CG Crafts reviews

29 Feb 16'

Sally Havill reviewed: Enamelled jewellery for beginners and improvers - fired glass jewellery techniques

"A very enjoyable day! great value for money. Toni demonstrated all the steps then was on hand for help. There was lots of opportunity to be creative. Toni was very friendly and knowledgeable and able to answer all my questions. I went home with several pieces I was proud to wear. I will definitely be doing more courses with Toni The venue was also great, and the food superb!!"

29 Feb 16'

Jane Rogers reviewed: Enamelled jewellery for beginners and improvers - fired glass jewellery techniques

"Had a brilliant day in Harwich - Toni had endless patience, a thorough knowledge of her subject and showed us the basics of enamelling, with an obvious love of the subject and the joy of sharing information. We had a fun day - lovely venue - and came away with finished pieces which are wearable! Would be very happy to learn from Toni again!"

11 Feb 16'

Deborah Wainwright reviewed: Encaustic art beginners class - paint with molten wax

"Fabulous course! I found Toni very engaging and I was impressed with her knowledge. I appreciated her friendly manner, which helped me to relax, and enjoy the class. I was especially thankful, as Toni fitted me in at very short notice. However she was still well prepared, and very professional. I even had notes to take away. I thoroughly recommended Toni and have already booked my next class next week."

8 Feb 16'

Lesley Collins reviewed: Make fabulous felt - needle felting and wet felting techniques to make animals, bags, pictures...

"Just had a wonderful morning with Toni learning needle-felting. Came home with a lovely owl that I made all my own work! Toni is very friendly, very knowledgeable and has an excellent way of teacher her crafts, the time flew by. I now feel confident to try some at home. Thank you Toni, would recommend you to everyone, and will certainly promote you where I can."

23 Nov 15'

Mickayla reviewed: Enamelled jewellery for beginners and improvers - fired glass jewellery techniques

"I spent 2 days with Toni enamelling and what a joy they were !!! Toni has a real interest in enamelling and that shows with her knowledge and understanding. No matter what question I asked, she had the answer. In fact, as I was looking to do something a little different to her usual teaching, she made sure she had the knowledge to share before I arrived. Thanks Toni, look forward to seeing you soon !!!"

7 Nov 15'

Steve F reviewed: Flamework (Lampwork) - Making glass beads for beginners

"I did 2 flame work courses with Toni. Both very enjoyable. The first was the beginners course where we covered a range of different techniques. Toni is a good teacher starting with the basic steps and taking you through to the more advanced techniques. She adapts the course to your own requirements & pace which I particularly appreciated. The second was the sculptured flame work course which I did a few days later. This was particularly enjoyable as we made different animals using the techniques learnt on the first course. It is totally absorbing as you need to focus on what you are doing. Toni is clear & helpful in her tuition & I was really pleased with the results. There was time to make 2 owls, 2 other birds, a ladybird & a butterfly. If you enjoy crafts/working with your hands this is an enjoyable way to make something unique."

5 Nov 15'

Janet Botham reviewed: Make silver jewellery using precious metal clay or silver clay

"Very much enjoyed trying silver clay jewellery. Toni is an excellent teacher. She covered everything. Not all teachers do,unless you make a mistake, then they tell you what you needed to know. Toni tells you before you make any mistakes. Thanks."

26 Sep 15'

Ray and Alison Canham reviewed: Make silver jewellery using precious metal clay or silver clay

"We weren't sure what to expect when we booked to make our own wedding rings but the day was wonderful. Toni's an engaging, patient and informative tutor. She explained every step and made sure we were able to practice as much as we liked until we felt competent to use the silver clay. The whole process is simpler than we expected and we were able to enjoy every step, which has made the rings even more special. Toni kept the rings for us and made sure they were highly polished ready for our big day. We've had loads of compliments on the rings including from a complete stranger while we were on honeymoon who spotted Alison's and asked about it. Highly recommended."

31 Aug 15'

Annette Coats reviewed: Flamework (Lampwork) - Making glass beads for beginners

"I have returned home with some glass beads that I will incorporate into a Kumihimo piece (Japanese braiding). Thanks Toni for a great lesson!"

31 Aug 15'

Annette Coats reviewed: Encaustic art beginners class - paint with molten wax

"What fun I had learning Encaustic painting from Toni! I am anxious to do more painting at home in Florida. Yes, I traveled from America to learn some crafts from Toni -- what a great way to spend a holiday."

31 Aug 15'

Annette Coats reviewed: Enamelled jewellery for beginners and improvers - fired glass jewellery techniques

"Toni is an excellent instructor with lots of patience! I enjoyed the class and the opportunity to meet others who are interested in crafts. I live in Florida, and I am already thinking about another trip to the UK so I can improve on my craft skills under the guidance of Toni."

31 Aug 15'

Barbara reviewed: Enamelled jewellery for beginners and improvers - fired glass jewellery techniques

"Thank you an absorbing and interesting day enamelling in your mini summer course. It was not the first course I have done with you Toni and I doubt it will be the last. Shame you no longer do classes near to Chelmsford but that's how things go I'm afraid. I always come away thinking of things I could have done better! It would be interesting to do some combined silver and enamelling one time. Or maybe I will come and do some glass beads for a change. Thanks for a good day. Barbara"

29 Aug 15'

Victoria reviewed: Enamelled jewellery for beginners and improvers - fired glass jewellery techniques

"I had a great day, as part of Toni's mini summer school. Toni is an excellent teacher & I loved trying different techniques on copper. When things didn't go the way I'd hoped, she was able to suggest ways to 'save' my work & make it look good. So, I finished with 3 nice pieces, that I can turn into jewellery & had fun doing it. I'd love to come back & try silver clay enamelling sometime."

29 Aug 15'

Victoria reviewed: Flamework (Lampwork) - Making glass beads for beginners

"Excellent course & lots of fun. Toni is both knowledgeable & a very good teacher. She made us feel confident at trying something new, helped & encouraged us. It was an enjoyable afternoon, with a selection of glass beads ... which looked a lot better than we thought they would. I'd live to do it again & maybe be more adventurous"

26 Aug 15'

Angela Ruggles reviewed: Make fabulous felt - needle felting and wet felting techniques to make animals, bags, pictures...

"Toni happily included needle felting into a bespoke "playday" for me which also included polymer clay bead making and a very brief dabble with friendly plastic (much hilarity!). This was the third one to one session I have done with Toni and, as always, the day was friendly, fun and informative. Toni never scrimps on resources with so much to choose from and she is happy for you to use whatever you need / want. The class was very relaxed and I only stabbed myself a few times, coming away with something that vaguely resembled a cat - and armed with plenty of advice and tips (and more materials) to continue at home to perfect the poor creature (my artistic ability, not Toni's teaching - which was excellent as always)."

26 Aug 15'

Angela Ruggles reviewed: Enamelled jewellery for beginners and improvers - fired glass jewellery techniques

"I attended a one to one session with Toni exploring enamelling techniques for the first time. Toni was happy to accommodate things that I wanted to try and was very calm and patient with explanations and demonstrations. Toni's knowledge of enamelling is extensive and she is happy to share that knowledge in order to help you go away and carry on with the craft yourself. A very enjoyable day."

18 Aug 15'

Nicola reviewed: Encaustic art beginners class - paint with molten wax

"Had a great morning 1:1 with Toni who had done lots of preparation before I arrived to make sure the morning was a success. The morning exceeded my expectations by a long way and I now looking to buy some encaustic kit for myself. Thank you Toni."

27 Jul 15'

Siobhan Renshaw reviewed: Make silver jewellery using precious metal clay or silver clay

"What a truly special experience our wedding ring making day with Toni was. Toni is very knowledgable teacher, able to communicate her expertise on this craft- in which neither myself or my partner had any experience, with clarity and simplicity. Very grateful for her guidance, reassurances, patience and numerous cups of tea and coffee! It made for a memorable and day for us both. A fun and affordable method of creating priceless rings!"

24 Jul 15'

Izzy reviewed: Flamework (Lampwork) - Making glass beads for beginners

"I had enjoyable first experience at learning the art of Lampwork with Toni. She has lots to say on the subject. It is inspiring to see how many techniques we covered within those 3 hours. I can't wait to hone these skills! With the helpful information pack given, I know I can take the first steps."

27 Jun 15'

Claire Blade reviewed: Make silver jewellery using precious metal clay or silver clay

"Lovely, relaxing day. Toni was very knowledgable and helpful, she made the course easy to follow and I appreciated the worksheets we got to take home with us. Would definitely recommend, and I hope to attend some of her other courses in the future."

13 May 15'

Christine Williams reviewed: Make silver jewellery using precious metal clay or silver clay

"Very enjoyable course, very relaxing - everything explained and Toni very helpful with tips, knowledge/experience, etc. Amazed how many pieces I made from what looks like a small piece of clay! Definitely recommend this course."

26 Apr 15'

Sam E reviewed: Enamelled jewellery for beginners and improvers - fired glass jewellery techniques

"I attended an enamelling course in March 2015 with Toni. It was a great day, as an absolute beginner I left really happy with being able to try out several techniques and left very proudly with my 3 pieces from the day. Toni was a great teacher, informative, easy going and I really felt like I gained a lot. I can't wait to get started at home now!! Thanks again Toni!"

26 Apr 15'

Sam E reviewed: Encaustic art beginners class - paint with molten wax

26 Apr 15'

sally beales reviewed: Encaustic art beginners class - paint with molten wax

"Did Toni's Encaustic Art course yesterday with my daughter in law. We had a brilliant time. Couldn't believe how much artwork we did and the different techniques we covered. Toni was an excellent teacher 5 I would highly recommend her to anyone who is considering trying Encaustic art. It is something I will definitly continue doing."

19 Apr 15'

Steve F reviewed: Enamelled jewellery for beginners and improvers - fired glass jewellery techniques

"I did the beginners enamelling course with Toni, a really interesting & enjoyable day. Toni is a relaxed & friendly teacher & explained the different techniques we could use. Basic enamelling, wet packing, swirling, sliver leaf among others. We started with a simple blank and progressed to more complex shapes. Toni has a wide range of blanks, enamels, frit, glass rod & silver leaf to chose from so you can really use your imagination & creativity on your own designs, and with Toni’s support & knowledge we made 3 pieces. This doesn't have to be jewellery (although the intense enamel colours make that very effective) Toni had plenty of animal / bird blanks as well. I really enjoyed the day & intend to go back for the improvers course. I also learned that Toni does flame work and hope to do that as well. Friendly, informative, enjoyable & you take home something you’ve made. Thoroughly recommended!!"