Testimonials
” Had a very enjoyable and productive experience on Sebastian’s 2day Stone-carving course.
He is an engaging and excellent teacher who believes in “learning by doing” and within a short time, every member of our small group was actively working on pieces of stone. This familiarised students with using the tools and the feel of the stone. Everyone then chose a piece of stone from the large selection available, personal tools, gloves and eye protection were given out – and the carving commenced. All the while, Sebastian was on hand and available for guidance, advice and encouragement. His heated rustic studio and outdoor working areas set in a small orchard made a perfect setting. Tea, coffee (and cake) breaks as well. The two days passed all too quickly, with each student taking home their project at the end.
My advice to anyone thinking of joining this course would be not to hesitate – just do it ! “
” A very enjoyable weekend in a lovely orchard. Hard work but everyone ended up with a great sculpture. The advice Sebastian gives is spot on, customised and keeps you going in the right direction. Recommended to try even if you have not done this before “
” The woodland setting is lovely and the workshop uses clever ideas such as 3 legged tree trunk stand to work the stones on. Sebastian has a wealth of knowledge and experience of stone carving from around the world. There is an array of tools, many of which Sebastian had made himself and using them on a spare piece of stone was the best way to learn what marks they could make. Then it was choosing your stone from the many scattered around, making a clay model of your design and making a start. Sebastian was on hand with advice when you needed him. It was very relaxed and totally absorbing. I have been inspired to do more and highly recommend the course. “
” The whole experience was fabulous from start to end. Sebastian is an excellent teacher and guides you through the techniques you needs to produce a piece os sculpture by the end of the two days.
The workshop is situated in a beautiful rural setting, so peaceful.
I am definitely going back again before too long! “
” Thank you so much! “
” An excellent weekend, Sebastian really has enthusiasm for the craft and eagerly helps you with the design of your sculpture. Couldn’t be happier with the final result and the course in full.
Highly recommended to anyone with an interest in sculpting. “
” For once the reviews are true! This course is a great introduction to stone carving and Sebastian is an excellent tutor, providing guidance when needed but otherwise stepping back to allow you to discover your creative side. Despite not having an artistic bone in my body I managed to create an animal sculpture with real personality, thanks in no small part to Sebastian’s gentle but enthusiastic encouragement. I’m really pleased with the result and would happily recommend the course to anyone and everyone. “
” I spent a wonderful two days in a beautiful spot carving out a tree of life from Cotswold stone. I was amazed at what I could produce in such a short space of time and it was just the creative experience I’d been craving. Sebastian is a kind and gentle teacher, encouraging us to have a go and offering suggestions on what to do next. Can’t recommend it highly enough!
Ps my friends loved what I’d carved and now they want a sculpture for their gardens too… so I’m taking it up as a hobby now ! “
” A really great day in lovely surroundings. Amazed that I came away with something finished and half decent too! Sebastian is a lovely, gentle teacher who lets you get on and quietly gives suggestions on what to do. Just the creative buzz is been looking for. “
” Cheers Sebastian, really enjoyed myself, felt really free and easy, nice space to be in,……. I enjoyed just having the time to relax into my work. No pressure. “
” I arrived at Sebastian’s rustic workshop convinced that I had no artistic ability whatsoever and left two days later with my own little “masterpiece” and a wonderful sense of accomplishment.
Sebastian is wonderfully relaxed and as a result the course is too – there is no pressure, no rushing, everyone progressing at their own pace under the watchful eye of Sebastian who is ever ready to offer assistance and advice.
I left on the Sunday evening not only with my own personal sculpture but with some very happy memories too, not only of the work and techniques but of Sebastian and the others on my course – we arrived as strangers and left as friends.
I would heartily recommend this to anyone looking for a new challenge to fill up a spare weekend. “
” I can definitely recommend this course. Set in a beautiful location and Sebastian was an excellent teacher. We really had the chance to play and really get to know the materials and a feel for the tools. I came away with something I’m proud of… but also more importantly, the basic skills to get started on my own. “
” I came away really pleased with what I had done, and look forward to catching up again! Thanks very much, I enjoyed the course, the location and your approach. “
” What a chilled and chiselled weekend!
We spent two very invigorating days; mentally and physically, being softly guided through the introduction to an untried craft skill by the delightful Sebastian.
He is not your conventional teacher, by his own admission, but he managed to develop nascent stonemason skills in seven novices – all of whom left on the Sunday afternoon feeling so happy and
pleased with new found abilities clutching their own piece of art.
Thank you Sebastian, thank you to my fellow chisellers and thank you to my long term friend,
John, who gave me the gift of the weekend.
Best regards “
” Keep up the great work, thanks for an amazing couple of days! “
” Very enjoyable, freedom to do whatever I chose, Opportunity to try different techniques, I never imagined previously that stone is so pleasing to work with. “
” Sebastian is great and allows you the freedom to create something amazing, giving advice here and there. Wonderful location, rural setting. Don’t expect luxury but adventure instead! Exhilarating!
I love what I made and it takes pride of place in my garden.
Stone sculpture is dusty, wear old clothes. Definitely recommend the venue! “
” Just a very big thankyou for your way and being with us and the generosity of sharing your skills, I enjoyed the group feeling that emerged I dared be creative . “
” My wife and I are total novices so had no idea whether we’d be able to produce anything at all other than a pile of stone chippings. We ended up feeling very proud of our creations thanks to Sebastion’s expert guidance and encouragement along the way. He has a very nice relaxed and friendly approach and is happy to provide whatever level of guidance you want.
We would happily go again
Peter & Paula Davis “
” I feel confident to give stonecarving a go independently now from what Sebastian has shown us and I enjoyed Sebastian’s style of teaching, when to offer support and when to allow us to find our own way. Very friendly atmosphere. “
” Fabulous weekend course. Enjoyed every minute. Didn’t think I would be able to achieve what I did, or enjoy it so much! Relaxed course run effectively by Sebastian. Recommended very highly. “
” Hi Sebastian,
Thanks for yet another fun sculpting weekend. It does great things for my soul! You are very patient!
I will send a picture when there is some sunlight!
I will be back!
Thanks again “
” Sebastian’s input was light touch and very, very supportive and informative, I felt so much space to explore and be creative in my own way. I was so engaged and deeply absorbed in the work, which was fascinating, experimenting with tools and techniques. The setting was so pretty and we felt so engaged and relaxed. Couldn’t recommend this highly enough. “
” Loved this two day course from start to finish. Sebastian encouraged our creativity and guided us so we were able to realise our intentions in Cotswold stone, in a relaxed and supportive environment. I would definitely recommend this course and to come away with a self made sculpture was a bonus! “