Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn reviews

22 Feb 23'

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

"This was a wonderful experience. Alison was welcoming, knowledgeable, interesting and a great teacher. She was also incredibly patient when I had a bit of a wobble. The course is suitable for all levels. I am a complete beginner and not only produced something worthy of hanging on the fridge but also had great fun. The Stables is a beautiful place to make art and the flapjacks were delicious. Thank you! "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Lindsay, Thank you for your feedback, it was lovely to meet and work with you both. I think you both made some great progress throughout the day learning new techniques and hopefully it has given you the confidence to continue creating at home. Wishing you all the best ! Alison"

29 Jan 23'

Caroline Kirkman reviewed: Block printing on Fabric

"Excellent course! In spite of being creatively challenged (!) I made gift tags, a tea towel and a tote bag. I’m very pleased with them all! I am confident that I could do more by myself at home. Alison was an excellent tutor - thank you! "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Caroline, it was great to meet and work with you . You produced some fantastic work. Keep up the good work at home ! Best wishes Alison "

16 Jan 23'

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

"My friend and I arrived on an incredibly wet and windy Saturday into the warm and inviting stable block. We were lucky enough to be part of a very small group so we had lots of expert attention from Alison. She guided us through the process in an easy to understand way and as a complete beginner I was thankful the pace was slow. Once you start making your prints you are completely hooked, every print is a magical discovery and once you start using layers the excitement builds. I came away with 50 prints and I have so many more ideas just waiting to be explored. Alison guides you throughout and is equally enthusiastic about all art produced. We just used one 6x6 gel plate for this course and Alison had a big bucket of paints to borrow but we also took some of our own. Hot drinks were offered frequently and we had the best homemade brownies ever! This course is suitable for literally anyone and is so much fun the hours just shot by. You are given a goodie bag with most importantly well written instructions. I cannot wait to see where my next session of gel printing takes me. Thank you Alison, you may have guessed by now that I loved it. :)"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Sheena, Thank you so much for your feedback, it was really great to meet you and Cathryn at last and it was a pleasure to spend the day teaching you both ! I think you both produced some lovely work and have lots to work with and develop at home now that you both have the basic skills . The great thing about Gel plate printing is you never know what you are going to get which is half the fun and what makes it so addictive. Keep up the good work! Happy printing ! Best wishes Alison"

9 Dec 22'

Rowena reviewed: Block printing on Fabric

"I had a really great day with Alison. The course is in a stunning location and Alison was warm and welcoming. The barn was warm and cosy and was beautifully prepared with everything we needed and extra goodies too. Her patient guidance meant that I came away with some pieces that I was very happy with and inspiration to dabble alone at home. I’ll definitely be back to join her other courses. "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Rowena, Thank you so much for your feedback, it was lovely to meet and work with you. It is always great to see the wide variety of beautiful designs produced, your scarf will make a lovely present! Happy printing ! Best wishes Alison "

9 Dec 22'

Rosie reviewed: Block printing on Fabric

"What a lovely way to spend a day learning a new skill, such a lovely peaceful setting and a nice cosy room. I throughly enjoyed finding out how to block print, as Alison was very helpful and informative giving us great tips on different techniques. The tea, coffee and cakes were an added bonus too. I’m looking forward to trying out some more printing at home. I throughly recommend this course either for yourself, a group of friends, or with family. "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Rosie, Thank you for your feedback, it was great to work with you. So pleased that you enjoyed the day and have caught the printing bug! Hopefully you will continue with this addictive process and go on to produce lots more lovely prints at home! Best wishes Alison "

20 Nov 22'

Marnie Duval reviewed: Beautiful Batik

"I attended this course as part of a 60th birthday gift. I highly recommend it and really enjoyed a totally new crafting experience without feeling daft as a result of being a complete novice. Alison is great at including everyone and explaining the process in a straightforward way. Lovely premises, snug and warm on a chilly November day, plenty of welcoming and on-going refreshments. Good range of inspirational works/examples around to give ideas. Professional, thoughtful and encouraging advice and guidance. If in any doubt - DO IT."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Marnie, Thank you so much for your feedback. It was a pleasure to meet and work with you both, celebrating your special birthday and I hope the rest of your celebrations went well ! I hope to see you again. Best wishes Alison"

16 Nov 22'

Helen Houghton reviewed: Block printing on Fabric

"What a brilliant day spent learning about block printing on fabric. Alison was the perfect host explaining everything really well and spending time with each person. Nothing was too much trouble. We all came away with some lovely pieces of artwork. We were also treated to home made flapjack and hot drinks to keep us all going. I really enjoyed this workshop and block printing is very addictive!"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Helen, Thank you for your feedback. It was lovely to work with you ! You produced some great designs which hopefully you will take away and continue to develop at home. Block printing is a very addictive process and once you have the skills, the sky is the limit! Happy printing! Best wishes Alison"

16 Nov 22'

Anita reviewed: Block printing on Fabric

"What a lovely day, having fun learning new skills and making a design or two that actually looked ok. Thank you Alison for making a beginner actually feel like I’d made a master piece 😂"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Anita, It was lovely to work with you . I am glad you enjoyed the day and hope that you are pleased with your outcomes. Happy printing! Best wishes Alison"

25 Oct 22'

Adi Roberts reviewed: New - Create with a Gel Plate - Advanced Gel Plate in Hampshire.

"Enjoyed a super Sunday in the Art in the Barn in East Meon. We learnt different techniques such as direct painting and free style layering. Thank you to Liz for her helpful suggestions and for imparting her extensive knowledge on gelli printing. "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Adi, thank you for your feedback. It was great to work with you again, you produced some great results during the day, using all the techniques Liz showed you. We hope you continue with the experimentations at home . Best wishes Alison and Liz"

24 Oct 22'

Leonie (Lee) Winter-Rimmer reviewed: Lino cutting for Beginners and Rusty Printmakers

"Really enjoyable day again.....Alison and Liz are great teachers, I always learn more, lino cutting is my favourite so far, will be back for more. "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Lee, Thank you for your feedback, it was lovely to work with you again. We are so pleased you enjoyed the day so much. Lino Cutting is such a great process and one that you can easily continue with at home, so we look forward to seeing the results - happy printing ! Best wishes, Alison and Liz"

22 Oct 22'

Paula Burgess reviewed: Explore drawing, print and collage

"This was a lovely day, lots of techniques to try with plenty of time to try them out. Good helpful and inspiring teachers. With a friendly atmosphere and a completed piece art work to take home."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Paula , so pleased that you enjoyed this workshop, it was lovely to see all the varied work that everyone produced . Hopefully you can take all the techniques and ideas away and continue to work with them at home . Happy creating! Best wishes Alison "

22 Oct 22'

Paula Burgess reviewed: Beautiful Batik

"I enjoyed batik on fabric class very much. It is a well run class with good teachers, who inspire you and give help where needed. I have done 5 different classes and enjoyed them all"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Paula, Thank you for your feedback , it was Lovely to work with you again. You produced a beautiful piece of work - well done ? Best wishes Alison "

19 Oct 22'

Jane Ogden-Swift reviewed: Explore drawing, print and collage

"This course was extremely well thought out and well paced. A number of different techniques were demonstrated each followed by a period of time for us to play, explore and practise. It felt as though a lot of ground was covered but we were never rushed. I felt stretched and challenged but never abandoned or taken over. A great day with 2 very experienced and nice tutors."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Jane, Lovely to hear from you and thank you for telling us about your time with us - it’s much appreciated. It was good fun working with you, seeing you relax into the day and enjoying the new approaches and ideas. There’s lots of potential for the development of surface pattern and texture on your ceramic work, so we’d love to see the outcomes in the future. Happy mark making. Best wishes Alison & Liz These processes and have lots of potential for your creative practice, so we hope you "

19 Oct 22'

Liz Venn reviewed: Explore drawing, print and collage

"Really enjoyed this friendly course. Lots of variety with mark making, drawing, mono print and collage. Lovely setting on the farm. Alison and Liz were always on hand to demonstrate and help throughout the day."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Liz, Lovely to hear from and thanks for letting us know about your day with us. There’s always a little trepidation with a new workshop, so we were really pleased with how the workshop ran and everyone’s responses. We think there’s lots of potential with these techniques for your work and we’d love to see the results in one of your gorgeous sketchbooks. Best wishes Alison & Liz "

17 Oct 22'

Liz Venn reviewed: New - Create with a Gel Plate - Advanced Gel Plate in Hampshire.

"Enjoyed the course very much and have come away with lots of creative ideas. Lovely setting and everyone was very friendly and supportive."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Liz, It was lovely working with you again . So pleased that you enjoyed the day and came away with lots of ideas . Happy printing ! Best wishes Alison and Liz"

16 Oct 22'

Henriette reviewed: New - Create with a Gel Plate - Advanced Gel Plate in Hampshire.

"Wonderful course. Filled with colour in every way. Enthusiastic , knowledgeable, encouraging and fun teachers, making this day extra special. Amazing learning environment in a beautiful converted barn in the Hampshire countryside. I absolutely loved it! "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Henriette, Thank you so much for letting us know about your time in the barn. It is always lovely to work someone who is so open and engaged, who approaches something with such positivity. We saw your understanding grow over the weekend, alongside your confidence. Your large mono prints from yesterday will look fabulous once you have them mounted and framed. We too particularly enjoyed our printing yesterday; there was a lovely vibe in the barn. Happy printing. Best wishes Alison & Liz "

16 Oct 22'

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

"Fascinating and enjoyable course with endless, unpredictable pieces of work. Great tuition. "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Chris, Thanks for taking the time to tell us about your day with us - it’s much appreciated and it was good to work with you. Gel plate printing is fascinating, with so many possibilities for development. It takes a bit of thinking about, but with a few sessions under your belt, you’ll have the experience to predict your outcomes. Happy printing. Alison & Liz "

14 Oct 22'

Katy Day reviewed: Beautiful Batik

"We loved this day long course, what fabulous course tutors and amazing surroundings. I felt that we couldn’t have learnt from more patient and knowledgeable people, Alison and Liz were the absolute best. We were taken through the different stages in an easy to understand way and given a chance to try everything along the way. I came away with various pieces on paper and fabric along with recommendations on where to buy supplies if I want to try batik at home. A perfect way to spend a Friday "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Katy , It was lovely to meet and work with you both . Thank you so much for your feedback , so pleased that you enjoyed the day so much. You both produced some beautiful work and I hope that you both feel confident to continue at home ! All the Best, Alison and Liz"

14 Oct 22'

Carol reviewed: Lino cutting for Beginners and Rusty Printmakers

"Fantastic, informative and relaxing course learning the basics of lino cutting, with the emphasis on continuing & developing at home. Liz, who tutored this course, was the perfect teacher; extremely knowledgeable & passionate in sharing her experience to enhance our learning. Alison was the perfect host, supporting this course, while the barn, amenities & location... not to mention the yummy treats during breaks, all led to a brilliant, enjoyable day. Many thanks, Alison & Liz. "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Carol, Thank you so much for your kind words - we are feeling slightly overwhelmed! We love sharing our skills and passion for the processes that inspire us and hope the lovely folks attending our workshops want to carry on making. We are really fortunate to be able to work in such an inspirational setting and it’s equally lovely that everyone feels buoyed up from a day working in the barn. Happy printing. Best wishes Alison & Liz"

21 Apr 22'

Mary Kershaw reviewed: Block printing on Fabric

"Very enjoyable and interesting day, nothing was too much trouble for Alison. Excellent instruction and resources. Great to be in a small group, so that we all had plenty of help and encouragement."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Mary, Thank you for taking the time to review the day. It was lovely to work with you and hopefully the skills you have learnt can be put to good use ! Best wishes Alison"

21 Apr 22'

Hellis reviewed: Block printing on Fabric

"Alison is a wonderful guide to the world of hand block printing. She took us through the various stages and processes without making it seem difficult or overly demanding. Alison allows one to progress at one's own pace and is extremely willing to add her expertise when one asks for assistance. I enjoyed having such a light airy environment to work in. The whole workshop was well resourced and planned, yet there was an informality and friendliness which would suit any learner lacking in confidence. This was a delightful experience and I will be carrying on with this hobby at home. Thank you Alison for making this a memorable and rewarding workshop."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Hellis, Thank you for taking the time to review your day and for your kind feedback. It was lovely to work with you and I am pleased to hear you are keen to continue this rewarding hobby at home. Wishing you all the best and happy printing ! Alison"

20 Apr 22'

Saoirse Cassidy reviewed: Block printing on Fabric

"Lovely relaxed course. Great teacher. No pressure environment for complete beginners. Thoroughly enjoyed learning block printing with this teacher. Lovely, organised work environment with all tools provided. Lovely touch having home made brownies and tea ?"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Saoirse, thank you for your review and feedback. It was lovely to work with you yesterday. You produced some lovely designs which hopefully you will continue to develop at home. I wish you all the best. Happy printing! Best wishes Alison"

4 Apr 22'

Joanne Day reviewed: Beautiful Batik

"I had a fantastic day in a beautiful setting with plenty of refreshments throughout. Alison really helped me understand Batik and for someone who only did it school many years ago I managed to come away with my own lovely framed piece. I can't wait to go back just looking at all her design portfolio was a huge inspiration. Thoroughly recommended ?"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Jo, Thank you for your lovely review, It was great to meet and work with you. I am so pleased you enjoyed the day and I hope that it has given you the confidence to develop your skills further. Happy batiking ! Best wishes Alison"

4 Apr 22'

Victoria Grainger reviewed: Beautiful Batik

"Thank you Alison for a really brilliant day, you are so talented, skillful, professional and hospitable. Firstly, you looked after our every need with a few little surprises too to make it special. Secondly, everything was prepared and ready for our activities which were well staged to help us succeed with the technique. Thirdly, you were attentive to each person helping them in a relevant, encouraging and understanding way. I would love to come back to this beautiful setting for future workshops and would recommend this to friends too."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Victoria, Thank you so much for your lovely feedback, it was great to meet you and work with you yesterday.I am so pleased you enjoyed the day and I hope it has given you the confidence to develop your batik skills ! I look forward to seeing you again. Best wishes Alison"

30 Mar 22'

Jennie whitemore reviewed: Beautiful Batik

"I had a great time in a wonderful place. we were given excellent equipment to work with and good tuition - always someone to help if I wasn't sure what to do next. A lovely atmosphere."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Jennie, Thank you for your feedback . It was lovely to meet you last week and we are really pleased you enjoyed the day and had a wonderful time. We hope to see you again. Best wishes Alison and Liz"