Latest reviews

Gill Bayliss reviewed: Lampwork Beadmaking Full Day Introduction For One

"My friend and I went on a day course learning the basics of bead-making. We started with no knowledge whatsoever and over the day we gained confidence and produced some excellent results. We even moved on to making glass icicles. It was an excellent day and a perfect introduction to lampwork. I now need to buy my own kit! I would recommend these courses to anyone. Thank you Ruth and Andy."

Linda reviewed: Mosaic and Glass Art 2 day Course

"A brilliant weekend learning about mosaic creation with Maggie during which I thoroughly enjoyed myself and made a piece based on gentians that surprised and delighted me and my family! Maggie is a terrific teacher and I recommend her course to one and all. Time very well spent. Thank you Maggie."

Sarah reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork – Belt making workshop

"I had never done any leatherwork before this course. The tutors were excellent. Their instructions were clear and their demonstrations were spot on. They entertained us with interesting facts and details and kept us all on track so that each of us with a well-made belt at the end of the day. I will definitely be returning for future courses and will be continuing to develop my skills at home. Thoroughly recommended!"

Marie reviewed: ColourWheel art classes for adults - Maidenhead - Thursday

"Just an enjoyable course. I have learnt so much and tried drawings/paintings I never thought I could manage. I keep coming back to learn more. Everything is provided and the tution is excellent plus being with friendly like minded people."

Jacquie reviewed: ColourWheel art classes for adults - Maidenhead - Thursday

"I first joined the beginner’s class, with no previous art experience and found that I could actually draw and paint recognisable objects - much to the surprise of my family! Being able to experiment with colour and mediums in class was invaluable as I developed my own style, better than I could have hoped. Rene and the teachers were so patient, supportive and extremely encouraging. Anyone who is even thinking about art classes should definitely go to ColourWheel where your inner hidden artist will be gently nurtured and celebrated."

Denise Reid reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience Day

"I purchased a voucher for this experience as a Christmas present for my daughter and then decided to tag along I’m really glad I did We had a great day in a beautiful setting Colin who runs the course is a great guy He is a fantastic teacher as well as good fun and put up with my girlie hammering with a lot of patience Not only do you have a good time but you come away with useful objects which you have made and I’m very proud of mine (especially the wine glass holder!) Would recommend to anyone"

Keya reviewed: ColourWheel art classes for adults - Maidenhead - Thursday

"I am about to complete my first term. I have already signed up for the next one! I am a beginner with a scientific brain and imagined I had no artistic talent. Erica and Rene bring out the very best in their pupils. The teaching is excellent and everytime I think I cannot complete a project I surprise myself. It is definitely possible to learn a new skill. The environment is fun and relaxing and I am totally absorbed throughout the lesson. A great way to switch off . I would highly recommend giving these classes a try. Everything is provided and you learn various techniques with different mediums. It has truly opened up a new world for me."

Diana Moss reviewed: ColourWheel art classes for adults - Maidenhead - Thursday

"4 courses ago, never having been anywhere near Art at school, I signed up to Colour Wheel. Every lesson we try out different media and approach different subjects on a termly basis. All the participants are friendly and the tutors, Rene and Erica, most helpful. It has been a pleasure to turn up on a Thursday morning, welcomed by newly made friends, to have 3 hours of me time, ignoring what is going on in the outside world, to take home a piece of artwork I never would have believed possible at the beginning of each session."

Ric Lea reviewed: Axe making course

"The course was fantastic. Andy was great at teaching the basic techniques as well as really clearly explaining as much technical detail as you'd like. The axe i came away with looks awesome, and it was a really great day all round. Ive done blacksmithing courses in the past and this one was by far the best. Ric"

Jill Webb-Morris reviewed: ColourWheel art classes for adults - Maidenhead - Thursday

"Love these sessions. I started last term and absolutely recommend to anyone who fancies having a go at art techniques without the fear of being judged. Each week, there is so much to learn in a supportive and fun environment. The three hours just fly - and I come away feeling relaxed and wishing I could return for the afternoon. Organization and tuition are superb - a very, very satisfied customer. Thank you Rene and Erika ."

Finlay Maclean reviewed: ColourWheel art classes for adults - Maidenhead - Thursday

"I started as a true beginner who had done no practical art since leaving school and very little even then. Nevertheless, I have always loved works of art in a number of forms and felt it was time I discovered just how untalented I really was. (I do so hate talented people!) I quickly discovered that under the excellent guidance of the ColourWheel teachers that it is possible - almost - to make a silk purse out of a sows ear! The skills shown and acquired were remarkable in such a short time and it was most rewarding to take work home that was appreciated (at least by my 3 year old grand daughter!) I can strongly recommend the course. You will learn a lot of techniques and you will also enjoy the company of other mature students and the very pleasant teaching staff. Importantly, the classes are all held in charming locations with plenty of car parking."

Simon phillips reviewed: Introduction to Glass Fusing with Enamels - Full Day Workshop

"Hi , I was on holiday in Dorset and was hoping to do a glass fusing course with some one else but she was not available so i hit the internet where i came upon Steve’s site ,looked at some of his wonderful creations and thought i would give him a call, i was so lucky because at short notice they had me booked on a course for that weekend , i knew in my mind what i would like to make not even knowing if it would be possible !but Steve was absolutely amazing he guided me through the whole process (think a couple of times it even tested Steve ) and the finished result was just out of this world . I had one of the best days of my life with Steve learning so much about some thing i had not a clue about when i got there in the morning, to producing something that was beyond my expectations, thanks Steve i had ball !!!"

Karen Fraser reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"Lovely day yesterday, in ideal place the Hotwalls in Old Portsmouth. Never done loom weaving before, although seen different methods in other counties. Alice was a great teacher and very patient, also supplying tea, coffee & biscuits to keep us going. Liked the idea of small class with 4 of us. Once I started I couldn’t stop."

Jeanette Clarke reviewed: ColourWheel art classes for adults - Maidenhead - Thursday

"I first joined the beginners class in Windsor almost 2 years ago and with the encouragement of Rene and Erica I went on the join the class in Maidenhead with Inge . I am so grateful that all of them have enabled me to rediscover my love of art . All the classes are very relaxed and every week there is a new medium to try out with Inge there to encourage you along the way . I am eternally gratefully to them all as I will shortly have my own website up and running selling my pet and animal portraits"

Simon Kibble reviewed: Spoon carving beginners course

"I spent a lovely day on the July spoon carving course and enjoyed every minute. Simon has the best “office”of anyone I know, surrounded by the woods but with all the necessary facilities. Nigel’s tuition was clear and well paced and it felt more like time with friends than a lesson. Simon was busy making and dying wood flowers but stopped to offer advice or demonstrate a technique if Nigel was busy. Having only 2 students per course makes sure everyone gets the input they need without having to wait, which meant the time just flew past and unnecessary mistakes were avoided. Even the willow log we started with made sure we has a good time, splitting perfectly and carving easily. The other student opted for a shoulder between the bowl and the handle and a sanded finish. I went for a tapered shape and a knife cut finish but we were both very pleased with our spoons. I can thoroughly recommend the course and look forward to my next visit to Vallis Green."

Alastair Giddings reviewed: Woodturning courses in Hampshire - Beginners and improvers wood turning courses - Turn British, all British lathes!!

"Just had three days with Andy (my second visit this year). Produced a beech platter, a tulipwood bowl, and a sycamore vase. Excellent tuition from a very talented craftsman. Lovely surroundings, nice lunch, genial company...what's not to like? Loads of tools and techniques to try out. I really recommend a visit here."

Alastair reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"Really enjoyable day, I learnt a lot within the time, and was able to make progress. It's tiring, but worth it and is a great way to introduce you to the skill and knowledge required for blacksmithing. Plus you get to take home your creations."

Dave Clarke reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"I thoroughly enjoyed my two days private tuition with Colin. I left with far more than the three pieces turned whilst in his company! As I'm self-taught, Colin was able to expand my knowledge and confidence - tool use and finishing techniques particularly - correcting errors as necessary, all in a very relaxed manner. As others have noted, he is an excellent teacher and I have no hesitation recommending him to others."

Maxine Walburn reviewed: ColourWheel art classes for adults - Maidenhead - Thursday

"Brilliant course. I have enjoyed learning new medias. Every week we touch on a different media to broaden our knowledge. All materials are supplied for us to use. We have used: Pencils, coloured pencils, watercolour pencils, pastels both soft and oil, ink to paint with and to mark make with pens, acrylics, watercolour paints. We have covered a wide range of subjects: landscapes, portraits, life drawings, still life, nature and street scenes to mention only a few. I have improved my technique while among fun friendly people. the teaching is superb. its been worth every penny."

Jan R reviewed: One day leather bag making workshop

"What a fabulous way to spend a day. I have made bags before but lacked the confidence to work in leather. When I found this course I knew I needed to book a place. Rosanna is a great teacher and friendly person. She is able to work and adjust to your level of speed and ability. Her knowledge of working with leather shines through as she gently guides you through the process and choices to be made along the way. I have come away with a beautiful two tone, fully lined bag which is soo me and already has received a number of complements. Added to that is all the practical knowledge i picked up along the way and a list of suppliers to allow me to continue with my own projects. Refreshments were on hand and the cafe serves a great lunch. Thank you Rosanna for a bagtastic day."

Anna Campbell reviewed: Introduction to speed-sketching workshop in Edinburgh's historic New Town

"I really like Mark’s sketching style so I thought I would give this taster class a go. The Arienas Collective is a very relaxed, creative environment. From the moment I arrived I felt welcome. I had the chance to chat with the other members of the group over a cup of tea, a half and half mix of locals and tourists, before a brief introduction from Mark along with a look at his example sketchbooks. We then took our clipboards and pens out for sketching in the local New Town area. Each short sketch gave us the opportunity to try out a different technique including perspective, shape and shading. We then walked to the nearby Portrait Gallery and did two sketches in there. Back at the Arienas Collective we were treated to soup and cheese for lunch. We then learnt how to use watercolour to add colour washes to our sketches. I really enjoyed adding the layers of colour to my black and white drawings. All too quickly the course was over and we were choosing which of our sketches to put into a frame. The Arienas Collective is a great place to come as a creative break from day-to-day life whether you come on your own or with a friend. This sketching course was an excellent taster class to learn the basics. Thanks to Mark and Lynn for a very productive morning! I am now looking at the full day class so I have more time to develop my skills and I’m off to buy some watercolours!"

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Thanks for your lovely and detailed feedback Anna. Mark has a knack for releasing the sketcher in everyone, and I'm so glad you enjoyed your morning with him capturing the beautiful Georgian New Town of Edinburgh. Your sketches were amazing! Best wishes, Lynn :-)"

Tameeka reviewed: Make your very own clutch bag/small tablet device case/sleeve

"I would highly recommend this course to anyone. Richard is a phenomenal teacher, he is very knowledgeable, kind and patient. He shows you each step as you go along and then you practice each step before you perform it on your actual clutch. Not only did I learn how to make a clutch bag, I learnt a lot about the different types of leather and where to buy leather and tools in London. Highly recommend for anyone wanting a fun and informative day out."

Cath reviewed: Needle felting - half day - feather felts

"Thank you I had a lovely relaxed morning making Lola the Hare. Nothing is too much trouble and I was made to feel so very welcome. I would definately like to return for another workshop."

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

"I absolutely love Rene and Inga's classes, I have learn't so much and it's lovely to be introduced to so many different techniques & mediums, something I would never have done without their encouragement. Lovely friendly class where you can lose yourself for 3 hours and just paint and draw. Absolute bliss."

Sue reviewed: Group Soap-making Workshop - Soapology Studio - Nottinghamshire

"My son and I had a very enjoyable day at Soapology,the morning is spent learning about the history and theory behind cold process soap making,followed by lunch. The afternoon session begins with Emma’s demonstration,then you get to be creative making your own soap,there were plenty of choices to add colour and fragrance to the soap,we made 3 batches of soap to take home. It’s a very relaxed atmosphere and a great day Thankyou Emma Sue and Adam"