Latest reviews

Sam Evans reviewed: 5 Day Professional Furniture Refinishing Workshop - Traditional & Contemporary

"I have just completed the 5 day course, split over 3 weeks due to Covid. This actually worked for me really well rather than all in one week. The first couple of days are quite hard work physically. I managed to restore a mid century sideboard back to it's former glory, french polish a small table and learned how to quickly bring back the sparkle into a piece of furniture. Ollie has provided me with instructions and a shopping list after the course so I can get set up at home."

Sue reviewed: Birds on a Wire: Create tiny wire sculptures (Art in the Barn)

"Really enjoyable day. Instruction excellent by Liz who made it a fun learning experience. Learnt the art of making wire birds which was achieved and much more. Lovely hospitable atmosphere created by Liz and Alison."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Sue, Really happy you enjoyed your day with us and thank you for taking the time to tell us. You created some beautiful pieces, which I hope you will enjoy at home. Go order that wire! Best wishes Alison & Liz"

Vanessa Williams reviewed: Eco herb & vegetable markers

"Bought these for myself, but they would make a fabulous gift, arrived beautifully packaged with a personal note. Loved the fact that I could choose my own names. Really good quality, I will be back for more!"

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Thank you so much Vanessa. So kind of you to take the time. Really pleased you like them! All the very best. Rach"

Rebecca Calvert reviewed: Damascus knife making in Grassington

"Purchased for husband as a birthday gift. He loved the day, Richard was really patient, explaining the process all the way through. He kept him on track to ensure you came away with a high quality finished product. He has said he will be booking another session with Richard for himself whilst on annual leave again. A brilliant day in all."

Vicky Spence reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"Myself and my 15 year old son did the course, Richard was brilliant, had a great time and learnt lots, the whole class had questions and he answered all of them. Really pleased with what we made and can't wait to see it finished."

Elizabeth Wakefield reviewed: Willow Plant Supports with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"Excellent day. The tutor was great. Everybody very welcoming. Lovely refreshments and lunch. Really enjoyed my day. Highly recommend"

Broadrake responded:

"Thanks Elizabeth for your 2nd review of the Willow Plant support workshop! Always good to be doubly appreciated and nice to have confirmation that what we offer here goes down well. Rachel"

Kelly reviewed: Introduction to fused glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"I also did this workshop 8 months ago, thoroughly enjoyed it the first time and again the srcond time. I went with more ideas this time and Martin advised and offered guidance thoughout the day. Highly recommended"

Douglas reviewed: Deep Buttoned Stool - One Day Workshop

"Really enjoyed the course. Emma was very kind and an excellent teacher. Learned a-lot of useful skills for upholstery which I will be able to use for a home up-cycling."

Semper Hopkins Interiors responded:

"Hi Jill It was so nice to meet you on Friday. I hope your husband loved the map fabric on your storage crate. Well done for making a lovely piece. It was a pleasure to have you at the workshop thank you for leaving us a 5* review. Emma"

Pip Forsyth reviewed: Turn a wooden bowl on a traditional pole lathe

"Just what the doctor ordered! A day completely focussed on creating a thing of beauty (to me at least), out of a log of wood . It was hard physical work but that was part of the joy of it and Steve was a great teacher breaking down both the process and the effort, into manageable chunks. Sustenance breaks were also a pleasure giving time to chat and rest while enjoying tasty food in the rural setting of Steve's allotment. A thoroughly enjoyable day, and new skills learnt. What's not to like?!"

Gina Saunders reviewed: Single Rose Necklace

"For my retirement a group of friends bought me a CraftCourses voucher November 2020. Unable to attend a course I decided to treat myself to a Silver Rose necklace. It is beautiful and very well made. I would recommend Louise's work and would like to do a workshop in the future."

Louise Anne Designs responded:

"Thank you Gina I’m so glad you liked it and would love to welcome you to one of my workshops in the near future. Thank you once again and hope to see you soon. Kind regards, Louise."

Renuka Jeyarajah-Dent reviewed: Lost wax carving jewellery workshop

"Very good attentive tutor and a great place to start an interest in jewellery design."

Lindsey McBarron reviewed: Block printing on Fabric

"Thoroughly enjoyed the day. The tutors were knowledgeable and very helpful."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Lindsey, Thanks for taking the time to do a review, it is much appreciated. Hope you continue with your cutting and printing . Look forward to seeing you in June. Best wishes Alison and Liz"

Jayne Pyne reviewed: Reed diffuser making workshop

"I really enjoyed the afternoon. It was detailed, informative and fun. I particularly liked the opportunity to experiment with combining different fragances. Paula is passionate and extremely knowledgable about the industry- would definately recommend as a great starting point for anyone considering making reed diffusers."

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"So glad you enjoyed it. Thank you! Paula"

Paul reviewed: Pottery/ceramics wheel throwing (full day)

"Very friendly welcome, great facilities and excellent tutor. Highly recommend this place if you want to give pottery a go."

Dilys Lloyd reviewed: Woodcarving Beginners one day

"I thoroughly enjoyed my day on Gerry's course. The set up of the workshop is excellent and it is great to be introduced to and then be able to use good quality tools under the watchful eye of an great craftsman. Gerry is supportive and cheerful - as well as having obvious expertise. It is very encouraging to leave at the end of the day with a piece you have made yourself. I will be going back for more !"

Judith Horgan reviewed: Block printing on Fabric

"I really enjoyed the block printing course run by Alison and Liz which I recently attended. The location was fabulous. The welcome was lovely from the start despite the social distancing. Alison and Liz explained each section of the process in a relaxed, informal way whilst still covering health and safety and all the important bits. Personally I quite liked the social distancing aspect because it meant I concentrated on the work in hand instead of chatting with new faces. We were not hurried out of the workshop at the end of the alloted time but allowed to finish our work, which was very much appreciated. Alison and Liz went out of their way to show us how to continue with our newly learned skill. I would definitely recommend a course with them and look forward to doing another myself."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Judith, Lovely to work with you . Thank you fir taking the time to do your review, it is much appreciated . Happy cutting and printing . Alison and Liz"

Judy Hilton reviewed: Beekeeping Experience Day

"The bee keeping course was fantastic. Some really informative talks and so much information I feel slightly daunted but really understand what would be involved and how to get help when starting to keep bees. The practical session all dressed up in our beesuits was particularly good. The weather was poor so the bees were very agitated when we went through some hives. We were still able to have a go at lifting out and examining the frames which was a great confidence boost when the bees were not in the best of moods. I would recommend this course to anyone Absolutely brilliant. Judy"

Sue O'Mara Art responded:

"Well done both of you! As you say not the best bee inspection day so it was good you all got to see the bees at work. Many thanks for the kind words. Sue and John"

Caroline Sangster reviewed: Birds on a Wire: Create tiny wire sculptures (Art in the Barn)

"This was a fantastic workshop, pitched perfectly and very well Paced. I liked that the three projects all progressed naturally on from each other in terms of difficulty level, each building on skills from the previous project. All conducted in a beautiful setting with all equipment and facilities needed and friendly and helpful tutors Liz and Alison. I’m sure I’ll be back for another workshop in the future."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Caroline, Lovely to see and work with you again . Very pleased that you enjoyed your day so much and really appreciate your positivity and your comments. Hope to see you in October ! Best wishes Alison and Liz"

Lynn Rose reviewed: Beekeeping Experience Day

"If you are interested in learning about bees and how to keep them, you wouldn’t find a better person than John to be with. My day was so informative and being able to get suited up to get up close and personal with the bees was magic. All of this took place in such a lovely setting and with a big thank you to Sue for providing a warm welcome and lovely lunch."

Sue O'Mara Art responded:

"Thank you Lynn, we are glad you found it informative and helpful. Best wishes, John and Sue"

Penelope Kirk reviewed: Block printing on Fabric

"What a thoroughly enjoyable day I spent with nine other ‘students’ under the experienced and watchful gaze of Alison and Liz. The block printing course was very special and I feel I may have discovered a new hobby! Alison and Liz were great teachers; so patient and clear in their demonstrations and due to the small class size, there was plenty of one to one support, with close adherence to Covid safety regulations. The barn is a wonderful venue in which to allow the creative juices to flow and everything was so carefully set out with individual tables laden with all the resources needed for the day. Tea and coffee is available throughout and the six hours sped by. The course is excellent value and I was delighted with my creations!"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Pen, Such a lovely review, really appreciate it ! It was a pleasure to work with you and we look forward to seeing you again in the future. Good luck with your new hobby and happy printing . Best wishes Alison and Liz"

Fran Lunn reviewed: Block printing on Fabric

"You will be made feel at home as soon as you enter the stunning barn by Alison & Liz who are excellent tutors and very talented artists. All your needs are catered for and nothing is too much trouble, COVID guidelines were well thought out and students safety was paramount without being oppressive. With their support and encouragement you make designs worthy of printing on fabrics, paper and card and then you become hooked, I can’t wait to visit the art store for supplies. Thank you ladies you have created a unique and special place to impart your creative and artistic skills. Looking forward to learning more in the future."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Fran, Such a glowing review, you have really made our day! Much appreciated and would love to work with you again . Best wishes Alison and Liz"

Jo Power reviewed: Beginner's Traditional Stained Glass 2 Day Course

"This course was everything and more than I hoped for. Gill is a dream of a tutor, knowledgable, encouraging, nothing is too much trouble she also has a fab sense of humour. I was made to feel welcome from the very start and the praise and encouragement she gave me over the 2 days has given me the confidence to carry on with this fascinating craft. I could have spent a week and more in her company learning from her vast knowledge. I have every intention of taking more courses from her when ever my schedule permits. Thank you Gill ?"

Gill Rogers responded:

"Thank you so much for your wonderful, kind comments Jo and it was such a great pleasure to meet you and Mike. Loved your enthusiasm and I had such a fab time too! Many thanks Jo and hope to see you again soon. All my very best wishes Gill x"

Wendy Brewin reviewed: Frame Loom Weaving Kit

"I ordered the kit with the Bohemian yarn colours. It arrived quickly and was nicely packaged. As a beginner I was a little nervous to start but the instructions included were easy to follow (although I did need to look up the roving yarn on YouTube, but that's only a minor thing to me). I absolutely loved it! So relaxing, even though I did go wrong a couple of times. Have already ordered more warp thread and some new yarns to have another go. It's like a little bit of mindfulness, a lovely distraction from bad weather or the odd pandemic! I would definitely recommend this if you're looking to have a go ?"

Linda reviewed: Online garden club

"I was very happy with the Gardens Club and hope it will continue month by month."

The Gardener's Friend responded:

"Thanks Linda, I'm glad you enjoyed it! Best wishes Esther"

Lesley Hall reviewed: Willow in the woods (morning)

"I thoroughly enjoyed the class and Lorraine is an excellent teacher."

Hedges & Hurdles responded:

"Thank you for your review Lesley, it was lovely to meet you and I look forward to seeing you again soon. Best wishes, Lorraine"