8yrs+: Let’s Try Stone Carving for families (1-day)

For children aged 8yrs+ accompanied by an adult (up to 2 children per adult – tickets are sold per child, accompanying adults do NOT need a ticket).

Spend some quality time together whilst learning a new skill. Have a go at stone carving in this fun, hands-on 2 hour class. You’ll carve an image of an animal, bird or plant onto a flat tablet of limestone 12 x 12 x 5cm, using hand tools to create curving shapes, patterns and textures.

Children (from 8yrs upwards), can take part but must be accompanied by a participating adult. Every student/child gets to make their own carving. Patterns and design inspirations will be available for anyone who needs an idea.

Please note this course does not include letter cutting or numbers. This is a practical, hands-on family class with a friendly atmosphere, suitable for beginners. No previous experience of stone carving is needed. You do not need any particular skills, simply patience and the ability to hold tools in both hands- a chisel in one, and a dummy (stonemason’s hammer) in the other.

Please note this class is not suitable for children younger than 8 years old.

• designing your relief
• using a flat chisel to set out your design
• making textures with a claw chisel
• using a riffler to smooth your design and add detail

Materials (provided to the students)
Stone, tools, and safety equipment will be provided and are included in the cost. Please bring an apron and wear old clothes and stout shoes which cover your toes and protect your feet.

Materials (required by the students)
You are welcome to bring along a prepared design, sketches or pictures for inspiration. Simple images are best, with a bold, clear outline and no thin, fiddly parts. Your tutor will discuss the suitability of these and help you to ensure they are practical for carving. For example, a dolphin or an owl would be great as they have smooth, clear shapes. A giant spider would be really difficult to finish in the time available due to all the thin, fiddly legs! Please avoid overlapping shapes or cropped images.

Tutor
Amanda Randall is a sculptor who makes abstract carvings inspired by plants and fungi.