Latest reviews

Alice reviewed: Cracket Stool made with hand tools for beginners

"Great!"

Clare reviewed: Make your own leather belt with Cazzy, a qualified saddler.

"A great course, fun and informative and I was really pleased with the belt I made. Cazzy is a fantastic instructor, the location is lovely and the quality of tools and materials very high. "

Strapped Leather responded:

"Aww thanks I loved meeting you both! Glad you enjoyed yourselves x"

Jill & Ian Kenna reviewed: Mandala Creation Dotting Workshop in Derbyshire

"This course was an anniversary present to each other and it did not disappoint. The whole experience was relaxing and fun and the time flew by. Tamsin is an excellent teacher - patient, kind, enthusiastic and encouraging as well as extremely talented. We had seen pictures on the website and thought that we would not be able to achieve anything like that standard but, thanks to Tamsin's step by step instructions and demonstrations, we did. She had the ability to be at the other end of the table helping someone else but still spotting that you needed guidance or were hesitating over something. She gave equal attention to us all and was extremely affirmative at every stage. Kits were available to purchase at the end which contained everything we had used on the course so we could continue our Mandala journey if we wished. However there was absolutely no pressure to buy one. The studio was lovely, the atmosphere relaxed and, even though we over-ran at the end, Tamsin did not rush us but allowed us to continue until we had finished. We would definitely recommend this course."

Tamdala responded:

"Thankyou so much for your amazing review Ian and Jill. I am so pleased you enjoyed this experience and created a lovely memory for your anniversary. It was a pleasure to meet you both and watch you both create fabulous dot mandalas. Happy dotting xx"

Laura R reviewed: Celtic Knitting with June Kerr

"Really fun course. All supplies were provided - only had to bring yourself to the class. Great instruction and assistance. Southlands Arts Centre is also a nice location. "

Laura R reviewed: Gelli Plate Printmaking - Introduction, The Art of Pattern & Texture

"Great course! Everything was included - no need to bring anything but yourself, an apron, and creativity. Lots of examples, ideas, explanations, demonstrations, and encouragement by Karen. The venue was also nice - the room had everything we needed and there is a cafe and a shop with lots of work from local artists. "

Karen Patricia Hendry responded:

"Thank you Laura. I’m so glad you had such a lovely day. And you were so productive and experimental too. Yes, I totally agree it is a lovely venue. "

Debbie Andrew reviewed: lamp with Lushious Lampshades

"My daughter and I enjoyed a fabulous afternoon making our very own lampshades. Helga's tuition was very informative, helpful and encouraging. We'd love to try another workshop!"

Colourbuzz responded:

"Thanks Debbie, that's lovely to hear. It was great spending the afternoon in such wonderful company and your lampshades were truly luscious! Helga "

Stewart Noble reviewed: Box making for beginners

"I really enjoyed my day with Andrew and the course was interesting and useful. I learned a lot. He is a good teacher. The box is lovely!"

WoodWorker responded:

"Thanks Stuart, glad you enjoyed the day, enjoy your box."

Bert reviewed: Building and weaving a side chair at The Quiet Workshop

"Overall, the chair-making course is a really great experience. StJohn and Bryony are superb hosts that make the week an enjoyable time to spend in a workshop. I learned a lot during the week and feel confident that with a minimal set of tools I could get into making more furniture in the future. "

Bert reviewed: Arm chair extension day

"Overall, the chair-making course is a really great experience. StJohn and Bryony are superb hosts that make the week an enjoyable time to spend in a workshop. I learned a lot during the week and feel confident that with a minimal set of tools I could get into making more furniture in the future. "

Tracy reviewed: Glass blowing day experience

"What a great course for someone who loves glass, Jo and Maude were exceptional, explaining things really clearly, keeping us safe at all times, very patient!! & most of all so helpful when working with molten glass. I loved the experience, it was brought for me as a birthday gift by my husband & can't wait to see the final results. A big thank you also to all involved, including the other students, for taking so many wonderful photos, to keep as a memento of the day & working as a team."

Bransfield Glassmakers responded:

"Thanks so much, Tracy! I'll pass your kind comments straight on to Jo and Maude. Much appreciated. Alison"

Karen Rothery reviewed: 1 and 2 Colour Lino cutting and printing - (Art in the Barn)

"I learned to Lino print with Liz a couple of years ago and returned to learn multi colour printing this time. As always, Alison and Liz made the day a relaxed and creative one, supporting all attendees individually as needed, encouraging and positively helpful throughout the day and I left with a new skill I will definitely be using. The barn is a wonderful space and the welcome from Alison and Liz always warm. Another really good experience I can recommend."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Karen, Good to hear from you and thank you for taking the time to let us know about your workshop with us yesterday - it's always a pleasure working with you. You created a beautiful print, showing skill and understanding of reduction printing, with lots of potential for further development. I hope your third colour is equally successful. Happy cutting and printing. VBW Alison and Liz "

Eiméar Fossey reviewed: Fused Glass Workshop - Tea Light / Votive Candle Holder

"Love this course. Excellent teaching & support and great fun and biscuits"

Rob reviewed: Lathe turning for beginners with Thompsons Wood

"Great course, had a good time learning some lathe turning techniques with Jake who brought a load of positive energy and instructed very well without being overbearing. Highly recommend this course, I had no prior experience and got on great."

Lynn Hill reviewed: Lampshade Making Workshop {own fabric}

"Wonderful course and highly recommend! Caroline took us through, step by step, giving advice and support at every stage. I have a wonderful, professional looking, lampshade which I am very proud of! "

Rock n Wool Creations responded:

"Oh thank you Lynn, that's really kind of you! I'm thrilled that you love it and enjoyed our morning . Hope to see you again soon. Best regards Caroline xx "

Susie Hilbert reviewed: Full day leather craft workshop

"My husband surprised me with a Full Day Leather Craft Workshop for our 3rd anniversary (because, well, leather - and I really enjoy making things by hand). We both absolutely loved it . We learned a ton of new skills, gleaned some fascinating information and came away with some (eventually!) rather professional looking handmade leather gifts for each other. Rosanna is lovely. She’s a brilliant teacher, and went way out of her way to make sure all three of us on the course got out of it what we were individually looking for. She’s also very welcoming. I think we all felt relaxed and at home. The first part of the day was a bit intense (steep learning curve!) but the whole day was an absolute buzz. I can’t recommend it enough - whether you want to learn something new, or (like us) find a memorable way to spend your 3rd anniversary. "

Gina reviewed: Paint a Zentangle Platter

"My daughter and I spent a wonderful 3 hours back in February completing our zentangle platters. Saz provided lots of help and encouragement and the finished platters came out really well despite my shaky hands and lack of artistic ability 😄. "

Joanna reviewed: One day bangle/ring workshop

"Had a really lovely day. Jolene was really welcoming and lovely. I'm so happy with my bangles and rings"

Jolene Smith responded:

"Thanks for the review so lovely to meet you I really enjoyed the day and you were so creative"

Alex reviewed: Day classes in traditional blacksmithing ... make an item to take away

"Great day! Had a lot of fun and learnt a lot. Made a pendant, knife and a fire poker all of which I got to take home. Good guidance but also left alone enough to try out what youve just learnt. Would highly recommend!"

Grace reviewed: Beginners Lino Print Workshop

"A brilliant course. My sister and I took our mum for her birthday as she had always wanted to try it. Cat is a fantastic teacher - I felt like we achieved and learnt a lot in 3 hours and came home with some prints we were all really proud of. A really lovely way to spend the day. We’ll be back for another Lino printing course soon!"

CatKing Artwork responded:

"Hi Grace Thanks for your kind review. It was a pleasure to teach you three. Hope to see you back soon, Cat"

Judith Horgan reviewed: Intaglio Printing with Tetra Paks

"I have been on several workshops at Art in the barn. They have all been extremely well taught. Alison and Liz have the perfect combination of being available with helpful hints and reassurance whilst also letting you find your own way. All equipment is provided plus notes and suppliers contacts are provided for future reference. The barn is a joy to work in and the constant cups of tea, coffee and cakes are much appreciated. "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Judith, Thanks for taking the time to tell us about your time with us in the Long Barn - it’s much appreciated. It’s always good fun working with you and we love your enthusiasm and positivity. You created a beautiful set of prints, whilst developing your skills and knowledge. The range of marks and tones you created were very successful. VBW Alison and Liz"

Janet reviewed: Reduction lino printing workshop

"My sister and I spent a very happy day under Penny’s excellent tutelage in her workshop learning about reduction lino printing and making a number of prints. Neither of us had done anything like this before but we got stuck in to tracing and cutting before we knew it. We really enjoyed making the prints; Penny’s easy manner; and her yummy cakes. We would recommend this course to beginners and those who have done it before. I do hope Penny will offer further days like this so we can do some more!"

Pennybadgerprintworkshops responded:

"Thank-you so much for your kind review, you were brilliant students! "

Frances reviewed: Stone Carving 'portraits, shapes & characters'

"Signed myself and my mum up for this course and we had such a great day. Kezia was a fantastic teacher whose passion for the craft shone through. I achieved far more than I thought I’d be able to and this was most definitely due to Kezia’s calm and encouraging instruction. Highly recommend! "

Lillie and sam reviewed: Stained Glass using the Copper Foil Technique

"I got my mum this course for her birthday and joined her in making a stained glass ornament. The day was amazing and we both came away with our finished pieces. Elaine was lovely and really took the time to show us through the different stages of our projects. A great day all round and made even better by having lunchtime cuddles with the 3 resident terriers! Thank you ❤️"

Stained Glass by Elaine Alexandra responded:

"Hi Lillie and Sam Thank you for posting a review. I am so pleased that you were both delighted with your finished suncatchers and enjoyed the day. Elaine x"

Stuart Tooms reviewed: Make your own Hiking Staff, Walking Stick or Foraging Crook

"Really enjoyable course. Great location, great teaching and most relaxing and the end product is well worth it. Definitely well worth attending 👍👍 you’ll enjoy it if you attend 👍👍"

Natural Pathways Bushcraft responded:

"Thank you so much Stuart, I am so pleased that you had a good day and are pleased with your Staff. Happy walking! "

Terri Nicoslon reviewed: Jewellery Workshop - Make a Silver Ring

"I bought the ring making workshop for my mums Mother’s Day. We both had a brilliant morning with Sheila. She was very welcoming and patient with us both explaining what we were to do next. It was a really great day learning how rings were made and getting to choose our own design. We both love our rings so much. So glad I chose this course with Sheila she was really lovely. Will definitely be back for another workshop. Thanks again 🥰"