Ruth Blackford reviews

30 Aug 19'

Erica Whalley reviewed: Free Machine Embroidery

"A really excellent course, very enjoyable, Ruth was great to work with and provided a perfectly paced introduction of several techniques, with time to explore them. I was really pleased with what I learnt and the progress I made in the day (although I was an absolute beginner). As there are a maximum of two on the course, loads of personal attention made the course particularly effective. A lovely lunch too! Would highly recommend any courses with Ruth and will certainly be planning to return soon. Thank you Ruth"

26 Aug 19'

Fran Stevens reviewed: Free Machine Embroidery

"A great course in a lovely setting. Learnt so much in just one day ."

29 Jul 19'

Jennie Palin reviewed: Residential two day monoprinting and collagraph print workshop

"What a brilliant experience! Ruth is a very talented and patient teacher who really helped my daughter and I produce lots of work using various techniques with which we were very pleased. Her home is beautiful and she made us extremely welcome and her catering was perfect. Highly recommended!"

28 Jul 19'

Angharad Lescott reviewed: Residential two day monoprinting and collagraph print workshop

"I really can’t rate this course highly enough. It was a jam packed programme with the chance to try many different printmaking techniques in Ruth’s lovely garden studio. Ruth was patient and full of enthusiasm, giving us direction and assistance when we needed it, whilst letting us develop our own ideas. We were astonished at how much work we managed to do. Lunch was delicious and even involved some home grown produce and we stayed in Ruth’s lovely house overnight as we aren’t local. Far and away the best value creative course I’ve ever done."

25 Jul 19'

Sally Bowen reviewed: Two day Monoprint and Collagraph Print workshop

"If it was possible to leave Ruth 6 stars I would! A fabulous two days spent printing and laughing. A joyous experience in lovely surroundings with delicious food from an attentive host. I look forward to going back for more, (artwork and food!) I would highly recommend Ruth as a teacher - wonderful."

8 Jul 19'

Cicely Carimbocas reviewed: Residential two day machine embroidery workshop

"A wonderful weekend spent learning a new skill. Although I have been sewing for many years I spent an enjoyable weekend learning something new. Ruth is incredibly skilled and generously shares her knowledge. She’s a warm and welcoming host and you’re made to feel comfortable the minute she greets you at the door. If you’re thinking of taking this course, do it. It’s worth every minute of your time. She’s an inspiration."

1 Jul 19'

Sarah Coles reviewed: Free Machine Embroidery

"I thoroughly enjoyed my one day course learning free machine embroidery. There is nothing more fulfilling than learning a new skill and discovering a passion for something new! Ruth showed me so many techniques, and she has such a wealth of knowledge and so many examples, that I genuinely came away inspired to continue to build upon what I had learnt. Ruth's studio was a great place to learn in; it was both relaxing and had a beautiful outlook, and I enjoyed so much delicious homemade food. All in all, the workshop experience was a real treat!"

2 Jun 19'

Michelle Foxall reviewed: Residential two day monoprinting and collagraph print workshop

"Thank you Ruth for a really inspirational and immersive printing course! I’ve been looking forward to doing this for a while and the weekend didn’t disappoint. Two days gave me enough time to learn new techniques and apply with some experimentation. Ruth is a very patient, calm teacher, she gently coached me to experiment and try things I wouldn’t have thought of. I’m really chuffed with the results and prints I came away with. Perfect studio setting and house, with great food (loved the mustard salad leaves from Ruth’s garden) and a very comfy bed for an overnight stay. I will be back !!"

26 May 19'

Heather Miller reviewed: Experimental Monoprinting (includes gelli printing)

"Very inspired and excited after a wonderful day mono printing with Ruth. What a lovely environment to work in. Ruth explained the techniques really well and we had a great time exploring them. Plenty of space and materials to use. The day went so quickly! Ruth was a great host, lunch, cake and tea was delicious. I thoroughly recommend this! Looking forward to booking another course in the near future."

19 May 19'

Amy Dinham reviewed: Experimental Monoprinting (includes gelli printing)

"Ruth's garden studio was the perfect backdrop for a super relaxed and creative day. Ruth's expertise in teaching was clear as she was very patient, concise in her instruction and provided us with a hand-out of all the different techniques we were able to develop. I had some prior knowledge of mono printing and with Ruth's expertise, I was able to develop my skills further and realise more potentials of this technique. Thank you Ruth, you were a truly magnificent host- delicious lunch and home made brownies, with free-flowing tea or coffee to boot."

7 May 19'

Barbara reviewed: Residential two day machine embroidery workshop

"I learned so much from Ruth about how to navigate my sewing machine to make it work for me on free motion techniques. The time went too quickly but I brought home with me 3 samples of things that I have never tried or completed before. My family were really complimentary about my work. Ruth made me feel right at home, her home is so lovely and vibrant with colour and her food is excellent. The bed was very comfy and the duvet luxuriously warm. I would definitely recommend."

28 Apr 19'

Jane worrall reviewed: Free Machine Embroidery

"This course was just what I had hoped it would be. Ruth is such a lovely person. Her relaxed manner enabled me to learn with ease. It's amazing how much my machine can do. Without the expertise of Ruth I would never have realised what it, and I, am capable of. Lunch and cake were a nice bonus. I’d certainly return for another day course to learn more."

8 Apr 19'

Gail Godridge reviewed: Residential two day machine embroidery workshop

"Excellent weekend doing free motion machine embroidery with Ruth. She is a very knowledgeable and enthusiastic tutor. I would thoroughly recommend this course. Ruth makes you feel at ease and encourages you to produce pieces of work which you never imagined you could ever achieve. I do a lot of sewing and craft work but I was still amazed at how much I learnt in a weekend. Thanks again Ruth. Gail Godridge"

7 Apr 19'

Jan Hopper reviewed: Residential two day machine embroidery workshop

"What a fab weekend! Ruth is a great teacher and a great host. Even though I sew for a living, Ruth taught me a great deal and made it fun. Ruth’s home is beautifully cosy and inviting - just like Ruth. Thank you again and hope to see you soon.t"

3 Apr 19'

Evelyn Risner reviewed: Residential two day machine embroidery workshop

"Produced fab piece of embroidery and re-learnt a lot that I'd forgotten about free machine embroidery. Lunch was great and Ruth very good company. Recommend."

3 Apr 19'

Lesley Alexander reviewed: Free Machine Embroidery

"I had a splendid day with Ruth. I have a project that I needed help with and she sorted out my layout, then we got to the sewing bit, whereupon I found I could do all sorts of things on my machine that I didn't know I could, though it became apparent that I need to practise.... My project is well on its way. In the course of the day Ruth gave me all sorts of hints tips and tricks that I just hope I'll remember, and handouts to help. Lunch and cake was good too!"

18 Mar 19'

susan hodgson reviewed: Experimental Monoprinting (includes gelli printing)

"I spent the most enjoyable day with Ruth Blackford doing the experimental mono printing course, in a delightful garden studio. Everything was beautifully prepared for us. Ruth provided images, or you could use our own designs. She taught us a variety of ways to print, my favourite was using the tissue paper for chine colle. We had a delicious lunch, tea, coffee, and lemon drizzle cake. The day just flew by, and now I want to do the two day collograph course. Thank you Ruth, you are a very talented lady, and an excellent tutor."

18 Mar 19'

Lynne Francke reviewed: Experimental Monoprinting (includes gelli printing)

"I had a great day printing with Ruth. She is a very talented lady and a great teacher. Apart from the tuition I was kept fed and watered all day. I didn't want to take a break as I was enjoying myself so much but I'm glad I did stop as lunch was lovely. I learnt new skills and was pleased with what I produced. I shall certainly be back to learn some more. Thank you Ruth for an informative, fun day printing in your delightful garden studio."

6 Mar 19'

Frances reviewed: Free Machine Embroidery

"Had a wonderful day, so nice to take some time out to learn a new skill and create something. Ruth is a great teacher , very patient and encouraging. Her studio is a lovely place to work in. The whole day was really inspiring !"

19 Feb 19'

Patsy Chapman reviewed: Two day Monoprint and Collagraph Print workshop

"I feel blessed to have been able to do Ruth’s two day monoprinting and colograph course. In the peaceful and creative world of her garden studio I was able to apply myself singlemindedlly to learning new techniques with an experienced and encouraging teacher at my bid and call. Although the course is clearly structured, I felt my individuality would always shines through. Creature comforts were catered for, including delicious lunches and any amount of refreshments and I came away with a lovely bundle of prints and ‘handouts’ to remind me of what I had learned."

1 Feb 19'

Maria Elliott reviewed: Two day Free Machine Embroidery workshop

"Ruth is a very accomplished artist and I learnt a lot during my 2 day course. Ruth was very accommodating when it came to my goals. I acquired new skills, learnt to handle different threads and fabrics and feel ready to explore by myself. It is good to work on a 1:1 basis with a tutor. Thank you for an enjoyable 2 days, Maria"

28 Jan 19'

Carole reviewed: Free Machine Embroidery

"Just attended a fabulous one to one day course with Ruth Blackford - Textiles/Machine Embroidery. Ruth made the day fun and gave me lots of ideas and helped me to develop my ideas. She made me very welcome. Would thoroughly recommend Ruth as a Textile teacher."

5 Nov 18'

Maggie Perrin reviewed: Two day Monoprint and Collagraph Print workshop

"I found Ruth's two day print monograph and collagraph course completely inspiring and I can’t remember a time when I’ve completely lost myself in such an enjoyable learning experience. I came away feeling hugely energised and enthused about learning more. Ruth is a fantastic teacher - the course was really well structured and she strikes a perfect combination of discipline and freedom. It was a real pleasure to learn some new skillsMaggie in such a welcoming environment whilst being offered endless slices of delicious chocolate crunch!"

5 Nov 18'

Annabel Barnett reviewed: Two day Monoprint and Collagraph Print workshop

"I undertook Ruth’s two day course recently and thoroughly enjoyed it. Would love to do it again! Ruth is a great teacher; she encourages creativity, experimentation and once techniques have been explained she allows students to follow their own ideas. The work created on the first day can be incorporated into the second day and there’s plenty of opportunity to create a substantial amount of art work. She was also an excellent host offering regular refreshments, home made fridge cake and a delicious variety of fresh salads, cheese and bread for lunch. Highly recommend."

4 Nov 18'

Michelle Du Maurier reviewed: Two day Free Machine Embroidery workshop

"Such an amazing opportunity to have a tutor to yourself ! Ruth was very welcoming and I felt instantly at ease working in her studio. The 2 days flew by and they were well planned, I came away with new skills and confidence to continue creating on my own . The 2 day course is enough for any level to attend and come away feeling like they’ve developed new skills . Thoroughly recommended"