Latest reviews

Paula Chuter-Baker reviewed: Still Life through a Window - inspired by Mary Fedden and Winifred Nicholson.

"The day went so quickly as it was great fun painting still life but with a different perspectives lovely venue and great hospitality. "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Paula, Thank you for your feedback, so pleased that you enjoyed your day with us. All the best Alison "

Katherine Setchell reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience

"Always wanted to try this and was not disappointed! Really enjoyed learning under the expert eye of Sandy"

Alyson Sillett reviewed: Watercolour Art & Spa 2 day full board learn to paint @ The Flackley Ash Hotel Rye Sussex

"Very informative tuition for an absolute beginner! Vicki was clear in her instruction and hands on when things didn’t go quite right! We tried a variety of techniques and came away with several pieces of work! Would definitely recommend! "

Arty Party Breaks and lessons responded:

"Thanks you your kind words Alyson. I hope to see you again soon 😁"

Barbara Gray reviewed: Create Heirloom Angels and Flying Cats and Dogs in Hampshire.

"Great way to spend an afternoon learning new skills. Gorgious setting. Great tutors Great value. Can't wait for my next adventure lino cutting "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Barbara, It was great to see you again for another creative day. So pleased you had a good day with us and we look forward to seeing you again soon. Best wishes Alison and Liz"

Kate Richards reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Weaving a Foraging Basket - Improver's Day Course at King John's Nursery, Etchingham, East Sussex

"I totally recommend a basket weaving course with Marianne, who has such patience and explains everything so well, as well as shows what to do.I have just completed a 2 day basket course at such fabulous location of The Cowshed in Tenterden. I made 2 baskets during my weekend course.Thank you very much."

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you for your wonderful recommendation, Kate! You made two lovely baskets, one of which, the bigger of the two, looked very professional. I'm sure you will give them pride of place. They deserve it. I hope I will be able to tempt you to another workshop, as you showed real talent and dedication. All the best for now. Marianne"

Claire N reviewed: 1 Day Bring Your Own Upholstery Project - Lewes

"Recently attended this course and had a brilliant time. Lucy is a great communicator with a perfect balance of warmth, humour and practicality in her teaching. The space is big and light with good facilities. We all learned loads, helped each other out and finished up with a beautiful collection of stools at the end. I would highly recommend this day to anyone who fancies a go at upholstery and has an appreciation for a well-turned, lovingly-pouffed and highly practical giant Smartie on which to rest their tired feet. "

Roundedby responded:

"Ha! I love that we were surrounded by giant smarties!! Thank you so much Claire, it was such a lovely day, I thoroughly enjoyed teaching you all. I loved the fabric that you brought with you, I know it was harder to work with than the wools, but you really did achieve an excellent result - well done! It was also a really useful prompt to some interesting discussion around pattern placement and the impact of that on wallets as well as eyeballs. Thanks again for coming and well done, you created a beauty! Lucy "

Matthew reviewed: Hardwood table furniture-making course with Finbarr Lucas

"Fantastic course. Finbarr has an impressive eye for detail and is a patient teacher, as well as good company. There were only four people on the course which meant plenty of 1-1 instruction. The workshop itself is well organised and equipped and in a nice location. I would happily come back and make another piece to accompany the table."

Finbarr Lucas responded:

"Thank you Matty - It was a really lovely three day course, and you were fastidious in your work, producing a really lovely little table that was a testament to the care you took. I was delighted to meet you and the others, and hopefully I'll see you at another course soon! "

Dawn Morgan reviewed: Create Heirloom Angels and Flying Cats and Dogs in Hampshire.

"Well run course with very supportive, knowledgeable Tutor. Lovely setting in an old barn. Hot drinks and refreshments supplied throughout the day. All materials and equipment needed are provided"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Dawn, It was lovely to meet you and thank you for taking the time to review the day. We are pleased that you enjoyed your time with us in the barn. We hope to see you again. Best wishes Alison and Liz"

Gill reviewed: Soap Candle & Bath Treats

"Very enjoyable day. Sarah is very knowledgeable and informative, and we were impressed with all the goodies we took home. Lunch, cake and unlimited tea/coffee were all excellent and very welcome too."

Charley and Kylie reviewed: Blacksmithing - Copper and Steel Spoon Making

"We thoroughly enjoyed our Copper and Steel Spoon Making experience with Richard at Hazell Forged. It was so much fun working with new materials and tools, and Richard has a great set up at the bottom of his garden! Would highly recommend. "

philip unwin reviewed: One day welding course for two people

"julian was excellent and we loved the welding"

Julian Wadsworth - Artist Blacksmith responded:

"Pleasure to teach you. Anything crops up then please don't hesitate to get in touch. Good luck with your sculptural interest. Julian"

Sophie reviewed: Visible Mending at Kirkstall Forge

"A lovely evening with a very knowledgeable host, offering so many ideas for mending clothes. Two hours flew by. "

Darn It! Workshops responded:

"Thank you so much Sophie! That's so kind of you and it was lovely to meet you!"

Emma reviewed: Blacksmithing - Copper and Steel Spoon Making

"Really enjoyed the course. Would recommend. "

Tony reviewed: Welding with confidence

"Well taken course with lots of advice and practical work."

Jonathan Harri reviewed: Archive, DO NOT LIST

"Amazing to learn so much in one day. Alex was so good at getting points across. Enjoyed day as a whole. Would definitely recommend this course."

Shazza reviewed: Woodcarving with sculptor Jason -handtools -gouging and whittling

"What a fabulous day - sculptural woodcarving with hand tools, eccentric whittling course in Sheffield with Jason…never done anything like this before and always wanted to have a go. Jason explained the tools before we started and was on hand all the time to help or guide you 🤩…I decided to do a turtle 🐢..thought was a bit ambitious when started it 😜.. but I came away with my piece of art work at the end of the day and was chuffed to bits …. Would recommend this workshop …very relaxed … very friendly and Jason is a very experienced knowledgeable Sculpture 😁🦋"

Jason Thomson - Sculptor responded:

"Your turtle worked out very well Sharron, thanks to your carving pursuit and absorption of technique. It was lovely to meet you and see what was possible in a day flat…"

Lynne Macready reviewed: Drawing for Absolute Beginners in Hampshire.

"I thoroughly enjoyed the day. Having not really drawn since my school days it was lovely to be guided by Liz and given the confidence that I needed to encourage me to continue with drawing/painting. I particularly enjoyed drawing with ink. Excellent flapjacks too Alison!"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Lynne, We are so pleased that you enjoyed the day, and the flapjacks! Hopefully the day has inspired you to continue your creative journey. Happy drawing ! Best wishes Alison "

Claire and Molly reviewed: 2 Hour Glass Beadmaking session for 2 people

"Absolutely brilliant course and so much fun! Julia is so friendly and a great tutor. We made beads in all different shapes and sizes! I can not recommend this course enough! "

Rosie reviewed: Winter wreath making with Su Hart

"What a fabulous day, participating in a wreath-making workshop in the beautiful barn at The Land in early December. Everything we used had been grown on the Land - including the willow, which we twisted into shape, and were shown how to add dried flowers and fresh greenery, to make stunning, unique festive wreaths. The barn was heated by a wood-fired stove, which also cooked our vegetarian lunch. There was a lovely informal atmosphere, and much fun was had. We all left, triumphant, with our handiwork. Thank you Su."

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

"Another thoroughly enjoyable day in Jo's workshop. We all came home with lovely hares and Jo is very professional in her teaching. Thank you!"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Sue - what a fun workshop; the group really gelled and there was great banter and singing! I did have a quiet chuckle as the 4 of you carefully folded yourselves into the one car along with your hares! Jo xx"

Anna reviewed: Jewellery Workshop - Make a Silver Ring

"Absolutely amazing experience. Everything explained really well. Was extremely fun "

Sheila Roussel Jewellery Design responded:

"Thank you Anna. You all did a really lovely job of your rings. Hope you can come back to do another workshop sometime. Regards, Sheila"

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

"I had an amazing day with Jo making my hare. She is a great teacher who carefully guided us all step by step through the stages, to finish with a sculpture I felt really proud of. It was an extremely relaxing and therapeutic activity in a gorgeous setting. I would highly recommend it."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Sarah - the day is very busy, so I'm really happy to know you also found it relaxing and therapeutic. I love the messy plaster stage! Jo xx"

Veronica Gilbert reviewed: Bookbinding: make a hardback single signature notebook

"Very enjoyable workshop in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. Suzy provides all tools and materials with a wide choice of patterns and colours. She makes the book alongside the learners, providing clear instructions and offering individual help as needed. We all completed our notebooks and brought home detailed instructions to make more at home. Suzy also supplies cake, biscuits and hot drinks. Highly recommended."

The Leaf Press responded:

"Thank you very much for your review Veronica, it was lovely to see you and your friend at another workshop and the books you made were fab. I look forward to hearing if you've made more at home!"

Liz Priest reviewed: Painting with wool & silk fibres - Feltmaking

"My Sister, Mum and myself thoroughly enjoyed our day feltmaking with Barbara. Barbara guided us through the process extremely well, she supported us and gave confidence to use our creative minds. In the day we made a felted picture and a felted bowl. We were all impressed with our creations and amazed we completed them both within the day. We would highly recommend this course & it doesn’t matter if you are new to feltmaking as Barbara will expertly guide you. Thank you Barbara for a lovely creative day. Liz, Caroline & Margaret"

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review ladies. I'm happy that you learnt a lot in a shot time. You are all very talented and I hope that you keep on feltmaking. It was lovely to spend the day with you all. Best wishes B"

Col reviewed: Beginners Knife Forging Day

"An enjoyable day, in a small group so we always felt there was enough instruction and support, with ample tooling so no waiting around for equipment. Alex is a considerate tutor with much experience, making all participants feel safe and competent to produce unique and personal knives each."