Meet Our Wonderful Artisans
Amanda Thain (Manda)
Willow Weave Artist
Amanda Thain
I live in the beautiful county of Somerset and use locally grown willow, which I buy directly from the growers, to weave a range of items including:
Baskets, Sculptures, Wreaths, Garden Obelisks, Plant supports and many other items.
I really enjoy passing on the skills I have learnt, which is why my classes are a real joy to teach.
You can often find me at local markets and craft fairs, and several local shops sell my creations.
I am a member of the Basketmakers’ Association
Gaynor Kedward
Home Made Craft of Decoupage
Let me introduce myself and tell you a
little bit about me.
I am based in Somerset and My passion
is for handmade craft of Decoupage.
I began this beautiful art/skill 15 years
ago and educated myself with all
available techniques.
I especially enjoy tutoring those who
want to gain an extra skill.
My specialties are working with glass,
wood, and ceramics.
My work has been received well in
workshops and at craft fairs.
Katie Sims
Artist
Katie Sims
I’m a Somerset-based artist and experienced art educator with over seven years of teaching experience, including as Head of Art. Surrounded by the rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and rich biodiversity of the South-West, I’ve found endless inspiration in the natural world - particularly in the beauty, fragility, and resilience of the UK’s temperate rainforests.
In 2025, I made the leap from full-time teaching to committing to my creative practice and to expand my reach as both an artist and facilitator. My work explores the deep connection between people and place, often drawing on sensory experience, memory, and ecology.
Using a variety of materials and techniques, my aim is to develop your skills and bring them to life through the language of art. Listed below are areas where I have and continue to successfully achieve:
· Over 7 years of teaching experience, including Head of Art
· Qualified educator with a PGCE in Art & Photography
· Currently collaborating with The Thousand Year Trust, creating site-specific work in Cabilla Valley, Bodmin Moor
· Appeared on Sky Arts’ Landscape Artist of the Year (2022)
· Exhibited work in Taunton, Bristol, Falmouth and London
I’m passionate about using creativity as a way to reconnect with both nature and ourselves. My workshops are rooted in mindful observation of our natural surroundings, designed to be inclusive and accessible to all ages and abilities. At the heart of my practice is a desire to help people tap into their sensory experience - what they see, hear, smell and feel – confidently translating that into visual language.
Whether you’re a curious beginner or someone rekindling a long-lost love for drawing, I believe everyone has a creative voice - and I’m here to help you find it.
Come as you are. Leave with sketchbooks full of ideas and a heart full of inspiration. Let your creativity take root.
Warmest regards,
Katie Sims
Tina Thompson
Artist/Crafter
Tina Thompson
Hi there I’m Tina of Tina.T’s Crafty Creations. I am based in beautiful Somerset and crafting is my happy place. Any spare time I have, after working and family, you will find me either watercolour painting, making crepe flowers, cross stitching, embroidering or designing and making my little creatures. I love to share my joy of crafting with others and hopefully will see you all very soon, Tina
Tracy Rumary
Crochet from The Levels
Tracy Rumary
Artisan
Crochet from The Levels
The Traditional Art of Crochet
I am very lucky to be based in this beautiful County of Somerset.
My experience covers a range of crafting skills. On this occasion, it’s my passion for crochet that I’m aiming to bring to Craft Workshops at the barn as a series of workshops over the next few months and beyond.
My crochet journey began 10 years ago when my mum was very unwell and in a nursing home. I felt I would like to give her something that meant a great deal to both of us so I decided I would learn to crochet. Mum was also passionate about crochet. I picked up a hook and chose some yarns that mum liked and began to make her a blanket. I completed the blanket and gave it to her to use for a while before she passed. I learned many stitches and techniques that have enabled me to demonstrate and instruct a lot of people to learn this fantastic skill through a variety of locally based workshops.
I am very excited to be joining the other very talented Artisans at Craft Workshops at The Barn and look forward to meeting some of you very soon, Tracy
