Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn reviews

19 Mar 22'

Liz Venn reviewed: Create with a Gel Printing Plate - Mono Printing Without a Press

"Really enjoyed the course and have lots of ideas for further prints. Excellent teaching of group and individual help whether you were a beginner or more advanced. Came home with a whole pile of prints. Liz and Alison are very friendly, kept us well supplied with materials for printing and also hot drinks and nibbles! Barn is in a fabulous setting. A lovely creative day to get away from it all."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Liz, Lovely to hear from you and we really appreciate you taking the time to tell us about your day. We are really pleased you enjoyed your day exploring Gel plate prints; you created some great pieces and it was lovely to work with you again. Happy printing Best wishes Alison & Liz"

16 Feb 22'

Carolyn reviewed: Block printing on Fabric

"Alison was the perfect host including the delicious home baked brownies! As a complete novice, Alison took great care to explain the processes and allowed me all the time I needed to practice before progressing to the next stage. Alison helped with design ideas and refinements and I was delighted with all my take home pieces. The venue is quiet and peaceful and the craft room exceptionally well equipped and comfortable. Plenty of parking and all the facilities you need for a brilliant creative experience. I’ve been totally inspired and have acquired all the equipment needed to carry on my newly acquired skills at home. A fantastic day and highly recommended."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Carolyn, I am so pleased that you enjoyed the day , it was lovely to work with you both . You produced some great designs and I am delighted to hear that you have been inspired to continue your new hobby at home. Happy printing ! Best wishes Alison"

12 Feb 22'

Kerry reviewed: Block printing on Fabric

"Such a lovely day learning a new craft. Alison was so friendly and we came away with lovely bags, gift tags and wrapping paper. Tea, coffee and homemade brownies were a bonus. Highly recommend x"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Kerry, Thank you so much for your feedback. It was lovely to meet you all yesterday, so pleased you enjoyed the day. You produced some lovely prints - keep on creating! Best wishes Alison"

19 Oct 21'

Sonhild Grey reviewed: Beautiful Batik

"This was my second workshop at Art in The Barn, previously did Gelli Plate mono printing and this time Batik on Paper. Absolutely LOVED the entire day, learning a new skill, taught at a perfect level, brisk and with plenty of individual attention and even extra time at the end to finish my main piece. ( time just flies, when you’re having a great time!). The venue was lovely to work in, with the Covid regulations in place. Highly recommended."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Sonhild, Thank you for your feedback, it was great to work with you again. We enjoyed guiding you through the batik process and you produced some beautiful and vibrant works of art. We look forward to seeing you again. Best wishes Alison"

16 Oct 21'

Jennifer Adams reviewed: Inspired by Bloomsbury: exploring a mixed media approach

"I thoroughly enjoyed the day & felt I gradually got the feel of looser, more relaxed brushwork using vibrant colours. It’s a fabulous venue & the teaching was just right for me. Thank you."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Jennifer, It was great to see you again for the Still Life workshop. We were really pleased that you enjoyed the day and embraced the mixed media approach using dyes, inks and collage. it was lovely to see all the varied work that everyone produced on the day. We look forward to seeing you again next year. Best wishes Alison and Liz"

13 Oct 21'

Sonhild Grey reviewed: Create with a Gel Printing Plate - Mono Printing Without a Press

"The GELLI plate printing workshop with Liz and Alison, both professional artists, was absolutely top notch. Meticulously organised, in a delightful Hampshire countryside setting. There was plenty of space, copious refreshments and plenty of gentle encouragement, suggestions and individual attention when needed. The GELLI Plate is a fun and accessible medium and I came away with loads of prints, and a HUGE smile. Highly recommended."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Sonhild , Thank you for your feedback . We are really pleased that you enjoyed the day and came away with lots of prints that you could continue to work on at home , Gelli plate is such a versatile medium suitable for all levels and you produced some Great work . Happy printing ! Best wishes Alison and Liz"

13 Oct 21'

Judith Horgan reviewed: Beautiful Batik

"This was my second craft course with Alison and Liz at Art in the Barn. It was equally as good as the lino cutting course I had previously done. Alison and Liz are very good hosts who quickly put you at ease while they show you the various techniques. There is no pressure to finish anything at a set time but they do show you the next step you might take as the day goes on. There is no pushing you out of the door at the end of the day either, but you are made welcome to stay and finish your final piece. Would thoroughly recommend."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Judith , Thank you for coming on the batik workshop, it was lovely to work with you again and we were pleased that you enjoyed the day. We look forward to seeing you again. Best wishes Alison and Liz"

12 Oct 21'

Charlotte Rose reviewed: Beautiful Batik

"Fantastic day! I had so much fun learning the techniques and trying new things. It was great to come away with a few pieces. The venue was brilliant and the tuition very clear and helpful. Highly recommend- thank you!"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Charlotte, We’re really pleased you enjoyed your day at Art in the Barn and thanks for taking the time to review your experience. You produced some beautiful pieces and you’ll hopefully get the chance to explore some more batik work. Best wishes Alison"

12 Oct 21'

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"

11 Oct 21'

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"

11 Oct 21'

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"

11 Oct 21'

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"

11 Oct 21'

Marion reviewed: Block printing on Fabric

"Totally absorbing. Well presented. Techniques clearly demonstrated Encouragement and help always near at hand. An en joyable day with the added bonus of lunch outside in the sun in a beautiful setting."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Marion, It was lovely to meet you again. Glad that you enjoyed the day and came away with some lovely work. Happy printing ! Best wishes Alison and Liz"

10 Oct 21'

Jeni reviewed: Inspired by Bloomsbury: exploring a mixed media approach

"A really creative course, working with inks, paints and collage, using the Bloomsbury group as inspiration for making your own flower pictures. It is suitable for all types of experience - due to the quality of the teaching. The course is set in a beautiful, large, airy, light barn in West Meon. What’s not to like?"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Jeni, It was lovely to see you again and great to see you engaging with the Bloomsbury vibe ! Happy painting . Best wishes Alison"

10 Oct 21'

Susanna Jarrett reviewed: Block printing on Fabric

"It was a hectic week and then to spend six hours in the calm of the barn learning a new skill was just amazing. I came away not only with a hand printed apron but with a feeling of achievement and enthusiasm for making more of my own stamps and continuing my journey with block prints. I really enjoyed the day and would really recommend it to anyone wanting to learn a new skill or just to reset and take a day out to focus on yourself."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Zanna , It was lovely to have you here in the barn again, it was lovely to see your love of flowers transferring to your block prints . Next time I buy flowers I look forward to the hand printed card ! Happy printing ??"

8 Oct 21'

Lee Winter reviewed: A day of drawing with line and wire in Hampshire.

"Really enjoyed the day, learnt loads and feel like I can pick up a paint brush again. Good company too."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Lee, Thank you for your feedback. We are really pleased you enjoyed the day and learnt so much. We hope you continue with the drawing and painting and we hope the fish are much admired! Best wishes Liz and Alison"

8 Oct 21'

Susan reviewed: Lino cutting for Beginners and Rusty Printmakers

"Instructive and very friendly. Lovely venue and very welcoming… definitely recommend this course."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Susan , Thank you for your feedback , it was lovely to meet you , so pleased you enjoyed the day. We look forward to seeing you again . Best wishes Liz and Alison"

8 Oct 21'

Abbey Hollands reviewed: A day of drawing with line and wire in Hampshire.

"What a lovely day, exceeded my expectations. Excellent teaching with a smile."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Abbey, Thank so much for taking the time to review your day - it’s much appreciated. We’re really pleased that you enjoyed your day and it was good fun working with you. Happy drawing and hope to see you again. Best wishes Alison"

7 Jun 21'

kate Titley reviewed: Block printing on Fabric

"Great day out - beautiful setting, patient and thoughtful teaching. Friendly group - wonderful way to share a day, learning a new skill in lovely company."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Kate, Thank you for your feedback, it was lovely to work with you. Happy printing ! Best wishes Alison"

5 Jun 21'

Wendy Nev reviewed: Beautiful Batik

"What an amazing class. I’m still glowing from it. Alison is wonderful and takes the class at a good pace. Learned so much and I’m inspired to take it up at home. The Art Barn is a fab venue."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Wendy, I am so pleased that you enjoyed your day, it was a pleasure to work with you all. I hope that you now feel inspired to continue creating at home . Very best wishes Alison"

24 May 21'

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

"This is the fourth course I have been on at Art in the Barn and as usual I was not disappointed - it was excellent! Lots of fun, creativity and I’ve come back with lots of prints! The setting is beautiful, there are lots of materials and the course works for all levels and abilities, I can’t recommend them highly enough!"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Jeni, Thank you for your review, it was really lovely to work with you again. You produced some great prints and now you can now take the opportunity to develop these further. We look forward to seeing the results - happy printing! Best wishes Alison and Liz"

19 May 21'

Susie Harries reviewed: Create with a Gel Printing Plate - Mono Printing Without a Press

"This was an excellent session. It was very clear that our teacher, Liz Wellby has come from a teaching background. Everything was extremely well organised and she stretched everyone to achieve their best, whether they were complete novices or experienced artists. A thoroughly enjoyable day in which I achieved lots of exciting work and I can’t wait to develop the skills I have learnt further. Thanks Liz."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Susie, Lovely to see you again and really appreciate you taking the time to do a review. You produced some great work and we hope that you continue to explore this exciting process. Best wishes Alison and Liz"

19 May 21'

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

"What a lovely day at the barn. Very well organised with hands on (socially distanced of course) instruction , encouragement and advice. The structure was well planned and we were supplied with everything we needed. I forgot my acrylic paint and was able to use theirs which was helpful. We all went away at the end of the day with a huge amount of prints that we had created."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Annabel, Lovely to meet and work with you and hope that you can continue developing your printmaking skills. We really appreciate you taking the time to review your day and we look forward to seeing you again in the future. Best wishes Alison & Liz"

19 May 21'

Wendy Osorio reviewed: Birds on a Wire: Create tiny wire sculptures in Hampshire

"I thoroughly enjoyed the day - Liz’s demonstrations and teaching were great and the one to one help made all the difference in trying to achieve each of the three projects. The barn itself is a lovely space to be in with a very friendly atmosphere and Alison’s coffee was delicious and generous! I will look forward to the next workshop! Thank you both."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Wendy, Lovely to meet and work with you and thank you for taking the time to review your day. We’re very happy that enjoyed your workshop and hope you will create many more lovely wire pieces. Looking forward to seeing you again. Best wishes Alison & Liz"

19 May 21'

Mary Rowland reviewed: Beautiful Batik

"The gradual build up of the layers in preparation for a final picture, helped me to understand the processes and see the possibilities. A real learning experience with such enjoyment. Thanks for a delightful day. I would strongly recommend doing this course."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Mary, Lovely to work with you again and so pleased that you found your day helping to reinforce your knowledge and understanding. Thank you for recommending this workshop. Best wishes Alison"