Latest reviews

Chris Wright reviewed: Abstract Art Workshop with Jo Garden Art in a beautiful rural Norfolk/Suffolk border setting

"This was an excellent introductory course. Well explained with plenty of guidance. Very good art, room, ambience and Materials. Impressive setting and friendly encouragement."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Chris - really glad you enjoyed the experience and you created a great piece of art 'The Pilgrims' as christened by the group! Jo x"

Nigel Green reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"Excellent course(Course 1). The instruction and help over the week was very good, introducing a variety of new skills, techniques and use of workshop equipment. It was very satisfying to take home a finished course project (coffee table). Looking forward to Course 2."

Jacobo reviewed: Woodcarving for beginners - two day course in Suffolk

"I had done some woodcarving by myself in the past few months, but this course is just what I needed. Gerry was an excellent teacher and gave many useful comments."

Sally Austin reviewed: Abstract Art Workshop with Jo Garden Art in a beautiful rural Norfolk/Suffolk border setting

"A wonderful workshop with Jo in an idyllic setting. Jo is a natural host, she exudes enthusiasm for her craft and encourages participants to ‘go their own way’. Everyone produced their own masterpiece, the company was fun and the whole experience was relaxing and I was left with two pieces of artwork I’m happy to be hanging on the wall. Joyous!"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you so much Sally ;-) Such a lovely day with lovely people - and fabulous art work taken home! Jo x"

Boo Sutcliffe reviewed: A fresco painting workshop with artist Puy Soden

"Interesting, relaxing and fun. I really enjoyed this workshop. It was fascinating to learn about the techniques involved and the history of this medium, but most of all it was great to get stuck in and have a go. Puy is very likeable and she did a great job of helping us to relax and explore our creativity. I loved her hands-on approach. Rather than fixating on the end result, like most artists, she showed us how important it is to be in the moment and to fully enjoy the artistic process in your own way. I found this to be a very mindful approach to art that was also really enjoyable."

Soden Arts responded:

"Hi Boo. I am very grateful for your review and positive feedback, thank you. My goal is to enable more people to enjoy process-focused, materials-led art-making, and the way you enjoyed immersion in your own creative process is what it's all about! I felt honoured to enable your experimentation with the specialist materials and I'm really glad you had a rewarding, enjoyable experience. Thank you again. Puy"

Ciaran reviewed: Make a Welsh Stick Chair - Cambridgeshire

"The chair making course was great fun and even more informative, would recommend to anyone trying to improve their woodworking skills and will definitely be looking at other courses with Bill in the future"

Helen Walkington reviewed: An Introduction to Ecoprinting

"A stunning day course with a huge number of outputs on paper and fabrics of all types. Such a delightful insight into plant materials and their incredible properties. Fantastic pace to the day and a stellar teacher. Thank you so much."

Gail Foster reviewed: Wet Felting Workshop: Introduction to 2D Pictures and 3D Construction(Beginners)

"Fantastic course which we enjoyed very much. Lots of laughs throughout made it a very relaxing atmosphere, where creativity was unleashed! Sally has plenty of different materials and media to work with and is knowledgeable about differing fleece qualities. We came away having enhanced our skills and feeling excited about tackling our next projects. Sally is a super teacher and will become a firm friend in the future."

Craft Workshops responded:

"Thank you Gail - it was lovely to meet you and I am glad you enjoyed the Workshop. Look forward to seeing you again very soon :)"

Sue and Sally reviewed: Introduction to Lino Printing in Cambridgeshire

"This was a birthday treat and what a lovely way to spend a wet Saturday getting so creative and managing to produce a good selection of coloured prints. Judith was everything you would wish for as she was an excellent teacher and encouraging us all the way through the process, in her kind and friendly manner. Like me, don't worry if you cannot draw as you will leave with something handmade and unique to you. The studio had a lovely atmosphere and all covid regulations were adhered to."

print paper stitch experiences responded:

"Dear Sue and Sally, Thank you very much for taking the time to write your lovely, positive review; very much appreciated. It was a pleasure to spend the day with you both. All the best, Judith x"

Debbie Dainton reviewed: Watercolour techniques for all - 4 week online course - Tuesday evenings via Zoom

"Fantastic! Purnima is thorough, patient and fun in her approach to teaching. I’ve learnt lots and will be signing up for more classes."

Suzzette Naylor reviewed: Micro Macrame - Beaded Bracelet

"I made this bracelet before the Covid restrictions, and it was my first attempt at Macrame. I gave the bracelet to my sister and she loves it, very pleased as she is very difficult to please. And I enjoyed making it. I have done several classes with Wendy and am never disappointed, she is welcoming and patient, she needs to be with me I'm afraid. I do a lot of crafting but always go to Wendy to learn new crafts. She gives me an excellent basis on which to build skills to go and make other things, or indeed teach others at church."

Suzzette Naylor reviewed: Macrame - Feather

"I have made a few things with Wendy and whilst I am a 'seasoned' crafter, Wendy always finds something new that intrigues me. The Macrame feather was my second attempt at Macrame and even though Wendy had to tell me several times where I had gone wrong, she never lost patience with me. Just corrected where I went wrong and off we went till next time. Due to Covid, her classes are smaller than usual but even so they are fun, I would recommend The Little Craftery to anyone who wants to learn a new craft."

Caroline Kulik reviewed: Design a Room You’ll Love – with Expert Guidance Every Step of the Way

"Every room in our house needs decorating and it's quite overwhelming! After hiring an Interior designer last year to help us get started, I realised I loved the design process and wanted to learn more. I love interiors but I lacked confidence and had no idea where to start! I was looking for a course I could do from home, that could fit around my job and had some 121 support. Nikki has created a fantastic course! The modules are easy to follow, full of great tips and advice. I felt guided every step of the way and it was so rewarding applying the learning to my home. The phone calls with Nikki were so helpful and she was always incredibly supportive and encouraging! I now feel a lot more confident with my design choices, my style has evolved and I'm ready to take on the rest of the house. So if you've been thinking about doing a course like this, do it! I can't recommend it enough!"

Jo Collins reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"I enjoyed this course so much, being with friends in a beautiful setting, being guided by an excellent tutor and coming away with something that is beautiful and that I made myself. I couldn't recommend it enough."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you so much for choosing my Hare Sculpture workshop for you and your friends to enjoy together. A lovely day with lovely company and, as you say, everyone went home with a special memory. Jo x"

oliver stovin reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"This was a birthday present , delayed by Covid. Everything about the course was excellent. The communications before hand, the environment and work shop, the lunch but especially the hands on side of it and the pieces I made. I have inherited a lathe and tools and was keen to start learning how to use them. Incredibly practical and useful as well as relaxing and the time flew by. I know you can do a day split between pottery and woodturning, as a fun day i think that would be really good fun too. I can't wait to get turning myself The whole thing beats anything you could get from a book or youtube hands down Simon was a great teacher and gave the right balance of help and being left to get on with it. Thanks Oliver"

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"Hi Oliver, Thank you for such a lovely review - you were a pleasure to meet, teach and converse with! I'm glad the day worked out well and you should be proud of your creations. I hope you persevere with the craft and, if you need any help, please do get in touch. -- Simon"

Lesley Wall reviewed: Watercolour techniques for all - 4 week online course - Tuesday evenings via Zoom

"An excellent class with an experienced tutor. Not only have I learnt a great deal from joining the class, I have also found the class socially rewarding and always leave with a smile!"

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

"This is the fourth course I have been on at Art in the Barn and as usual I was not disappointed - it was excellent! Lots of fun, creativity and I’ve come back with lots of prints! The setting is beautiful, there are lots of materials and the course works for all levels and abilities, I can’t recommend them highly enough!"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Jeni, Thank you for your review, it was really lovely to work with you again. You produced some great prints and now you can now take the opportunity to develop these further. We look forward to seeing the results - happy printing! Best wishes Alison and Liz"

Millie reviewed: Enamel Jewellery - Beginner - 3 Hours - One to One

"Absolutely fantastic course ran by the ever attentive Rach. She is so willing to adapt to your individual requests and ideas and couldn’t be more encouraging. Had an absolutely wonderful time enamelling, have told everyone to go and try it. Can’t wait to do it again! Thank you xx"

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Thanks Millie. You are lovely. And absolutely loved your ideas and creativity. Can’t wait to do more with you! Xxxx"

Ben reviewed: 2 Day forged chef's knife course.

"Attended the 2 day chef's knife course, received as a gift, and had a thoroughly enjoyable time, would highly recommend. I have since been proudly sharing pictures with friends and family of my knife (emphasis on MY - there will be no knife exactly like mine and I hope to use it for years to come). I started the course with a good idea about what I wanted to achieve - a chef's knife with a patterned/black forged finish and am so, so pleased with how it turned out. I wasn't sure what wood would be available for the handle, but was surprised by the huge choice. I opted for a beautiful piece of Cocobolo (central American hardwood), shaped and sanded until it was just right. Steve is highly skilled, knowledgeable and incredibly passionate about knife making, guiding us through the hands-on process over the 2 days. Thanks again Steve! Cheers, Ben"

White Tiger Knives responded:

"Hi Ben I'm very pleased that you enjoyed your two days in the shop so much. I have to agree that the knife you made did look rather special especially with that Cocobolo handle and with the edge we gave her I'm sure will allow your knife to perform any task you require in the kitchen. Thank you for wanting to take a course with me and enjoy your new creation. Kind regards Steve"

Keri Thomas reviewed: Stone Carving 'taster session' in Maltese Limestone

"Great day being introduced to the joys of stone carving in beautiful Maltese limestone . Kezia gave really helpful support and encouragement to us all. Good to get the chance to create something from the heart that meant something to each of us - I did an enfolding symbolic image I use in my meditation prayers , and so good to see it revealed gradually in the stone. Could be longer next time! Thoroughly recommended . Thanks Kezia."

Sharon Cawthorne reviewed: Expressive painting in oils or acrylics

"I can highly recommend this workshop. Liz is an excellent teacher who easily establishes rapport with her class. She is obviously highly skilled as an artist and imparts her knowledge in a lovely manner. I felt very comfortable and relaxed throughout the class and finished the day yearning to improve, put liz's advice into practice and carry on painting. I will be booking more classes and spreading the word !"

Liz Goulding responded:

"Thanks Sharon much appreciated Hope you carry on painting! Liz Goulding"

Leone Hartnell reviewed: Candle Making Workshop with Bilsington Priory Afternoon Tea

"I really enjoyed this workshop. Karen was very well prepared, explained everything very well. All the materials were of a high quality and most of all it was fun! Thank you Karen!"

The Aromatic Candle Co responded:

"I'm thrilled you had a good time, it is so nice being back teaching the courses again. I hope you enjoy your creations! Best Wishes Karen"

Ella reviewed: Online beginners freehand machine embroidery workshop

"An absolutely brilliant course and I'm so grateful to have taken part. 3 hours absolutely flew by and we managed to fit so much in that time. The pre course material was really helpful too and so many personal touches. Meg was knowledgeable and approachable and made the course really enjoyable and accessible. I'm feeling inspired about future projects."

Carol Woodcock reviewed: "Power of Place" Mosaic and Tile Making

"Had a great day in Tracey's workshop just wish the day was longer! Learnt a lot about fixing and grouting and how to cut the tiles. Tracey was very friendly and helpful and I would love to go on another of her courses."

Tracey Cartledge Artist responded:

"Hi Carol Thank you for your review. It was a pleasure to work with you and I'm glad to know that the workshop was a useful learning opportunity. I'd love to see you at another workshop and I'm also looking forward to seeing how your charming blackbird looks once you add in his surroundings. All the best, Tracey"

Karen Shaw reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"Just finished course one and it was a really confidence builder for me, having never had any formal woodworking tuition before. Richard and Mark are excellent at teaching, their tutorial sessions are clear and well set out to follow the stages you are doing as you work through making your project. They demonstrate the use of tools very clearly and then allow you to do the work whilst being quick to step in if needed or for advice. Lots of information to help with how to take things forward in the future, so I’m now off to build my own work bench and go from there. Looking forward to the second course."