Latest reviews

Caroline Sangster reviewed: Birds on a Wire: Create tiny wire sculptures (Art in the Barn)

"This was a fantastic workshop, pitched perfectly and very well Paced. I liked that the three projects all progressed naturally on from each other in terms of difficulty level, each building on skills from the previous project. All conducted in a beautiful setting with all equipment and facilities needed and friendly and helpful tutors Liz and Alison. I’m sure I’ll be back for another workshop in the future."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Caroline, Lovely to see and work with you again . Very pleased that you enjoyed your day so much and really appreciate your positivity and your comments. Hope to see you in October ! Best wishes Alison and Liz"

Lynn Rose reviewed: Beekeeping Experience Day

"If you are interested in learning about bees and how to keep them, you wouldn’t find a better person than John to be with. My day was so informative and being able to get suited up to get up close and personal with the bees was magic. All of this took place in such a lovely setting and with a big thank you to Sue for providing a warm welcome and lovely lunch."

Sue O'Mara Art responded:

"Thank you Lynn, we are glad you found it informative and helpful. Best wishes, John and Sue"

Penelope Kirk reviewed: Block printing on Fabric

"What a thoroughly enjoyable day I spent with nine other ‘students’ under the experienced and watchful gaze of Alison and Liz. The block printing course was very special and I feel I may have discovered a new hobby! Alison and Liz were great teachers; so patient and clear in their demonstrations and due to the small class size, there was plenty of one to one support, with close adherence to Covid safety regulations. The barn is a wonderful venue in which to allow the creative juices to flow and everything was so carefully set out with individual tables laden with all the resources needed for the day. Tea and coffee is available throughout and the six hours sped by. The course is excellent value and I was delighted with my creations!"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Pen, Such a lovely review, really appreciate it ! It was a pleasure to work with you and we look forward to seeing you again in the future. Good luck with your new hobby and happy printing . Best wishes Alison and Liz"

Fran Lunn reviewed: Block printing on Fabric

"You will be made feel at home as soon as you enter the stunning barn by Alison & Liz who are excellent tutors and very talented artists. All your needs are catered for and nothing is too much trouble, COVID guidelines were well thought out and students safety was paramount without being oppressive. With their support and encouragement you make designs worthy of printing on fabrics, paper and card and then you become hooked, I can’t wait to visit the art store for supplies. Thank you ladies you have created a unique and special place to impart your creative and artistic skills. Looking forward to learning more in the future."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Fran, Such a glowing review, you have really made our day! Much appreciated and would love to work with you again . Best wishes Alison and Liz"

Jo Power reviewed: Beginner's Traditional Stained Glass 2 Day Course

"This course was everything and more than I hoped for. Gill is a dream of a tutor, knowledgable, encouraging, nothing is too much trouble she also has a fab sense of humour. I was made to feel welcome from the very start and the praise and encouragement she gave me over the 2 days has given me the confidence to carry on with this fascinating craft. I could have spent a week and more in her company learning from her vast knowledge. I have every intention of taking more courses from her when ever my schedule permits. Thank you Gill ?"

Gill Rogers responded:

"Thank you so much for your wonderful, kind comments Jo and it was such a great pleasure to meet you and Mike. Loved your enthusiasm and I had such a fab time too! Many thanks Jo and hope to see you again soon. All my very best wishes Gill x"

Wendy Brewin reviewed: Frame Loom Weaving Kit

"I ordered the kit with the Bohemian yarn colours. It arrived quickly and was nicely packaged. As a beginner I was a little nervous to start but the instructions included were easy to follow (although I did need to look up the roving yarn on YouTube, but that's only a minor thing to me). I absolutely loved it! So relaxing, even though I did go wrong a couple of times. Have already ordered more warp thread and some new yarns to have another go. It's like a little bit of mindfulness, a lovely distraction from bad weather or the odd pandemic! I would definitely recommend this if you're looking to have a go ?"

Linda reviewed: Online garden club

"I was very happy with the Gardens Club and hope it will continue month by month."

The Gardener's Friend responded:

"Thanks Linda, I'm glad you enjoyed it! Best wishes Esther"

Lesley Hall reviewed: Willow in the woods (morning)

"I thoroughly enjoyed the class and Lorraine is an excellent teacher."

Hedges & Hurdles responded:

"Thank you for your review Lesley, it was lovely to meet you and I look forward to seeing you again soon. Best wishes, Lorraine"

John reviewed: 10-week online watercolour for beginners course with live tuition via zoom

"You are doing a great job Raya! I have been enjoying your interactive online Portrait art courses. Your classes are fun and interesting but also offer a path to challenge and improve upon our existing abilities and experience levels. I have learnt a lot about art history, anatomy and various techniques and improved my drawing skills a lot. Thank you for your valuable feedback every lesson which helped me progress much faster. I would recommend your art classes to anyone. Thank you!"

Lydia Cottingham reviewed: Beekeeping Experience Day

"My 12 year old daughter Grace has completed a 6 week art class with the lovely Sue. The final two sessions ended up as a one-to-one day due to Covid. I’ve been amazed at the standard of work Grace has completed under Sue’s tutelage. Grace thoroughly enjoyed learning many different techniques and is justifiably proud of her finished paintings. Sue has a lovely studio, with a very relaxing and homely atmosphere. Highly recommend! Thank you, Sue, for making Grace feel so comfortable and giving her confidence in her artistic abilities."

Sue O'Mara Art responded:

"Hi Lydia, Thanks for the lovely message. I hope to see Grace again one day soon. Sue"

HPG reviewed: Fused glass day course - beginners/intermediate

"I had a good day. Nicky was well orgsnised and it felt very covid safe with just one other participant and perspex screens. I created 2 glass panels - the final product is waiting for firing so the outcome is currrntly unknown. The tuition was good and it was good fun. My first draft course"

Isabel and Stan Toward reviewed: Willow Plant Supports with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"We had a superb day learning an ancient craft with a master craftsman. The surroundings were wonderful and Rachel's admin was efficient and professional and the lunch was delicious."

Broadrake responded:

"Hi Isabel and Stan, So glad that you found the workshop in the National Park 'what's on' Visitor guide to be able to take part whilst on holiday to celebrate Stan's birthday. Well done for keeping it totally secret from him until the workshop started! Hopefully you'll be inspired for more willowy workshops in the future. Enjoy the rest of your holiday, and trust that the plant supports find a good home in your garden. Thanks Rachel"

Sara-Louise Meyer reviewed: Fun with Felt Flowers

"What a wonderful day felting, Nancy was an excellent tutor with incredible patience for the complete beginner. Her instructions were clear and you never felt out of your depth. She made it fun and enjoyable and the time passed all too quickly. Tea and coffee were provided as well as biscuits, she created the atmosphere of crafting with a friend, I cannot recommend this workshop highly enough. I will definitely be booking one of her others."

flights-of-fantasy responded:

"Thank you - to everyone who has responded, as I have only just discovered I can reply. Sara-Louise you and Karen were a joy to teach, and so cheering after a year when teaching face to face was off the cards!"

Karen Teagle reviewed: Fun with Felt Flowers

"OMG can’t recommend this course enough. A fantastic day of felting with a teacher who could communicate well and had the patience of a saint. Nancy was very welcoming, friendly and made you feel at home straight away. Tea and coffee was provided with a yummy biscuit and easy parking. The course was so much fun it was over to soon. And to End the day the local pub for lunch couldn’t have been better. Food was delicious and reasonable priced. We are definitely going to book another course later in the year."

flights-of-fantasy responded:

"Thoroughly enjoyed today's workshop! You two were a breath of fresh air after a barren year! Look forward to seeing you again for basket-making, perhaps!"

Alan Brown reviewed: Turn a wooden bowl on a traditional pole lathe

"Took a long time to get the course because of covid restrictions but worth the wait. Instructions were relaxed but on the mark and easily understood. The work was quite physical but rewarding and the final result was a beautiful wooden bowl which I didn't think was possible from a complete novice. The day flew by and I would highly recommend this course and its leader. Thanks Steve"

Frances Coates reviewed: Willow Plant Supports with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"I had a lovely day, and took home a really nice willow structure. Rachel and Michael made us feel very welcome, made us a wonderful lunch and were the perfect hosts. Philip is a great tutor and I found his instructions easy to follow and his gentle manner of teaching really helpful. I would definitely recommend this course to anybody who would like to try working with willow."

Broadrake responded:

"Thank you Fran for your great comments - and glad that you took home more willow for another plant support! I did warn you that working with willow can be addictive...! Hope to see you at Broadrake again soon! Rachel"

Janice reviewed: Mosaic workshop at Jackie Nash Art

"Really enjoyed myself- first discussing what I wanted to produce and then Jackie helped me think about the design. She was very patient with me and offered me lots of help in the future too. She has lots of materials available so you can do any design or colour that you want. Thanks for a very useful day."

Jackie Nash Art responded:

"Hi Janice Thank you for your lovely review it was very kind of you to take the time to do that. I’m always here if you need any advice. When you get chance I’d love to see your finished bee mosaic. Kind regards Jackie"

Karen reviewed: Fused glass Robin

"It is beautiful I may order more and very good service from the maker"

Julies Handcrafted Glass responded:

"Thank you Karen much appreciated ."

Elizabeth Wakefield reviewed: Willow Plant Supports with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"Great day. Lovely tutor. Rachel and Mike very welcoming. Lunch and cookies excellent. Thoroughly good day. Would recommend."

Broadrake responded:

"Thank you Elizabeth! It was lovely to meet you. I hope that working with the willow has inspired you to continue weaving - it's pretty addictive!! Hope that plant support 2 turns out well and maybe we'll see you again for another willowy day here. It was great too that your husband was able to give his spanking new electric bike a trip to Hawes and back! Rachel"

Helen Bonner reviewed: Get to know your sewing machine - North Devon

"I enjoyed the experience and I’ve definitely gained a lot more confidence now. Alex is a good professional teacher and certainly knows her stuff!"

Charlotte reviewed: Make your own shavehorse with Gedwood

"Really enjoyable course. Learnt lots of new skills using a variety of tools. Ged is a great teacher and it's so satisfying being able to make your own piece of kit, can't wait to use my shavehorse. Would definitely recommend"

Gedwood responded:

"Thanks Charlotte. It was a great course. Happy shaving!"

Katrin reviewed: New - Inspired by Tiles : Two colour lino cutting and printing in Hampshire. Fully Booked

"A well planned course with scope for everyone to take their printing in a personal direction whilst under the instruction of two excellent tutors. The beautiful rural setting makes this a delightful venue and the spacious barn allowed for comfortable social distancing."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Katrin, Lovely to work with you again. Thanks for taking the time to tell us about your day and we’re really pleased you enjoyed your workshop. Happy printing. Alison & Liz"

Bonnie Stuart reviewed: Private or private group silver jewellery making / silversmithing workshop half-day at Silver Designed Personally

"Amazing course, I am a total beginner and I learned so much. Sara is an amazing teacher and I can't wait to book a other course!"

Silver Designed Personally responded:

"Bonnie - thanks so much, I had a great time working with you and loved your bangle, you did a great job ..... looking forward to seeing you again! Sara"

Lynda reviewed: "Field with red poppies" wool painting interactive online course with live tuition.

"I attended the "Field with red poppies" wool painting interactive online course. It was such a friendly, relaxed day. Raya was so patient and explained everything so well, I was delighted at how well the wool painting turned out. It was thanks to the great kit & excellent demonstrations by Ray. I would thoroughly recommend trying this technique and I will be looking at other courses with Raya to build on my new skills."

Magic Wool Art and Craft Studio responded:

"Dear Linda, Thank you so much for your review. I am so pleased that you enjoyed the course and you are happy with your wool painting! It was a pleasure meeting you (virtually) and teaching you. Look forward to seeing you again at my courses. Best wishes Raya"

Yas reviewed: Creative Fused Glass for beginners and improvers

"I just loved this creative, fun and engaging class. I'd never done anything like it, and Nadine was such a good teacher - I soon felt comfortable using the tools, and experimenting with colour, pattern and design. Not only is Nadine very skilled and technical (handy for a newbie like me) - she's also great chat and incredibly helpful. Thanks again, I can't wait for my next class. Yas"

Nadine Mahoney responded:

"Thanks for the kind words, I hope you are getting great use out of your coasters."