Latest reviews

Liz Richardson reviewed: ColourWheel art classes for adults - Maidenhead - Thursday

"I joined Colourwheel in 2017 having decided in my retirement that I wanted to get back to doing art (having given it up at school at the age of 14) and this class sounded just right. I was proved entirely correct in my assumption. The course, the organisation and the tutors are all excellent. Many art classes require you to provide your own materials but Colourwheel provides them. Quite a big bonus, I’d say. I can't think of a better way of relaxing for 3 hours on a morning or afternoon irrespective of whether you produce a masterpiece at the end of it or not. You may well surprise yourself and discover a hidden talent. It's the enjoyment and total absorption I experience when I'm in the class that to me is priceless. Give it a go. I'm sure you won't be disappointed."

Jane Slade reviewed: ColourWheel art classes for adults - Maidenhead - Wednesday

"A superb course covering a range of media and projects. I have been attending since January 2018 and always learn something new every week. In my view this is one of the best classes in the area, enjoyable, inspiring and a brilliant way to spend a morning."

Adele reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"I had a lovely day carving my wooden spoon at Hill End. The venue is wonderful and David is an excellent and knowledgeable teacher. He showed us lots of different techniques and tools, and was extremely patient and helpful in guiding us with our creations. The day flew by! I highly recommend this course. Thank you, David!"

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Hi Adele, thanks so much for the positive review. Your group was a pleasure to teach and it also helped that the sun came out! I do hope you'll continue to wield a sharp knife and axe in the cause of green woodworking and shape more wood into beautiful and functional objects. All best David"

Lorraine reviewed: Pottery/ceramics wheel throwing (full day)

"Lorraine was welcoming and friendly, excellent tuition given to two novices. We had a brilliant time and even ended up with various pots to show at the end. Would highly recommend Lorraine and her course."

laura marchant reviewed: "2 Crafts in 1 Day!" 1-2-1 woodturning & pottery experience for 1 person

"My husband and I did the 2 Crafts in 1 Day with Louise and Simon & I could not recommend it more, what a brilliant day, no pressure, lovely relaxed atmosphere. If you want to forget your everyday stresses and concentrate on something that is both relaxing and addictive then book this course you won't regret it. We will definitely be back. Thank you both again."

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"It was a pleasure to meet you guys and we're thrilled you enjoyed the 2 Crafts in 1 Day experience. You both made some fab woodturned and ceramic pieces and it was lovely to have you in the studios. We try to make things as chilled as possible, so we're super happy that you found the day to be relaxing and we look forward to maybe seeing you again in the future."

laura marchant reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"My husband and I did the 2 Crafts in 1 Day with Louise and Simon & I could not recommend it more, what a brilliant day, no pressure, lovely relaxed atmosphere. If you want to forget your everyday stresses and concentrate on something that is both relaxing and addictive then book this course you won't regret it. We will definitely be back. Thank you both again."

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"It was a pleasure to meet you guys and we're thrilled you enjoyed the 2 Crafts in 1 Day experience. You both made some fab woodturned and ceramic pieces and it was lovely to have you in the studios. We try to make things as chilled as possible, so we're super happy that you found the day to be relaxing and we look forward to maybe seeing you again in the future."

Jacqui Mortimer reviewed: Introduction to candle making workshop

"Wow what a fantastic session! Pauline and Olga gave us such a warm welcome into their beautiful candle workshop. Pauline is so informative and knowledgeable and the passion for her craft is outstanding. It was a really interesting and fun session, and I was very proud to walk away with my beautiful creations! I highly recommend these workshops; in fact, I have just booked myself and a friend in for Christmas! Thank you, Pauline, for sharing your talent!"

Bonita Candles responded:

"Thank you Jacqui. We had a really lovely day. You came along with your lovely family. It was a pleasure to meet you all. Looking forward to seeing you soon. xx"

Maria reviewed: 10- week Introduction to watercolour painting evening art course

"One of the best art courses I have done! Raya is a great tutor as well as an inspirational artist. She explained everything so well and following her structured expert tuition I managed to understand some watercolour techniques - wet-in-wet and wet on dry. I am beginning to feel more confident using watercolour . I have produced some landscapes and floral paintings that I am very pleased with. I am looking forward to continuing my watercolour studies with Raya. Highly recommend her course."

Chantal Brosens reviewed: Fused glass workshop with Helen from The Butterfly Effect Studio in Halford.

"Thank you so much Helen for being such an inspirational, talented and fantastic teacher. The setting and energy were just lovely! I had a most wonderful time creating colourful fused glass. The exciting part is that one can expect one result yet what comes out of the oven is a pleasant surprise! The balance Helen has of being inspirational, teaching the technique, and pulling back becoming the observer who is always ready to give assistance is a wonderful thing! With Christmas coming up, what a lovely present to give our loved ones, either a class or a finished piece which would be lovely in a Christmas tree!! Thank you again, Helen, I highly recommend your courses!!"

Butterfly Effect Studio responded:

"Hi Chantal, that was such a kind review, I really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. You are always such good company and it was great to have you as part of the fused glass group at the Halford Venue. Well done on creating such uniquely beautiful pieces, as colourful and full of energy as you are!"

Eleanor Fountain reviewed: Vintage Textiles Workshop

"I attended this workshop in July and the venue is fabulous, beautiful gardens & staff are so welcoming. Loved the fabrics & relaxing atmosphere. Food was delicious and I would definitely recommend. Jill the tutor was really helpful and full of handy hints."

@:Toolerstone responded:

"It's always lovely to get a fab review! Thank you. We know you are a member of staff here @:Toolerstone. It makes sense for our staff to experience what we offer. It means that they can give our customers better information as they have done the workshops themselves! What will you try next?!"

Maxine Harrison reviewed: Learn to make Roman Blinds - Worcestershire

"I love Judi's workshops. I recently did the blinds course and although I have made them before, Judi gave lots of tips and really practical useful information to help with the whole process. I would highly recommend regardless of your level of skill but think confident beginners would learn lots."

Sew Make it responded:

"Thank you Maxine, it was lovely to see you again and hope that the tips will come in handy for your next blind making project :) Judi"

Julie Lilley reviewed: Powertex Photo Album/Memory Book

"A fantastic time spent with Jan learning about Powertex and making a book cover. Jan is very patient and allows you to work at your own pace while answering all your questions and assisting you if required. Nothing is too much trouble and we enjoyed a lovely relaxed day crafting. Highly recommended."

Feline Fixins Powertex Fun responded:

"Hi Julie, thank you for the lovely review, it was a pleasure meeting you and Deb, I really enjoyed the workshop. You were both a pleasure to teach."

Sonhild Grey reviewed: Create with a Gel Printing Plate - Mono Printing Without a Press

"The GELLI plate printing workshop with Liz and Alison, both professional artists, was absolutely top notch. Meticulously organised, in a delightful Hampshire countryside setting. There was plenty of space, copious refreshments and plenty of gentle encouragement, suggestions and individual attention when needed. The GELLI Plate is a fun and accessible medium and I came away with loads of prints, and a HUGE smile. Highly recommended."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Sonhild , Thank you for your feedback . We are really pleased that you enjoyed the day and came away with lots of prints that you could continue to work on at home , Gelli plate is such a versatile medium suitable for all levels and you produced some Great work . Happy printing ! Best wishes Alison and Liz"

Robert Forrest reviewed: Log to tumbler with Gedwood

"It was great turning a log into several tumblers (pun intended!) and Ged guided us on our journey of discovery brilliantly. There were points in the process where I thought I'd blown it but he calmly and with great skill showed me how to get back on track. The tumblers look great and I'll definitely be back for more."

Gedwood responded:

"Thanks so much Rob? Hope to see you again on a workshop Ged"

Heather reviewed: Artist Retreat in the Shropshire Hills - 5 Days & 5 Nights - One to One

"Spent a week at the retreat learning new crafts from the amazing Rachel. Several people have tried to teach me to crochet, but only Rachel succeeded! I am now crocheting a bee! I enjoyed all the crafts we tried and the time flew by! Rachel is very accommodating and her knowledge is endless."

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Thank you so much Heather. I knew you’d be able to crochet! Well done. Love to see a picture of the bee!"

Amanda & Chris reviewed: Everlasting pumpkins- 1 day sculpture workshop using Pal Tiya Premium

"We had been looking forward to working with pal tiya for a long time, and at last we managed with a pumpkin workshop. Bob & Joe were really helpful, explaining how to prepare, sculpture and what to do when we took our creatures away. Both were very approachable, and happy to explain even if the same question was asked by all of us, and throughout the day we were guided with tips, hints, and Bob's jokes (only people of a certain age understood them, but they were funny). The only disappointment is that the workshop courses are not nearer, as we would be there on a regular basis, as it was a fun day's activity and pal tiya is a wonderful medium to work with. Thank you Bob & Joe"

Toby Parsons reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - 2 Day Beginners/Intermediate Workshop

"There should be a rating of Excellent **. Ollie is a fantastic tutor and has so much knowledge and experience. He is so calm and has such a huge (quiet) passion for wood and its qualities. I was on a 2 day French polishing course and had some lovely pieces, all pretty old. When the instruction was that we are taking this back to the wood I thought OK you are the expert. He was so so right to take it all back and go through the whole process. I had three items and his advice was spot on, two (2) needed the full works and the third (3) needed waxing and buffing - I came home with the goods and my wife thinks I am a hero. Not possible without Ollie's calm and fabulously professional guidance and advice. It was the best two days that I have spent working on a craft project and I will continue with it and go back for another good course. Great location, great company and simply brilliant outcomes. I cannot recommend the course enough and Ollie's choice of workshop music, so calming. It's a fabulous mental health spa....effort and great results."

Josie reviewed: Gem cutting - cabochon cutting and an introduction to faceting

"I thoroughly enjoyed this course recently making a cabochon, James is a lovely teacher who is patient, has a good sense of humour and happy to answer the questions I had about the process, the machinery and the tools. I really enjoyed learning a new skill and will be booking on the next course and can’t wait to learn more in this field. I recommend this course for someone wanting to learn new skills with a knowledgable teacher and perfect for anyone beginning their journey into gem cutting. Thanks James!"

Treasureworks responded:

"Hello Josie! Thank you for your awesome review! I really enjoyed instructing you, I had a great time. I'm glad you had a good time too! Looking forward to seeing you again. Regards, James :)"

Steve reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Tilford, Surrey

"I’m not a practical person, but this course was great. Neil is such a patient teacher (he needed to be), but, I think, I’ve tasted enough to want to try this again, at home. Lovely relaxed day. Sooooo good"

Paddy Pinto reviewed: Log to Stool with Gedwood

"Thoroughly enjoyed the course. Ged was very patient and was at hand to give advice when needed. The location was wonderful. Will certainly be back."

Gedwood responded:

"Thanks Paddy?. See you on the next one!"

Sarah reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"Loved this course - green wood carving is my new favourite thing. David was really helpful and knowledgeable. I came away having learnt loads about wood, tools and techniques. And with my own carved spoon. I would definitely recommend this course. The site at Hill End is lovely, and all covid safe. A fab day!"

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Hi Sarah, thanks so much for your review. It was a pleasure to teach you and your fellow participants and the sun shone on us as well, which was an added bonus. I hope you’ve found the follow-up notes useful and happy to provide any further guidance on tools or techniques. If you are able to join a green woodworking group via the Association of Pole Lathe Turners and Green Woodworkers I’m sure that will enhance your enjoyment of working green wood. All best David"

Rozie reviewed: Enamel Jewellery - Beginner - 3 Hours - One to One

"I did this course as part of a 5 day art retreat and it was my fave one of all the courses I took that week. I have always found enamel a fascinating process but never had the chance to try it! Rachel was super skilled at teaching this craft and has an amazing, and adorable, art studio we could work in. To do the course we had a massive variety of enamel powders, glass rods, beads and such to try out. Me being me I wanted to make very specific things; tokens with little stick men on for a very nerdy hobby and so Rachel helped me make lots of little tokens with glass rods out of pennies and the results are great! I also made a bee using beads and it’s so pretty. I highly recommend this course, so much fun."

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Loved your enamelling. Well done Rozie. And thanks so much."

Rozie reviewed: Bookbinding - Sketchbooks, Journals, Books - Beginner - 3 Hours - One to One

"I attended this course as part of a 5 day art retreat; it was super fun! I have always wanted to learn to book bind as it looks like such a fascinating process, plus who has enough sketchbooks and journals? Anyone who says they do would still love a handmade one! We did the course in a glorious art studio that is all wooden, homemade and full of fascinating art supplies and tools. Rachel gave us lots of different techniques to try out and a massive variety of patterned, textured and coloured papers to work with. I did the course with my Mum and we worked at different paces, my mum could fold and cut the paper in no time whereas I was a touch slower (if my mum read this she would say A LOT slower) however our different speeds and learning styles didn’t phase Rachel who could help both of us simultaneously and keep us on track with each stage of the process. In the end I made a lovely pleather bound sketchbook with stitched edges and I can’t wait to find an art project worthy of going in it. Highly recommend!"

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Couldn’t believe how you managed to incorporate all your crafts from the week into your gorgeous book. Amazing! Such a star. Thanks Rozie."

Rozie reviewed: Artist Retreat in the Shropshire Hills - 5 Days & 5 Nights - One to One

"I went on this retreat with my Mum! It was absolutely amazing; the glamping tent was super cute and the art sessions were so well done. Rachel is super accommodating and flexible with what you want to do and learn. We chose Beginners Crochet, which we did in Rachel’s cosy lounge with cups of tea, Drawing, Enamelling and two sessions of Book Binding; all done in Rachel’s amazing art studio. Each class was incredibly well taught; she is fab at working at both mine and my mum’s speeds and learning styles, also we were given lots of creative choices and came home with goodie bags of craft supplies and things we’d made! My fave was Enamelling, it was really fun and unusual, the colour changing and experimentation meant we took home lots of charms and jewellery; which Rachel helped us add chains and parts too from her hoards of craft supplies. Added to the brilliant classes was that outside of our allotted times we could go and use the studio to practice, do our own crafting, or if you are me, sit and revel in the art studio I dream of having whilst sipping tea. Oh and there’s tea; so much tea. I highly recommend this retreat, if you are creative and want to learn new skills, or just need to work on one skill in particular, contact Rachel as she is well versed in all crafts and I’m sure she can help!"

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Thank you so much. It was an amazing week and I was so impressed with all you did. And I learnt so much from you too with your amazing job and personal skills. Thanks so much for taking the time and so much thought and effort writing reviews. It really means so much."

Caroline Butlin reviewed: ColourWheel art classes for adults - Maidenhead - Thursday

"In an ever-increasing world of busyness, where there is always something or someone requiring our attention. Our ColourWheel classes for me are like an oasis in the desert and a time where I can enjoy ‘time out’ to be by myself and with others at the same time. Enjoying three calm and creative hours, uninterrupted by the world outside our room at the Royal Windsor Racecourse is an absolute treat, which I look forward to each week, as soon as I leave that room! I only remarked a couple of weeks ago how well Rene and Erica work together as both colleagues and friends, which sets the tone for the friendly atmosphere we enjoy every week. Each week we learn a new painting skill with Erica and from Inge’s paintings in another group too. Erica works with us at a pace that works for all and each week I come away feeling happy, with learning something new, in a pleasant setting and having really enjoyed my ‘time out’. On a practical note, Rene sets all our necessary ‘tools’ out for us each week, so we don’t have to remember anything other than any tools we are provided with and of course ‘ourselves’! We also have a little refreshment break, where we can catch up with one another. I can highly recommend these wonderful classes to anyone and at any level. Caroline Butlin – Windsor Group"