Latest reviews

M Biggs reviewed: Experimental printmaking in Hampshire

"The perfect introduction to Lino Cutting which left me wanting more! Thank you Liz, Alison and Andrew for such an enjoyable day. Expert tuition carried out in light and spacious surroundings nestled in the South Downs. Highly recommended and I look forward to sampling more courses in the future."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Really pleased that you had a good day at Art in The Barn. Thank you for your positivity and look forward to working with you again. Just remember that Lino Cutting can be addictive! Best wishes Alison Butler"

Louise Organ reviewed: Stained Glass Workshop

"I loved this course and learnt so much! Jamie knew so much about stained glass, and his knowledge was inspiring and helpful. He also made sure everyone in the class understood each step and that we all got great results on our first try at stained glass. I’d recommend to anyone, a truly great fun, creative day with a take home to be really proud of."

Sarah Mortlock reviewed: One day Mosaic workshop Moon Hare Studio, Devon

"I would throughly recommend Adela’s one day mosaic class, I initially went in February enjoyed it so much I had a second day in March. Adela is brilliant, she has lots of experience to share. Her workshop is fab with a lovely log burner, in a great location. Tea, coffee and cake go down really well while you are working. It’s so surprising that the day goes so quickly once you have chosen what you would like to mosaic, and you do get to complete your mosaic project the same day. Thank you Adela for bringing out my creativity side."

victoria Mee reviewed: ** New ** Make a sterling silver bangle with Silver nugget or Stamp initial Charm

"Really fun course. Excellent teaching. Looking forward to doing more with this beautiful craft."

Adam reviewed: Blacksmith for a day in the Yorkshire Dales

"I was bought the experience as a Christmas presant, really fun and enjoyable, great instructors and fab food, at the lunch break, a good social experience to. Opportunities to take a weekend in the Yorkshire dales with the borders of Kendal not far. Would deffo recommend!"

Kim reviewed: Amazing encaustic art day course

"My friend and I had a most enjoyable day learning all about encaustic wax. I was surprised how much we learnt and achieved in just one day! Phil is an excellent teacher. Passionate about this art form and very encouraging. The day was great fun as well as educational. This is such an enjoyable and easy art for to do, even if you don't feel like you're the 'creative' type you will be able to produce something that's absolutely unique and beautiful. I thoroughly recommend Phil's course and my friend and I look forward to returning for more encaustic fun!"

Neil Hawkins reviewed: Two leather long stitch journals in a day

"A really fun day with Lynne, making 2 books - a small book in the morning and a larger book in the afternoon. The pace of the course was just right and Lynne gave attention to the three of us as we needed it. As a complete novice, I liked the fact that all the materials, tools etc for the workshops are provided - I've seen some courses where the students are required to bring along various materials / tools, which as I beginner I do not own and don't know if I want to buy until I have completed the course. Lynne has a vast array of materials available, so it was enjoyable to see the three of us all struggle to choose the materials / colours. Lynne provided good notes which we took home with us and followed up with an email summarising the day with hints and tips on where to buy materials etc. If you want to try something new, I would certainly recommend this course with Lynne as an excellent tutor. Oh and the home-made cake was delicious ;-)"

Dale reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"I had a one day course and feel very proud of the knife that I made with Spike’s expert tuition. A very enjoyable day which I hope to repeat and would highly recommend. Spike is very knowledgeable and passionate about his craft and very good at sharing this his student in a way that I could understand and apply."

Hilary & Ali reviewed: Bespoke Contemporary Fine Art Encaustic Wax Workshop.

"My daughter and I have recently spent a most enjoyable day with Lyn Kirkland at her Portland workshop learning the technique of inserting photographs, which we supplied, into wax which resulted in fantastic 3d images. Lyn copied our pictures onto special ‘paper’, provided us with three different sized wooden boards and all the wax. Lyn, a lovely, incredibly talented lady, is patient, kind and fun to be with, and as a bonus coffee or tea were served all day. She also makes the most delicious cakes which she shared with us. If you haven’t already tried encaustic work I can thoroughly recommend that you have a go."

Christopher Wortley reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"What a great day! My one-day course was a birthday present – and I had such a good time. Chris is a great teacher, splitting the jobs into bite-sized tasks and letting you get the hang of each before moving on. And he’s also good at judging when to step in and help (I swear those hammers get heavier as the day goes on). As well as the hands-on work, I also enjoyed learning about the fire and the tools and history of the craft. I came away with two pieces:- a key ring and a letter opener – and I’m really pleased with them both. I would happily recommend his course to anyone who fancies trying their hand at blacksmithing."

Christopher Sharp reviewed: Introduction to woodturning: one to one

"Just finished a great day wood turning with Bill. What a marvellous day-Bill clearly loves his craft and passes on his knowledge and skills very effectively. On top of that he's a really great engaging conversationalist. If , like me you are starting out in wood turning Bill is the perfect place to begin your journey. Thank you Bill. It was a pleasure meeting you. See you again soon ."

Lesley Rudd reviewed: Candlemaking for Beginners

"We had a great time on the course last week. Rob was helpful and flexible from the moment I contacted him. He was happy to keep the day to just the four of us and we all had lots of fun learning new and different techniques, and we went away with a selection of candles all made ourselves - and fired up to try it at home. Rob is a fantastic candle maker and a terrific teacher making everything seem fresh and interesting. We all had different favourites, and mine is definitely the scented candles. I happily recommend this day too others and will come back for any advanced courses. Thanks very much from us all."

Martin Hill reviewed: An introduction to wood turning with Gregory Moreton (2 Days)

"I have just spent Monday 18th/Tuesday19th with Gregory, beginners course, what a fantastic time, Gregory himself is very laid back but definately not complacent, he has plenty of patience which was definately needed with me ! His experience in teaching shows through, everything explained until you understand, never felt rushed. Learned so much, cannot list all, his knowledge is amazing Cannot recommend this course enough Thanks Gregory for a great two days"

Becky Lennon reviewed: Woodturning courses in Hampshire - Beginners and improvers wood turning courses - Turn British, all British lathes!!

"We visited Andy at the beginning of March when I bought my boyfriend a full day course for his birthday, and we had such a great day! We were taught the basics of wood turning and we got to work to made two lovely bowls we were able to take home. The whole day was exceptional with special thanks to his wife for cooking us a lovely cottage pie for lunch. We both learnt a lot and want to make more! I would be very happy to return again as soon as I can."

Rosa Gilham reviewed: Conscious Interior Decor; For holistic living

"This workshop was amazing. Thank you Lucy for a relaxing and informative day. I gained so much in one day, learning about colour wheel, mood board, colour schemes, pattern and texture. Lucy was an excellent host and the lunch along with the delicious home bread and cakes was a treat. A lovely day wth lovely people. I would highly recommend this course."

Daisy Clark reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course

"Paula is an excellent teacher and host. I booked this course to go with a friend on her birthday and it didn’t disappoint. Paula kindly picked us up from Bexley station as it was raining so much and drove us to her beautiful home. We had such a fantastic morning learning and getting hands on making soap, there were so many essential oils to choose from. After a busy morning we had a delicious afternoon tea and cakes. Within a few days we received our soaps at home and they are now curing, I can’t wait for the 4 weeks of cure to use them! We totally recommend this course, thank you Paula!"

Sophie Lynch reviewed: Bespoke Interlined Curtains

"Fantastic course, had previously made a pair of curtains, but learnt how to do it properly today! Lots of great tips and advice. Janet is very knowledgable and able to answer all your questions."

Viswa reviewed: Creative metalwork and welding, scrap metal sculpture.

"As a novice to welding, both Annie and Felix, the course instructors were patient and informative. They allowed me to be independent with my work and instructed when I sought help. Both were knowledgeable and advised on the minimum equipments needed and the manufacturers to avoid to set up a workshop in my garage."

Jon Cox reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"I had a fantastic time on the blacksmithing experience day! John and his team (Spencer, Aiden and Alex) were so welcoming, patient and knowledgeable and always happy to help and offer advice so I could finish my project safely and to a good standard. Lunch was great too and a nice chance to get to know the guys and my fellow course goers. I would definitely go back and try another course or even just another experience day and would happily recommend them. Thanks guys!"

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Jon thanks for review, you are welcome back anytime and of course now you have the beginners class under your belt we are expecting even bigger and better things next time ! ( might be hard to improve on the sword you made ) . Jon one favor please can you send me a couple of pictures when its in its new home. best wishes John"

Joanna Bellis reviewed: Millefiori Beads with Polymer Clay

"A fantastic way to spend a Spring day - having expert tuition but in a relaxed environment and then coming away with unique items made by your own hands. I've been wearing my millefiori necklace ever since and everyone wants to know how it was made! Well, you'll just have to ask Jo to teach you..."

Jo Hunter Wearable Art responded:

"Glad to hear the necklace and earrings are a success Joanna, the colours you chose were gorgeous! I hope the 'Brussel Sprouts' are also being enjoyed ;-)"

Stephanie Quirk reviewed: Experimental printmaking in Hampshire

"What a lovely day, thank you so much to Liz, Alison and Andrew. They all worked tirelessly with good humour and gentle encouragement to ensure we all had a wonderful day! The location is beautiful, an idyllic setting for a relaxing creative day. We all came away from the day very happy with our creations, it is so lovely to have something lasting that you can reprint from and share with others. Thank you, I will definitely be on the look out for more courses and recommending you to friends!"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely comments. We really appreciate you taking the time to review your day and happy cutting. Best wishes Alison Butler"

Sonja and Lenny Black reviewed: A fabulous introduction to fused glass - one day course

"Just been back again for another great glass fusion day. Siobhan is a great character and can bring out the best of your creative side. She is great at getting the best out of you if it is your first time there and if you have been before she will push you harder and you will surprise yourself at your improvement. Highly recommend you give the day a go . ?"

David reviewed: One day welding course: an introduction

"A day well spent! I learned so much from Julian on the one day introduction to welding. I began the day as a complete novice, having never touched a welding torch, but left with the confidence to undertake some welding projects on my own. Julia is a very good tutor with the patience to help you develop your skills, as he shares his enthusiasm for working with metal. I can thoroughly recommend this course, as I not only learnt much, but also enjoyed every moment of the day."

Doody Blake reviewed: Upcycling Paint & Paper Decoupage Furniture Workshop Experience: Spend Two Days with ReVamp Boutique

"This was a great introductory course to revamping furniture. I took my sister for her birthday and we spent two days together and Sarah guided us along the way to revamping our furniture pieces. I turned a sewing trolly into a drinks trolly and my sister turned some drawers into a very lovely piece of furniture to put her sewing bits in. It was fun and enjoyable and would definitely recommend to new revamp novices."

Grant Emery reviewed: Clay modelling - sculpt a classical portrait

"I haven’t done any clay work since my school days nearly 40 years ago and so was a bit unsure of what to expect. However, Sally instantly made me feel very welcome and Miranda took an effective step by step approach for those of us with little or no experience. Likewise, those with far greater experience were given minimal but timely intervention if it was required and additional little tips to take things to a higher level. All done in lovely surroundings and with a great model in Shanice, I really enjoyed all three days and ended up with a special piece of artwork. The number of people returning is a testament to everything that the courses provide and I would love to attend another in the future."