Latest reviews

22 Mar 25'

Sue reviewed: One day introduction to resin art

"Absolutely fabulous day! Eunice is very welcoming and friendly, and is an excellent teacher. She encouraged us to create personalised pieces of work and because the group was small, we all had plenty of help from Eunice - so each of us produced two lovely pieces. Thank you Eunice for such a great experience. "

Eunice J. Friend responded:

"It was wonderful to meet you and Mike, so glad you enjoyed the day"

22 Mar 25'

Di reviewed: Glass Bauble blowing experience with Chris

"We thoroughly enjoyed the course, we each made a beautiful glass bauble to take home. Lovely venue, Chris is very talented, professional and patient. The course is partly outside, luckily we were dressed warmly. Thank you Chris."

22 Mar 25'

Ross Murray reviewed: Half Day (3 hours) Introduction to Arc or Stick Welding, with award winning metal artist, Roger Russell

"We had such fun with Roger. My son Jack is 10 years old and Roger was able to introduce him to welding which we thought was great. He is super passionate and an excellent teacher. This 3 hour session is now seamlessly welded into our memories as one of our most top rated experiences together. Thanks Roger! "

High Definition wire sculpture responded:

"Thank you Ross. Glad you both enjoyed your day , All i can say is get a machine, and pracyice, practice , and come back to me if you need help or advice . All the best Roger "

22 Mar 25'

Sally Riggs reviewed: Wild flower and copper foiling workshop

"Wonderful, relaxing and great to learn a new skill. Fion was wonderful and I love my flower picture too!"

22 Mar 25'

Hazel Brindle reviewed: Full day beginners and improves Fused Glass Workshop

"I have been attending these classes for over ten years which is review in itself. I have learnt so much from Julie who is an amazing teacher. The team are always so welcoming and I love attending the classes, they are seriously addictive. The classes are great value for money and I would recommend them to anyone. Come along, have fun, make some fantastic glass and new friends. "

22 Mar 25'

Amelia reviewed: Glass blowing course - taster

"Great day! I’m a complete beginner and Angie & Steve were very supportive and knowledgeable. Looking forward to receiving my glasswork 😁 "

Chew Valley HandMade Glass responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave a review Amelia, it was lovely working with you. Regards Steve and Angie "

22 Mar 25'

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

"This was a really successful and enjoyable day with Alison and Liz. The course was extremely well structured so that there were specific tasks and techniques that we were led through and supported with. It gave us the chance to develop our printing techniques -and experiment! The setting is absolutely beautiful and it was lovely to sit outside in the sunshine during breaks. We left with a great sense of achievement. Thank you both very much."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

" Hi Elizabeth, Lovely to hear from you and thank you for telling us about your creative day with us. It was a pleasure meeting and working with you and your enthusiasm was infectious. Gel plate printing is pretty addictive, with lots of opportunities to explore and a wide range of skills to develop, so you're going to have a great time over the next few months. VBW Alison & Liz"

22 Mar 25'

Liz Lambert reviewed: Two day Leaded Stained Glass panel making.

"This was a really enjoyable course. I’ve never worked with stained glass before and was an absolute beginner and rather cack-handed. Laura was incredibly patient, demonstrating what to do and repeating when necessary - quite often in my case! There were 3 of us on the course, Laura was extremely encouraging throughout and shared her time with us equally and when needed. The process and technique of leaded stained glass is complex and I don’t think I’ve fully appreciated the skill and artistry involved - I will be looking through windows with greater respect from now on. I finished the course having completed a small panel which at the start felt unlikely. I would like to do another course with Laura and can absolutely recommend this course to anyone thinking about it. I also got to meet Molly which was an unexpected bonus 🤗"

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"Hi Liz... thank you for your review! I really enjoyed the course, too. Passing on this art form is important to me as no college or university teaches it anymore. And you are right, it does make you respect the stained glass windows all about us and see them anew. Your autumn leaf panel was gorgeous and is much admired by my students! You are very welcome to join us again. Laura "

22 Mar 25'

SarahJS reviewed: Lino printing landscapes

"14th March - Excellent course in a beautiful part of the UK. Lee was warm and supportive and ensured excellent prints from all attendees. The art studio was a great place with interesting corners and I loved my two nights in the Brecons!"

22 Mar 25'

Rebecca Kidd reviewed: Willow Plant Supports Workshop - Willow weaving with Willowtwisters

"Had a fab morning with Sara, I'm so happy with the bits I made, with the new skills I learnt and the location was perfect. I highly recommend the workshop."

Willowtwisters responded:

"Hi Rebecca, Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed the workshop and learned some willow skills. Well done! Sara"

22 Mar 25'

Keith reviewed: Woodwork Day Course

"Thanks Ted I had an excellent day. Equally relaxing and informative, for me it was the equivalent of a wellness experience! As we discussed I’ve done lots of big projects but this has given me new skills for precision work and jointing without huge screws! Wood is great to work with, so rewarding. Have bought a few marking tools afterwards (pretty cheap!) that will make all the difference."

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"Thanks Keith I hope your journey in wood is going to get the results you need, look forward to seeing you again soon my friend , keep an eye out for my other courses ! kind regards Ted"

22 Mar 25'

Joan Smith reviewed: Beginners Weaving Kit with handheld loom, instruction booklet and yarns.

"I saw this on the TV series Makers Market. I was so pleased to see such a talented young lady showing her work. Whilst the show was still on air I found her website and ordered the beginner weaving kit. It was packed full and the booklet was really helpful and concise. Thank you and keep sharing your talents."

22 Mar 25'

Heather reviewed: Learn the art of mosaics with Eirini

"Eirini was a brilliant tutor and all three of us managed to produce a mosaic tile in two hours. She is a lovely lady who has the patience of a saint and encouraged us all so we were able to complete our crafts. I can highly recommend taking part in one of her courses."

Mellow Mosaics responded:

"Hi Heather! Thank you so much for your review. I'm glad you enjoyed the course! I really enjoyed teaching all three of you. I am sure your mosaics will make lovely presents for your friends and family! "

22 Mar 25'

Tārālocanā reviewed: Plaster mould making for slip cast ceramics with Ed Bentley

"I spent a lovely creative day with Ed in his home studio. He introduced me to plaster mould making and we created a two part mould. The object I want to cast was unusual and Ed was able to explain decision making and the challenges of casting irregular organic forms. It was a beautiful day and we were able to sit outside for lunch. Ed is very skilled and generous with his expertise and knowledge."

21 Mar 25'

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

"Another thoroughly enjoyable wire sculpting day in the long barn. This is my third visit so there must be something pretty good about it! Alison and Liz are great hosts and tutors, very welcoming - and tea and biscuits on offer all day! This course is suitable for complete beginners and everyone goes home with a bag full of brilliant wire creations. Thank you girls for another brilliant day! "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Jenni, Lovely to hear from you and thank you for letting us know about your day in the Long Barn - it’s much appreciated. As ever, you approach our workshops with enthusiasm and a willingness to learn and consequently, you create some great pieces. We’re already planning our next wire workshop for October. VBW Alison & Liz"

21 Mar 25'

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

"What a rewarding afternoon learning a new craft. Hosted in a beautiful barn in a lovely pastoral setting. Made five items under the guidance of our tutor. Can't wait to do another. Highly recommended!"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Barbara, It was great to meet you today and thank you for taking the time to let us know about your day with us in the Long Barn. You created some lovely outcomes and there's lots of potential to combine this process and imagery with your glasswork. We're looking forward to working with you again. VBW Alison & Liz"

21 Mar 25'

Saira Tubb reviewed: Stained Glass Leaded Panel in New Romney, Kent

"Fabulous, course, friendly and lovely food. "

21 Mar 25'

Anna Jespersen reviewed: Art clay silver

"Jade was a wonderful tutor for this group. I really enjoyed making a beautiful silver pendant and earrings. Thanks so much. "

21 Mar 25'

Sue Court reviewed: Beginners Pyrography Course

"I had a brilliant time doing this course. Tilia was a wonderful tutor and explained how to use the equipment extremely well. The gallery is beautiful with loads to look at. I came away with a piece of pyrography that I am so pleased with. I will definitely be doing more."

Tilia Holmes Art responded:

"Thank you very much Sue! So pleased you enjoyed the course. Your pyrography piece was great! I would love to see future work you do! "

21 Mar 25'

Martin Edwards reviewed: Fused Glass "Spring & Summer- Flowers & Hearts" with April Pebble

"This workshop was huge fun and we had a lovely afternoon making nice things! April is a great tutor, knows her stuff and also and also knows when to help out and when to let you have a go yourself. I really recommend this session, give it a go..."

April Pebble responded:

"Thanks for this review martin! It was great having you both in the workshop for the afternoon & see you soon :)"

21 Mar 25'

M Reardon reviewed: Thursday (Weekly) Bobbin Lace Making - Daytime Mixed Lace Classes (Stoke d'Abernon, Surrey).

"Thoroughly enjoyable course. Tina is incredibly knowledgeable. Everyone was welcoming and supportive. It was a really lovely venue. I’m looking forward to going regularly. "

Tina's Bobbin Lacemaking responded:

"Hello Milica It was lovely to meet you on Thursday. Thanks for taking the time to leave this review. I am very pleased to help you on your journey of lace making after having a long break. Glad you enjoyed your day, looking forward to seeing you next month, and hope that all goes well next week. Regards Tina"

21 Mar 25'

Sue reviewed: Dragon fly resin kit - 4 beaded dragonflies and 2 crystals dragonflies

"Sorry, I can't tell you anything as this was a gift for my granddaughter, and she's on holiday at the moment. "

Inion responded:

"I do hope she enjoys it Sue! You'll have to let us know when she gets back from holiday."

21 Mar 25'

Grace reviewed: Glass blowing course - taster

"A great activity - would recommend! It was lovely to try something new and unique in a friendly environment. With the workshop being in such a lovely area, near the lake and countryside, it was a lovely day out. "

Chew Valley HandMade Glass responded:

"Thank you for your review Grace, it was a pleasure to meet you. Regards Steve and Angie "

21 Mar 25'

Natalie Picton reviewed: Beginners Pyrography Course

"I recently did this day course and thoroughly enjoyed it . I was a little nervous having never done it before but Tilia immediately put me at ease. A beautiful gallery to work in and I came away with a piece I was very happy with . Came home just wanting to continue and do more . Thank you "

Tilia Holmes Art responded:

"Thank you so much for your review Natalie! I was most impressed with your pyrography and look forward to seeing future pyrography pieces you do! "

21 Mar 25'

Anne Field reviewed: Block Printing on Fabric

"I did this with a friend and it was fantastic. I don’t have a creative bone in my body and Alison gently cajoled an idea from my brain (with templates and suggestions). She was there every step to show and instruct - but will do as much or as little as you want. I was delighted with my finished block and the tote bag and tea towel. It was fun and informal, incredibly satisfying and I left feeling amazed and delighted at what I had managed to produce! Thank you for a great day. "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Anne, It was lovely to meet you. I am so pleased that you enjoyed the day and were pleased with the results, your print was lovely and I am sure that your daughter will be really pleased with her gift ! All the Best Alison "