Lynne Friel reviews

21 Oct 19'

Jayne Towndrow reviewed: Japanese book making

"So having previously completed a leather journal workshop with Lynne I have now done Japanese stab binding. This is endlessly fascinating to me. I came home with three completed, absolutely beautiful books. I find this an absolutely stunning result. Lynne is a great teacher, patience without limit, which frankly is a requirement with me in a classroom. I don't know how she does it. I learned exactly what I wanted to learn so it was terrific. Because she is as she is, one feels able to have another go, at home or another workshop. I felt I could be myself and ask questions. Over and over. And I met Angie who I just loved straight away. One of the most wonderful things was the range of choice for one's books. So many papers and colours and threads. It's like no two books need ever be the same."

30 Jun 19'

Angie Hatchett reviewed: 1-to-1 Mount cutting and effective presentation for painters and photographers

"I had a very productive day on this course. Lynne is an excellent and patient tutor. I was new to cutting mounts, although I've done a fair amount of straightforward cutting, I have never before used a beveled cutter. I returned home with three mounted pieces, one of which was an etching I'd done many years ago which had been spoiled by being stuck with non archival tape to a board. I'm very happy to say that it has been rescued as best as it can be and is now safe for me to frame. I did get confused at one point, but Lynne was at hand to put me right. She is a very encouraging tutor and I would certainly recommend her courses."

30 Jun 19'

Angie Hatchett reviewed: Leather long stitch journal / artist's book (beginners)

"I had a most enjoyable day yesterday. Lynne is an excellent and patient tutor. I have come home with two lovely leather books - I had to go and give them a little pat this morning, just to make sure I'd not dreamed them up. It was an extremely hot day and Lynne did her utmost all day to make sure that myself and the other student were comfortable, with fans and drink etc. She also provided a delicious home-made cherry cake and we enjoyed a morning break and, having bought along our own lunch, we sat in her pretty secluded garden. I would recommend this course unreservedly."

19 Jun 19'

Jeremy Wyman reviewed: Leather long stitch journal / artist's book (beginners)

"Yet another excellent course from a Platinum Craft Course provider. We do lots of courses and this one is one of the best. We have the journals we made in pride of place in our hall for all to see and couldn’t have done it without Lynne’s careful help. Lots of interesting discussion, really good cake and excellent notes to take away if you want to continue. These notes have to be commended as they are clear complete and helpful. Downside is that we have now started looking at any leather item in a new light, wondering how many covers we could get out of a leather coat in the charity shop for example!"

17 Jun 19'

B Stocks reviewed: Leather travel journal workshop

"Had a great few hours with Lynn and learned so much. She was a great tutor and willing to share lots of tips and tricks. Really pleased with the journals I brought home. Inspired to get on and make some more. The cake was yummy too!!"

15 Jun 19'

M Abery reviewed: Leather travel journal workshop

"An excellent day - really enjoyable and thrilled with the journals I made. Lynne was a great teacher - explained everything well, provided well set out learning materials and ensured we practised during the day on our own so I’m confident I can make more of them to an equally high standard. She also generously provided delicious cake, which helped us along!"

6 Jun 19'

Kamome reviewed: 1-to-1 Mount cutting and effective presentation for painters and photographers

"Due to an up-coming exhibition, I urgently needed to learn about mount cutting, but Lynne taught us mount cutting together with framing, which in fact one needs to learn for proper presentation of the work. Lynne pays absolute attention to the details, and even when I made a mistake, she showed me how to recover from it. Lynne also gave us plenty of practical and valuable information which cannot be found on the internet, based on her many years of experience. It was a workshop conducted in a warm and very friendly atmosphere, and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole day."

3 Jun 19'

Christine reviewed: Leather long stitch journal / artist's book (beginners)

"This is the second course I have attended with Lynne.I can’t recommend her courses highly enough. She is an excellent tutor and the day was well planned. The materials were first class, each of us was provided with all the tools and sundries we needed to complete two books and the cake and tea flowed. What more could you want. The knowledge I gained and the instruction sheet we came away with left me confident that I can pursue this craft at home."

30 May 19'

alix mercer-Rees reviewed: 1-to-1 Mount cutting and effective presentation for painters and photographers

"I have attended two courses with Lynne and would highly recommend them, both the journal making and mount cutting. Lynne is a experienced and calm teacher and willing to share her vast knowledgeable on the subjects she is teaching. Working in a small group setting meant no one was left out and understood clearly what was going on. Lynne bakes a lovely cake as well!"

21 May 19'

Lesley Doyle reviewed: 1-to-1 Mount cutting and effective presentation for painters and photographers

"As a photographer, there is the creative flow of taking, processing, cropping and printing a photograph, but attending Lynne's excellent course reinforced emphatically for me that mounting is another essential part of that creative flow, and one not to be neglected or handed over to a framing shop! Lynne is an excellent teacher, attentive and responsive to the needs of her students, and I was very pleased indeed to take home my mounted work at the end of the day to show off. The day was well structured, with good notes and demonstrations moving quickly on to preparing and cutting mounts ourselves, we were so engrossed and caught up in it we lost track of time! An excellent day, and very pleased indeed that I attended."

17 May 19'

Clair Payne reviewed: 1-to-1 Mount cutting and effective presentation for painters and photographers

"Really informative day and surprisingly satisfying! Learned more than expected and will definitely be booking the next level course"

16 May 19'

Janet Morris reviewed: 1-to-1 Mount cutting and effective presentation for painters and photographers

"An excellent course that Lynne has structured and organised down to the finest detail. Lynne is a brilliant, patient tutor attending to each student individually and inspiring us with confidence. Lynne has a wealth of knowledge and experience that she shares willingly. A thoroughly enjoyable day wherein I feel I have learnt so much about every aspect of the mount cutting process. The clear and comprehensive notes are excellent too. I would recommend this course most highly."

16 May 19'

Judith reviewed: 1-to-1 Mount cutting and effective presentation for painters and photographers

"I can't imagine a better or more enjoyable introduction to mount cutting. Lynne got us hands on straight away and by the end of the well-organised day all three of us in the group had received individual attention as needed and produced two professionally mounted pictures. Lynne's very clear and methodical approach along with the very informative handout left me feeling confident that I would retain all I had learnt. I'm now raring to go!"

30 Apr 19'

Cecile Allen reviewed: Leather long stitch journal / artist's book (beginners)

"Lynn's workshop was such a blast! Really worth investing in the day. Resources were well prepared and the instructions incredibly clear. The raw materials were plentiful and I was able to make my own choices, and Lynn was there to teach and guide on how they could/should be used. Making two books meant I could keep one and give one away as a handmade gift. All in all a perfect day. Thank you. Ps. The cherry cake is superb!"

10 Apr 19'

Hanna Appleyard reviewed: 1-to-1 Mount cutting and effective presentation for painters and photographers

"Very good and enjoyable course. Lynne is very organised (everything was laid out before our arrival) and a great teacher. The class was small and tuition was shared equally amongst the participants. Not only did we learn how to make professional looking mounts but also how to professionally position and secure artworks within the mounts for long term protection. There was discussion on choice of materials, mounting styles and we received a comprehensive set of notes to take away. Most importantly, I now feel confident to make my own professional looking mounts."

9 Apr 19'

Jo and Jayne Smith reviewed: 1-to-1 Mount cutting and effective presentation for painters and photographers

"Had a really fantastic day learning how to cut mounts from beginning to end. Lynne was an excellent tutor and was able to give a lot of one to one instruction and guidance. We were delighted with the end results, thoroughly enjoyed our day and would highly recommended this course to others. Lynne’s professional experience, attention to detail and friendly helpful approach makes this course one not to be missed by anyone wishing to mount their own work with confidence and to a very high standard. Thanks again Lynne"

29 Mar 19'

Sam Cole reviewed: Leather travel journal workshop

"This is the second course I have done with Lynn and as usual this was a great experience. I made 2 journals which I a very pleased with - many thanks Lynn, I had a lovely time - highly recommended."

29 Mar 19'

Linda Curwen reviewed: Leather travel journal workshop

"I thoroughly enjoyed my day, I learnt many new skills and came away with two fine journals. Lynn is a very good teacher, she is observant and made some good suggestions. Thanks to Lynn I will always have a pen attached to my journal."

25 Mar 19'

Jenna Dewhurst reviewed: Leather long stitch journal / artist's book (beginners)

"Great course taught by a brilliant teacher. Clear instructions throughout with a set of own materials and tools supplied for use. Course moved at a good pace to fit everything in without feeling rushed. Good choice of materials so that your individuality could come through and all journals were different at the end of the day. Great handout given to take away and a follow up email with suppliers details etc. A really nice attentive tutor and good cake, what more could you ask for."

23 Mar 19'

Neil Hawkins reviewed: Leather long stitch journal / artist's book (beginners)

"A really fun day with Lynne, making 2 books - a small book in the morning and a larger book in the afternoon. The pace of the course was just right and Lynne gave attention to the three of us as we needed it. As a complete novice, I liked the fact that all the materials, tools etc for the workshops are provided - I've seen some courses where the students are required to bring along various materials / tools, which as I beginner I do not own and don't know if I want to buy until I have completed the course. Lynne has a vast array of materials available, so it was enjoyable to see the three of us all struggle to choose the materials / colours. Lynne provided good notes which we took home with us and followed up with an email summarising the day with hints and tips on where to buy materials etc. If you want to try something new, I would certainly recommend this course with Lynne as an excellent tutor. Oh and the home-made cake was delicious ;-)"

7 Mar 19'

Lynne Doyle reviewed: Leather long stitch journal / artist's book (beginners)

"A fabulous day with Lynne. Accessible to all, Lynne was patient, kind, enthusiastic and a talented teacher. Thank you"

6 Mar 19'

Denise reviewed: Leather long stitch journal / artist's book (beginners)

"A fabulous day spent with Lynn in her lovely home workshop. Lynn is enthusiastic and encouraging, just the right mix of advice with creative freedoms. I came home with two wonderful journals, plus the know how and confidence to make more! The cake was delicious too"

3 Mar 19'

Nicky Anderson reviewed: Leather long stitch journal / artist's book (beginners)

"What an enjoyable day's crafting. Each of us had our own little tool kits to use and every stage was demonstrated and explained clearly. Lynne was great and was able to foresee our choice dilemmas, so kept us on track and plied with tea and cake. It was friendly and relaxed and challenging at the same time. We all managed to finish two beautiful leather bound books; each one was different and all of us were chuffed with the results. Thoroughly recommended!"

24 Feb 19'

Nicola reviewed: Leather long stitch journal / artist's book (beginners)

"My mum and I went along to Lynne's lovely house in Chichester for the one-day course. Lynne is an excellent teacher, structuring the day perfectly so there is time for learning each skill, cutting and pressing the paper, choosing the leather (that part takes the longest!), and making two notebooks. We were both very proud of our finished books. Each looked very different, since Lynne had encouraged us to be creative with different colours, textures and buttons. Highly recommended!"

12 Feb 19'

Harriet Anderson reviewed: 1-to-1 Mount cutting and effective presentation for painters and photographers

"I had an inspiring day with Lynne and saw with my own eyes how adding or changing the mount can transform a picture. Mount cutting really is an essential skill for all artists and Lynne is an excellent teacher to learn with. She was well-prepared, always clear in her instructions, paid attention to necessary detail, and was altogether immensely generous with her time and input. And her homemade cake was second to none. Altogether an excellent workshop."