Back From Nick Lodge Class At Wilton--Wow!
Decorating By BlakesCakes Updated 23 Oct 2006 , 5:31am by ShirleyW
All I can say is that if you have the chance to take a class with Nicholas Lodge--don't hesitate--go for it!
I have NEVER worked so hard and had such gratifying results.
This man is so incredibly organized and capable! We had 45 min. lunch breaks and the 5 days just flew by. He showed us how to make his gumpaste recipe and then demonstrated each flower. His instructions were just so clear--and his methods helped make everything fall into place in a sensible and orderly way. His early training was in floristry, so he was able to share volumes on flowers and arranging. He's very approachable and answers questions fully--even on flowers that aren't covered in the course being taught.
In addition to the teaching in the class, we were able to try some new products that he's helped to develop. His partner, Scott, flew up from Atlanta on Wed. afternoon and by Thurs. morning he had individual bags ready for each of us to use for shopping. Some of us bought a lot, some of us a little, but with no tax and no shipping, that in itself was really worthwhile.
I'd been a fan of his books, etc. and now I know that he's great in person. His class really provided a lot of bang for the buck!
Here are a few photos.
Rae
Your flowers are beautiful! : I am considering taking a class in the future...does he provide detailed instructions for you to take home to remember how to make the flowers? I find that I am so happy and excited in the class that after I take a class I need instructions to help me remember how to do it.
Again ...your work is beautiful!
If I didn't know better I would say they are REAL. And I only know better cause we are on CC! 
Great job!
..does he provide detailed instructions for you to take home to remember how to make the flowers? I find that I am so happy and excited in the class that after I take a class I need instructions to help me remember how to do it.
Oh, Angie, I can relate! I, too, am excited to be in classes and like to have written references to go with the physical examples.
YES, he did provide complete written instructions--most are in his book, A Potpourri of Flowers, and the directions are very detailed. We also received that book and no less than 20 pages of additional instructions and diagrams. I feel pretty confident that when I go back and read them again, I'll be able to replicate the flowers I've already made--as well as branch out into new varieties.
Here's a link to the book on his website:
http://www.internationalsugarart.com/cgi-bin/store/shop.cgi?ud=TVdVMUszMDdVRCUlJSUlJTExNjE1NzcwNjQA&storeid=1&sortby=categories&cols=1&categories=0003&&c=detail.htm&itemid=BBB
I take no credit for the arrangement of the flowers--I took a photo of the arrangement that Nick did of his own flowers and I copied it the best I could.
Thanks so much for all of your compliments, but I take very little credit on this--I think the majority of my success was due to having such a superb teacher.
Rae
I took his 3 day class in Georgia in 2001, Exoric Orchids and found all you've mentioned to be true. He is a wonderful instructor, patient and makes sure you understand before he lets you go. The bonus to taking a class at his school are the great lunches prepared by his life partner Scott each day.
Your flowers are all beautiful. I know how tired you went home each day, we were all exhausted. But when you group all of your completed flowers together you see just how much you accomplished in that amount of time and you are amazed. Well worth the price and if he weren't so far away I would sign up for every class he offers.
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