social distancing aspect because it meant I concentrated on the work in hand instead of chatting with new faces. We were not hurried out of the workshop at the end of the alloted time but allowed to finish our work, which was very much appreciated. Alison and Liz went out of their way to show us how to continue with our newly learned skill. I would definitely recommend a course with them and look forward to doing another myself."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Judith, Lovely to work with you . Thank you fir taking the time to do your review, it is much appreciated . Happy cutting and printing . Alison and Liz"

16 May 21'

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

"This was a fantastic workshop, pitched perfectly and very well Paced. I liked that the three projects all progressed naturally on from each other in terms of difficulty level, each building on skills from the previous project. All conducted in a beautiful setting with all equipment and facilities needed and friendly and helpful tutors Liz and Alison. I’m sure I’ll be back for another workshop in the future."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Caroline, Lovely to see and work with you again . Very pleased that you enjoyed your day so much and really appreciate your positivity and your comments. Hope to see you in October ! Best wishes Alison and Liz"

15 May 21'

Penelope Kirk reviewed: Block printed Lampshades Thursday 15th May 2025

"What a thoroughly enjoyable day I spent with nine other ‘students’ under the experienced and watchful gaze of Alison and Liz. The block printing course was very special and I feel I may have discovered a new hobby! Alison and Liz were great teachers; so patient and clear in their demonstrations and due to the small class size, there was plenty of one to one support, with close adherence to Covid safety regulations. The barn is a wonderful venue in which to allow the creative juices to flow and everything was so carefully set out with individual tables laden with all the resources needed for the day. Tea and coffee is available throughout and the six hours sped by. The course is excellent value and I was delighted with my creations!"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Pen, Such a lovely review, really appreciate it ! It was a pleasure to work with you and we look forward to seeing you again in the future. Good luck with your new hobby and happy printing . Best wishes Alison and Liz"

15 May 21'

Fran Lunn reviewed: Block printed Lampshades Thursday 15th May 2025

"You will be made feel at home as soon as you enter the stunning barn by Alison & Liz who are excellent tutors and very talented artists. All your needs are catered for and nothing is too much trouble, COVID guidelines were well thought out and students safety was paramount without being oppressive. With their support and encouragement you make designs worthy of printing on fabrics, paper and card and then you become hooked, I can’t wait to visit the art store for supplies. Thank you ladies you have created a unique and special place to impart your creative and artistic skills. Looking forward to learning more in the future."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Fran, Such a glowing review, you have really made our day! Much appreciated and would love to work with you again . Best wishes Alison and Liz"

13 May 21'

Katrin reviewed: New - Inspired by Tiles : Two colour lino cutting and printing in Hampshire. Fully Booked

"A well planned course with scope for everyone to take their printing in a personal direction whilst under the instruction of two excellent tutors. The beautiful rural setting makes this a delightful venue and the spacious barn allowed for comfortable social distancing."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Katrin, Lovely to work with you again. Thanks for taking the time to tell us about your day and we’re really pleased you enjoyed your workshop. Happy printing. Alison & Liz"