Lynne Friel reviews

25 Mar 19'

Jenna Dewhurst reviewed: Two leather long stitch journals in a day

"Great course taught by a brilliant teacher. Clear instructions throughout with a set of own materials and tools supplied for use. Course moved at a good pace to fit everything in without feeling rushed. Good choice of materials so that your individuality could come through and all journals were different at the end of the day. Great handout given to take away and a follow up email with suppliers details etc. A really nice attentive tutor and good cake, what more could you ask for."

23 Mar 19'

Neil Hawkins reviewed: Two leather long stitch journals in a day

"A really fun day with Lynne, making 2 books - a small book in the morning and a larger book in the afternoon. The pace of the course was just right and Lynne gave attention to the three of us as we needed it. As a complete novice, I liked the fact that all the materials, tools etc for the workshops are provided - I've seen some courses where the students are required to bring along various materials / tools, which as I beginner I do not own and don't know if I want to buy until I have completed the course. Lynne has a vast array of materials available, so it was enjoyable to see the three of us all struggle to choose the materials / colours. Lynne provided good notes which we took home with us and followed up with an email summarising the day with hints and tips on where to buy materials etc. If you want to try something new, I would certainly recommend this course with Lynne as an excellent tutor. Oh and the home-made cake was delicious ;-)"

7 Mar 19'

Lynne Doyle reviewed: Two leather long stitch journals in a day

"A fabulous day with Lynne. Accessible to all, Lynne was patient, kind, enthusiastic and a talented teacher. Thank you"

6 Mar 19'

Denise reviewed: Two leather long stitch journals in a day

"A fabulous day spent with Lynn in her lovely home workshop. Lynn is enthusiastic and encouraging, just the right mix of advice with creative freedoms. I came home with two wonderful journals, plus the know how and confidence to make more! The cake was delicious too"

3 Mar 19'

Nicky Anderson reviewed: Two leather long stitch journals in a day

"What an enjoyable day's crafting. Each of us had our own little tool kits to use and every stage was demonstrated and explained clearly. Lynne was great and was able to foresee our choice dilemmas, so kept us on track and plied with tea and cake. It was friendly and relaxed and challenging at the same time. We all managed to finish two beautiful leather bound books; each one was different and all of us were chuffed with the results. Thoroughly recommended!"

24 Feb 19'

Nicola reviewed: Two leather long stitch journals in a day

"My mum and I went along to Lynne's lovely house in Chichester for the one-day course. Lynne is an excellent teacher, structuring the day perfectly so there is time for learning each skill, cutting and pressing the paper, choosing the leather (that part takes the longest!), and making two notebooks. We were both very proud of our finished books. Each looked very different, since Lynne had encouraged us to be creative with different colours, textures and buttons. Highly recommended!"

12 Feb 19'

Harriet Anderson reviewed: One-to-one mount cutting for your next exhibition

"I had an inspiring day with Lynne and saw with my own eyes how adding or changing the mount can transform a picture. Mount cutting really is an essential skill for all artists and Lynne is an excellent teacher to learn with. She was well-prepared, always clear in her instructions, paid attention to necessary detail, and was altogether immensely generous with her time and input. And her homemade cake was second to none. Altogether an excellent workshop."

12 Feb 19'

Steve, amateur photographer reviewed: One-to-one mount cutting for your next exhibition

"Excellent practical day learning techniques for mounting my photographs and putting it into practice with the support of Lynne and with a small group of other participants. I was very pleased with the four mounted photographs I completed and am well prepared to do more back home. Great day out to learn a useful and creative skill and meet others in a friendly workshop. As an amateur photographer just starting to mount photos for club competitions this session was first class. I travelled 50 miles to the event and it was worth the time. Highly recommended."

28 Nov 18'

Simone Procter reviewed: One-to-one mount cutting for your next exhibition

"What a great course. I feel like I got such a good insight into a brilliant new skill. Lynne was very patient & had such knowledge. Highly recommended this course!"

25 Nov 18'

Pat Larkin reviewed: One-to-one mount cutting for your next exhibition

"This workshop is excellent. It is very well structured and takes the participants through the whole process of preparing a painting or photograph for an exhibition. Class sizes are a maximum of 4 which makes a very friendly learning environment. There are excellent course notes and Lynne demonstrates and explains very clearly how to measure up and cut mounts. She is very knowledgeable and flexible so that she can respond positively to all the various images that the participants provide."

14 Nov 18'

Pam Morris reviewed: Two leather long stitch journals in a day

"A really lovely course and fantastic to be able to make and complete two journals in the day. Very pleased with the end results. Lynne is very patient and enthusiastic and all instructions are clear. A very relaxing day and new skills learnt! Would certainly recommend this course. Thank you Lynne."

17 Oct 18'

Rasma B reviewed: Two leather long stitch journals in a day

"Lynne is a fun and capable teacher - she very clearly demonstrates the basics, working at the students pace, as well as providing useful information for working outside the box in one's own time. I came away satisfied, not-too-overloaded, inspired by the success of the day, and keen to find leather to upcycle into Christmas presents. I also very much appreciated the welcome to her home studio, which was warm and inviting with the added bonus of fabulous cake! I would definitely recommend this course for beginners and those who want a fun weekend day getting creative in a new discipline or in company of others."

9 Oct 18'

Claire reviewed: Two leather long stitch journals in a day

"I spent the day with Lynne on saturday, and what a fab day it was! As soon as I walked in I felt at home and relaxed, Lynne is very welcoming and had all the lovely leathers out ready to choose from. I loved making my two journals (I was even able to select recycled paper and graph paper!) eating the gorgeous homemade cake, and spending time in her beautiful home. I am already planning on going back after christmas to make the travel journal too. A very informative, fun and productive day!"

22 Sep 18'

Jayne Towndrow reviewed: Leather journal workshop in Stockbridge, Hampshire

"I do quite a few workshops and this one is one of the very best I have ever done. I have come home with two books made - and of sufficient quality that I can give them as gifts. I was so impressed with my books, I felt as though I was brilliant. What more could one ask? A lovely, relaxed workshop with tea and cake. Both Lynne and Alison were there and both helped me to utilise a piece of enamelware I had made on a workshop elsewhere. I am so grateful that neither minded what a fusspot I was being. (I didn't mean to be, it just turned out that way.) I will be taking forward the things I have learned in this workshop and will try making some books at home. But, for today, the books - fabulous!"

12 Sep 18'

Helen Smurthwaite reviewed: Two leather long stitch journals in a day

"An excellent day. Lynne leads you through the processes in a clear and friendly manner, with lots of inspirational suggestions as you go to make two very individual and personal books. Sharing ideas, laughs and delicious cake made it a great day. Highly recommended."

10 Sep 18'

Carol Pantling reviewed: Two leather long stitch journals in a day

"I could not wait to get going on making a journal and Lynne was so accommodating in fitting me - there were just two of us the day I attended and we had a fabulous day. Lynne was a great teacher, very patient, full of inspiration and tips, she was also open to any ideas and suggestions from us. Plenty of choice of leather colours, thread binding and elastic closures. All in all a wonderful day. Thank you Lynne"

31 Aug 18'

Anne Lockley reviewed: One-to-one mount cutting for your next exhibition

"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: Two leather long stitch journals in a day

"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: Two leather long stitch journals in a day

"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: One-to-one mount cutting for your next exhibition

"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: Two leather long stitch journals in a day

"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: Two leather long stitch journals in a day

"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: One-to-one mount cutting for your next exhibition

"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: Two leather long stitch journals in a day

"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: Two leather long stitch journals in a day

"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."