Creative art workshops in the Hampshire South Downs
Relaxed art workshops suitable for all levels, from total beginners learning a new skill or technique for the first time to experienced creatives looking to refine and develop their skills.
Held in the beautiful Hampshire countryside at Meon Springs (or a venue of your choice), Blooming Designs provide a warm, inspiring space, with professional support and guidance to unwind and get creative.
THE WORKSHOPS
Our workshops cover a range of creative techniques, from drawing and painting to printmaking, textiles, mixed media and sculpture.
Build confidence in observational drawing, colour, composition, and mark-making.
Then explore collage, gel plate printing, and mixed media.
Try printmaking with lino, Tetrapak intaglio, block printing, and transfer printing.
Textile lovers can learn batik or wet felting, while those drawn to 3D work can experiment with wire and foil.
Apply your skills through themes like florals, still life, the Bloomsbury Group, Matisse, fashion illustration, and animals—balancing process with personal expression.
ABOUT BLOOMING DESIGNS
Blooming Designs is owned and run by Alison Butler, a textile designer, artist and teacher.
Alison runs a variety of creative workshops in the Long Barn at Meon Springs, a large 18th century barn and the Stables opposite.
She is also available to run taster sessions, workshops at other locations for art groups and bespoke workshops for small groups.
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THE VENUE
Blooming Designs operate and run their workshops from Meon Springs, a beautiful rural venue nestled beneath the South Downs in the heart of Hampshire.
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The Long Barn is an 18th Century thatched building with beautiful beams. It creates an inspiring atmosphere in which you can let go and let your creativity flow.
The Stables is a smaller more intimate yet bright space for smaller groups to learn their skills.
Sometimes workshops are held in The Farmhouse, also an 18th Century building with beams sourced from ships' timbers from the busy ports of Portsmouth and Southampton.
ART IN THE BARN
Art in the Barn is a seasonal programme of creative workshops led by Alison Butler and artist and maker Liz Wellby, held each Spring and Autumn in our inspiring Long Barn setting.
It brings together a curated week of hands-on making, offering participants the chance to explore a range of techniques in a relaxed, supportive environment with plenty of time to develop ideas and build confidence.
The next Art in the Barn takes place from Thursday 8th October to Tuesday 13th October 2026, with each day focusing on a different creative process.
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On the Thursday and Friday, you can explore Intaglio printmaking using Tetrapaks and Batik inspired by sunflowers and seed heads
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Over the weekend, small wire animal sculptures, followed by a combined mixed media and wire workshop.
On the Monday, there is a day of drawing and painting inspired by Matisse, finishing on the Tuesday with a lino printing workshop.
Each session can be booked individually or experienced as a full creative journey across multiple techniques, making Art in the Barn an ideal opportunity to immerse yourself in a variety of approaches to making.
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Please click the Booking Calendar to find out more and make your booking. For multiple selections, click Add to Cart rather than Buy Now.
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Upcoming Workshops
Below is the booking calendar for upcoming workshops.
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If you wish to book or find further details, click Book Now on any workshop.
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Each workshop is priced at £99,
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Gift vouchers are also available (scroll down beneath the booking calendar).
You can also find further information about each workshop on the Workshops page.
Class Schedule
​​​​​​"Beautiful location and work space on a working farm. Alison provides a wide range of materials and resources completely appropriate for the course".
"It is very relaxed and I highly recommend this gem of a craft centre.
A great place to escape the everyday stresses".
"Alison primed us with cups of tea and delicious cakes throughout the day. I’ll be back again !!!"
Creative Inspiration
Blooming Designs provides creative and unique workshops in many areas of art and design, offering inspiration for all levels across Chichester, Portsmouth, Southampton, and Winchester. Whether you’re looking to learn a new skill, or simply explore a particular process in more detail. We can also offer bespoke workshops for small groups such as hen do's or birthday celebrations. We also offer talks and demonstrations to art groups on subjects like Batik and Gel plate Printing. For more guidance on our workshops you can explore our FAQ to find everything you need.