Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn reviews

Jane reviewed: Lino cutting for Beginners and Rusty Printmakers

"Another lovely workshop with Liz & Alison. The venue is beautiful with lots of space and great facilities. Liz & Alison are friendly and passionate about their subject and excellent at passing on their knowledge. Such an enjoyable day and I learnt so much. I can't wait to have a go at some more linocut at home. "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Jane, Thank you for your feedback, it was great to work with you again. Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you need any information, we are very happy to give help and advice. Happy printing ! Best wishes Alison and Liz."

Gillie Morgan reviewed: From the garden: Still life with a mixed media approach

"I was lucky enough to be given a day of painting at 'Art in the Barn' as a belated Christmas present from one of my daughters and all I can say is that it was absolutely lovely from start to finish! We were there just over a week ago and found the studio full of natural light and equipped to a high standard. Each trestle table provided had all the equipment we would need for the day and more. We had chosen to do a day of painting garden flowers using mixed media. As I really enjoy using just watercolours, this was a great introduction to trying other mediums. We were encouraged to try everything provided on different paper while keeping our energy levels up with home cooked brownies and freshly made coffee! In all it was a great day out and has inspired us to be more bold and creative in our painting . I loved it all! Thank you so much Alison."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Gillie, Thank you for your lovely feedback, it was really great to meet and work with you and Sarah, I am so pleased you enjoyed the day so much. Hopefully it has inspired you to carry on painting using some of the new techniques you have learnt, ( if you need any more information please do get in touch !) Wishing you all the best, Alison"

Sarah Edsall reviewed: From the garden: Still life with a mixed media approach

"My mother and I thoroughly enjoyed our 'Still life from the garden' mixed media workshop with Alison in her beautiful barn. I have done very little painting and this was the most wonderful introduction into using a variety of different techniques. Alison is a great teacher. Kind and patient, she has definitely given me the confidence to have a go and try some different methods which I have never seen before. I would thoroughly recommend."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Sarah, It was a pleasure to meet you both and I am so pleased that you enjoyed the day so much . It was really lovely to see how your work developed as the day went on, I hope it has inspired you both to continue at home, you both produced some beautiful florals ! All the best and good luck, Alison"

Emily reviewed: Block printing on Fabric

"Alison was amazing, so accommodating. We had a hen party of 8 with her and as the hen's bridesmaid I was in charge of organising. We met a few weeks before to discuss and plan for the day. Alison allowed me to decorate the space however I wanted. It was not an easy task with a larger group but Alison made sure each person was given equal amount of attention. I would highly recommend her course whether that be hen or no hen. I would also highly recommend the cafe down at the fishery who do amazing grazing boards! You will need to pre-book though. The setting is beautiful with lots of greenery, cows etc. I'd make sure to follow the sat nav carefully as it really is out in the sticks but once you're there you'll never want to leave!"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Emily , Thank you for your review, I am so pleased you all had such a great day and it was lovely to meet you all and be involved in making Freya’s hen weekend so special . Block printing is a great choice for your celebration , suitable for all ages and the results were amazing ! Wishing you all the best for August with the big day . Best wishes Alison "

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

"A creatively transformative experience. We left with lots of possibilities and ideas, only limited by our imagination."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Suzanne, Thank you for your feedback, it was lovely to meet and work with you both. Gel plate printing is such an exciting and addictive process, hopefully yesterdays' workshop has given you the tools and the knowledge to continue your creative journey at home. Happy printing ! Best wishes, Alison"

Sheila reviewed: Beautiful Batik

"My friend and I had a wonderful day making batik samples and using batik to create our own pieces of artwork. The workroom was well set out and well equipped. Alison was very knowledgeable and patient; teaching us the necessary techniques and allowing us to work at our own pace. Many examples of Alison’s work were displayed, which offered us inspiration. The venue is located on a working farm which was a very tranquil setting and a lovely place to eat our lunch. I would certainly recommend this course and Alison as a tutor and am likely to be booking on another course."

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

"I thoroughly enjoyed the gel printing workshop with Alison. She is such an encouraging tutor and gives you the confidence to believe in your own creative vision. I am excited about the new processes and techniques shared on the workshop. I look forward to joining another workshop soon. "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Judith , it was great to work with you for the day and share techniques and ideas ! Looking forward to seeing the results . You produced some beautiful prints , definitely lots of new ideas to develop there, so can’t wait to see the outcomes . Look forward to working with you again . Best wishes Alison"

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

"I cannot rate this course high enough. Alison is an inspiration and full of good ideas to get the best out of our pictures. I have 4 I will def frame for my walls. The venue in the South Downs is just right. Plenty of light and space. Tea, coffee and snacks supplied to keep us going. I have been on several of the courses and the high standard is always maintained"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Lindsey , thank you so much for your lovely feedback ! Gel plate is such a versatile process , it always makes for an enjoyable creative day with a host of exciting outcomes ! You produced some lovely work and I hope you are inspired to continue creating . Best wishes Alison "

Roberta G reviewed: Block printing on Fabric

"Loved every minute of it! The farm is in the most beautiful setting and you arrive relaxed! Alison showed great patience with all of us doing quite a diverse range of designs. I was really pleased with what I achieved on the course and came away inspired to do more."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Roberta, Thank you for taking the time to tell us about your day. It was lovely to meet you and I am really pleased you had a great time and have come away inspired to do more! Hopefully now you have to knowledge and the confidence to continue with this addictive process at home. Happy Printing ! Best wishes Alison "

Alison reviewed: Block printing on Fabric

"What a lovely day out, block printing with an old friend of mine. Thoroughly enjoyed the experience and look forward to applying all these new techniques to print up a lampshade of my own. Highly recommend the course. Alison"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Alison, Thank you for your feedback, it was great to work with you both yesterday and it was lovely to see how your designs developed throughout the day. Hopefully you can both apply what you have learnt to begin designing your lampshades. I will keep you posted on dates for lampshade workshops. Happy printing! Alison "

Monika reviewed: From the garden: Still life with a mixed media approach

"A wonderful course covering many interesting styles of art. We even made our own ‘cola pens’ to use with colourful ink. I attended the course with my daughter and we both enjoyed looking at flowers in the garden and then making our art work using our flower patterns and other designs. A lovely day altogether. "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Monika, it was lovely to work with you again and your daughter. You both produced some great work using all the techniques you learnt during the day and I hope you will enjoy experimenting with what you have learned at home. Happy painting ! Best wishes Alison"

Monika Mathur reviewed: Beautiful Batik

"A relaxing day with a focus on creating something beautiful using the medium of batik. Plenty of opportunity to make different designs and then use your favourite one on fabric by the end of the day. Plenty of refreshments throughout the day. You will feel both pampered and relaxed and come home with plenty of beautiful creations to display proudly in your home. Thanks to Alison and her colleague for such a wonderful day. Can’t wait until the next one. "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Monika, It was great to meet and work with you. You produced some lovely work exploring different flowers using batik and dyes, the results were stunning. I think you have much to explore here, so looking forward to working with you again soon! Best wishes Alison "

Leonie (Lee) Winter-Rimmer reviewed: Block printing on Fabric

"Another really enjoyable day, think printing is my thing. Alison and Liz are both great teachers and always very welcoming, definitely worth a go."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Lee, Thank you for your feedback, it was great to work with you, I hope the recipients of your bags were pleased with them ! Block printing is a very addictive process with endless possibilities, so enjoy !! Best wishes Alison and Liz "

Eileen V reviewed: Block printing on Fabric

"Thoroughly recommend. A very enjoyable day in a lovely setting. Alison and Liz are excellent teachers even for complete novices like me!"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Eileen, It was lovely to meet and work with you. As a novice, you made great progress throughout the day and produced some lovely work . Happy printing ! Best wishes Alison and Liz "

Sue reviewed: Block printing on Fabric

"Alison and Liz were excellent giving support and guidance as we developed our ideas and tried out cutting tools , printing blocks onto paper first and then onto fabric later in the day . The barn is beautiful , a really calm welcoming setting with lots of tea , coffee and tasty wrapped chocolate treats . It felt great to take away a uniquely designed tea towel and tote bag with lots of ideas to pursue and information on block printing equipment suppliers . "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Sue, Liz and I were pleased you were able to join us for such a lovely productive day ! It was great to see you progress creating a number of beautiful and individual outcomes. Wishing you well with your future block printing projects. Best wishes Alison and Liz"

Gaye Spencer reviewed: Block printing on Fabric

"This is the second excellent course I've done at Long Barn and I would thoroughly recommend anyone to come, either by themselves or with friends. Linda and Alison have endless patience, creativity and kindness. It took me ages to get my stamp looking lovely as I'm not precise but they ensured there was time to finish my. bag and my apron anyway. The barn set up is ideal, other participants friendly and helpful and either doing batik or block making like I did, well explained and plenty of time to learn. Try a course!"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Gaye, Thank you for taking the time to tell us about your day. Sometimes the creation of your design can take longer than expected, but this is all part of the learning process and the end result was lovely ! You now have the knowledge and skills to design and produce your own stamps at home - happy printing ! We look forward to seeing you again soon . Best wishes Alison and Liz"

Liz Venn reviewed: Block printing on Fabric

"I am very pleased with what I achieved during the day and will definitely be doing more block printing. Alison and Liz were very clear in their instructions and always at hand to assist during the day. The atmosphere was very friendly and supportive and there were lots of materials to use. We were also well supplied with refreshments! A fabulous setting in their restored barn on the South Downs Way."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Liz, Thank you for your feedback , it was great to hear about your day . The work you produced were really lovely and we are pleased that it has inspired you to continue block printing ! Best wishes Alison and Liz."

Alison reviewed: New - Create unique mono prints in Hampshire, Tuesday 21st March 2023.

"Thoroughly enjoyed the day learning a new technique of mono printing. The tutors were extremely helpful and informative. I can’t wait to attend another craft course of blockprinting very soon. Highly recommended!"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Alison , Thank you for taking the time to tell us about your day . So pleased you enjoyed the day and hope to see you again soon for some block printing ! Best wishes Alison and Liz "

Caroline reviewed: Beautiful Batik

"Absolutely brilliant day. Beautiful, peaceful setting where you can relax and be creative. Two lovely artists who are enthusiastic and encouraging, showing Batik techniques and ideas. "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Caroline , Thank you for your lovely feedback , it was a pleasure to meet and work with you and see your work develop throughout the day . Hopefully the day has inspired you to continue with this addictive process ! Best wishes Alison and Liz "

Jane reviewed: Explore drawing, print and collage

"Alison and Liz were lovely enthusiastic and talented teachers and the long barn is a beautiful venue. I enjoyed the way the workshop gradually built through different techniques to achieve the finished piece. I learnt a lot and left feeling inspired "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Jane, It was lovely to meet you and work with you and thank you for letting us know about your time with us. The processes we used have lots of potential for development and exploration and should provide you with lots of ideas to continue working at home. A workshop is a great stepping off point, so hopefully it's all go and you are drawing, printing and cutting with gusto! Happy making. Alison & Liz "

Milla STACPOOLE reviewed: 1 and 2 colour lino cutting and printing in Hampshire, Friday 17th March 2023

"A great course. Excellent and v clear professional tuition, relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Beautiful location and all very well set out. Highly recommend. "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Milla, Thanks for letting us know about your time with us in the barn - it’s much appreciated and we really enjoyed working with you. You created a beautiful lino cut, so we hope that it’s the start of a new creative departure for you. Have you planned your next composition? Best wishes and happy cutting. Alison & Liz"

Sue Wood reviewed: It’s only Natural - create decorative wire sculptures in Hampshire, Thursday 16th March

"Excellent day, good fun and great tuition. I loved that Liz came round all the time, to check how we were doing and to help if needed. "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Sue, Thanks for letting us know about your time with us. It was lovely to work with you and share your day. Fine wire is such a lovely material to work with and great when you have a creative urge. We hope you’re order is in for tools and wire. Happy making. Best wishes Alison & Liz"

Beverley Bannister reviewed: It’s only Natural - create decorative wire sculptures in Hampshire, Thursday 16th March

"A great day learning how to work with wire in a lovely place with nice people. Would highly recommend."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Beverley, Thanks for telling us about your day in the barn - it’s much appreciated. It was lovely meeting and working with you, seeing your skills develop throughout the day. We hope you have the time to carry on working with wire and lose yourself in some making. Best wishes Alison & Liz "

Henriette reviewed: It’s only Natural - create decorative wire sculptures in Hampshire, Thursday 16th March

"Wonderful, fun , friendly course in a beautiful setting in the rolling hills of Hampshire "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Henriette , Thanks for telling us about your day. It was lovely to work with you again , always good fun 🤩! You created some beautiful pieces, so hopefully you have an order for materials sorted and time to continue making. Best wishes Alison & Liz"

Mary-Anne Berendt reviewed: It’s only Natural - create decorative wire sculptures in Hampshire, Thursday 16th March

"Lovely day. Relaxing atmosphere. Sharing the experience with other craft lovers. Great tuition and the occasional chocolate biscuit. Please offer courses more than twice a year!"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Mary -Anne , lovely to meet you and thank you for taking the time to tell us about your day . We too have really enjoyed the day , it’s been a great start to our spring arts week . We would love to work with you again . Until then, happy making ! Best wishes Alison and Liz "