Latest reviews

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"

Christopher Biggs reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I attended the 1/2 day beginners woodturning workshop with Simon and had a great time brushing up long lost skills on a wood lathe. Simon is clearly a very skilled woodworker and made the afternoon interesting, using a variety of handtools to make the different cuts into our piece. He was patient and explained then demonstrated what was next before you got to try out too. We still had the time to make a Christmas Tree and talk about my own tools and he even made them better on his sharpening belt. I couldn't have asked for anything more and looking forward to the next step of learning how to make bowls. Many, many thanks."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi Chris, Thanks for a great review - it was a fun few hours! I look forward to seeing you again soon. -- Simon"

Sue Lowe reviewed: Dip pens for line and wash

"A lovely relaxed day. Liz is a great teacher and explained everything so clearly. I learnt a lot about the variety of inks and pens that can be used, and had fun experimenting with different effects. I can recommend Liz’s classes and I’ll certainly be booking more! ?"

Liz Chaderton Artist responded:

"Hi Sue, thanks for such a lovely review. I am so pleased you had a fun inky day and I would love to see more puffins!"

Zilvinas Aukselis reviewed: Perfume Making in Norfolk

"If you want to know the first and important steps in perfume making, this is the perfect place to start. Kind and Fantastic service provided by Diane. Thank you very much."

Aroma Natural responded:

"Hi Zilvinas It was lovely to meet you and Erika to design and make your own perfume and hear all about your future plans. Thank you for your lovely review, its much appreciated."

clare Spencer reviewed: Dip pens for line and wash

"Fantastic day, didn't realize there are so many different inks or pens. Liz explained the different methods and tools to develop my line and wash pictures, then let us loose to experiment which was fun. I would say to anyone its great way to find out what method and tools suit your style or push you out of your comfort zone and help to develop your skills as an artist. I would always recommend Liz’s courses to anyone they are well planned and Liz is so helpful with any questions thrown her way. The venue was light and spacious a beautiful setting to spend a day developing my art."

Liz Chaderton Artist responded:

"Hi Clare - thank you so much for such a lovely review! It was great to see you and I am glad you enjoyed it. Now to get your studio finished!!!!"

JUNE THOMPSON reviewed: Beginners Mosaics Workshops near Exeter, Devon

"Thoroughly enjoyed the day course. Am always a bit wary of joining classes when going by myself. I was joined by 3 ladies...sisters/friends who were lovely. Denny made everyone welcome and relaxed.The home made cakes were a lovely touch and much appreciated.Enjoyed it so much am booked in for 2 more days in Oct and Nov...Really pleased with the picture I made..so much so have another one in the making.I had dabbled with mosaics before but felt I needed the knowledge of the finer points and finishes...all of which Denny advised me on..."

MosaicXandMe responded:

"Thank you, June, for taking the time to write this review. And a nice one too! Looking forward to seeing you again soon. Denny x"

Liz reviewed: Two day wood carving course at Middleton Hall

"This was a really enjoyable way to spend a weekend. The tasks are well-judged to be doable in the time, but still somewhat challenging, so you have a sense of achievement at the end, and well-structured so that by the time you get to the trickier bits, you have developed some skill with the tools."

Amerton Arts Studio responded:

"Thank you very much for the review Liz, glad you enjoyed it."