The Stone Carving Studio reviews

Abi reviewed: Sculpture in stone for beginners in Somerset - 3 day stone carving course with sculptor Kate Semple

"My partner and I attended Kate’s 3 day course in early May. My career has been in education, art and design, so I’m one of those horribly difficult people to please. However, Kate’s style is fantastic. She gets you going as if by magic. Her lovely style, both relaxed with the right amount of challenge, saw us complete our sculptures on time - and our final pieces were something to be proud of. The other people on the course were great! Interesting, fun and friendly. Thank-you Kate! A brilliant memory."

Mark Johnstone reviewed: Stone Carving for beginners - 3 day course with sculptor Kate Semple

"Wonderful first stone carving. Kate is great; patient, calm, knowing exactly when to leave you, when to help. True to her word, I left with a very acceptable result, not the woolly sheep my wife had thought after day 1. Nice venue, with plenty of time for tea, chat and socialising. 6 carvers, so no pressures. You do what you want athough it is important to have some clear plans as to what you want to carve before you arrive. I was surprised at my achievement, largely due to Kate's considerable skills at mentoring. Wholeheartedly recommend this to anyone and everyone; just don't stay in Sheet Mallet!! Just come and enjoy, Kate provides everything."

Cliff Hunter reviewed: Sculpture in stone for beginners - 3 day course

"Excellent course, produced a finished carving in the three days much to my surprise and delight. Really good instruction and help, and lots of tea and coffee! Thoroughly recommend the course."

Howard Jones reviewed: Sculpture in stone for beginners - 3 day course

"Really enjoyed this course with Kate. Learnt a huge amount in just the three days."

Bill Wallace reviewed: Sculpture in stone for beginners - 3 day course

"I cannot believe what I was able to achieve over 3 days. Kate was brilliant, very patient and encouraging. I just wish I lived close enough to do a weekly course with her. Many many thanks Kate."

Jane Shergold reviewed: Sculpture in stone for beginners - 3 day course

"A really great experience and was amazed by what we all produced at the end in such a short period of time. On the first day we all produced a model of what we wanted to make and this provided the blue print for the carving. What I liked about it was that it was completely practical and we just got on with it. Kate is a wonderful teacher and provided excellent one-to-one tuition in a small group setting, helping everyone and offering advice on every stage of the carving. Over the three days we learnt to cut out the basic shape and gradually create the final piece. I was really surprised how close to the original model the final sculptures were and it’s certainly inspired me to do more. I learnt such a lot and the hours just flew by. I would really recommend this course whether you are a beginner or have done stone carving before."

Neil Atkinson reviewed: Sculpture in stone for beginners - 3 day course

"Excellent!"

Neil Galloway reviewed: Sculpture in stone for beginners - 3 day course

"I had a wonderful time on one of Kate’s 3 day sculpture courses. As a complete novice I found Kate to be both supportive and an excellent teacher. She was able to effectively accommodate a range of experience and abilities within the group and an even wider range of themes to participants chosen pieces. Everyone had a really enjoyable 3 days and the time passed incredibly quickly. Highly recommended. Many thanks Kate."

Lawrence Kelland reviewed: Weekly morning stone carving sessions in Somerset with Sculptor Kate Semple

"Kate is a hugely talented sculptor and communicator, who can see and understand what you are trying to create and guide you through all the steps without pressure, so her courses are always very enjoyable. Lawrence Kelland"

Jeremy Mitchard reviewed: Weekly morning stone carving sessions in Somerset with Sculptor Kate Semple

"Kate is an awesome teacher, super lovely person and suitable to teach all levels of ability and she will happily help you create and carve any ideas you might have, bringing them to life .... it’s a great class, all my friends have been amazed at what I’ve made ... quite a therapeutic hobby, you soon get in the zone and the time goes too quickly."

Mike Parroy reviewed: Weekly morning stone carving sessions in Somerset with Sculptor Kate Semple

"Kate is a simply wonderful teacher. I am not a natural artist but she managed to get me creating in stone something of which I was proud. She is enthusiastic, funny, hugely skilful and very kind. Go on her course because you will love it."

Brent Hoe reviewed: Weekly morning stone carving sessions in Somerset with Sculptor Kate Semple

"Having dabbled with some stone carving previously, I started weekly courses with Kate and found it to be such a rewarding time and so much better than a previous experience I had elsewhere. Kate makes sure you carve something you like rather than a set piece from a book. There is no pressure and everyone works at their own pace, Kate takes her time explaining the process, making sure that everyone progresses to a finished work of art by the end of the course. Its great to create something from nothing! Really recommend it."

Annette Jarratt-Knock reviewed: Sculpture in stone for beginners - 3 day course

"This is a really great course; Kate is an excellent tutor, helping you to see your piece in the block, teaching and guiding you in the techniques to make your design come alive in stone. It is also great fun and has a wonderful atmosphere. If you've never done something before it can be daunting, especially being in a mixed ability group, but Kate is inspirational and empowers you, so that it is truly a fun and relaxing experience. I've been on the 3 day course a couple of times now, carved both a large piece and, in soapstone, a small ornamental piece, it is very rewarding and all class members have always been supportive of one another. I have no doubt I'll be coming back again sometime soon."

Liza Smith reviewed: Weekly morning stone carving sessions in Somerset with Sculptor Kate Semple

"Having never done any stone carving before Kate was brilliant at teaching me so I finished the course with a carving I'm so proud of. After completing the first course I couldn't stop myself signing up for more. Really good fun, a great way to meet new people."

Anona Williams reviewed: Sculpture in stone for beginners - 3 day course

"I could not rate Kate’s courses more highly. The first one I did was a day course where I made the most wonderful ‘Green Man’ out of stone. My mum still has it in her garden and it receives many compliments! What I love about Kate’s tuition style is that she adapts to suit what you need to develop whilst providing more or less input depending on your ability and confidence level. My second course with Kate was a 3 day workshop and wow was that time well spent! I made a glorious stone shell that also sits in the garden and over time, the sculpture has only become more attractive and alive. These lessons were extremely supportive, inspiring and also fun! Kate creates a really relaxed atmosphere and the other attendees were also really lovely. Making something out of a piece of stone is extremely rewarding and it taught me a lot, as well as giving time for reflection. Funnily enough when you’re engrossed in a task, it’s as though there are less of life’s silly worries to bother you! I’ll definitely be coming back!"

The Stone Carving Studio responded:

"Thank you Anona, it was a pleasure to teach you!"

Myriam Kniveton reviewed: Weekly morning stone carving sessions in Somerset with Sculptor Kate Semple

"I strongly recommend Kate's courses to anyone who wants to try something new, learn new techniques and create something to be proud of. An amazing way to let off steam, relax (yes relax!) and make new friends. Kate is an experienced and fantastic teacher and she has the best biscuits ever!"

The Stone Carving Studio responded:

"Thanks Myriam. Any class with you in it is good fun!"