Lynne Friel reviews

12 Feb 19'

Steve, amateur photographer reviewed: 1-to-1 Mount cutting and effective presentation for painters and photographers

"Excellent practical day learning techniques for mounting my photographs and putting it into practice with the support of Lynne and with a small group of other participants. I was very pleased with the four mounted photographs I completed and am well prepared to do more back home. Great day out to learn a useful and creative skill and meet others in a friendly workshop. As an amateur photographer just starting to mount photos for club competitions this session was first class. I travelled 50 miles to the event and it was worth the time. Highly recommended."

28 Nov 18'

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

"What a great course. I feel like I got such a good insight into a brilliant new skill. Lynne was very patient & had such knowledge. Highly recommended this course!"

25 Nov 18'

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

"This workshop is excellent. It is very well structured and takes the participants through the whole process of preparing a painting or photograph for an exhibition. Class sizes are a maximum of 4 which makes a very friendly learning environment. There are excellent course notes and Lynne demonstrates and explains very clearly how to measure up and cut mounts. She is very knowledgeable and flexible so that she can respond positively to all the various images that the participants provide."

14 Nov 18'

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

"A really lovely course and fantastic to be able to make and complete two journals in the day. Very pleased with the end results. Lynne is very patient and enthusiastic and all instructions are clear. A very relaxing day and new skills learnt! Would certainly recommend this course. Thank you Lynne."

17 Oct 18'

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

"Lynne is a fun and capable teacher - she very clearly demonstrates the basics, working at the students pace, as well as providing useful information for working outside the box in one's own time. I came away satisfied, not-too-overloaded, inspired by the success of the day, and keen to find leather to upcycle into Christmas presents. I also very much appreciated the welcome to her home studio, which was warm and inviting with the added bonus of fabulous cake! I would definitely recommend this course for beginners and those who want a fun weekend day getting creative in a new discipline or in company of others."

9 Oct 18'

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

"I spent the day with Lynne on saturday, and what a fab day it was! As soon as I walked in I felt at home and relaxed, Lynne is very welcoming and had all the lovely leathers out ready to choose from. I loved making my two journals (I was even able to select recycled paper and graph paper!) eating the gorgeous homemade cake, and spending time in her beautiful home. I am already planning on going back after christmas to make the travel journal too. A very informative, fun and productive day!"

22 Sep 18'

Jayne Towndrow reviewed: Leather journal workshop in Stockbridge, Hampshire

"I do quite a few workshops and this one is one of the very best I have ever done. I have come home with two books made - and of sufficient quality that I can give them as gifts. I was so impressed with my books, I felt as though I was brilliant. What more could one ask? A lovely, relaxed workshop with tea and cake. Both Lynne and Alison were there and both helped me to utilise a piece of enamelware I had made on a workshop elsewhere. I am so grateful that neither minded what a fusspot I was being. (I didn't mean to be, it just turned out that way.) I will be taking forward the things I have learned in this workshop and will try making some books at home. But, for today, the books - fabulous!"

12 Sep 18'

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

"An excellent day. Lynne leads you through the processes in a clear and friendly manner, with lots of inspirational suggestions as you go to make two very individual and personal books. Sharing ideas, laughs and delicious cake made it a great day. Highly recommended."

10 Sep 18'

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

"I could not wait to get going on making a journal and Lynne was so accommodating in fitting me - there were just two of us the day I attended and we had a fabulous day. Lynne was a great teacher, very patient, full of inspiration and tips, she was also open to any ideas and suggestions from us. Plenty of choice of leather colours, thread binding and elastic closures. All in all a wonderful day. Thank you Lynne"

31 Aug 18'

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

"Before attending this course I was a complete novice and had little idea of what it would involved. I turned up with some of my grandson's artwork, feeling apprehensive but was quickly put at ease by Lynne's friendly manner. Her instructions were clear (excellent paperwork was provided) and she demonstrated each stage which was good for a kinaesthetic learner like me. Nothing was too much for Lynne and she was quick to help when I made a mistake, offering advice on how to deal with this, keeping me calm. As the day progressed I grew in confidence, eventually taking home beautifully framed pictures; my grandson is delighted with them! I now have the equipment and am enthusiastic to use my new found knowledge. I would wholeheartedly recommend Lynne's course."

11 Jul 18'

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

"I had a wonderful day making my 2 leather journals. Lynne is a great teacher and the setting is beautiful. She is very knowledgeable and has some brilliant ideas. I can highly recommend this course - excellent!"

10 Jul 18'

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

"I booked two places on this course as a birthday present for a 'crafty' friend. We both had a great day and went home with two journals which were completely different and individual and of which we were inordinately proud. Lynne is a wonderful teacher, so patient and accommodating. Let's you do everything yourself but is there keeping an eye out to guide you where needed. Oh and the homemade cherry cake was delicious."

27 Jun 18'

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

"An excellent value course to learn the basics of mount cutting. Lynne clearly has a lot of experience which she is very willing to share. The course was well structured with excellent course notes and preparation yet Lynne was able to be very flexible and accommodating to each student and the individual needs. I would have no hesitation in recommending this course."

24 Jun 18'

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

"A perfect course for stationery lovers or for crafters who would like to try something different. Lynne's fun teaching style encourages you to get creative and make a truly unique journal for yourself or as a gift. The leather I used for my journals was originally from leather coats from the 60s & 70s in an array of colours and styles. So, no 2 journals could possibly be the same. Lynne gave thorough explanations and provided hand outs so that I could work and learn at my own pace. There is no rush and if you can't get your head around a technique, Lynne will patiently go through it with you 1 - 1. I also made 2 journals on the one-day course I attended which I thought was real vale for money."

24 Jun 18'

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

"I travelled some way to attend this course, but it was well worth it! Lynne was very welcoming, hospitable and generous, and I felt very at ease in her home environment! There was a great exchange and sharing of ideas between tutor and students and it was lovely to be able to do that. I was really pleased with my achievements on the day, and now I love to pick up and handle the two leather journals that I made!! The helpful notes and list of suppliers for threads and tools is so useful, enabling me to carry on making!"

23 Jun 18'

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

"Two days ago I spent a wonderful day with Lynne, our gifted teacher. I learnt so much. At each stage we were carefully guided through the process. As with many things careful preparation leads to success. By the end of the day we had successfully cut and mounted several pictures. I have since mounted two more pictures at home with equal success. To have the confidence to carry on at home shows how well I was taught. I would highly recommend this course."

23 Jun 18'

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

"A really enjoyable day and I'm really pleased with the books I have brought home. Lynne's instructions are very clear, including those on the handout which will enable me to make more books at home. Lynne has endless patience and was very helpful. There was an extensive choice of materials too. I had a great day."

12 Jun 18'

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

"A very enjoyable day, well structured - Lynne explained each stage clearly and was patient if any process required further instruction. I look forward to attending further workshops run by Lynne and based on this day would recommend to anyone."

12 Jun 18'

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

"A very rewarding day. lynne is an excellent teacher. Putting you at ease with her gentle, clear and concise manner. Giving encouragement and help along the way. At the end of the day you have two beautiful books you can be proud of, and enough skills to go home and try again."

23 Apr 18'

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

"As a complete novice, Lynne's warm and generous nature removed any nerves that I had before the course. The well stocked studio was comfortable and relaxed and Lynne's teaching was patient yet full of passion and enthusiasm. Leaving the studio at the end of the day with my newly mounted artworks was a very special type of joy. Oh, and the homemade cake, mmm..! I would highly recommend this course."

14 Apr 18'

Jo and Richard reviewed: Leather long stitch journal / artist's book (beginners)

"My husband and I had a fun day learning to make leather journals with Lynne The whole day was really well structured; allowing progress at our own pace, plenty of timely advice and suggestions and a pause for tea and cake. Lynne's tuition ensured we each completed two different journals during the course, with lots of lovely options to ensure each was truly individual and special. A lovely day, at a gentle pace that delivered both completed projects and the knowledge to try it again at home. A great course!"

31 Mar 18'

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

"I booked on this course after being criticised by a judge at my photographic society for surface mounting a photo I entered into a competition. I wasn't sure whether it would be worth the trip down to Chichester from Cheshire, but the whole day was so informative and enjoyable that I have no regrets. Lynne took us through the whole process step by step, with clear instructions (backed up by notes to take away) and lots of advice on how to avoid mistakes and, just as important, how to put them right when we made them. Lynne's methodical approach taught us good habits that will, I'm sure, stand us in good stead in the future. I got everything I wanted from the course, and more besides, as Lynne showed us how how to "look for the picture" in our image. I would recommend the course to any photographer wanting to mount pictures for competition, or for framing. The cherry cake was good too!"

19 Mar 18'

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

"Absorbing and rewarding day! Lynne made us very welcome and the small group size meant that we had plenty of individual attention and support. The structure of the day was spot-on, with clear step-by-step demonstrations and illustrated hand-outs so we could go on to make more journals at home if we wished. Everyone had their own set of tools so nobody was held up in a queue! Even the coffee and lunch breaks were placed appropriately between different stages in the process. Plenty of choice of leather, thread and elastic so we could make our books truly personal. The whole structure made it inevitable that we would succeed: brilliant! I've already booked to learn a slightly different technique. Thank you so much, Lynne!"

19 Mar 18'

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

"I've just spent a lovely day making two leather journals. Lynne is a very patient and enthusiastic teacher. She uses gorgeous upcycled leather for the project and it was hard to know which piece I would love the most. I learned a lot as Lynne is a very knowledgeable person who explained things very clearly and precisely. I recommend this course to anyone who loves making things."

12 Mar 18'

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

"My husband surprised me by booking me in for this one day course. Lynne was very welcoming into her own home and provided a beautiful homemade cherry cake and ground coffee throughout the day. The course was brilliant, Lynne is a good tutor ,explaining the task so well and offered help and extra support when a problem arose .I feel this induction introduced me to mounting photos with confidence and I would highly recommended it .Lynne shared knowledge and guidance on required equipment .It was so good being in a small friendly group of people sharing the same interest."