Latest reviews

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"

Lexi reviewed: Beginners Crocheting Course Learn at Home Live with Rachel

"Loved this course! I was a little apprehensive about doing an online course, but Rachel soon put me at ease. She was very clear and soon I was crocheting things I had only dreamed of before. Lessons were fun, she was extremely patient, and I always felt like each session increased my skill greatly."

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Thanks I much Lexi. It was great fun and you did so well. I couldn’t believe how quickly to picked it up! ?"

Lexi reviewed: Personalised Wooden Tag - Craft Tag - Makers Tag - Personalised Merchandise

"I was looking for something a bit different as a replacement for business cards on my bunches and bouquets of locally grown flowers. These were perfect and fit perfectly with the rustic look of my brand. Always arrive very speedily too. Thank you"

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"They look amazing on your beautiful flowers. Love your branding too. ❤️ Thanks so much."

Lexi reviewed: House Sign - Gate Sign - House Number Sign - Driveway Sign - House Name Sign

"Loved the sign for the gate for my holiday cottage. Great quality and Rachel really went above and beyond to make sure the new sign matched the door and the gate. Arrived so quickly too!"

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Glad you like it. Your cottage looks idyllic! Thanks so much. ?"

Jessica Parkes reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"Absolutely wonderful 2 days with Alex at Chalk Pit Forge. Used loads of tools, learnt more than I thought possible and laughed a lot. Came home with a knife and remarkably level table base. Such a great, 1 off experience to learn a traditional skill in a fun and relaxed environment. Couldn't recommend more. Thanks Alex"

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"You're very welcome Jessica. And thank you for your company, I had a laugh to! Glad you've made something you're proud of. Good job. And thanks for the review, much appreciated. Alex"

Gilda Westermann reviewed: Log to Stool with Gedwood

"What a great day of getting new skills and leaving with our very own stools. Opened a whole new universe, got new skills and rekindled my interest in making things. Excellent tuition and well-equipped workshop. Thanks, Ged!"

Gedwood responded:

"Thanks Gilda. Glad you got a lot out of the course and hope to see you again on one of my courses?"

Judith Horgan reviewed: Beautiful Batik

"This was my second craft course with Alison and Liz at Art in the Barn. It was equally as good as the lino cutting course I had previously done. Alison and Liz are very good hosts who quickly put you at ease while they show you the various techniques. There is no pressure to finish anything at a set time but they do show you the next step you might take as the day goes on. There is no pushing you out of the door at the end of the day either, but you are made welcome to stay and finish your final piece. Would thoroughly recommend."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Judith , Thank you for coming on the batik workshop, it was lovely to work with you again and we were pleased that you enjoyed the day. We look forward to seeing you again. Best wishes Alison and Liz"

Mark Brooks reviewed: Personalised Wooden Tag - Craft Tag - Makers Tag - Personalised Merchandise

"Exactly what I asked for, very clean, very clear. Fast delivery would recommend ??"

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Thank you so much Mark. I really appreciate you taking the time to do a review. All the very best Rach"

Charlotte Rose reviewed: Beautiful Batik

"Fantastic day! I had so much fun learning the techniques and trying new things. It was great to come away with a few pieces. The venue was brilliant and the tuition very clear and helpful. Highly recommend- thank you!"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Charlotte, We’re really pleased you enjoyed your day at Art in the Barn and thanks for taking the time to review your experience. You produced some beautiful pieces and you’ll hopefully get the chance to explore some more batik work. Best wishes Alison"

Millie reviewed: Name Sign & Puzzle - New Baby Sign with Matching Puzzle - Name Accessories

"A beautiful gift for a new baby- lovingly made with thought in every detail. All of my children love the puzzle and it is played with on a daily basis- great for learning how to spell their new sibling’s name :) xxx"

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Thanks Millie. So pleased all your children like it. Thanks so much for taking the time to do this review. I really appreciate it. Rach x"

Alice reviewed: One to One Candle Making Business One Day Course (Bexley -London)

"I had a fabulous day with Paula as she guided me through all the steps of making candles and starting a candle business. Paula provides you with lots of practical information on all aspects of starting a candle business which is all summarised in her teaching booklets which you get to keep. I think undertaking this course is a valuable investment as the knowledge Paula gives you is what would otherwise probably take months or years to accumulate yourself. Paula gives you a lot of direction and I feel confident about starting my own candle business now. I would highly recommend this course. Paula is very professional and it was inspiring to learn about Paula’s business too and I am very grateful that she shared so much of her knowledge and experience with me. I felt really inspired after the course."

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"I am so pleased to hear you enjoyed the course and that you are inspired and confident to start your candle business. All the best of luck and welcome to our candle makers community. Paula"

Veronica May reviewed: Needle felt your Dog or Cat

"A surprise 1 to 1 class due to cancellations. The experience was a very high standard with excellent teaching. I felt that all my questions on how to do the felting were answered . The teaching was far above what i had expected. I left feeling accomplished with a dog that my family said resembled my photos."