Wellbeing: Stone Carving for all abilities

Suitable for adults and young people 16 years or over – no experience required.

This is a practical, hands-on class with a supportive atmosphere, suitable for beginners with an interest in art or who are used to working with their hands. Create an expressive design in a UK sourced limestone 20 x 20 x 5 cm, using nature as an inspiration, working over five Tuesday evenings. Your completed carving will be suitable for display indoors or in your garden.

You do not need any particular skills, simply the ability to hold tools in both hands- a chisel in one, and a dummy (stonemason’s hammer) in the other. This course is also suitable for those who have already completed one of Amanda’s courses and would like to progress their skills.

You’ll use hand tools to carve a multi layered relief image with overlapping shapes, patterns and textures. You are welcome to bring along pictures of nature or design sketches for a tablet of stone 20 x 20cm – simple images are best. Amanda will discuss the suitability of these and help you to ensure they are practical for carving. Patterns and design inspirations will be available for anyone who needs an idea.

Please note this course does not include letter cutting.

Core Skills
– designing your relief
– using a flat chisel to set out your design
– creating the illusion of depth and overlapping shapes
– making textures with a claw chisel
– using a riffler to smooth your design and add detail.

Material
Stone, tools, and safety equipment will be provided and are included in the cost. Please bring an apron and wear sturdy closed toe shoes. If you use reading glasses please remember to bring them.

Tutor
Amanda Randall

Dates
4 weeks from 16 January 2024
16, 23, 30 January 6 February