Treetops - One day classes in Newbury

Watercolour - Downton Abbey - Highclere

2012-01-26T19:07:00.001Z

Beautiful Highclere Castle, set just 5 minutes from Treetops is a beautiful building, but oh boy is it hard to draw!

We spent the morning drawing our castle with pencils, rulers, vanishing points, angles, turrets, flagpoles. You could feel the stress in the room.

But it was a new start to the year, and we had an experienced group that Claire wanted to stretch, and if you want to paint better, you need to start drawing better .... apparently!

Here is Claire's picture, with her first wash painted on.

Adding the three greens that made up the large cedar trees.

And here are our finished works of art ..... some of us did think we would be here for dinner too, not just lunch!

It was a hard day, but really successful, everyone did really really well.

A Busy Cupcake Day

2012-01-26T19:01:00.000Z

We started our Saturday morning with a Stage 2 Cupcake Class

We spent more time on shaping our flowers with flower paste, making buttercream roses and shaping petals into larger roses.

In the afternoon we had a Stage 1 Cupcake Class, here are a selection of the photos, for more details and photographs please visit the Colourful Cupcakes blog:

www.colourfulcupcakes-newbury.blogspot.com

2012 Class Dates for you

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There are a variety of classes coming up this year, below are a list of the Spring ones to choose from:

Thursday 26 January - Downton Abbey Watercolour 9.30am-3pm

Monday 30 January - Cupcakes Stage 1 11am-1pm

Friday 3 February - Aga Roasts & Puddings 9.45am-1.30pm

Wednesday 22 February - Watercolour Beginners 9.30am-3pm

Thursday 23 February - Watercolour Reflections 9.30am-3pm

Wednesday 29 February - Cupcakes Stage 1 10.30am-12.30pm

Friday 2 March NEW!! Sewing - Make a Bag 10am-12.30pm

Thursday 8 March - Fun with Acrylics! 9.30am-3pm

Friday 16 March - A Day at the Races Watercolour 9.30am-3pm

Friday 23 March - Aga Casual/Comfort Cooking 9.45am-1.30pm

Saturday 24 March - Cupcakes Stage 2 10am-12noon

Saturday 24 March - Easter Cupcakes 3pm-5pm

Wednesday 28 March - Watercolour Reflections 9.30am-3pm

Thursday 29 March - Pen and Wash 9.30am-3pm

To book please contact me at Treetops

emily @treetops-newbury .co.uk

Cupcake classes cost £50, Watercolour £70, Aga £65 and Sewing £50.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Beginners Watercolour Class - 22 February 2012

2011-12-15T09:37:00.000Z

Come and try something new in 2012

Watercolour with Claire Warner

We have a Beginners Class on Wednesday 22 February

Perfect if you have never tried Watercolour before, or you're not feeling very confident because you haven't picked up a paintbrush since your school days.

Claire takes the time to talk about the different papers, brushes and paints and the basics of watercolour painting.

She teaches in a step-by-step style, so by the end of the day you will have a finished painting to take home with you.

It's a really good day, you leave with a great sense of achievement.

All your materials are included, as well as a 2 course home cooked lunch with a glass of wine, home made bicuits and teas/coffees throughout the day.

The class runs from 9.30am until about 3pm. It costs £70.

To book or if you have any further questions, please contact me at Treetops.

Christmas Cupcakes Class

2011-12-01T09:46:00.000Z

We had our first Christmas Cupcake Class of the year on Tuesday, the kitchen smelt lovely, festive smells of oranges, cinnamon, spices and rum!

For more photos and details visit the blog:

Colourful Cupcakes Blog

Christmas Aga 2011 with Sarah Whitaker

2011-11-25T19:43:00.001Z

We enjoyed a delicious Christmas lunch today at Treetops.

Sarah was back to guide us through a variety of festive recipes using the Aga, there were plenty of tips for cooking and preparing ahead, help on how to ensure you don't lose the heat during cooking and how to give everything that "home-made" touch.

This year we cooked a Beef Wellington and Baked Ham, next year we will return to Turkey.

Sarah is back with us at Treetops in the Spring:

Friday 3 February - Aga Roasts and Puddings 9.45am - 1.30pm

Friday 23 March - Aga Casual & Comfort Cooking 9.45am - 1.30pm

Both classes cost £65 and include a tasting lunch with a glass of wine and a recipe booklet to take home.

Winter Scene 2 Watercolour Class

2011-11-22T17:55:00.002Z

We had another group at Treetops today for a Winter Scene Watercolour Class.

We had a farmhouse with barns from a photograph taken in the Cotswolds.

The morning involved drawing, masking the roofs and fences, and then we had the fun part of splattering the masking fluid with an old toothbrush to create a snowy effect.

The paintings were great, wintery trees, lots of golden light coming through the seasonal sky, and even some smoke rising from the farmhouse chimney.

As the afternoon wore on, the Cotswolds farm soon became a Scottish farm, as some mountains and forests were painted behind the buildings!

Bookings are now being taken for Spring 2012 Watercolour classes.

Winter Scene Watercolour Class

2011-11-17T19:01:00.001Z

Today we started to get Wintery!

We painted Lowther Church, which is in Cumbria near Lake Ullswater.

We had a lovely palette of colours to create different blues, mauves and browns.

We used some masking fluid on the roof of the church and used a toothbrush to splatter it over the tree areas, to help us create our leaves/branches for later on.

All the paintings look very different with the chosen colours.

We did some "glistening" to help create the leaves in the trees, this is when we spray the paper, and then drop the paint in and let it mix whilst gently dotting around the area with the paintbrush.

The 2012 dates are further down in the blog.

Places are going quickly, so please book soon.

NEW! 2012 Watercolour Classes with Claire Warner

2011-11-16T12:40:00.002Z

Claire and I have put together the Spring Term dates for Watercolour, and I think we have created a great mix of classes; we are covering landscapes, water, movement, acrylics, pen/ink and washes, so we hope there is something to suit you. We also have our popular Beginners Class, so if you know someone who would like to start the New Year with a new skill, perhaps you could buy them a Gift Voucher for Christmas!

Thursday 26 January - Downton Abbey

Come for a Downton Fix! Our very own local castle Highclere is a magnificent building, set in beautiful grounds. We will simplify the drawing of the Castle and set it amongst some of the imposing trees.

Wednesday 22 February - Beginners

Come and learn how to get started with watercolour paints. This foundation class will cover all the important information about the paints, brushes, papers, techniques and colour mixing needed to create your painting. You will finish a painting to take home with you. Claire teaches in a step by step style, so it is a calm and relaxing introduction to Watercolour.

Thursday 23 February - Reflections

A very popular topic, exciting to paint and Claire tells me it's a very firm favourite with art buyers!

(Also running Reflections on Wednesday 28 March)

Thursday 8 March - Fun with Acrylics!

I really enjoyed this class last time we ran it. Bright colours, tissue paper, rolling pins, memories of playschool I think!

Friday 16 March - A Day at The Races

An action packed class, we will depict speed and excitement in an impressionistic style to create an energetic picture of horses racing.

Wednesday 28 March - Reflections

Such a popular class we are holding it again.

Thursday 29 March - Pen & Wash - Pen & Coloured Pencils

We have had alot of requests to run this class again. It's an opportunity to be shown how to get the best of the various pens, inks and pencils on the market. Claire will be demonstrating a variety of different of techniques and subjects during the day. Well worth booking.

All of the classes run from 9.30am until approximately 3pm.

It costs £70, this includes all of your materials, a 2 course home-cooked lunch with a glass of wine, tea/coffee and home made biscuits throughout the day.

To book please contact me at Treetops.

NEW! 2012 Cupcake Class Dates

2011-11-15T09:23:00.002Z

Saturday 21 January: Cupcakes Stage 2 10am - 12 noon

Monday 30 January: Cupcakes Stage 1 11am - 1pm

Saturday 11 February: Cupcakes Stage 1 2pm - 4pm

Wednesday 29 February: Cupcakes Stage 1 10.30am -12.30pm

Saturday 24 March: Cupcakes Stage 2 10am - 12 noon

Saturday 24 March: Easter Cupcakes 3pm - 5pm

(Please note that you must have attended a Stage 1 class at Treetops before booking a Stage 2 class).

All classes cost £50 and include all materials, ingredients, a top tips/recipe booklet to take home, along with 6 of your beautifully created cupcakes!)

Autumn Glow Watercolour Class 11.11.11

2011-11-11T17:35:00.000Z

Claire was back today for another Watercolour Class.

This was our second Autumnal one this term and it was great fun.

Lots of "glistening"; creating leaves, shapes and colours.

The paintings looked fantastic in our exhibition at the end of the class, beautiful, colourful woodlands all very different.

Venice Watercolour 10 November 2011

2011-11-11T11:41:00.002Z

We held another Venice Watercolour class today, it's always a popular subject.

We used a different image today, and worked in a new palette of colours and really worked on our tonal values.

We did a small amount of drawing at the beginning, working out the outlines of the buildings behind, so iconic and famous we had to get them right!

Below are the finished paintings:

Autumn Glow Watercolour Class 21.10.11

2011-10-21T15:38:00.000+01:00

A gorgeous day for painting Autumn leaves.

We had a wide selection of leaves, berries, apples, acorns, nuts along with photographs of Autumn trees.

The finished masterpieces looked fantastic.

A Busy Day at Treetops - Cupcake Classes

2011-10-08T20:44:00.000+01:00

We started the day today with a Stage 2 Cupcake Class, which is the next step from our first class, we take the skills previously learnt and experiment with gum paste/flower paste, we then use different nozzles to great effect and create stunning roses and rosebuds.

This afternoon we had our Stage 1 Cupcake Class, where we learnt the basics of baking, how to use fondant icing, how to make perfect buttercream icing and talked about colouring and decorating.

6 beautiful boxes of cupcakes left Treetops at t-time.

To see more pictures visit the Colourful Cupcakes blog

I will run another Stage 2 Cupcake Class in the New Year.

Latest Autumn Term Class Availability

2011-10-05T10:18:00.001+01:00

Here is an update for you on spaces available on this term's classes:

WATERCOLOUR

Venice Thursday 10 Nov 1 space left

Autumn Glow Friday 11 Nov 1 space left

A Winter Scene Thursday 17 Nov 2 spaces left

A Winter Scene Tuesday 22 Nov 1 space left

9.30am - 3pm £70 Lunch and materials included

SEWING - MAKING A BAG - NEW!!

Friday 4 November - 5 spaces left

10am - 12.30pm £50

Cake and materials included

CHRISTMAS AGA & CHRISTMAS FLOWERS

All Full

CUPCAKES

Visit the Colourful Cupcakes blog for news

A Hot Cupcake Class!

2011-09-30T18:15:00.000+01:00

We managed to keep ourselves and the icing from melting today!

A great class; lots more info and photos on the Colourful Cupcakes blog:

colourfulcupcakes-newbury.blogspot.com

A new class at Treetops - SEWING!

2011-09-27T20:15:00.001+01:00

WE ARE INTRODUCING A NEW CLASS TO TREETOPS

Making and Sewing your own Bag

Run by lovely Amy from CoCo Crafts, it's a morning class with something beautiful to take home with you.

The bag we are going to make first is a poppered clutch bag, great for evenings, or for keeping jewellery in.

Our first class is on Friday 4 November at 10am - 12.30pm. Price £50.

Amy brings a great choice of fabrics with her, including some lining fabrics, we cover cutting from the pattern, interfacing, machine sewing and the mastering of poppers!

I really enjoyed the class, I have barely any sewing experience and didn't think I could make such a great bag! I love it.

The class is limited to six people so that we have plenty of space to work in and Amy has time to spend with everyone.

(if you would like to bring your own sewing machine, with which you have a great working relationship then please do, just let us know beforehand)

To book please contact me at Treetops

emily@treetops-newbury.co.uk

Animals in Watercolour, 21 September 2011

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Today Claire had in an experienced group of artists, who tackled animals.

The morning was spent just drawing animals as simple shapes and thinking of them as shapes linked together.

Then the favourite animal was sketched onto the Watercolour paper, the paints chosen and mixed and the paintings were underway.

We had fun giving the paintings titles!

At the end of the class there was a great selection of paintings, if you click on the top photograph it should hopefully enlarge for you to see them all.

There are some spaces available on our extra Autumn Glow class on Friday 11 November. Please contact me if you would like to come. Suitable for all levels, especially Beginners.

Beginners Watercolour Class - 20 September 2011

2011-09-20T18:55:00.001+01:00

We had a Beginners Class today to start the new Autumn term.

Claire had chosen a pretty blue door painting and everyone did a fantastic job.

Claire covered washes, mixing, lights and darks, shadows and my favourite 'glistening'!

If you come to a Beginners Class, Claire talks about watercolour papers, brushes and paints, so that you get a really good foundation in watercolour painting.

The paintings were put in a mount and displayed in a gallery at the end for us all to see.

There was alot of hard work and concentration going on today which resulted in some exhausted artists!

We hope to see you again at another Treetops class.

Autumn Glow Watercolour Class

2011-09-10T17:34:00.000+01:00

The colours are starting to change in the garden, Autumn is on it's way.

We have some spaces still available on our Autumn Glow Watercolour class on Friday 11 November.

The class runs from 9.30am - approx 3pm and is suitable for all levels of artists, even beginners.

All your materials and a 2 course lunch with a glass of wine are included.

The cost for this class is £70.

Summer Holidays coming to an end ......

2011-08-31T11:44:00.002+01:00

We're in the final week of school holidays, many of us preparing school uniform, labels, shoes, trainers etc.

Our Autumn Term at Treetops is finalised with some great classes coming up.

There are lots of Cupcake classes, and in November and December we will be having Christmas Cupcake Classes.

Sarah is back for her Aga Christmas, this year it's baked ham and beef wellington.

Susannah is here for Festive Flowers, come and make a wreath for your front door, from an amazing selection of foliage, flowers, nuts and fruits.

Claire is running a variety of watercolour classes, with a Beginners class next month and then topics such as Autumn Glow, Venice and Winter Scene to keep us all busy.

Please visit the dates page on the website for more information.

www.treetops-newbury.co.uk

Summer on the Beach Watercolour Class 27 June 2011

2011-06-28T10:12:00.001+01:00

We had a boiling hot day yesterday, and were all wishing we were actually on a beach!

We painted Marloes Beach in Pembrokeshire, it had rugged cliffs, golden sands and reflections for us to work on.

We used masking fluid to mask out the wave tips to keep them white throughout our washes.

Only the very bravest attempted to put people into their painting!

This was our final class of Summer Term, we are back in September with a variety of classes:

20 September - Beginners

21 September - Animals in a Scene

21 October - Autumn Glow

10 November - Venice

11 November - Autumn Glow

17 November - A Winter Scene

22 November - A Winter Scene

Beginners Watercolour in September

2011-06-26T17:15:00.000+01:00

Start the new term with a Watercolour Beginners Class.

With Claire Warner, on Tuesday 20 September.

From 9.30am - 3pm. £70.

Claire will take you through papers, brushes, paints and will help you paint a picture, step by step during the day. There will be plenty of opportunity to ask questions and to build your confidence.

The price includes all your materials, a 2 course lunch with a glass of wine, refreshments and home made biscuits throughout the day.

To book email emily@treetops-newbury.co.uk

Cupcake Class Saturday 18 June 2011

2011-06-18T17:34:00.000+01:00

We had a great Cupcake Class, some beautiful Cupcakes were created.

To see more photos of them visit the blog:

colourfulcupcakes-newbury.blogspot.com

There is a final space left on Saturday 9 July, 2pm-4pm, and then we break up for the Summer.

Autumn Term Cupcake Dates are on the website: www.treetops-newbury.co.uk.

Sunsets in Watercolour - 7 June 2011

2011-06-09T09:46:00.001+01:00

After a month off, we were back with our watercolours for a class on Sunsets.

Using yellows and oranges, some lovely paintings of a sunset scene in Greece were produced.

We used some very fine black pens to draw in the masts and ropes afterwards, when the paint was dry.

Claire taught everyone how to do a "glaze" today, which is the reflection hue across the water.

Cupcake Class Saturday 7 May 2011

2011-05-07T20:25:00.000+01:00

It was a very humid day today for making buttercream, but everyone did really well.

The Cupcakes looked lovely, when we had them altogether at the end, "pretty" summed them up, lots of pastel colours, delicate flowers and sprinklings of glitter.

To find out new dates of Cupcake Classes hot off the press, please visit and check the Colourful Cupcakes blog: www.colourfulcupcakes-newbury.blogspot.com

Poppies Watercolour Class - 28 April 2011

2011-04-28T18:25:00.000+01:00

We had lovely day today, painting a wild flower meadow which featured lots of Poppies.

We also added buttercups and daisies.

The day involved mixing a variety of colours and some masking of small flower shapes and poppy outlines, after lunch the poppies really began to take shape, especially when we dropped the black watercolour into the centre.

Here is Claire demonstrating a technique to us.

Happy Easter from Treetops

2011-04-18T11:13:00.004+01:00

The sun is shining and the garden is blooming.

The doors may be closed to classes for the holidays, but there is alot going on behind the scenes, new dates being planned, meals being tested, admin being done and bookings being taken.

The butter is out of the fridge softening ready for some new cupcakes to be made later (http://colourfulcucapkes-newbury.blogspot.com)

The bookings for Autumn Term's watercolour dates are already underway:

Beginners Watercolour - Tuesday 20 September

Animals in a Scene - Wednesday 21 September

Autumn Glow - Friday 21 October

Venice - Thursday 10 November

A Winter Scene - Thursday 17 November

A Winter Scene - Tuesday 22 November

Watercolour classes cost £70 and include all of your materials, a 2 course lunch with wine and refreshments throughout the day. It is a full day class from 9.30am - 3-3.30pm. Claire teaches in a step by step style and you will take home a finished painting at the end of the day.

If I quietly mention CHRISTMAS classes, just so that you have the dates for your diary, these get booked up very very quickly each year.

Christmas Aga with Sarah is on Friday 25 November from 9.45am -1.30pm. £60.

Last year we did Turkey this year we are cooking Beef Wellington and a large glazed Ham, there will be plenty of opportunity to talk Turkey, so don't worry!

Christmas Flowers with Susanna is on Tuesday 6 December or Wednesday 7 December, you choose. The class runs from 9.45am - 2pm. £80.

Susanna provides everything from flowers, foliage, fruits, aprons, secateurs whilst I get busy with a simple lunch and glass of mulled wine for you. You can make a wreath for your front door, or something for your home. Susanna demonstrates a variety of new ideas to decorate your home this Christmas. It's definitely a class to get you into the Christmas Spirit! The smells are divine!

Cupcake continue to be very popular, keep checking the cupcake blog for new dates and ideas.

Saturday Dates:
8 October 10am - 12 noon or 3pm - 5pm
12 November 2pm - 4pm
Christmas Cupcakes 3 December 10am - 12noon or 3pm - 5pm
Christmas Cupcakes 10 December 2pm - 4pm

Classes cost £50 and sell out QUICKLY!

Weekday Classes:
Friday 30 September
Christmas Cupcakes Tuesday 29 and Wednesday 30 November.

If you are a group of 6 and would like to book your own date please call me to book a date.

Gift Vouchers are available for all the classes.

Easter Chocolate Cupcakes Class 2 April 2011

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We had a very colourful class today; lots of chocolate eggs, sprinkles, chicks and glitter. I was really impressed with everyone's enthusiasm and creativity.

Using the new nozzle, we made buttercream grass and chocolate nests.

Below are two of the beautiful boxes that went home today.

Kennet and Avon Canal Watercolour Class

2011-03-31T21:09:00.004+01:00

We had a very busy day yesterday with Claire painting the Kennet and Avon Canal.

Despite the early stresses and protestations, the finished paintings were lovely!

Full of greens, reflections, shadows and peace.

Please see the blog entry below for our new Autumn Term dates.

Announcing Autumn Term Watercolour Classes

2011-03-30T20:55:00.002+01:00

Claire and I have put together the Autumn Term programme:

Tuesday 20 September - BEGINNERS Watercolour

Wednesday 21 September - Animals in a Scene

Friday 21 October - Autumn Glow

Thursday 10 November - Venice

Thursday 17 November - A Winter Scene

Tuesday 22 November - A Winter Scene

All classes run from 9.30am - approximately 3-3.30pm.

All materials are provided along with a 2 course lunch and a glass of wine, home made biscuits and refreshments throughout the day. Price £70.

In September, our Animal class will cover a variety of animals and how to draw their shape and then have them within a watercolour scene, there may be time to do two paintings during this class. Claire has an inspiring sketchbook full of geese, pigs, lambs etc. If you have any photos then please bring them along with you.

In October, our Autumn Glow painting will use all the stunning colours such as the reds, oranges and yellows found at this time of year.

Venice, in November, will be a new painting from last time's Venice. Incredibly popular, this subject always inspires artists. It's colours, moods and beautiful architecture help create a stunning painting.

We will end the term, with our Winter Scene, our annual class, where you can create something that perhaps you can give as a Christmas gift, or take the opportunity to turn it into your Christmas Card 2011! This class fills quickly, hence the two dates.

We hope there is something to suit everyone.

To book please contact Emily.

The Vineyard Wedding Fayre Biscuits

2011-03-27T10:59:00.000+01:00

Billions of biscuits!!

Well, 200 glittery pinky ones, made for today's Wedding Fayre at The Vineyard hotel.

I make Cupcakes for Weddings, birthdays, parties and gifts in my Aga at home (which is registered with West Berkshire council). I also hold a Level 2 Award in Food Safety, from the Institute of Environmental Health.

There are lots of photographs on my Colourful Cupcakes blog, but please contact me for any further information.

http://colourfulcupcakes-newbury.blogspot.com

I also run classes at Treetops, where over 2 hours you can learn to make, bake and decorate your own Cupcakes. You receive plenty of advice and tips and can enjoy the abundance of sprinkles, decorations and cutters that I have here.

Current classes with spaces are:

Tuesday 29 March - Easter Cupcakes 11am-1pm

*NEW* Wednesday 11 May - Cupcakes 11am - 1pm

*NEW* Friday 24 June 11am - 1pm (Stage 2 for those who have been to Stage 1)

Saturday 7 May - Cupcakes 2pm - 4pm

Saturday 18 June - Cupcakes 2pm - 4pm

Saturday 9 July - Cupcakes 2pm - 4pm

Aga Baking Day

2011-03-01T19:33:00.001Z

We had a brilliant day today with Sarah.

She made SO MUCH food, it was delicious. Whilst making and baking everything Sarah was also showing everyone how to use their Aga, whether it be baking, simmering, steaming, grilling etc.

A baking lesson and an Aga lesson in one!

There were so many amazing things, I can't fit them all on the blog, but below is a selection:

Mini meringues, sandwiched together with either buttercream or vanilla cream.

I think these were my favourite, banana and fudge muffins, I am definitely making these.

A classic steamed lemon pudding, made with a delicious lemon curd and steamed in the Aga oven for 3 hours.

This is a real Summer Centerpiece, light sponge with whipped cream, summer fruits and a home-made chocolate collar.

Classic 'bread' muffins.

Sarah is back in November for Aga Christmas.

Summer Flower Class in May

2011-02-26T12:22:00.001Z

Susanna returns on Tuesday 10 May for Summer Flowers

9.45am - 2pm

£75

Bringing with her a stunning assortment of flowers, beautiful colours and gorgeous scents.

We will be using a variety of garden flowers and flowers that we can easily buy.

Susanna will show various ways to arrange the flowers in both traditional and contemporary styles, whilst explaining the best way to cut, feed and prolong the life of your flowers.

You will then create something beautiful to take home with you.

All materials and flowers are included in the day, as well as a light lunch and refreshements throughout the day.

Below are some photographs taken from last Summer's Flower Class. This Summer we will be learning new skills, so even if you have been before we will be doing something fresh and different to what we've done before.

Recent Cupcake Classes

2011-02-21T12:27:00.001Z

We had two really good Cupcake Classes on Friday and Saturday.

We covered baking, icing (both fondant and buttercream) and then had plenty of time to decorate them.

Some lovely sparkling boxes of Cupcakes were taken home.

There are some spaces left on our Easter Cupcake Class on Tuesday 29th March, which will cover baking and icings but with the focus on CHOCOLATE! The class is from 11am - 1pm and costs £50.

For those of you who have already been to a Treetops Cupcake Class, there are some spaces left on the next stage class on Wednesday 23rd March. From 11am - 1pm, cost £50. We will spend more time on decorating, using different nozzle techniques with the buttercream and looking at gum paste and fondant roses. Great fun.

Stage 2 Cupcake Class

2011-02-07T10:00:00.002Z

This afternoon was our first Stage 2 Cupcake Class.

This class is for people who have already been to our Stage 1 Class and the idea is that we are able to take the skills and techniques learnt forward to another level, and give ourselves time to learn some useful (and slightly more complicated!) skills.

This shows a section of the kitchen all set up and ready to go. I had already baked this morning, so we could concentrate on decorative skills and icing techniques.

We spent some time with fondant icing and gum paste, we made cut-out flowers and did some shaping and styling of them. They looked fantastic.

We made some miniature fondant roses, very fiddly but they just take practice and then we made lots of petals to create a large rose (shown above). Despite the nerves, they looked beautiful, really impressive!

Below are some of the beautiful boxes of decorated Cupcakes that went home this afternoon. (We had a bit of a Valentine February theme going on!)

Atmospheric Watercolour Class

2011-02-03T18:46:00.000Z

We had a full class today, 7 regular faces (don't want to call them old faces!) and a new lady.

We also had new colours to work with, to help create these amazing atmospheric skies.

We used masking fluid for our waves and then used a really pale wash of 3 different colours, which were the lights we had to try and keep peeping through the heavy dark sky.

Then came the difficult part.... the people!

Claire taught us the "peas" and "carrot" method, everyone's looked great, they gave the paintings some scale.

The paintings were completed in time for lunch and the afternoon was spent on a "d.i.y painting" We were on our own! Claire had various pictures and photographs of atmospheric images, which we tried to recreate with the methods she had taught us earlier.

Aren't they amazing?!

As you can see, there are only 7 afternoon paintings, I was still stressing with my people on the beach!

February Watercolour for Beginners

2011-02-03T18:18:00.001Z

We had 5 new and fresh (and worried!) artists in yesterday to learn the techniques and methods for Watercolour painting.

Claire had a lovely Spring picture, that really captured the light in both the sky and meadow.

As you can see below, the finished paintings were fantastic ..... the mutterings of "I can't paint" long gone!

I hope they are all going to be framed as they looked so amazing.

Spring Term Class Update

2011-01-26T11:35:00.003Z

Hi everyone, classes are underway with lots of new people through the front door of Treetops.

I thought I would update you of what's coming up and where we have some spaces.

Watercolour:

Atmospheric Watercolour class on Thursday 3 February has 1 space left.

Beginners Watercolour on Wednesday 2 February has 3 spaces left.

Kennet & Avon Canal on Wednesday 30 March has 1 space left.

Wild Poppies on Thursday 28 April has 5 spaces left.

Sunsets on Tuesday 7 June has 6 spaces left.

Summer on the Beach on Monday 27 June has 4 spaces left.

Watercolour classes run from 9.30am to approx 3pm. The cost is £70 and this includes all of your materials, a 2 course lunch with a glass of wine and refreshments throughout the day.

Classes are suitable for all levels of artist, but if you are feeling extra nervous and you haven't painted for a while, come along to our Beginners class, where Claire goes through everything in much more detail and a slower pace.

Aga:

Sarah is here on Tuesday 1 March for Aga Baking, I can't wait, she will make things such as delicious cakes, brownies, meringues, which will all need to be eaten afterwards with big mugs of tea!

9.45am - 1.30pm £60

6 spaces left

Flowers:

Susanna returns on Tuesday 10 May for Summer Flowers with the theme of Relaxed Garden Flowers, it will be a lovely day running from 9.45am - 2pm with a light lunch included. All your materials are included, tools and aprons are provided, and you will create something beautiful to take home with you.

Cost £75

8 spaces left

Cupcakes:

SPACES AVAILABLE ON STAGE 2 SATURDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2pm - 4pm

For those of you have been before we will be taking the skills learnt from that class and taking them forwards into a new class, where you can learn and improve on your icing and decorating.

Stage 2 classes are on:

Saturday 5 February 2pm - 4pm - 3 spaces left

Wednesday 9 March 11am - 1pm - 6 spaces left

Wednesday 23 March 11am - 1pm - 6 spaces left

Stage 1 Classes:

Friday 18 February 11am - 1pm - 4 spaces left

Easter Cupcake Classes for everyone:

Saturday 2 April 2pm - 4pm - 1 space left

Tuesday 29 March 11am - 1pm - 4 spaces left

All the classes cost £50 and include all of your ingredients, 6 cupcakes that you decorate to take home and a recipe/ideas booklet.

If you can get together of group of 6 and you would like to have your own class, please contact me and we can arrange your own date.

Visit the Colourful Cupcakes blog for other information and photographs:
http://colourfulcupcakes-newbury.blogspot.com/

Beginners Watercolour 2011

2011-01-21T09:13:00.004Z

We had our first Beginners Watercolour class of 2011 today. Eight slightly nervous artists being taken step by step through the process with Claire.

Understanding watercolour papers, brushes, paints, mixing up colours, laying washes, masking, glistening, shadows...... alot was covered during the day to create these great watercolours.

Everyone went home exhausted but hopefully very proud of what they achieved!

Birthday Watercolour Class

2011-01-19T15:50:00.003Z

We had a group in today, Sarah and her friends to paint and celebrate her birthday and much fun was had by all, especially as we started the day with Bucks Fizz right through to the Moet with lunch!

But everyone held their paintbrushes steady, and some gorgeous little paintings of snowdrops were created.

Only two people had painted with us before, the rest were beginners, so to see such great end results was brilliant. Claire covered a variety of skills during the day from glistening to masking.

If you would like to book your own private class at Treetops (6-8 people) then please contact me .

Beginners Watercolour - Spaces Available

2011-01-10T12:56:00.000Z

Come and learn a new skill for 2011.

We have some spaces available on our Beginners Watercolour class on Wednesday 2 February.

The class runs from 9.30am until approximately 3pm.

Claire will cover paper, brushes, paints, techniques and plenty of top tips with you over the course of the day.

You will finish a painting to take home with you.

A 2 course lunch, with a glass of wine are provided, as well as refreshments and home made biscuits throughout the day.

The cost is £70, which also includes all of your materials.

To book please contact Emily at Treetops.

First Cupcake Class of Year - Spaces Available

2010-12-31T11:30:00.000Z

Spaces available on the first class of the year

Wednesday 26 January 2011

11am - 1pm

£50

Come and learn all the secrets of making delicious and pretty cupcakes.

We will cover baking, buttercream icing, fondant icing and decorating skills.

The class is full of top tips to help you make pretty, sparkly cupcakes.

You will make and decorate 6 cupcakes to take home with you at the end of the class.

To book please call or email Emily: 0163 5 44 850.

Snowy Deer at Treetops

2010-12-22T12:25:00.000Z

It's such a busy time getting the house ready for Christmas, but lovely to glimpse out of the window and see the Winter Wonderland, especially the deer desparately looking for something green to nibble!

I've put the cranberries around the candles into my hurricane lamps and am about to make my amaryllis arrangement that Susanna showed us how to make at Christmas Flowers.

List of Treetops 2011 Classes

2010-12-17T08:37:00.001Z

Here are all the dates we currently have for 2011:

WATERCOLOUR

Thursday 20 January - Beginners

Wednesday 2 February - Beginners

Wednesday 20 March - Kennet & Avon Canal

Thursday 28 April - Wild Poppies

Tuesday 7 June - Sunsets

Monday 27 June - Summer on the Beach

(All classes 9.30am - approx 3pm, £70, materials & lunch included)

AGA

Tuesday 1 March - Aga Baking

(9.45am - 1.30pm, £60, sit down tea included)

FLOWERS

Tuesday 10 May - Relaxed Garden Flowers

(9.45am - 2pm, £75, includes all materials, arrangement to take home, light lunch)

CUPCAKES

Saturday Dates:

5 February - Stage 2 Cupcakes

19 February - Stage 1

5 March - Stage 1

2 April - Easter Cupcakes

(2pm - 4pm)

(Stage 2 is for if you have already attended a Treetops Cupcake class).

Weekday Classes:

Wednesday 26 January - Stage 1

Friday 18 February - Stage 1

Wednesday 9 March - Stage 2

Wednesday 23 March - Stage 2

Tuesday 29 March - Easter Cupcakes

(11am - 1pm)

(£50 to include all materials, 6 decorated cupcakes of yours to take home and a recipe/top tips booklet).

To book please contact Emily 01635 44850 or emily@treetops-newbury.co.uk

Gift Vouchers are still available for Christmas.

Festive Flowers 2010

2010-12-08T16:52:00.000Z

Susanna from Tiger Rose was here today and yesterday for two Festive Flower classes.

The classes went really well, and 18 people went home very happy with their wreaths for their front doors. The wreaths all looked so different, but were all full of beautiful things such as oranges, limes, chillies, walnuts, eucalyptus, cranberries, chillies etc.......

Susanna has an endless supply of lovely foliage, in all shades of green, some with berries and some without, it's great to have so much to choose from.

After some Mulled Wine and lunch, we got back to work with some"floral embroidery"; making some pretty gift tags. All you need is a glue gun and tiny berries and bits of flowers, plus a bit of speed as the glue dries so quickly!

Susanna is back on Tuesday 10 May, for Relaxed Summer Flowers, using garden flowers to create beautiful arrangements to decorate your home, or to give as gifts.

9.45am - 2pm

£75

includes all your materials, light lunch and your floral creation to take home with you.

EXTRA Beginners Watercolour added!

2010-12-07T15:36:00.000Z

We are having a surge of interest in Beginners Watercolour for next year, so Claire and I have found another date to run a class:

Wednesday 2 February 2011

9.30am - 3pm

£70

Price includes all materials, a 2 course lunch, glass of wine, home made biscuits and refreshments throughout the day.

Space available on Festive Flowers

2010-12-06T12:00:00.000Z

A space has become available on Wednesday's Festive Flower Class with Susanna from Tiger Rose.

The class runs from 9.45am until approximately 2pm.

All materials and lunch are included.

Susanna will demonstrate some festive ways to decorate your home this Christmas with foliage and flowers and you will create something to take home with you, perhaps a beautiful wreath for your front door.

Cost = £75.

Please call Emily if you would like to come. 01635 44 850.

Final Cupcake Class of 2010

2010-12-04T21:37:00.000Z

There were some lovely Festive Cupcakes made this afternoon.

The smells of orange and mixed spice filled the kitchen.

More photos on the Colourful Cupcakes blog:

http://colourfulcupcakes-newbury.blogspot.com/

Pen and Wash Class - Monday 29 November

2010-11-30T15:43:00.000Z

Today was an introduction to using ink and washes.

7 artists of different abilities, each experimenting with different ideas, pictures, inks, dots, lines, scribbles etc....

It was very relaxing, although I won't count the dots that I made!

Some pictures were sketched first in pencil then a wet watercolour wash over it, with the ink lines then added over the top, whilst others were sketched straight away with the pen.

We used a variety of nibs 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 in both black ink and sepia.

We were using both a permanent ink, and then also a non-permanent pen where with a sweep of the paintbrush we could turn the drawing into washes of ink.

All the time we were thinking about tonal values (or so we told Claire!)

This lovely gate came alive with the addition of colour.

A great drawing was produced here, very precise, before the addition of colour.

This sweet doorstep sketch reminds me so much of old story book illustrations such as Winnie the Pooh and Beatrix Potter.

This great sketch of a church and bridge is from someone who doesn't class herself as having the ability to draw! She got so caught up in the day, she managed to produce 4 great sketches!

This sketch with the colour wash added has a real depth to it and has a style to it that matches the artist.

We really enjoyed our introduction and foundation day of Pen and Wash, hopefully in 2011 we will be able to take it forward to the next stage.

End of Term for Watercolour!

Classes resume on 20 January with Beginners Watercolour and 3 February with Atmospheric Watercolour.

Cupcakes Spring Class Dates

2010-11-27T09:20:00.001Z

Saturday Dates:

(2pm - 4pm)

5 February - Stage 2 Cupcakes (if you have been before, this will take you a stage further)

19 February - Stage 1

5 March - Stage 1

2 April - Easter Cupcakes

(SPACES ARE DISAPPEARING ALREADY, PLEASE BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT)

Weekday Classes:

(11am - 1pm)

Wednesday 26 January - Stage 1

Friday 18 February - Stage 1

Wednesday 9 March - Stage 2

Wednesday 23 March - Stage 2

Tuesday 29 March - Easter Cupcakes

Classes cost £50 and include all materials, 6 decorated cupcakes of yours to take home and a recipe/top tips booklet.

Christmas Aga with Sarah Whitaker

2010-11-26T14:34:00.001Z

Sarah was at Treetops today, impressing us with her ability to "do Christmas" in two hours!

Plenty of tips, short cuts, freezing information and platefuls of delicious food to eat afterwards.

Every bit of the Aga was hard at work, and Sarah showed us to retain the heat and use all of the ovens.

If you are new to Aga I can definitely recommend a class with Sarah, or one of her recipe books until then!

Sarah will be back on Tuesday 1 March for Aga Baking, there are a few spaces still available.

Morning Sky at Treetops

2010-11-24T12:30:00.001Z

It looked beautiful (if a little chilly) this morning.

For those of us that do watercolour classes, Claire always talk about there being hints of pinks and purples in the sky, well this morning, they were almost electric!

Few last minute availability places .......

2010-11-23T18:17:00.000Z

There are a few spaces left on classes before the end of the year......

Christmas Aga this Friday - 2 Spaces - £55 each - 9.45am - 1.30pm

Pen and Ink Class on Monday 29th - 1 space left - £65 each - 9.30am - 3pm

For further information email me via the website or call 016 35 448 50

Second Winter Scene of the week!

2010-11-17T18:02:00.003Z

The artists were back in force at Treetops today, for another Winter Scene Watercolour Day.

A different painting to yesterday, similar colours but a new picture.

The paintings all had a slight difference, from their skies, villages and pathways to the hedgerows, but they all had a warm glow and a winter chill to them.

A Winter Scene - Watercolour

2010-11-16T21:27:00.000Z

The scene was set this morning with the fog and frost!

Today we painted a misty, shadowy, wintery picture. It was great fun and the paintings looked wonderful at the end, the skies especially were very atmospheric.

2011 Saturday Cupcake Class Dates

2010-11-10T21:54:00.000Z

NEW 2011 DATES!

I have some 2011 Saturday dates for you:

19 February

12 March

2 April

All classes are from 2pm to 4pm.

The price is £50; this includes all your ingredients, materials, a recipe and tips booklet to take home along with your 6 beautifully decorated cupcakes!

Christmas Cupcakes Class

2010-11-08T21:21:00.000Z

The first class of the festive season happened this morning ....... Christmas Cupcakes.

The kitchen smelt lovely, spicy, zesty, warm and christmassy!

Tuesday 23 November has 1 space left if you would like to come.

10am -12 noon, £45.

2011 Watercolour Dates

2010-11-06T20:04:00.001Z

NEW 2011 WATERCOLOUR DATES
WITH CLAIRE WARNER

Thursday 20 January - Beginners Watercolour

Thursday 3 February - Atmospheric Watercolours

Wednesday 16 March - The Kennet & Avon Canal

Thursday 28 April - Wild Poppies

Tuesday 7 June - Sunsets

Monday 27 June - Summer on the Beach

Classes run from 9.30am - approximately 3pm.

All your materials are included, as is a 2 course lunch with a glass of wine, refreshments throughout the day and home-made biscuits.

Cost per class = £70

Gift Vouchers are available.

Claire teaches in a step-by-step style, and you will have a finished masterpiece to take home with you.

Christmas Cupcake Classes

2010-11-03T12:55:00.001Z

I've been having a lovely messy play this morning, trying out a variety of Christmas Cupcakes for the forthcoming classes.

The kitchen smells of oranges, rum, mixed spice, cinnamon and almonds .... delicious!

I've been making snowflakes, robins, baubles, holly leaves and finding all my red, silver and gold themed sprinkles and glitters.

There are just a few spaces left on the Christmas Cupcake classes:

1 space left this coming Monday 9th November (10am - 12 noon)

2 spaces left on Thursday 11th November (11am - 1pm)

1 space left on Tuesday 23 November (10am -12 noon)

http://colourfulcupcakes-newbury.blogspot.com/

Aga Baking - 1 March 2011

2010-11-02T20:01:00.002Z

(Sarah Whitaker - Aga Accredited Chef)

As you know I love to bake and I love my Aga.

I was also very addicted to the television whilst The Great British Bake Off was on recently and I'm loving the re-emergence of home baking.

Sarah has got a great set of recipes that show you how to bake successfully in the Aga with delicious results. We will cover bread, meringues, cakes, traybakes, steamed puddings and more! All this whilst showing you how to use your Aga, so if you are new to Aga do come and pick up lots of tips and bring all your questions.

The date is Tuesday 1 March

9.45am - 1.30pm

£60

We will enjoy a delicious tea instead of the usual lunch, with pots of tea! (Heaven!)

All the recipes will be available for you to take home after the class, and Sarah will be bringing her travelling shop with her, which is really useful for Aga items, utensils, pans and her recipe books.

TREETOPS GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE - GREAT FOR CHRISTMAS!

Autumn Watercolour Class 2010

2010-10-21T23:18:00.001+01:00

Today was a perfect autumn's day to hold our Watercolour Class.

Using a wide palette of colours we created yellows, oranges, greens, browns, purples and pinks (so many colours in fact we all armed ourselves with notepads each time Claire took us through a different stage of the painting!)

It also turned into more of a Masterclass as we covered masking, glistening, negative painting (my favourite... hmmm) we were all very quiet and in deep concentration for much of the afternoon.

The paintings were brilliant, as you can see below:

There are a few spaces left for Winter Scenes, choose from either Tuesday 16th or Wednesday 17th November, call me to check availability.

Christmas Cupcake Classes

2010-10-16T21:06:00.001+01:00

Here is the availability for our Christmas Cupcake Classes:

Monday 8 November - 4 spaces

Tuesday 23 November - 1 space

I'm looking forward to these classes, we'll have some lovely Christmas smells baking in the kitchen, and some new festive sprinkles and twinkles.

We've had two really good classes this week, creativity in abundance!

Aga 1:1 Introductory Lessons

2010-10-13T18:40:00.002+01:00

I was in Alresford this morning doing an Aga 1:1 introductory lesson.

This is a great idea if you have just moved into a house with an Aga, and just need some help in understanding the Aga, what it can do, how to get the most out of it and how to not lose the heat!

I bring various pans and trays with me, so you can see what items are useful to buy. I also show you various Aga cookbooks that I trust and I leave you with a leaflet of top tips from cleaning the Aga to getting the best popcorn popping in your Aga!

The lesson costs £45 (with petrol/mileage charged when over 30 miles)

Autumn Watercolour - Spaces Available

2010-10-06T17:49:00.000+01:00

I've just walked around the garden and the colours are definitely changing, the sunshine was beautiful today and really showing the bright oranges and reds.

We are going to be painting a great vibrant colourful Autumn watercolour on Thursday 21 October, just before we break for half-term.

There are spaces available, come along and give it a go!

9.30am - 3pm

£65

All your materials, a 2 course lunch, glass of wine and refreshments throughout the day are included.

Stormy Seas Watercolour

2010-10-06T17:44:00.001+01:00

Claire returned today for a very popular class "Stormy Seas"

Waves lashing against a pier, creating spray and movement. It was hard as we didn't use masking fluid, we had to remember where our 'lights' were and create around those areas.

At the end we used ink to mark the lights and railings, which really brought the paintings alive.

Term Update of spaces available

2010-10-02T12:10:00.000+01:00

I thought a quick update of spaces available might be useful for you:

Watercolour - Autumn Colours - a bright vibrant picture - Thursday 21 October 9.30am - 3pm £65

Watercolour - A Winter Scene - Tuesday 16 November 9.30am - 3pm £65

Watercolour - A Winter Scene - Wednesday 17 November 9.30am - 3pm £65

Cupcakes - Thursday 14 October 10am - 12 noon £45

Christmas Cupcakes - Monday 8 November 10am - 12 noon £45

Christmas Cupcakes - Tuesday 23 November 10am - 12 noon £45

Festive Flowers, are both now fully booked

Christmas Aga is now fully booked

NEW 2011 DATES WILL BE PUBLISHED AFTER HALF TERM

GIFT VOUCHERS ARE AVAILABLE FOR CHRISTMAS!

Spaces available on next Cupcake Class - 1 October

2010-09-23T08:54:00.000+01:00

There are 3 spaces left on the next Cupcake Class, which is on Friday 1 October from 10am - 12 noon.

The price is £45.

Come and learn to bake, swirl and decorate, it's great fun!

Peaceful Beginners Watercolour

2010-09-21T16:24:00.000+01:00

It was very calm and peaceful at Treetops today.

Claire was back for the new term of Watercolour painting, we had a small group of beginners who painted some beautiful landscapes.

Sometimes it is lovely to just escape life for a day and try something different ......

Our next Watercolour class with spaces is Autumn Colours, a new painting for 2010, designed to capture the vibrant and jewel like colours of autumn, the class is open to any level of artist. The date is Thursday 21 October.

New Term is starting

2010-09-10T11:36:00.000+01:00

I'm looking forward to our classes starting again next week.

We have two full Cupcake classes next Wednesday and Saturday, so look out for the photographs from those both on this blog and on colourfulcupcakes-newbury.blogspot.com

Claire Warner is here the following week for a Beginners Watercolour class, there are still some spaces available, so if you are tempted to come along, please give me a call. You will really enjoy it, very relaxing and Claire will fill you with confidence.

Her Autumn Colours class is on Thursday 21 October, which is followed by A Winter Scene on either Tuesday 16 or Wednesday 17 November. All 3 classes have spaces. The cost is £65 to include all your materials, 2 course lunch, glass of wine, and refreshments throughout the day.

There are some spaces left on the following Cupcake classes:

Friday 1 October 10am - 12 noon
Thursday 14 October 10am - 12 noon
Christmas Cupcakes Monday 8 November 10am - 12 noon
Christmas Cupcakes Tuesday 23 November 10am - 12 noon

Festive Flower classes are now all full, but I am starting a reserve list, if you would like to put your name down on that.

8 spaces left on Sarah's Christmas Aga, so get your name down quickly if you know you want to come, it is on Friday 26 November 9.45am - 1.30pm £55.

Latest News from Treetops

2010-08-22T10:15:00.001+01:00

We are back from St Ives, it was as beautiful as ever, the sun shone on the first two days, but that was it, grey, drizzle, wet, misty, downpours for evermore after that!

Stormy Seas, one of our Autumn Watercolour Classes, is proving very popular, with only 2 places left, so if you want to check your diary it is on Wednesday 6 October, fom 9.30am - 3pm.

There are spaces left on our new Watercolour Class on Wednesday 22 September, which is titled "A Newbury Scene", this will be a great class, Claire has painted some stunning Newbury scenes, the canal, locks, old buildings etc.

Arty Beginners, be brave and join a small group on Tuesday 21st September, when Claire will teach you everything to get you started; she will cover, paints, brushes, paper, brush strokes and you will be amazed at the finished painting you will take home with you ... all your own work!

The Cupcake Classes are filling up, there are spaces in October on Friday the 1st and Thursday the 14th, both classes are from 10am - 12 noon and cost £45.

I'm doing some special Christmas Cupcake Classes, with spaces available on Monday 8 November, Monday 22 and Tuesday 23 November. There are 3 spaces left on the SATURDAY class on 4 December (2pm - 4pm).

Festive Flowers has 3 spaces remaining on Wednesday 8 December, so hurry, even if you can't bear to think about Christmas, the spaces will have gone when you do!!

Our Christmas Aga class with Sarah Whitaker is currently half full, this is held on Friday 26 November from 9.45m - 1.30pm.

I think that's enough updating for now. If you need any further information give me a call or check the website www.treetops-newbury.co.uk

Bambi at Treetops

2010-07-28T10:42:00.001+01:00

It's so quiet without you all here for classes, that Bambi is coming in closer each day for his breakfast!

The newsletter with Autumn Term dates will be with you shortly, dates are also shown in the blog post below.

Autumn Term Class Dates

2010-07-15T17:19:00.001+01:00

The house has been quiet as we slow down for the Summer, I've been busy with admin and sorting out next term's dates ready for the website update. I thought I would list them on the blog incase some of you can't wait for my Summer Newsletter!

Wed 21 Sept: Beginners Watercolour
Thurs 22 Sept: A Newbury Scene Watercolour

Friday 1 Oct: Cupcakes
Wed 6 Oct: Stormy Seas Watercolour
Thurs 14 Oct: Cupcakes
Sat 16 Oct: Cupcakes
Thurs 21 Oct: Autumn Colours Watercolour

Mon 8 Nov: Christmas Cupcakes
Tues 16 Nov: A Winter Scene Watercolour
Wed 17 Nov: A Winter Scene Watercolour
Mon 22 Nov: Christmas Cupcakes
Tues 23 Nov: Christmas Cupcakes
Fri 26 Nov: Christmas Aga
Mon 29 Nov: Pen and Ink Class

Sat 4 Dec: Christmas Cupcakes
Tues 7 Dec: Festive Flowers
Wed 8 Dec: Festive Flowers

For any queries or bookings, please call me 01635 44850 or send me an email through the website; www.treetops-newbury.co.uk

A Saturday Cupcake Class

2010-07-03T17:22:00.000+01:00

We had a lovely Cupcake class this afternoon.

There will be further Saturday afternoon classes coming up this autumn, keep your eye on the Colourful Cupcakes blog for dates.....

http://colourfulcupcakes-newbury.blogspot.com/

On Saturday Cupcake Classes, children over 12 are very welcome with an adult.

Cupcake Class 1 July

2010-07-01T21:26:00.000+01:00

We had a group of Mums from Thorngrove School in today.

The turquoise icing colour was particularly popular.

Plenty of flowers, hearts and butterflies were created for the decorating.

There is 1 space left on this Saturdays class. 1.30pm - 3.30pm.

A Summer Scene - St Ives

2010-06-28T16:51:00.000+01:00

A Happy Bunch of Artists!

Today we painted my favourite place - St Ives!

It was a hot hot day, we would have preferred to be there I think.

There was alot of paint mixing today, some glazing, perspective and the lighthouse ..... too big too small, too wonky - it's funny how the little things can sometimes take ages to get right.

The paintings looked lovely in our gallery at the end, showing beautiful colours as the tide sweeps into the harbour.

That was our last Watercolour class for the term. We start again in September.

Wed 21 Sept - Beginners Watercolour
Thurs 22 Sept - A Newbury Scene
Wednesday 6 Oct - Stormy Seas
Thursday 21 Oct - Autumn Colours
Tuesday 16 November - A Winter Scene
Wednesday 17 November - A Winter Scene

Please contact me to book a space.

Come and paint a Newbury Scene

2010-06-24T11:27:00.000+01:00

NEW CLASS NEWS!

On Wednesday 22 September, Claire Warner will be at Treetops to paint a Newbury Scene.

Claire has many of her beautiful paintings of Newbury displayed in the Town Hall, Tourist Information Centre, The Craftsman and various other places in the area, they are of the Market Square, The Town Hall, The Wharf, the Canal, the lock and many other views that we know so well.

Come and paint from 9.30am - approximately 3pm, Claire will supply your art materials, and I will provide you with a delicious lunch and refreshments throughout the day. The cost is £65 and the small class is open to any level of artist.

A Colourful Cupcakes class

2010-06-22T14:56:00.000+01:00

It's such a beautiful sunny day today! We had a fun morning decorating Cupcakes in a huge array of colours. They all looked fantastic.

Please visit the Colourful Cupcakes blog for more news, information and photos: http://colourfulcupcakes-newbury.blogspot.com

Cupcakes Class

2010-06-17T14:33:00.000+01:00

We had a really good Cupcake morning today, a full class of 6, we had pretty icing colours, beautifully baked cupcakes and plenty of time to learn the art of decorating. We swirled, plunged, cut, iced and rolled, whilst making butterflies, love hearts and flowers.

I have finally got round to having a little shop of goodies, of the hard to find essentials such as glitters and plunger cutters, as well as a little Cupcake Gift Bag of a few items so that you can get creating as soon as you get home!

Cupcakes are very addictive!

For all the latest Colourful Cupcakes news and class dates visit the blog:
http://colourfulcupcakes-newbury.blogspot.com

Vintage Flowers Class No2!

2010-06-16T19:13:00.000+01:00

Susanna was back again today for another Vintage Flowers Class

Vintage Flower Class

2010-06-15T19:22:00.000+01:00

We had a brilliant day today, Susanna had brought some beautiful flowers; peonies, roses, hydrangeas, pinks, creams, whites, they were stunning.

She demonstrated several ideas that were full of vintage style, using birdcages and accessories such as cake stands, cut glass, candle sticks, ribbons ..... and made it look so easy!

Then everyone had a turn to make a vintage arrangement in a pastel pail. Each working from similar flowers, it was amazing how they all turned out so differently. Susanna then got everyone to style their arrangement so that the whole look was vintage not just the flowers. We got some really pretty photographs.

I love peonies and roses!

We had a delicious lunch of pea, mint and basil soup, served with home-made bread, followed by some vintage inspired Cupcakes, what else!?

After lunch, we were taught how to wire flowers and leaves to make corsages, a very useful skill, a bit fiddly and definitely one to practice, but they looked ever so pretty.

Summer Aga with Sarah Whitaker

2010-06-11T18:34:00.000+01:00

Today was Aga and the indoor barbecue. Delicious marinaded monkfish kebabs, steaks and plenty of wonderful salads, the halloumi in particular was a favourite.

Sarah showed everyone their way around the Aga; grilling, baking, cooking pastry, simmering, melting etc, there were plenty of great tips throughout the day.

If you have an Aga, are new to Aga or are thinking of buying one, then a day with Sarah is a must! She returns on Friday 26 November for Christmas Aga, an essential start to the festive season.

Autumn Term Watercolour Dates

2010-06-01T12:42:00.000+01:00

Claire and I have put together the dates and classes for Autumn term, they are as follows:

Tuesday 21 September - Beginners Watercolour

Wednesday 6 October - Stormy Seas

Thursday 21 October - Autumn Colours

Tuesday 16 November - A Winter Scene
Wednesday 17 November - A Winter Scene

Monday 29 November - Pen and Ink Class **NEW**

All classes run from 9.30am - approx 3pm and cost £65; this includes all materials, a 2-course lunch with a glass of wine, home made biscuits and refreshments throughout the day. To book a place please call Emily 01635 44850.

Treetops in Good Homes Magazine

2010-05-27T14:18:00.001+01:00

I know it's May, but the July edition of Good Homes Magazine is now in the shops looking very bright and beautiful and there is a fantastic whole page article about Treetops classes. I think it has summed up Treetops really well.

If you would like to see more photographs of Treetops, visit the website
www.treetops-newbury.co.uk.

Treetops Wisteria

2010-05-26T15:31:00.001+01:00

The Treetops Wisteria is out in all it's glory, some of you have seen it blossoming over the last few weeks, so I thought I would put some pictures up for you to see it out and looking beautiful.

The smell from the smaller wisteria on the left hand side of the house smells gorgeous, the one over the kitchen doesn't have a scent but certainly makes up for it in it's length, it is stunning!

Somewhere behind all that is a house!

Cupcakes Class and NEW Future Dates

2010-05-26T15:22:00.000+01:00

We had a great class today, the buttercream icing survived the heat, and some gorgeous cupcakes were made to take home.

The morning was spent mastering the art of baking the perfect Cupcake, swirling and making little fondant decorations; flowers, butterflies and love-hearts.

It was a great way to spend a few hours; I have all sorts of sprinkles, glitters, colours and cutters for you to experiment with, so you can play to your hearts content!

The next Cupcake Class with spaces available is on Tuesday 22 June, 10am - 12 noon, please call me if you would like to come, 01635 44850.

FUTURE CLASSES:
Saturday 3 July - 2 spaces left (1.30pm - 3.30pm)

Wednesday 15 September 10am -12 noon
Saturday 18 September 2pm - 4pm

Friday 1 October 10am -12 noon
Thursday 14 October 10am -12 noon

Monday 8 November 10am -12 noon
CHRISTMAS CUPCAKES Monday 22 November 10am - 12 noon
CHRISTMAS CUPCAKES Tuesday 23 November 10am - 12 noon

CHRISTMAS CUPCAKES Wednesday 15 December 10am - 12 noon

MORE AUTUMN SATURDAY DATES TO FOLLOW ..........

Watercolour Waterfalls Class

2010-05-20T17:31:00.000+01:00

We had a very Summery day today, painting Ullswater's Aira Force Waterfall.
(pudding was pretty yum too!)

Waterfalls was a hard painting to do! We didn't have much drawing to start with, paint wise we had alot of tonal values, and we spent time building up our rocks and foliage. We did a first wash, and then the fun "glistening", which is when we spray the paper and dip the paint into the water to let it do it's own thing! Perfect for the leaves on either side.

Fortunately the waterfall itself was masked off, so we were able to get in close to the edges with the real darks, ultramarine blue mixed with burnt sienna, burnt sienna on it's own, and then a purple made from the permanent rose and ultramarine blue.

The paintings all looked great at the end displayed in their mounts for our Gallery.

A Blue Week.....

2010-05-18T10:39:00.000+01:00

How lovely to see the sun shining and the temperature warming up.

The woods at Treetops are glowing with the Bluebells, it looks like a haze of water shimmering at the bottom of the garden.

Yesterday the sea at Selsey was shimmering, a good brisk walk along the seafront made a great start to the week.

We're painting Waterfalls on Thursday with Claire Warner, there is 1 space left if you're tempted!

A very creative Cupcake Class!

2010-05-13T15:10:00.001+01:00

We had a great morning learning the art of Cupcake making, swirling and icing!

Here is an example of some of the brilliant Cupcakes that were taken home.

Please visit the blog of Colourful Cupcakes, to see future Cupcake Class dates as I have added some new ones. http://colourfulcupcakes-newbury.blogspot.com

Cookery Class with Vanessa Miller

2010-05-10T17:52:00.000+01:00

Red and Yellow Cherry Tomato Panzanella Salad with Basil, Olives and Mozzarella.

Spiced Lentil Salad with Prawns and Mint Yoghurt Dressing.

Salmon and Sole Timbales with Tomato and Lemon and Herb Drizzle

Vietnamese Chicken Salad

Working on the Cheese and Onion Soda Bread

Today was really delicious! A variety of ideas for the forthcoming summer, bright and tasty salads and a lovely pudding that was so delicious I forgot to photograph it before we ate it .... very quickly! It was a divine Drambuie Panna Cotta with Raspberry and Orange Compote.

That was our last Cookery before the Summer hols, Vanessa is now getting busy with all of her Weddings. Email or call me if you would like to hear of when our Autumn Term cookery dates are.

(Sarah is here for Aga Cookery on Friday 11 June, there are still some space left).

Cupcake Classes Latest News - Dates!

2010-05-10T15:26:00.000+01:00

Just an update on places available for the forthcoming Cupcake Classes, I have added some new dates to the list too.

Wednesday 26 May - a NEW date
Thursday 17 June - 1 space left
Tuesday 22 June - a NEW date
Wednesday 15 September - 2 places left.

There are 6 spaces on each class, if you have a group of friends and would like to book an alternative date for your own exclusive class, give me a call to arrange an alternative date.

The cost is £45, this includes all your ingredients, materials, recipe and tips booklet, and 6 cupcakes that you have decorated to take home.

Cupcake News

2010-05-06T10:29:00.000+01:00

Colourful Cupcakes has just done a wedding in Southampton on a boat, 80 bright and beautiful cupcakes with the theme Cherry Pie. It was great fun, I loved making them.

Cupcake Classes are from next week, I have added a new date; Wednesday 26 May. For any other details visit the blog: http://colourfulcupcakes-newbury.blogspot.com/.

Bluebell Watercolour Class

2010-05-04T20:11:00.000+01:00

We had a very busy Bluebell class today, lots of mixing of blues, purples and greens. Four new artists, slightly nervous (!) with three of our regulars.

Claire had chosen a lovely woodland scene, with plenty of tonal values - lights and darks.

After pencilling in our trees, we used some masking fluid to fill in the trunks and protect where we wanted our light areas to be, and followed this up with a light wash.

The paintings were amazing when we had them mounted for our exhibition at the end, everyone had different coloured bluebells. The achievements were great today. It is amazing what beginners can do after a day with Claire at Treetops!

Bluebells at Treetops

2010-05-03T17:49:00.000+01:00

The Bluebells are almost out and are looking bright and beautiful against the bright greens.

I am just getting Treetops ready for tomorrow's Bluebell Watercolour class, we have 7 artists coming, which includes quite a few beginners and new people. Fingers crossed the rain disappears, when the sun shines you can see the blue hue of the bluebells in the distance from where we are painting.

Watercolour Workshop Trial

2010-04-29T16:33:00.001+01:00

This morning we trialled a new idea of a Watercolour Workshop. The idea was that you came to Treetops with either a painting to finish or a painting that you need help to get started. Over the course of the morning Claire would be available to give support and advice.

You needed to bring all your own materials and equipment, which again was useful to have Claire look over, to see whether the paints we had were of good quality, either artist or student quality, if they are of student quality they tend to remove alot of the lovely rich pigments that usually produce the beautiful and vibrant colours.

Claire talked about mixing colours, in particular getting some great greens with lemon yellow. She talked "cows" and other animal shapes and helped me get some shadow and depth into one of my paintings that at the moment looks just like a group of floating objects!

The morning ran from 9.30am - 1pm, with the usual home made biscuits and fresh coffee available but it was mentioned that it wasn't quite the same leaving Treetops without having had lunch!

If you are interested in coming to one of our Workshops, please let me know.

Sunflowers in Provence Watercolour Class

2010-04-29T16:21:00.000+01:00

A Sunny day for a Sunny Subject. Sunflowers in Provence was the title, and it wasn't as easy as it looked. We spent a large part of the morning using masking fluid to paint out the sunflowers leaves, so that when we did a wash we could keep that part of the paper completely clean and white.

Using a limited pallette of about 5 paints we mixed up a variety of greens and yellows, and then different blues for the sky and the mountains in the distance.

A delicious lunch of Delia's Salmon with pecorino and pesto topping followed by Tana Ramsay's Rhubarb Fool. We needed the energy to rub all the masking fluid off after lunch, it took ages!

Sunflowers Watercolour Class

2010-04-21T12:40:00.000+01:00

There are a few spaces left for next week's Watercolour Class, titled Sunflowers in Provence. Suitable for any level of artist, we have some complete beginners coming, so don't be afraid to come and give it a go.

The class is on Wednesday 28 April, starts at 9.30am and finishes at about 3pm, a 2 course lunch is included and plenty of biscuits (and coffee!) to keep you going throughout the day. The price is £65.

Claire provides all the materials, so all you have to do is just turn up and paint. Call 01635 44850 to book a place.

Happy Easter!

2010-04-01T22:02:00.000+01:00

Happy Easter! The house is quiet with no classes....

Plenty of time to get Colourful Cupcakes of Newbury launched. The logo and website are currently being worked on and I'm taking orders! I've recently made some lovely girly pink birthday cupcakes, some bright and pretty cupcakes for Christine Scott Interiors and this weekend some Purple themed cupcakes. Today was all about having fun with mini Cupcakes, they disappear so easily in just one mouthful!

I have started a blog http://colourfulcupcakes-newbury.blogspot.com so that you can see what I'm up to.

Bookings are coming in for the Cupcake Classes, these are on:

Thursday 13 May 10am - 12 noon
Thursday 17 June 10am - 12 noon
Saturday 3 July 2pm - 4pm
Wednesday 15 September 10am - 12 noon

Cost £45: this includes all ingredients, materials, recipes and 6 cupcakes that you have decorated to take home. To book call me on 01635 44850.

It's great fun, and involves clouds of icing sugar and twinkly edible glitter everywhere!

Summer Cookery Class

2010-03-30T14:21:00.001+01:00

Vanessa is a busy bee this Summer with weddings and parties, but I have managed to persuade her that a "Best of Treetops" cookery class would be perfect in May!

So on Monday 10th May, the class will include some of our favourite recipes from the past 5 years. We will use delicious, seasonal and inspiring ingredients. You will enjoy a lovely lunch of all the food cooked and you will also make something to take home with you.

Starting at 9.30am and finishing at approximately 3pm, the class costs £75, this includes all your ingredients, food, a glass of wine, refreshments throughout the day and the recipes to take home.

Extra Vintage Style Flowers Class

2010-03-24T10:47:00.000Z

Due to the popularity of our June Vintage-Style Flowers Class, we are doing an extra class on Wednesday 16 June.
9.45am-2pm
£75
All materials and a light lunch included.