Try Your Hand at Stone Carving

Tutor: Gaynor Pearson

Lunch: Price includes a hearty lunch.

Level:
Novice

Typically for a max of 8 people.

Full Day

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Here’s your chance for a hands on taste of the ancient art of carving stone. Put chisel to stone for just a day to see if you catch the bug for this addictive craft. If it’s an itch you fancy scratching but don’t know if you’ll enjoy a bigger project, this could be just the thing. Of course nothing happens fast with stone carving, so in a day, don’t expect a masterpiece. But, whether it’s lettering or relief carving that interests you, you’ll be able to dip your chisel in and find out if it’s for you.

You will learn…
– A bit about stone and how to prepare it for carving.
– About the basic tools and techniques required to make an impression on stone.
– How to carve a basic V cut letter.
– How to approach carving a simple shape in shallow relief.
– Learn where to source stone and where to buy basic tools.

There will be various pieces of stone available for you to try, all in various shapes and sizes.

Please note there is a materials charge for stone. It will depend on your selection but will be between £15 and £25, payable on the day

Click on the title below to find a list of what you’ll need to bring with you if anything.

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!

What you’ll need to bring with you

All tools and materials will be provided but please bring:

- Clothes you don't mind getting dusty or overalls
- Steel toed shoes if you have them or stout shoes
- A sketch book would also be handy

Please note that you will be working outside. We have gazebos to provide cover if it rains. Even though you'll be doing physical work, if it's cold or wet, please bring something warm / waterproof to wear...if it's hot, bring sun cream!

- A hat is handy to protect you from the dust and stone chips.
- If you suffer with wrist or elbow problems, wearing a support can be helpful.

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