Discover the timeless craft of stone carving in this one-day workshop with experienced stonemason Alex Macey. Rather than following a set project, you’ll have the opportunity to bring your own idea and work with Alex to turn it into a unique piece carved in local sandstone.
Whether you have a particular design in mind, a favourite symbol, an animal, a face or a more abstract form, Alex will guide you through the process of translating your idea into a design that works in stone. Using traditional tools and techniques, you’ll learn how to shape form, create texture and develop depth and relief as your design gradually emerges from the stone.
Alex trained as a banker mason and has over 18 years’ experience working on heritage buildings, carving intricate architectural details and restoring historic stonework. His relaxed, supportive teaching style will help you explore the possibilities of the material while developing your skills and confidence.
This is a wonderful opportunity to spend a day working with your hands, experimenting with a traditional craft and creating something entirely your own. You don’t need previous experience, just an idea you’d like to explore and a willingness to give it a go!
All tools and materials are provided.
Suitable for complete beginners and those with some stone-carving experience.
What to expect
Time at ArtisOn is designed to take you away from it all and provide the environment, the time and the guidance you need to create. You can expect a warm welcome, skilled and friendly tutors plus the chance to meet like-minded people keen to share ideas and experiences. You can even leave us to clear up the mess! There will usually be two workshops going on and we encourage everyone to mingle and be nosey about what the other workshop is up to.
Arrive in time to meet other participants over a cup of tea or coffee and biscuits before beginning your session at the appointed time. There will be a mid-morning break for refreshments and a chance to talk over progress with others. Lunch is usually around 12:45 for about 45 mins – you can expect a homemade 2 course lunch. The main course will be delicious but don’t overdo it as the puds are usually worth waiting for! There will be a further afternoon break with the most wonderful cakes from Roots & Fruits Home Bakery, a North Yorkshire micro-bakery producing handmade bread and cakes. All food and refreshments are included in the price of the workshop.
Finish time is given as a target – there are occasions when the session may overrun so do let us know if you need to be away promptly.
We aim for your day to be a real treat… of course you could always learn a new skill in a shed or a draughty village hall with a curly sandwich, but we want you to have more fun than that! So we make it a day being looked after, with good food, good company and great inspiration!
