Originally Posted by np3
If they haven't asked for help on improving their skills, then don't offer it. If you can't say something nice, say nothing at all. It may not look right to you, but it looks right to them and that is all that counts. It may not be your color choices, but it was theirs.
I like what I like and I don't particularly care about the rules on color choices or contrast. If I am making a gift for someone, then I care about what they like, even if it isn't my style.
I do like your response. I quit quilting for awhile just because of some very unkind remarks made about blocks I made for a quilt club's lottery blocks. I was a newbie and I must have made 5 blocks for every block I finally took in (I took in 3). All the blocks were laid on the table anonymously. Were my blocks terrible? It's been so long that I honestly cannot remember - but I surely did not merit that kind of discouragement. So in essence - I do believe if you cannot say anything nice, don't say anything at all. And if someone asks you for guidance - give it lovingly.