Reviews

WOW

Rated 5.0 out of 5
July 16, 2023

What can I say……… a fantastic three days of laughter, great conversation and of course stone carving. Lucy is an awesome host and teacher, she explained the art of chipping rock with aplomb and gave myself and my new friend Keith the confidence and encouragement needed to produce miracles!

It was a brilliant 50th birthday present from my wife and I would recommend it to all. Thank you 😊

Nigel Joesbury

A brilliant course!

Rated 5.0 out of 5
June 4, 2023

I had a fantastic three days at Lucy’s stone carving workshop. I had no previous experience of working with stone and very little sense of what I might carve. Lucy reassured me that this was not a disadvantage and that I should keep an open mind and allow my ideas to develop once I had chosen the stone. This was good advice – my carving evolved naturally over the three days so that by the end I was pleasantly surprised by what I had created.

On the first morning Lucy gave us really clear instruction on how to use the various tools required, demonstrating each different carving method and giving us time to practice. From then on she was around to offer advice, encouragement and further instruction when required. By the end of the course I felt like I had acquired new skills along with a real enthusiasm for stone carving. And the food was great too! I would highly recommend.

Matt Moulton

I fly over from the States to attend Lucy's courses they are so good.

Rated 5.0 out of 5
April 20, 2023

The stone carving class is simply wonderful. Lucy is an amazing teacher and very talented artist. The three day course allows more than adequate time to learn how to stone carve and bring home a finished piece. It also provides the skills to carve independently, As another reviewer stated, time really flies by with perfect breaks filled with delicious food. I have attended two classes thus far and have signed up for another next year. Perhaps it is a testimony to how much I enjoy the class that I fly over the Atlantic from the States to attend!

Susan I.

I love attending Lucy's classes each year

Rated 5.0 out of 5
April 20, 2023

Lucy is one of the best teachers I have ever had, her knowledge/skill is impeccable, she is patient, kind, funny and extremely encouraging. What ever your skill level you’ll come away from the course with skills and know how to start your own work with confidence. Be prepared to be well fed with delicious food and treats throughout, I’m sure you’ll feel (as I did) you’ll want to sign up again by the end I can’t recommend it enough.

Nicholas Palmer

Great course - even for a novice

Rated 5.0 out of 5
April 20, 2023

I had never done any stone carving before – always wanted to have a go but never had the opportunity. Lucy’s course was excellent! We started off with a practice session on the tools and shortly after, were carving away. Lucy keeps an eye your work but never intrudes – just pops up when you need her to guide you, or with useful suggestions when you are stuck. Oh, and the food is very good.

Jim Harris

Highly recommended!

Rated 5.0 out of 5
April 20, 2023

I can thoroughly recommend Lucy’s courses. The initial tuition in the choice of the correct tools, the different carving techniques and the effects each can achieve gives confidence when you are a complete beginner. I was amazed at the progress it is possible to make in three days. I was totally engrossed in the carving process. Lucy is a fantastic and inspiring teacher with her vast knowledge and skill. I feel it is a privilege to be taught by Lucy and I’ve booked another course which I am really looking forward to. By the way, an added bonus: Lucy’s lunches are delicious!

Stephanie Russell

Inspirational tuition!

Rated 5.0 out of 5
April 20, 2023

Lucy is such inspirational teacher, I really loved every minute of learning how to stone carve from scratch. It was such a brilliant weekend where I learnt lots, laughed lots and ate lots! Really can’t recommend her highly enough.

Felicity Johnson

It's a great sense of achievement to create your own sculpture.

Rated 5.0 out of 5
April 20, 2023

As a complete beginner to stone carving I felt this 3 day course was long enough to teach me the basic skills and give me time to try them out. It was intensive and quite pressured if you wanted to complete a piece, which I kind of did. Lucy was encouraging and helpful if you needed her but also would stand back and let you get on with it and create something that was all your own. Felt a great feeling of achievement by the end.

Miriam Wilkinson

Lucy has helped me go up a skill level & now I am exhibiting my sculptures

Rated 5.0 out of 5
April 20, 2023

Though reasonably experienced in stone carving I felt that I needed a boost and the excellent weekend course I had with Lucy in Cambridge did just that. I learnt some new techniques and polished up on what I knew, and, at the end I felt more confident in what I do. As a result I have started exhibiting in local art shows and have become more adventurous in subject and stone that I use.

I would recommend Lucy’s courses to anyone and I am intending to take advantage of her York courses next year. It will be a long drive for me to York but it will be definitely worth it!

Jonathan

Such a relaxing, creative & enjoyable experience!

Rated 5.0 out of 5
April 20, 2023

I loved the course so much I went a second time. I can’t recommend Lucy highly enough. She is wonderful teacher, she has a calming presence making carving stone with her feel like the best relaxation therapy ever, and her snacks and lunches and coffees are the best!

Charlie Roberts

Brilliant course

Rated 5.0 out of 5
April 20, 2023

Lucy is a wonderful teacher, a highly skilled and creative stone carver and an all round inspiring person. She taught me to stone carve from scratch on a three day course. I now enjoy stone carving at home and I look forward to booking onto another course soon.

Sam Downer

A great course!

Rated 5.0 out of 5
April 20, 2023

A great stone caving course, thoroughly enjoyed every minute. Lucy’s creative tuition bought the best out in everyone. The lunches were excellent and completed a perfect long weekend.

I will definitely re book again soon.

Simon Durant

Really amazing course, I had a fantastic three days!

Rated 5.0 out of 5
April 20, 2023

I had never done carving before but found it very easy and enjoyable under Lucy’s instruction. I would definitely recommend to anyone who is looking to start carving or is just looking for a fun new experience. Thank you so much.

Finn Jones

A really effective and enjoyable course.

Rated 5.0 out of 5
April 20, 2023

I really enjoyed this course. I was a complete novice but really felt I improved over the 3 days. Lucy is a kind and patient teacher who gives you all the support you need. Thank you – Joe

Joe Warburton

Excellent workshop.

Rated 5.0 out of 5
April 20, 2023

Lucy provides a very friendly atmosphere and helps you out throughout your project. She has a wealth of

experience and tailors her teaching to different levels of abilities. Really enjoyed the course!!. Thanks

Roberto Carenza

Lucy brings out the best in her students.

Rated 5.0 out of 5
April 20, 2023

Fabulous! Actually finished a carving. Never thought I had the ability but Lucy brings out the best in her students. Great lunches too. Highly recommended for all – you can be a complete beginner and still achieve…..

Sue Thomas

3rd time, and I'll be back for more!

Rated 5.0 out of 5
April 20, 2023

Loved all 3 of the courses I’ve attended, I’ll look forward to doing another one in the future.😀

Bob Buck

Stone carving

Rated 5.0 out of 5
March 28, 2023

Lucy’s stone carving course was a joy. With tuition, advice, hands on guidance and encouragement, a block of limestone can be turned into a personal creation. Lucy is knowledgeable and thoughtful and brings a wealth of experience which she shares with her students. The process of learning together in a small group, in a friendly atmosphere, discussing our individual projects, sharing ideas and enjoying the meals and snacks provided to fuel the creative process seems to be the ideal way to learn and to achieve something that one can be really proud of. Thank you, Lucy.

Martin Bourne

Three days of enlightening craft!

Rated 5.0 out of 5
March 28, 2023

This was my first time carving stone, an utter novice who on a whim decided to see what it was like, and Lucy really knocked it out the park.

The instruction was straightforward, easy for a newbie to understand and enthusiastically delivered, the hospitality both in the studio and during the breaks was lovely as well and filled with interesting anecdotes and stories relating to the craft. I ended up managing to produce something I can now proudly produce in my own home and an enthusiasm for more.

Just make sure to bring clothes you do not mind getting dusty, and you will have a great time on the course!

Daniel Wright-Howarth

What an incredible workshop!

Rated 5.0 out of 5
October 1, 2022

I feel so lucky to have come across this workshop. It exceeded my expectations in every way. I loved the small group atmosphere and the warmth of welcome from Lucy. The direction Lucy provided was bespoke for each person and focused on what they wanted to achieve. I found Lucy’s individual advice and help incredibly valuable and I went away feeling that I’d learnt a lot. The workshop setting is so calm and serene and aids creativity. I am already looking at when I can book to go back and switch off from the world again for a few days. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this course.

Elizabeth

What a fabulous three days!

Rated 5.0 out of 5
October 1, 2022

“What a fabulous three days! A week later and we’re still smiling about it. Lucy brought us from raw beginners to feeling proud of our new skills and confident enough to continue stone carving on our own at home. She’s an amazing teacher – even with her highly developed carving and artistic skills she is still able to give novices all her attention and encourage them with care and understanding. And on top of that she opens her house to you and is such good company. Highly recommended.”

Paul & Sue

excellent, satisfying course

Rated 5.0 out of 5
October 1, 2022

From beginning to end, this was a brilliant course. Lucy was really welcoming and immediately put us at our ease. She reassured us that we would achieve our aims. The tea/coffee/biscuit (high quality)/cake breaks were plentiful and often came just at the right moment, Lucy correctly reading our flagging bodies! Lunches were from a local cafe and were delicious with great choice. The tuition was well judged being heavily weighted for the first 2 days, reducing on day 3 with our growing confidence. We still struggled to match the correct mallet to the tool but Lucy never bared her teeth in anger. All in all, great value for money, physically exhausting but an immense feeling of satisfaction at the end.

fiona carmichael

Can’t recommend it enough!

Rated 5.0 out of 5
October 1, 2022

It was my first time stone carving and I really enjoyed it!

Lucy was great explaining/teaching al the techniques and guiding us true the process.

We had a small group so it was very relaxed and personal with lots of discussion and laughter about live, not forgetting the food and drinks were excellent!

In all I had a great time being creative with lovely people in a beautiful setting and have a sculpture to remember it all by!

Would highly recommend!

Jeroen Been

Brilliant tutor who lets you learn

Rated 5.0 out of 5
October 1, 2022

Lucy was a wonderful person to learn from on the three day stone craving course I did with her in her studio. She has loads of experience but also lets you learn and lead your own work – her positive and curious nature means she is lovely to be around and she supports your learning with a open mind! Thanks Lucy!

Hannah Page-Jones

Lucy is an excellent teacher

Rated 0.0 out of 5
June 14, 2022

Lucy is an excellent teacher, very patient with a complete novice like me, but also able to guide and assist the more experienced second student with their project. I came away with a great enthusiasm to build on the skills I acquired, using the techniques demonstrated by Lucy, which I then got to try out under excellent supervision, a light touch so you felt encouraged but supported. Would not hesitate to take this course again, once I have had a chance to practice my new skills, Lucy still has a wealth to knowledge to impart.”

Bridie Durcan

If you want to learn how to carve stone, this is THE COURSE to go to

Rated 5.0 out of 5
November 17, 2020

“Omg . I’m a Lucy Churchill stonecarving addict . I would do these courses every month if I could 👌 I’ve recently returned from my second course which was of course PHENOMENAL 😁 Despite the covid restrictions Lucy kept it compliant but fun . As she was only able to have 2 people on the course there was plenty of room both indoors and outside to work comfortably whilst maintaining social distancing. Small numbers meant a superb one to one support was available st all times and I was overjoyed with my finished piece. Lucy is a brilliant host and feeds you well , even catering for my vegan needs without any concerns . If you want to learn how to carve stone, this is THE COURSE to go to …,go on .. do it ..,you wont regret it 😁”

Savva Christofides

Lucy's courses are our annual treat!

Rated 5.0 out of 5
September 24, 2020

“We keep coming back to Lucy’s courses, it’s becoming an annual treat and development of our stone carving skills. This year we were under social distancing restrictions and lucky enough to be able to be working and eating outside in Lucy’s gorgeous garden, under a gazebo at times when rain threatened, but it worked brilliantly well using masks when we needed to get our heads together a bit! We were still able to enjoy the social times of eating together outside, which makes the weekends so special. Lucy’s passion and enthusiasm as an artist shines through and I find her and her work truly inspirational. She can combine this with really engaging with wherever her students are, however experienced and working alongside them. Thank you again for a great weekend. We will be back next year of course!”

Sandy Frost

Lucy is a natural teacher. Her courses are superb.

Rated 5.0 out of 5
July 27, 2020

“This stone carving workshop with Lucy was absolutely superb, and far exceeded my expectations in so many ways. Lucy is a very talented and creative stone carver and artist, and was the perfect, mentor, teacher and host. This was the first workshop since the covid 19 lockdown. Lucy had all the social distancing measures and angles covered, from excellent pre course, and safety information, to gloves, masks and handwashing lotions. I was totally new to carving, and Lucy was very clear with her demonstrations, explanations and guidance. I was given help and direction with all my queries while carving, always with a great deal of patience and a smile. Lucy is a natural teacher. The setting was beautiful, the food and refreshments perfect. I came away feeling confident in my newly learned skills and I can’t recommend this course enough. On top of all the above, Lucy was great fun, funny and lovely company. She made our whole experience feel special.”

Peter Bryan

Excellent! Lucy brings out the best in people's creativity.

Rated 5.0 out of 5
July 26, 2020

“I highly recommend Lucy’s sculpture/ stone carving workshops. Lucy is a talented, extremely skilled, knowledgeable and experiences stone carver and teacher. I had no experience working with stone and by day 3 I felt very confident using my tools and the techniques that Lucy taught me. I felt welcomed and relaxed. We had such a fun time and laughed a lot. I will definitely be booking again in the future. I have food allergies and Lucy went to great measures to provide me with wonderful and tasty meals, cakes and even drinks for the entire 3 days. PPE was provided, social distancing was taken into consideration, everything was very professional and extra safe due to covid. These workshops are suitable for absolute beginners and even very experienced stone carvers. I managed to finish my sculpture during the 3 day workshop. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience. The House and garden in York is such a beautiful place to work from too. Lucy has lots of inspiring sculptures around the garden and house and lots of Art books too for inspiration. She really does bring out the best in people end encourages creativity.”

Diane Allerston

Lucy is an excellent teacher, host, artist. So glad I had a go!

Rated 5.0 out of 5
March 11, 2020

“Had an amazing three days, Lucy is an excellent teacher, host, artist. So glad I had a go (it is very addictive tho, once you have done one stone carving you will want to do more) I would highly recommend it to anyone thinking about it.”

Rachel

No Title

Rated 5.0 out of 5
March 11, 2020

“I had the most fantastic 3 days which I enjoyed immensely, Lucy made us all feel welcome from the moment we arrived. The course was very informative and Lucy guided us through the carving process with her extensive knowledge, experience and talent, with great food to top it off.”

Jason French

Would definitely recommend it

Rated 5.0 out of 5
March 11, 2020

“Very informative and as there was only Jason and Nick with me you have your own private tutor on tap helping you all the way.It was a privilege to be taught by someone so skilled who could adapt/translate to a beginners group. We all got on so well and it was very relaxed and I will miss them all. Lucy also provided us with bistro type lunches and lots of cake & drinks and of course her warm hospitality. Would definitely recommend it and I would love to see Nick & Jason again at another carving lesson. Thank you Lucy”

Chris Lund

Highly talented artist

Rated 5.0 out of 5
January 1, 2019

Lucy is not only a highly talented artist and a skilled carver in her own right, she is also a gifted teacher. Because of the small class sizes, this is the perfect course for anyone, whatever their artistic background and experience – or, as in my case, lack of either. The hours fly by, but the skills learnt last forever. I cannot recommend this course, and its tutor, too highly. (The food is rather wonderful, too!)

Michael Hargreave Mawson

Response from Lucy Churchill’s Stone Carving Workshops

This review was originally posted on craftscourse.com

Definitely worth it!

Rated 5.0 out of 5
October 19, 2018

“Though reasonably experienced in stone carving I felt that I needed a boost and the excellent weekend course I had with Lucy in Cambridge did just that. I learnt some new techniques and polished up on what I knew, and, at the end I felt more confident in what I do. As a result I have started exhibiting in local art shows and have become more adventurous in subject and stone that I use. I would recommend Lucy’s courses to anyone and I am intending to take advantage of her York courses next year. It will be a long drive for me to York but it will be definitely worth it!”

Jonathan

I fly over from the States to attend Lucy's wonderful classes!

Rated 5.0 out of 5
October 9, 2018

“The stone carving class is simply wonderful. Lucy is an amazing teacher and very talented artist. The three day course allows more than adequate time to learn how to stone carve and bring home a finished piece. It also provides the skills to carve independently, As another reviewer stated, time really flies by with perfect breaks filled with delicious food. I have attended two classes thus far and have signed up for another next year. Perhaps it is a testimony to how much I enjoy the class that I fly over the Atlantic from the States to attend!”

Susan

Highly recommended!

Rated 0.0 out of 5
September 20, 2018

“Lucy is one of the best teachers I have ever had, her knowledge/skill is impeccable, she is patient, kind, funny and extremely encouraging. What ever your skill level you’ll come away from the course with skills and know how to start your own work with confidence. Be prepared to be well fed with delicious food and treats throughout, I’m sure you’ll feel (as I did) you’ll want to sign up again by the end I can’t recomend it enough.”

Anonymous

Highly recommended!

Rated 5.0 out of 5
September 19, 2018

“I loved the course so much I went a second time. I can’t recommend Lucy highly enough. She is wonderful teacher, she has a calming presence making carving stone with her feel like the best relaxation therapy ever, and her snacks and lunches and coffees are the best!”

Charlie Roberts

Wonderful!

Rated 5.0 out of 5
September 19, 2018

“Lucy is a wonderful teacher, a highly skilled and creative stone carver and an all round inspiring person. She taught me to stone carve from scratch on a three day course. I now enjoy stone carving at home and I look forward to booking onto another course soon.”

Sam Downer

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