Lynne Friel reviews

31 Aug 18'

Anne Lockley reviewed: 1-to-1 Mount cutting and effective presentation for painters and photographers

"Before attending this course I was a complete novice and had little idea of what it would involved. I turned up with some of my grandson's artwork, feeling apprehensive but was quickly put at ease by Lynne's friendly manner. Her instructions were clear (excellent paperwork was provided) and she demonstrated each stage which was good for a kinaesthetic learner like me. Nothing was too much for Lynne and she was quick to help when I made a mistake, offering advice on how to deal with this, keeping me calm. As the day progressed I grew in confidence, eventually taking home beautifully framed pictures; my grandson is delighted with them! I now have the equipment and am enthusiastic to use my new found knowledge. I would wholeheartedly recommend Lynne's course."

11 Jul 18'

Sam Cole reviewed: Leather long stitch journal / artist's book (beginners)

"I had a wonderful day making my 2 leather journals. Lynne is a great teacher and the setting is beautiful. She is very knowledgeable and has some brilliant ideas. I can highly recommend this course - excellent!"

10 Jul 18'

Lis Spence reviewed: Leather long stitch journal / artist's book (beginners)

"I booked two places on this course as a birthday present for a 'crafty' friend. We both had a great day and went home with two journals which were completely different and individual and of which we were inordinately proud. Lynne is a wonderful teacher, so patient and accommodating. Let's you do everything yourself but is there keeping an eye out to guide you where needed. Oh and the homemade cherry cake was delicious."

27 Jun 18'

Sally Sturt reviewed: 1-to-1 Mount cutting and effective presentation for painters and photographers

"An excellent value course to learn the basics of mount cutting. Lynne clearly has a lot of experience which she is very willing to share. The course was well structured with excellent course notes and preparation yet Lynne was able to be very flexible and accommodating to each student and the individual needs. I would have no hesitation in recommending this course."

24 Jun 18'

Siobhan Balfour reviewed: Leather long stitch journal / artist's book (beginners)

"A perfect course for stationery lovers or for crafters who would like to try something different. Lynne's fun teaching style encourages you to get creative and make a truly unique journal for yourself or as a gift. The leather I used for my journals was originally from leather coats from the 60s & 70s in an array of colours and styles. So, no 2 journals could possibly be the same. Lynne gave thorough explanations and provided hand outs so that I could work and learn at my own pace. There is no rush and if you can't get your head around a technique, Lynne will patiently go through it with you 1 - 1. I also made 2 journals on the one-day course I attended which I thought was real vale for money."

24 Jun 18'

Julie Gooddy reviewed: Leather long stitch journal / artist's book (beginners)

"I travelled some way to attend this course, but it was well worth it! Lynne was very welcoming, hospitable and generous, and I felt very at ease in her home environment! There was a great exchange and sharing of ideas between tutor and students and it was lovely to be able to do that. I was really pleased with my achievements on the day, and now I love to pick up and handle the two leather journals that I made!! The helpful notes and list of suppliers for threads and tools is so useful, enabling me to carry on making!"

23 Jun 18'

Christine Taylor reviewed: 1-to-1 Mount cutting and effective presentation for painters and photographers

"Two days ago I spent a wonderful day with Lynne, our gifted teacher. I learnt so much. At each stage we were carefully guided through the process. As with many things careful preparation leads to success. By the end of the day we had successfully cut and mounted several pictures. I have since mounted two more pictures at home with equal success. To have the confidence to carry on at home shows how well I was taught. I would highly recommend this course."

23 Jun 18'

Ros Wakeford reviewed: Leather long stitch journal / artist's book (beginners)

"A really enjoyable day and I'm really pleased with the books I have brought home. Lynne's instructions are very clear, including those on the handout which will enable me to make more books at home. Lynne has endless patience and was very helpful. There was an extensive choice of materials too. I had a great day."

12 Jun 18'

Lynn Stephens reviewed: Leather long stitch journal / artist's book (beginners)

"A very enjoyable day, well structured - Lynne explained each stage clearly and was patient if any process required further instruction. I look forward to attending further workshops run by Lynne and based on this day would recommend to anyone."

12 Jun 18'

Karen Foulkes reviewed: Leather long stitch journal / artist's book (beginners)

"A very rewarding day. lynne is an excellent teacher. Putting you at ease with her gentle, clear and concise manner. Giving encouragement and help along the way. At the end of the day you have two beautiful books you can be proud of, and enough skills to go home and try again."

23 Apr 18'

Mat reviewed: 1-to-1 Mount cutting and effective presentation for painters and photographers

"As a complete novice, Lynne's warm and generous nature removed any nerves that I had before the course. The well stocked studio was comfortable and relaxed and Lynne's teaching was patient yet full of passion and enthusiasm. Leaving the studio at the end of the day with my newly mounted artworks was a very special type of joy. Oh, and the homemade cake, mmm..! I would highly recommend this course."

14 Apr 18'

Jo and Richard reviewed: Leather long stitch journal / artist's book (beginners)

"My husband and I had a fun day learning to make leather journals with Lynne The whole day was really well structured; allowing progress at our own pace, plenty of timely advice and suggestions and a pause for tea and cake. Lynne's tuition ensured we each completed two different journals during the course, with lots of lovely options to ensure each was truly individual and special. A lovely day, at a gentle pace that delivered both completed projects and the knowledge to try it again at home. A great course!"

31 Mar 18'

Liz Kenny reviewed: 1-to-1 Mount cutting and effective presentation for painters and photographers

"I booked on this course after being criticised by a judge at my photographic society for surface mounting a photo I entered into a competition. I wasn't sure whether it would be worth the trip down to Chichester from Cheshire, but the whole day was so informative and enjoyable that I have no regrets. Lynne took us through the whole process step by step, with clear instructions (backed up by notes to take away) and lots of advice on how to avoid mistakes and, just as important, how to put them right when we made them. Lynne's methodical approach taught us good habits that will, I'm sure, stand us in good stead in the future. I got everything I wanted from the course, and more besides, as Lynne showed us how how to "look for the picture" in our image. I would recommend the course to any photographer wanting to mount pictures for competition, or for framing. The cherry cake was good too!"

19 Mar 18'

Wendy Jago reviewed: Leather long stitch journal / artist's book (beginners)

"Absorbing and rewarding day! Lynne made us very welcome and the small group size meant that we had plenty of individual attention and support. The structure of the day was spot-on, with clear step-by-step demonstrations and illustrated hand-outs so we could go on to make more journals at home if we wished. Everyone had their own set of tools so nobody was held up in a queue! Even the coffee and lunch breaks were placed appropriately between different stages in the process. Plenty of choice of leather, thread and elastic so we could make our books truly personal. The whole structure made it inevitable that we would succeed: brilliant! I've already booked to learn a slightly different technique. Thank you so much, Lynne!"

19 Mar 18'

Beatrice reviewed: Leather long stitch journal / artist's book (beginners)

"I've just spent a lovely day making two leather journals. Lynne is a very patient and enthusiastic teacher. She uses gorgeous upcycled leather for the project and it was hard to know which piece I would love the most. I learned a lot as Lynne is a very knowledgeable person who explained things very clearly and precisely. I recommend this course to anyone who loves making things."

12 Mar 18'

Janice reviewed: 1-to-1 Mount cutting and effective presentation for painters and photographers

"My husband surprised me by booking me in for this one day course. Lynne was very welcoming into her own home and provided a beautiful homemade cherry cake and ground coffee throughout the day. The course was brilliant, Lynne is a good tutor ,explaining the task so well and offered help and extra support when a problem arose .I feel this induction introduced me to mounting photos with confidence and I would highly recommended it .Lynne shared knowledge and guidance on required equipment .It was so good being in a small friendly group of people sharing the same interest."

26 Feb 18'

Ros Szanto reviewed: 1-to-1 Mount cutting and effective presentation for painters and photographers

"I spent a superb day with Lynne last Saturday at the Maltings in Farnham. I had never cut a mount before but by the end of the day I felt completely confident. She is a brilliant teacher - gives great advice on equipment and technique with lots of tips to help things go well each time. Also shows you how to mount so as to be able to make use of ready made easily available frames. She guides you in how to best present your chosen pictures or photographs and by the end of the day I had completely finished three and one more well on its way. I highly recommend this course."

15 Feb 18'

Alison & Peter Woodman reviewed: Leather long stitch journal / artist's book (beginners)

"I cannot rate this course highly enough. Lynne is a superb teacher with so much patience and kindness when sharing her skills. We came away as promised with 2 journals each and we had an amazing memorable day that we are still talking about. If you want to learn something new then this course is wonderful. The cake added to the day as it was delicious and we were made to feel so very welcome. Just a truly remarkable day. Thank you Lynne"

5 Feb 18'

Neil Jackson reviewed: 1-to-1 Mount cutting and effective presentation for painters and photographers

"An fantastic day spent with Lynne at Studio Tuesday in Haslemere. I arrived as a complete novice but by the end of the day I felt completely comfortable with all stages of picture mounting. Lynne demonstrated all aspects of the process and ensured, step by step, that I understood and was able to work competently on my own. The course also included 'finding the picture' and considering different mount sizes and borders. She showed patience and understanding and passed on lots of tips and suggestions to make the process easier. On the day I mounted two photographs and framed one of them. Very pleased. Thank you Lynne"

30 Nov 17'

Chris Parkes reviewed: Leather long stitch journal / artist's book (beginners)

"A thoroughly enjoyable day. Clear step by step process during which Lynne gives ample individual guidance and encouragement. Amazed to come away with two lovely journals and the confidence to go into production at home. Highly recommend."

20 Nov 17'

Charles Harries reviewed: Leather long stitch journal / artist's book (beginners)

"A first class course. Really well thought through and organised with clear notes. Lovely to go away with a pair of leather bound sketch books - almost too good to use! Now to do it at home."

19 Nov 17'

Eve Chalcraft reviewed: Leather long stitch journal / artist's book (beginners)

"Lynne delivers a fantastic workshop using a clear and friendly approach. Not only do you leave with two gorgeous, tactile, unique journals but you also learn adaptable techniques which will enable you to have a go at home!"

26 Oct 17'

Penny Gould reviewed: Leather long stitch journal / artist's book (beginners)

"Had a wonderful day learning new skills with the fantastic Lynne. She explained everything beautifully and in a simple to understand way. I was so thrilled to have actually made something to take home that looked professional and useful. Great value for money and great hospitality [especially the home-made cherry cake!]."

26 Oct 17'

Gail Newman reviewed: Leather long stitch journal / artist's book (beginners)

"A fantastic day. Lynne is an excellent teacher and the pace of the day is just right. Everything is available and each stage is well explained. I would recommend this course to anyone who wants to have a go any a new craft. I can't sing Lynne's praises enough."

17 Oct 17'

Linda Fernley reviewed: 1-to-1 Mount cutting and effective presentation for painters and photographers

"I joined this workshop in Farnham on Saturday without the slightest clue about how to mount a picture or photograph. By the end of the day I was a 'professional'! Lynne is a superb tutor; she demonstrates and explains very clearly and, with such a small class of just six, is able to constantly give advice and tips as we each created our own 'masterpieces'. I'm so pleased to have learnt this skill and would absolutely recommend this course."