Anyone Taken Classes With Nicholas Lodge?
Decorating By peacockplace Updated 4 Jul 2006 , 2:58am by JulieB
I'm trying to decide how much to spend on classes. I really want to do one with collette peters but hers is $750 and the class with nicholas lodge is only $350. I don't know much about him. Have any of you taken his classes?
When and where are you considering classes? How long are the respective classes? Is there travel/lodging involved with either or both?
At the Wilton school in IL, 5 days with either artist runs $700. At the French Pastry School in Chicago, 3 days with Lodge runs $825. In Atlanta, 2 days with Lodge at his school costs $210.
I haven't worked with Lodge, but I will be taking his class at Wilton in Oct. Both are well respected in the field, with Lodge perhaps better known for his gum paste flowers. I understand from former students that he is very exacting in his flowers. He's British and if you've seen the many sugar art decorating books from England, he teaches flowers and techniques from that tradition. You can learn a lot about him from his website:
http://www.nicholaslodge.com/index2.html
As for Colette, she's a delightful person and a fine teacher. She has developed her own sets of cutters (pretty expensive). Her demonstrations and classroom instructions are very clear.
I don't think you can go wrong with either teacher, so I'd just suggest that you get the most time/instruction for your money.
Enjoy!
Rae
I took a class from NL and it was fabulous. See my fairy cake in my gallery. He was most helpful and very personable. I am very fortunate to live less than a half an hour away from his facility.
I have taken two classes from Nicholas, and would highly recommend his classes. I took the intro to fondant as well as the ultimate gum paste flower class, and learned so much.
He is very detailed in his instruction, and makes learning easy and fun. He too has a store connected to his classroom, and designs his own products. He gives you detailed written instructions on everything he shows you how to do, and his class sizes are small (10-12) allowing him to know each student.
Travel and lodging is not included in his price. His partner Scott does make a great lunch everyday as well as fresh cookies in the afternoon 
What class are you considering? If you have any questions about the area or anything like that, let me know, I'll be more than happy to help if you decide to take the class.
And they are always most helpful if you have any questions after you take the class. I have stopped by quite frequently since I am in the area and they are always willing to help me with cake ideas.
Mendhi, Scott does make the most wonderful cookies!!!
Oh, my gosh, I had no idea NL gave classes in Atlanta. In my dreams I can take classes from him. But Atlanta is only 3 or 4 hours from me, and $210 is not that much......... I see a trip in my future. Thanks so much for the info......... I will bookmark his website.
Obviously, I have not had a class from him, and I am so glad you posted this question!
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