Latest reviews

Ann Green reviewed: ColourWheel art classes for adults - Maidenhead - Thursday

"The ColourWheel Art classes in Windsor, facilitated by Rene and lead/tutored by Erica, are excellent. I have completed four terms and thoroughly enjoy every week, learning new skills and techniques as the course progresses. Erica is a brilliant artist and a patient, fun teacher, guiding the class through each stage, providing excellent demonstrations and individual helpful advice. She is very encouraging and patient and enables everyone to achieve amazing artwork at their own pace each week. The classes are very well organised, with all the materials provided. Windsor Racecourse is an excellent venue, the rooms are spacious and light and the atmosphere during the classes is friendly and fun. I can't recommend the ColourWheel art class highly enough."

Penny Young reviewed: Introduction to Shibori and Indigo

"This one day introduction to Shibori with Alex is superb - and has left me hooked! Alex is a brilliant teacher able to skilfully tailor the tuition to differing levels of ability so both complete novices like me and more experienced textile artists can come away with beautiful pieces to be proud of. We concentrated on stitching techniques and also had a chance to do some folding and clamping before plunging our pieces into the mysterious indigo vat. Alex offers guidance and support in all the right places whilst encouraging students to try out their own ideas. Her beautiful vaulted studio is a peaceful and inspiring place to work and the day whizzed by. We took our still damp and tightly folded work home to dry overnight so opening them up the next morning felt like Christmas! Highly recommended! I can't wait to go back."

Karen reviewed: Pewter Casting - Beginner - 3 Hours - One to One

"What a fun day. Rachel is really supportive and amazingly creative. I did the course with my mum and my adult children. Something for the whole family regardless of age. Thank you. Can't wait to come back."

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Thank you so much. You did really well."

Sheryl Bevan reviewed: "Sparkle & Shine": beginner mosaic workshops with Joss Hughes, Peacock Mosaics

"A lovely setting despite the weather! A clear guided session with freedom to be creative and lots of colours and bases to choose from. Thank you also for the gorgeous cake and coffee. A thoroughly enjoyable morning. Thank you Joss!"

Peacock Mosaics responded:

"Thanks Sheryl, lovely to meet you and glad you had fun. Joss"

Michelle reviewed: Pewter Casting - Beginner - 3 Hours - One to One

"An amazing course! Rachel is brilliant - encouraging, enthusiastic and successfully positive, whilst clearly explaining and modelling new skills. We got to try lots of different techniques & produced beautiful items. Thank you, can't wait to book the next course!"

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Thank you. I loved the hill / contour designs that you did. They were lovely."

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

"Rachel's enthusiasm and passion shines through when she teaches, making this a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Clear instructions and great materials allow you to make lovely products and Rachel encourages you to try different ideas and use unusual glass beads and fragments in your designs. Great fun and really sociable - thank you."

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Thank you Michelle. You made some really lovely pieces of enamel."

Paul Sharpe reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Great day with Mort. Made some great stuff, learned a lot and ate lots of biscuits. Thoroughly recommend."

Jessica Lansdown reviewed: Interior design and decor onsite 5 week course

"This is an absolutely amazing course. I have just finished my 5 weeks with Nikki and I feel so inspired, as I have learnt so much about interior design and have a concept design sorted in such a short space of time. I worked on the design of my holiday cottage which is now looking rather dated. I had to learn the difference between designing for myself and for my guests. Nikki's experience in commercial interior design was significant and I felt in very capable hands. This was an extremely cost effective solution to our projects interior refresh, as we had the benefit of a professional interior designer overseeing our ideas, and more importantly our budget. Nikki was also able to recommend suppliers, contractors and has her own “little Black book” of interior suppliers which students on the course are given access to. The level of tuition was excellent, Nikki is a great teacher and managed to adapt her syllabus to fit our project and learning needs superbly. I could not recommend Nikki and her course more highly."

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

"The last time I did art was about 10 years ago at school so this is my first time getting back into it since school. This class gives a wonderful chance to try out different media every week so you're always trying something new. I recommend this class to anyone who has an interest in drawing, doesn't matter what level of experience you are. These classes have reignited my love of art & drawing!"

Jane Collison reviewed: Mosaic taster session @ White Stones Studios

"I had an amazing day! I thoroughly loved learning how to design and create a unique piece of art to take home and hang on my wall. I took along bits and pieces of costume jewellery and memorabilia from my grandparents. It was totally absorbing and thrilling using them to blend into a mirror frame. David knows everything there is to know about how to mosaic and he's so happy to share his passion. Some of his own work is available to view too and it's incredibly inspirational. I enjoyed it so much I've booked to go back with my Mum in a couple of months."

David Nicholls Art responded:

"Thanks for such a positive review. I’m so glad you gained so much from your workshop and I look forward to when you come again with your mum."

Alison reviewed: Sugar Flower Making Class, Beginners welcome.

"Great class, Clare is a great teacher and showed us how to make several different kinds of flowers. I'm really pleased I came along and have learned so much, thank you"

Barbara Young reviewed: Log Bottomed Basket Beginners

"I really enjoyed the day and came home with a lovely basket. There were examples of finished baskets, but we were free to choose the design we wanted - everyone's was different! Help was at hand all day with good demonstrations, but also one to one when needed. The course was held inside and the cafe was open as it was a Saturday."

Rona Blundell reviewed: "Sparkle & Shine": beginner mosaic workshops with Joss Hughes, Peacock Mosaics

"A relaxed and enjoyable introduction to mosaics I am not especially creative but did not feel stupid, and instead felt encouraged and supported. Highly recommended!!"

Peacock Mosaics responded:

"Thanks Rona, I think you should be v proud of your mosaic achievement. Everyone is creative deep down! Joss"

Julia reviewed: Lucy Churchill's Stone Carving Workshops

"Had a fabulous experience on Lucy’s workshop with my husband and a lovely friend. We each somehow managed to transform a block of stone into something we were really proud of and it was lovely spending time together, immersed in developing a new skill. Lucy was an inspirational teacher with incredible experience - guiding us through each stage in the process - and we were spoilt with delicious food and drink throughout each day. I found it incredibly therapeutic and the whole experience very creative and energising."

Carol H reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"I have finished my bangle – a quite involved project where I have learned so much with Lucy's expert guidance and help. For the photos, Lucy had the great idea of using long black gloves to show off the bangle to its best advantage and searched out a pair of her own. There was a chance to start on my next project – a chain inspired by my mother's far-eastern bracelet. Lucy came up with how the bracelet's chain link was assembled and started to have a go at making a jig while I got on with final polishing. Thanks, Lucy for all your help"

Kristy Thorne reviewed: Half day Christmas themed cold process soap making workshop with Keri at The Soap Coach

"Spent a lovely Sunday morning learning about soap making with Keri in her studio. Everything was explained beautifully and it was a very relaxed atmosphere. The soap we made is currently curing and my whole house smells of the beautiful essential oils we used (we came away with a lot of soap!). I would definitely recommend it. Give it a go!"

The Soap Coach Limited responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Kristy, I am so pleased you enjoyed it - countdown to using the soap Dday :)"

stephen patten reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - Beginners Course - 1 Day

"A quite exceptional day actually started some weeks earlier with receipt of comprehensive course notes and overview of materials which provided an invaluable background for my day with Ollie and which will serve as my bible and guide in the future. I entered Ollie's workshop with a jaded but precious piece of family furniture and bags of enthusiasm. I left at the end of the day with a beautifully finished piece, with a depth of colour, lustre and professional finish which would grace any home and of which i am extremely proud. Listening to, working alongside and watching Ollie was a privilege, and it reflects positively on him that i returned home ready and confident to undertake more ambitious projects. Ollie taught me a lot in a very short space of time, not just the basic techniques and process (which were invaluable) but the thirst to discover more, to experiment and to push forward. Sure i will make mistakes and, probably, have some bad ideas but with the knowledge i got from Ollie i know i will be able to fix the cock-ups. If you are thinking of attending this course, do it. If you are not thinking of attending, still do it! You will learn something of huge value from a great teacher."

Kate Mackenzie reviewed: Silversmithing Jewellery One Day Tailored Workshop at Brightsmiths: One to One tuition

"Myself and two good friends thoroughly enjoyed our day with Rosie. Rosie's workshop was very well equipped, with a tool for everything and then some. She guided us novices through the creation of our very individual pieces in a calm and supportive way, enabling us to complete our (some might say over ambitious) pieces in the day (be it a slightly longer day than planned). It was great to get a chance to practise some of the processes used in silversmithing, and it's definitely inspired me to look into doing more in the future. I can thoroughly recommend the course to anyone wanting to get a feel for the craft."

The Brightsmiths Workshops responded:

"Thank you Kate What I lovely review. It was a real joy to teach you and your friends, all making Something different , such a creative group. I am so glad that you all enjoyed the day and It is Great to hear that you are considering doing more with Silver :). if you have any questions or advice to get started please do call me, I will help if I can Kind Regards Rosie Price The Brightsmiths Workshops"

Angela reviewed: Friday mosaic making

"My husband signed us up for this course as a Valentine's activity. We had never done a mosaic before and we loved making them. All materials, templates, safety equipment, and even refreshments were provided. Audrey was so helpful and supported me even as I was finishing my elaborate project at home - going way beyond expectation. Thank you so much for your generosity! Our trivets and house number are now proudly displayed in our home."

Mike Arthur reviewed: Full day introduction to glass fusing course.

"Had another fantastic day with Amanda - this was my second visit, and just as fun and satisfying as the first. Amanda is a great teacher, always on hand to help and encourage, whatever your level of experience or artistic ability. Her delicious food just adds an extra element of enjoyment to the whole day. Highly recommended!"

Kathy Isherwood reviewed: ColourWheel art classes for adults - Maidenhead - Thursday

"The colour wheel course had enabled me to un -tap potential that I did not appreciate that I had!! The courses are well structured, organised and the teaching capability is excellent."

Vicky reviewed: Screen printing on glass

"Don't think about it, just book it! An excellent course full of information, tips and useful advice. Jim explained each step, checking that we had understood before moving onto the next stage. Each day was broken down into manageable chunks so that you weren't overloaded with information. I was amazed at how much stuff I did and very pleased with the results. The bonus was the lovely lunch served each day and the never ending supply of tea, coffee and biscuits! Go on, what are you waiting for!"

Sarah Tolley reviewed: Metalwork Craft weekend with The Iron Lady - Bradwell Blacksmiths

"I absolutely loved the two day taster course. I was looking forward to it so much and it surpassed all my expectations! Natalie was a brilliant teacher with huge patience, enthusiasm and skill! We had a chance to use lots of different techniques and came away with a finished piece. Natalie and her team were really welcoming and encouraging, I'd highly recommend it to anyone who is tempted to give metal working a go, inspirational stuff! Thanks so much!"

Becky Womersley reviewed: Paper marbling with tea & cake

"Very enjoyable afternoon led by a lovely daughter &mum team. Nice friendly environment , hands on so chance to experiment & have lots of fun. Very well organised and welcoming. Would certainly do again as thought it was good value."

Clare reviewed: One day silver pendant and earring workshop

"I was bought a voucher for my birthday by two friends to attend this course which we did yesterday. What an enjoyable time we had with Jolene. She was very informative extremely patient and helpful in a very relaxed informal atmosphere. We all managed to produce a pendant and earrings which amazingly look great. For a complete novice I would recommend this course it gives you a great sense of satisfaction and achievement whilst having fun at the same time. Thank you again Jolene. Best wishes Clare Julie and Sharon."