Stone Carving

WEEKLY: Tuesday evenings, 7-9:30pm 

DATES: 5 weeks from 21st April 2026
21, 28 April
5, 12, 19 May

Release your creativity, unwind, and learn an absorbing skill as you carve an attractive botanical design in Portland limestone, using leaves and flowers as inspiration. You’ll use hand tools to make a simple relief image with a textured background.

You’ll receive prepared patterns of a monstera leaf, echinacea flower, and ginko biloba leaf, which are suitable for beginners and experienced carvers alike. However, you’re also welcome to bring your own pictures or design sketches for a tablet of stone 20 x 20 cm if you wish. Our tutor will discuss the suitability of your designs and help you to adapt them for carving, as needed.

Continuing students who would like to make progress on an existing relief carving project are also very welcome.

Please note this course does not include letter cutting.

Core skills

Topics will include 

• designing your relief
• discovering examples of botanical stone carving, from Jude Tucker to Southwell Minster
• using a flat chisel to set out your design
• creating the illusion of depth with curves and slopes
• making textures with a claw chisel
• using a riffler to smooth your design and add detail

Materials, clothing, and equipment

Your own piece of Portland limestone, tools, and safety equipment are included as part of the course’s cost. Tea and coffee are also provided. Please bring an apron and wear old clothes. Please ensure you wear stout shoes that cover your toes and protect your feet.

Other information 

This is a practical, hands-on class with a friendly and supportive atmosphere, suitable for beginners with an interest in art or anyone who enjoys working with their hands, as well as people with some experience of stone carving. You simply can show up ready to concentrate whilst holding two tools in both hands: a chisel in one, and a dummy (stonemason’s hammer) in the other.

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