Sebastian Rasch reviews

13 May 19'

Caroline Prosser-Lodge reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"My second weekend course with Sebastian. Once again great, patient tuition, in a most peaceful and beautiful setting. The 9 students all went away with pieces they were pleased with, so varied in concept and execution. Many thanks Sebastian for helping get the bird into the van... Hoping to be back for a further workshop!!"

13 May 19'

suzanne durie reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"A really enjoyable two days in a Gloucestershire field and we all went home with a sculpture we had designed and made ourselves - including abstracts, birds and a gorgeous sleeping dragon. I loved the process of chipping away at the softish Bath stone and then carving and sanding. Sebastian was always on hand with advice about which tools to use when and to remind you to stand back and have a good look at your work."

13 May 19'

David Durie reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Really fun and relaxing new experience. 2 days just flew by. Not that creative but ended up with a piece I was pleased about and the direction and encouragement given by Sebastian was excellent."

10 May 19'

Elaine reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"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! Thanks again. Elaine"

9 May 19'

Henry reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Really enjoyed the course, tuition was excellent in a great environment."

7 May 19'

Jessie Carr reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Very good introduction to stone sculpture, my 12 year old son absolutely loved it and definitely wants to do again! Sebastian gave him excellent guidance, but just as importantly allowed freedom to experiment in his own way. We are now acquiring tools! We both really enjoyed it and felt we had achieved something, and from my point of view as a complete beginner working 3D! I would definitely recommend to anyone wanting to try sculpting for the first time."

6 May 19'

Richard Ascough reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Thoroughly enjoyed my 2 days of Training. New experience, nice venue, helpful advice and good company. Thank you Sebastian Rasch, hope to return before the year is out. Regards Richard Ascough"

26 Apr 19'

Ben reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"The course was set in beautiful peaceful surroundings and although we were lucky with the weather, it would have been a very calming meditative experience regardless. Sebastian has a very calm relaxed approach to leading the sessions and after an interesting introduction and background to the course with a quick practise on scrap stone, we were left to be as free and creative as we liked with any of the tools set out available to us. The area had lots of beautiful carvings and sculptures to draw on as inspiration made by Sebastian, but setting your aim low to start with is best. Its tiring work, but very meditative and I found myself losing track of time as I was so engrossed in removing little pieces of limestone here and there on the block provided. I thoroughly enjoyed the course and would recommend it to anyone and everyone to have a break from work, feel good, calm your mind and have something to show at the end of it. Great course."

23 Apr 19'

James Shrives reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"I thoroughly enjoyed the two day course and was surprised by what I and fellow novices actually achieved in a fairly short space of time with Sebastian's calm guidance and encouragement to 'embrace your inner stonemason'. It was all very relaxed and I would encourage anyone to give it a go. I met some charming people and we had plenty of laughs. Thank you Sebastian."

23 Apr 19'

Andy reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Like others have said ... I found the course really enjoyable and Sebastian's input was just right for me. He was informative yet relaxed and not overbearing but nudged me in the right direction when needed. I will now be doing some carving in my retirement!"

11 Apr 19'

Nicola reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Excellent course - I was given this as a brithday present and throughly enjoyed the 2 days. I'm amazed that I was able to produce something that looked vaguely like a hedgehog, carved out of a block of bathstone, in just 2 days. It has inspired me to try carving a house name once I find a suitable piece of stone. The setting is lovely and the whole experience relaxing yet fun. I'd certainly recommend anyone to give it a try."

9 Apr 19'

Kate reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"I was an absolute beginner. Wonderful venue and setting, perfect weather. A real treat to be introduced to stone carving. Really surprised and pleased with what I was able to create over the weekend. Well worth a try."

1 Apr 19'

Daniel Williams reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"I really enjoyed my time there. There was plenty of freedom to try out things beforehand and Sebastian was always on hand if you needed advice on your art piece. Really pleased with what I made."

20 Mar 19'

John Twin reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"I really enjoyed the weekend, despite some unkind weather. A totally new and refreshing experience, working with stone for the first time (in a former prison yard, appropriately). Under Sebastian's friendly and unhurried guidance we were supported, encouraged and advised, never lectured; he wanted us to experiment with the tools and techniques with total freedom as to the outcome. I was surprised how easy it was to work the Bath stone, even with wood-working chisels, for example, so progress was quicker than I had expected. We all got on really well together, offering each other advice and constructive criticism while at work and chinwagging during the breaks. Highly recommended."

12 Mar 19'

John Pinch reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"I had been thinking of a suitable gift for a close friend's special birthday. We both enjoy making and I noticed Sebastian's advert on a canal walk one day. I enrolled the pair of us and we were not disappointed. The setting was idyllic. Close to the Cotswold hills nestling in a small orchard amid reclaimed sheds and studios the entire site was a montage of stone. Some dressed, some rough hewn and some carved. With plenty of space inside and outside the seven of us were introduced to each other and Sebastian's unconventional approach to stone carving. What was amazing was the collection of tools, some home fashioned and some from a previous life. With regular breaks to socialise we soon felt like one big happy family. The outcomes of the weekend were diverse and surprising. Without exception we all achieved something beyond our wildest dreams. Thank you Sebastian for being encouraging, supportive, knowledgeable and skilful."

11 Mar 19'

Val Blake reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"A delightful weekend. It commenced with a chat to say why we were all there, so we then felt we were pals who all knew each other. Relaxing at tea breaks and lunch was then with a company of friends. Our stonecarving was aided by Sebastian's experience and excellent knowledge and all the tools we could possibly need were to hand. His tuition was excellent. We all produced our own special work - a sheer pleasure to see at the end of a most enjoyable and absorbing weekend. I would recommend it to everyone."

11 Mar 19'

Tony Blake reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Two days of a great stone carving course in a warm and friendly stidio. I loved the place on the edge of the Cotswolds. Sebastian's expert but easy going tuition helped me get the satsifaction of bringing a picture out of a piece of stone. Highly recommended, a wonderful and rewarding way to spend two days of your life. Suitable for the complete beginner or those who already had some experience of stone carving."

10 Mar 19'

Peter Bain reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"I thoroughly enjoyed Sebastians stone carving course. It was a full two day adventure of creating a sculpture from a block of stone. Sebastian is a warm, thoughtful and easy going chap who made everyone feel very welcome and I would have no hesitation in recommending friends or family to give the course a go."

27 Feb 19'

Julian Ormerod reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Thank you for sharing your passion and knowledge. I truly enjoyed your company and teaching. It really was a profoundly experiencial weekend. My first ever piece of stonework is Male and Female as a whole and i am so pleased with it. Julian Ormerod"

7 Feb 19'

TONY BUTCHER reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"We had a fantastic weekend, with the right amount of information and practical help. Sebastian was great, being encouraging and supportive as well as giving precise directions when requested. He has an approachable, relaxed manner, which allowed us to explore and find our way in what was, for us a totally new and unfamiliar adventure. We each managed to almost complete the piece of work and we feel confident that we will finish it either at home or come back for another great weekend. A thoroughly enjoyable experience."

4 Feb 19'

David reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Sebastian welcomed us to his lovely site and introduced me to my fellow pupils who soon became friends as we shared coffee and lunch. I was advised and helped when needed and left to work alone when able. We interacted as a group and discussed our work as we progressed. I choose a simple piece and came away with a nearly finished piece. However I have been inspired to tackle a more complicated work and Sebastian sold me a block on stone to bring home ( at a very reasonable price). I am in my mid 70s and feel that this course can be undertaken by all ages."

27 Jan 19'

Mike Hawkins reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Wonderful weekend. The place is delightful and easy to travel to, everyone was friendly and Sebastian was very helpful. Well worth the money, and I’m really proud of my carving!"

26 Jan 19'

Maggie reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"What a brilliant weekend we had. Sebastian is the most gentle and most supportive teacher I have worked with in a long time. From arriving knowing nothing about stone carving I left with a sculpture I’m very proud of. Sebastian started by hearing what all our hopes of the weekend were, then introduced us to his approach and the tools. We began with a practice piece of stone which really helped me get over my nervousness of working with the stone and getting it wrong! At our own pace we then chose a piece of stone from lots of different shapes and sizes on offer. And the weekend then flew, we were so absorbed in the stone and in our work and Sebastian was always there with un-intrusive support. We all created such different pieces and they were all wonderful. The whole atmosphere and location couldn’t be better. I highly recommend you book this course with Sebastian as soon as you can."

27 Nov 18'

Lucy reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Really great weekend if you want to try something outside of your comfort zone. There was a really nice team, and Sebastian managed to advise us all throughout. Come with something in mind you would like to make and that way you will get the most out of the weekend."

21 Nov 18'

Martin Clarke reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Really satisfying having a whole weekend to work at a larger piece of stone and seeing the sculpture develop from it. Atmosphere was really friendly with everyone on the course being supportive and interested in what each person was doing (and how we had got there). Sebastian was good at making the sculptors take their time to make decisions about their work looking at the overall piece from all angles, I think we all made small mistakes but it was part of the learning process to look at how they could be fixed/incorporated into the final piece. I had done some carving before with soapstone and other soft stones so once I was set up I was happy to simply lose myself in the process with Sebastian giving the occasional pointer. My only suggestion is that if a piece isn't going to be finished (not a problem for me) it is not always a bad idea to show the person how to finish one part of it in fine detail so they know what to do if they have to take it away."