Sebastian Rasch reviews

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."

20 Nov 18'

Paul Sunners reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Rustic, rural and relaxing. I thoroughly enjoyed the weekend and Sebastion's relaxed, friendly approach enabled each group member to achieve a most satisfying outcome. What better recommendation that three of the small group are regular visitors. I intend to re-visit myself. Thank-you Sebastion for facilitating such a memorable experience..."

22 Oct 18'

Peter Bradley reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"I really enjoyed my weekend course in stone carving, which my wife bought for my birthday present. Set in the stunning Cotswolds, the views of the surrounding hills and woods from Sebastian's field were amazing. Sebastian gave helpful and friendly advice as necessary, and made himself available when I needed to know what to do or which tools to use. I found the sculpting physically demanding, not being used to standing all day, or using my arms and hands for chipping, chiselling and filing. However, I had a wonderful time, and came away with a sculpture that I'm pleased and amazed with, and which made my friends say 'wow!' I hope to be back after my next birthday!"

22 Oct 18'

Mark reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"What a fantastic way to spend the weekend. This was a lovely course and Sebastian ran the course in a way that was very relaxed with plenty of positivity and guidance where needed. Set in peaceful (if you ignored the occasional noise from the geese next door) location with great views. I was very impressed with everyones work by the end of Sunday and never expected to achieve so much myself. No need to have any idea of how to carve stone (or any other material) all you need is a 'have a go' attitude."

1 Oct 18'

Liz reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"No idea how Sebastian managed to support us all so well. V knowledgable and with great people skills. Although no one in the group had carved stone before, our experience of thinking/working in 3 D was very varied. None at all in my case but that was OK. My 87 year old father's response? 'That was a fantastic weekend' - and it was. It's never too late to try something new!"

1 Oct 18'

Gina Tanner reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Just the right balance of tuition and help. Planning to attend another course next year to build on experience gained. thank you Sebastion - a relaxing, but productive weekend."

1 Oct 18'

Julie Fussell reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Sebastian runs a great course. His technique is to let you pick up the tools and get stuck in, but he is always there if you have questions or need advice. You’ll be amazed at what you can achieve in 2 days, even as a completely beginner."

30 Sep 18'

Guy Wood reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Sebastian is a fantastic tutor. He balanced tuition with experimentation perfectly. His interventions were always thoughtful and delivered with sensitivity . I thoroughly enjoyed the course and achieved far more than I thought possible within the 2 days. I would highly recommend the course, it was perfect ."

11 Sep 18'

Pete reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"A very enjoyable two days spent indulging the "creative side". The course enables you to dive right in and start working whilst Sebastian is on hand quietly encouraging and advising when required. Thoroughly recommended."

11 Sep 18'

Rosy, Pippa, Carol and Liz reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"This was one of our BEST Cousins’ Weekends ever! Thank you so much for all your help. It was lovely to meet you. We will definitely recommend your course to our friends. The course was the right blend of serious stonework, pleasant company and beautiful surroundings. We will all be taking home something we will be pleased with."

29 Aug 18'

Chris reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"A most enjoyable course in a beautiful location with an excellent tutor. Many thanks Sebastian. I really enjoyed learning to work with stone."

26 Aug 18'

Yvonne Cunnane reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Very enjoyable. I learned a great deal particularly about Bath stone. Sebastian has a wealth of experience and can cope with a wide variety of people coming to the subject from different angles. He’s very encouraging and helpful and does not impose his ideas on you. The venue is glorious. It’s out in the most beautiful countryside sited in a wonderful collection of ramshackled huts. I shall return!"

26 Aug 18'

Sarah Lyon reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Great fun. Tiring but not as hard as I had imagined. Excellent support and help from Sebastian just when I needed it! I would recommend two days like this to get the idea of stone carving and be encouraged to have a go and be prepared to feel pretty whacked by the end of the day. Might come again!"