Latest reviews

Dr Carolyn Kus reviewed: Learn to Sew a ReversibleTote Bag - Sewing Kit for beginners

"brilliant kit -fabric really nice instructions clear and concise made in a couple of hours looking forward to doing more"

Sew Make it responded:

"Thank you for your lovely feedback, it's so good to hear that you enjoyed making the tote bag and the instructions are easy to follow. It's great to know that my kits are helping people with their sewing skills. The next kit is on the way to you, really appreciate your orders. Judi"

Alison Bell reviewed: Free-machine embroidery classes with Dawn Ireland

"Dawn's weekly classes are always well planned so that a new technique, style or theme is introduced (though participants are able to work on their own projects if preferred). Dawn is always at hand to offer help and advice and has a lovely warm and encouraging manner. There are a vast array of resources available within the studio - fabrics, threads, buttons etc. of every style/colour. A thoroughly enjoyable weekly workshop and highly recommended."

Dawn Ireland Textile Artist responded:

"Hi Alison, Thanks for writing a lovely review of the weekly embroidery classes."

Donna reviewed: Introduction to English Willow Basket Making- Weekend Course

"Well, what can I say. I enjoyed every minute of the course. John is a wonderful teacher and I liked the short history pieces of information given throughout the course. He was very patient, and always willing to answer questions.I came away with two baskets that I am very pleased with. Thanks John, I'll be seeing you again for more basket weaving soon"

Mike George reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"A thoroughly enjoyable course. We learned such a lot over the two days and Bill was so patient. Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys making something with their hands. Thank you Bill."

Bespoke Leather responded:

"Thanks Mike, it was a pleasure to meet you, I hope you enjoyed the course as much as I did."

Chris Davidson reviewed: Willow Basket Weaving - with Eddie Glew (2 days) in the Peak District

"A good tutor who could take a complete novice and equip them with the skills to take home a basket that they can be proud of. Fantastic environment to work in and brilliant hospitality from the owners of the studio. I left the course feeling "well chuffed" and three days later I'm still buzzing when I look at what I achieved!"

Zantium Studios Ltd responded:

"Thankyou, Chris, for this great review. We feel very lucky to have Eddie Glew teach for us here at Zantium Studios. Congratulations on your willow weaving achievements - a basket to be proud of! There is nothing quite like the buzz of creating something new from scratch. Thanks for your kind words. We are delighted to hear you enjoyed your time with us."

MAW reviewed: Saturday Glass Fusing Workshop at Ransom's Pavilion, Hitchin 3pm - 5.00pm

"Brilliant afternoon creating with Glass with a lovely tutor. Would definitely recommend for anyone who would like to try glass fusing."

Tuuli Parker responded:

"Thank you so much for this feedback. It is greatly appreciated. I'm so glad you enjoyed the workshop. Kind regards, Tuuli"

Liz Venn reviewed: Festive Blind embossing: lino printing without inks in Hampshire.

"Excellent course in a lovely location. Very friendly, knowledgeable tutors and generous supply of materials and refreshments! Learnt how to use lino cutters and emboss various designs using a press. Very pleased with the work I produced and would recommend their courses."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Liz, Lovely to work with you again and thank you for your taking the time to review your day. Blind embossing is such a lovely process, with lots of off shoots to explore - you just need to get your press ordered! Best wishes Alison"

Louise Wood reviewed: Bespoke Contemporary Fine Art Encaustic Wax Workshop.

"It was lovely to meet you today and thank you for your calm instruction and guidance throughout the workshop. You were very generous with your knowledge. I love that you gave me choices and advice while we were working. I learned a lot too. It’s alchemy. I love my finished work, it’s definitely going on the wall and not in the loo!"

Olivia Radstock reviewed: Bespoke Contemporary Fine Art Encaustic Wax Workshop.

"I have recently spent a wonderful day learning about encaustic art with Lyn Kirkland. I wanted help trying to decide what media I wanted to pursue for my final year Art A level and I now know that Encaustic is the way forward, it has allowed me to be more free and abstract with my final pieces. Lynn showed me various different techniques and styles and was so helpful and encouraging. Her workshop was hands on and gave me real confidence to move forward and create pieces of art myself. A perfect environment to learn new techniques, thank you Lyn for a wonderful day of Encaustic Art."

Francesca Shakespeare reviewed: Bespoke Photo-encaustic workshop

"As an art teacher and practicing artist, I found Lyn’s patient and knowledgable sharing of skills and techniques very generous, helpful and rewarding."

Clive Carpenter reviewed: Bespoke Photo-encaustic workshop

"Booking for two people with no encaustic experience and to maximise learning, we booked a workshop over two consecutive days. Lyn worked with us from the outset to understand what we were looking for. The course was very well planned and took us from the tools required, through the basic skills, into using creative options with alternative media and special art papers. Throughout the course, Lyn took time to ensure that we both understood what we were trying to achieve with new techniques and processes, and was there to assist if we needed additional help. It is hands on from the start and you immediately realise that there is simply no way that remote or You Tube learning could replace the experience of working with an excellent teacher like Lyn. She also encouraged us out of our comfort zones with patience and good humour, helping us explore new options which have sparked some fresh creative thinking. We highly recommend Lyn to anyone interested in learning more about encaustic art."

Jo Teasdale reviewed: Bespoke Photo-encaustic workshop

"Wishing to take my photography in a new direction I hit upon encaustic art as a possible new medium and knew this was something I could really engage with. I booked two days tuition with Lyn having found her details online. How lucky was I. Lyn is a wonderful teacher, enthusiastic, creative and an Encyclopedia of knowledge and experience. Everything we did was tailor made to my needs, every twist and turn of the process was overseen by Lyn as she guided me through the myriad of possibilities and techniques. The two days flew by and I didn’t want to leave the enviable studio that she generously let me loose in. I came away with two pieces of work - one created by painting with pigment and wax, and the other a photographic collage as well as a vision of how I want to progress with this exciting random medium. Thank you Lyn for your patience, kindness and generosity. I am so excited for my future encaustic artwork."

Rachel Cable reviewed: Festive Blind embossing: lino printing without inks in Hampshire.

"Another fantastic workshop facilitated by Liz and Alison in Art at the Barn. Its my third workshop and I was not disappointed. Didn’t know what to expect with Blind Embossing but it was a real treat. Everything was explained thoroughly and all materials supplied. You leave with a thirst for creativity and a sense of achievement having learnt something new. Brilliant day."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Rachel, Lovely to work with you again and we really appreciate your review. We are basking in your lovely words. See you in the Spring. Best wishes Alison"

Jacquie Wood reviewed: Festive Blind embossing: lino printing without inks in Hampshire.

"A wonderful relaxing and creative course. For an absolute beginner they took me through the whole process and I finished the day delighted with my embossing skills. Great teaching and great location. Absolutely recommend for all levels. They adapt to suit you."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Jacquie, Lovely to work with you and we really appreciate your taking the time to review your day with us. Blind embossing is such a lovely technique and it’s great to share it. Despite this being your first experience of lino cutting, you created some beautiful pieces. Happy cutting. Best wishes Alison"

Richard Schofield reviewed: Make your own Sneakers

"This was a very enjoyable sneakering day. Stitching as construction, so, in a way, closer to engineering than sewing. Tracy is a very calm, unflustered and generous teacher. Everything was very achievable and accessible to all of varying skills, I would contend. Everyone ended-up with entirely convincing pairs of sneakers. Good quality materials throughout. I'd certainly like to do the bag-making workshop, should it come Cardiff way."

Rachel reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"An excellent day of learning all about spoon making. Lovely venue and really well presented with distancing measures. Lots of hands on help and guidance and amazing how we turned a log into a spoon. Used a saw horse, variety of hand tools, teaching on tools sharpening, style, uses and what to look for if purchasing tools. Nothing was too much trouble."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Hi Rachel, thanks so much for the positive review. You were an excellent group of students too, attentive and keen to learn- it was a pleasure to spend a day in your company. The sunshine helped also! I do hope you’ll continue to invest in your skills and enjoy the calm, mindfulness and satisfaction that comes from working green wood. Regards, David"

Carole Dixon reviewed: ColourWheel art classes for adults - Maidenhead - Thursday

"I had wanted to learn to draw and paint for years. I had tried other classes but they lacked the planning and clear explanation needed for progress. I enrolled with ColourWheel classes in September 2017 and am now beginning my 12th term! What began as a “lesson with other people” has developed into an enjoyable art class with an atmosphere that is relaxed, friendly and supportive. We meet in a lovely light venue overlooking the racecourse. Each term affords us a varied syllabus in a range of media which gives us new skills to develop our own style. I have learned to really look at what I see; to observe carefully – be it skin tones, shadows, highlights, perspective and more. We are lucky to have a super talented teacher, Erica, who explains and clearly demonstrates the task. She never criticises, only suggests and encourages to build our confidence. Classes are so well organised. Rene has everything set out for our lesson before we arrive. Paper, pencils, paints…nothing is missing and, she is ready with whatever we need before we even ask! All we have to do… is enjoy our very sociable art class."

Lynn reviewed: ColourWheel art classes for adults - Maidenhead - Thursday

"I have thoroughly enjoyed every course I have attended. I have completed twelve terms. Prior to joining the course I always favoured water colours. I have learnt how to use so many different mediums and techniques to get their best effect. Acrylics, Ink, Soft Pastels , Pencils, Coloured Pencils, Charcoal and Analinky Paints. The couse covers so many different subjects. It is a fantastic course. Teaching is excellent Inge is very knowledgeable and will help you with your artwork. Rene's organisation skills are second to none. Both Rene and Inge are kind, compassionate nothing is too much trouble. They make you feel at ease. The atmosphere of the class is friendly and relaxed. I have made some great friends. I look forward each week to a calm three hour session. The venues are great. Very easy parking and comfortable surroundings. I have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending this course."

Ann Smith reviewed: Cathedral Window Quilting Workshop

"I thoroughly enjoyed my day with Jacqueline Seymour. She gave me a great deal of time. I felt she had given me extra, gone the extra mile. I learned alot of new techniques. The location was lovely . I am thrilled with my new projects and cant wait to finish them. Thank you. I expect to do further courses next year."

Bee-spoke Quilts responded:

"Thank you for your kind comments Ann, and I look forward to seeing you again sometime. Happy sewing!"

Madeleine reviewed: Dip pens for line and wash

"This was the second time that I have spent the day at Micklems farm with Liz leading a day of art instruction. Both “painting animals in watercolour “and yesterday’s “pen and wash” were such fun. There was a huge variety of inks and pens to try out ,and later in the day ,to choose a subject and pen to paint a picture. Liz has so much talent, both in teaching and her art work is amazing. I heartily recommend her courses. They are a wonderful day of making art in an exceptional studio in an amazing venue."

Liz Chaderton Artist responded:

"Hi Madeleine, thank you so much for such a glowing review. That is really appreciated. I'm glad you enjoyed the day and hope that it has given you lots of food for thought and inspiration too. Hope to see you again soon! Lizx"

mrs H Moore reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"Dawn's classes are inspiring well organized lovely snacks beautiful cake beautiful studio.lots of books fabrics threads boards with examples of work .love them been four times now .great course"

Dawn Ireland Textile Artist responded:

"Hi Helen, Thanks for your lovely review of the workshops. I’m glad you enjoy coming to them."

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

"An amazing day creating a leaping hare with Jo. Jo was incredibly knowledgeable and made you feel at ease learning this new skill. The day was paced well, where you felt you had time to work on each element before moving on. Jo makes you feel very welcome and at home within her beautiful studio and garden. I purchased some of Jo's kits to do at home and have subsequently made two more sculptures following her comprehensive guides and the skills learned on the day. Thank you Jo, it was totally worth travelling hundreds if miles to come and do this"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Harriet! And thank you also for sending me those wonderful photos of your racing greyhound and sitting spaniel made from your bespoke kits bought at the workshop. They were really good ;-) I am constantly humbled by how far people travel for my workshops and really happy you felt it was worthwhile. Hope to see you again! Jo x"

Mollie reviewed: Christmas Fabric Star Flower Decoration

"Craft kit arrived - timely, nice packaging and product looks good. Just have to make it now! Thank you."

Crafting with Lyndsey responded:

"Thanks so much for your lovely comments. I hope you enjoy making your flower. Best wishes Lyndsey"

Elizabeth Lawton reviewed: Fused glass workshop with Helen from The Butterfly Effect Studio in Halford.

"I have experienced the fused glass workshop run by Helen Cooper , twice and both times I have been amazed how calming , and spiritually uplifting I have found it. It is unusual for me to be in situations where I need to be creative and I discovered a new side to my character. I thoroughly enjoyed both sessions and I would highly recommend the experience to anyone. I enjoyed the first one so much that I asked a group of close friends to participate. They all enjoyed it very much and they were delighted with the items that they made. The atmosphere made by Helen is so encouraging and relaxed , her explanations are always very clear and the resources were beautifully arranged so that we could access them with ease. Lovely examples of her work were displayed , which was inspirational. Helen is a very experienced and talented teacher she took time to make sure everyone was achieving what they wanted and we had a very productive and peaceful day."

Butterfly Effect Studio responded:

"Hi Liz, thank you for your most generous review, that’s very kind and I’m thrilled that you and your friends enjoyed the day and that you all created such beautiful pieces. I agree, the venue in Halford is the most perfect & relaxing place to do crafts. I look forward to seeing you again soon."

Amanda reviewed: Lino cutting for Beginners and Rusty Printmakers

"An excellent course. A really enjoyable and well planned day that was skillfully paced. It was relaxed and friendly with the momentum to ensure that skills were acquired and results obtained by the end of the day. Alison and Liz are really knowledgeable, approachable with a wide range of ideas and suggestions. I started as a complete beginner but left the course with tangible results and skills learned, along with the confidence to continue making at home. The location is idyllic with plenty of car parking. I can't wait to do another course with Liz and Alison."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Amanda, Thank you for taking the time to review your workshop. We’re really pleased that you enjoyed your day with us, as we did with you. Your lino cut was beautifully precise and we can see that you’ll want to carry on and create more lino pieces - it’s addictive. We look forward to working with you again. Best wishes Alison"