6 Stone Work courses

The West Riding Stonecarving Association Stonecarvingassociation.org Facebook-Stonecarvingassociation

Stone Carving made a return to the Phoenix last year when we welcomed Mark Stonestreet to come teach us the joys of creating free-standing abstract sculpture. It was an absolutely fantastic course! This year Mark is coming back for more and this time we’re giving the students more stone to create with and more time – 5 days to be precise! The dusty nature of stone means that we will be working under a marquee set within the studio’s beautiful meadow – what better way to spend your summer – especially when none of us can go abroad? Outside of a global pandemic, Mark spends half the year creating sculpture in the South Downs and the other half in Mamallapuram in India – a village of over 200 stone carving workshops. His life is in stone and I liked him the instant we met. He is everything you would expect a stone carver to be – sturdy, weathered (meant in the nicest possible way, I promise Mark!) with a warm, no-nonsense personality that immediately puts you at ease. Our students are in safe hands working with him and I cannot wait to see what they will achieve this year! 23/08/2021 - 27/08/2021 10:00 am - 4:30 pm Location: The Phoenix Studio This fun course includes: Informal, relaxed & attentive guidance for every student, provided by Mark Stonestreet Step-by-step demonstrations covering… How to work with the tools and stone safely, How to create an abstract design that will look good and have structural integrity, How to transfer your design to the stone and carve into it efficiently to create the basic shape, How to add detail and refine the carved form, How to finish and present the form (looking at finishes, treatment, and mounting). This course is for you if: You want to realise drawings and 2D designs into 3D or have an introduction to visualizing your ideas in 3D You want to explore your creativity but lack the confidence to do so on your own You want to learn how to work safely and competently in stone You want to get away from it all and immerse yourself in a fun, creative environment Suitable for? Anyone, but please note that you will be using a chisel and mallet throughout the three days and this will take it’s toll on your arms and body. We generally limit the age to 16 years old+ though exceptions can be made where appropriate. Please contact James Orts and ask. What is included in the price? Five full days tuition (10 am-4.30 pm) Materials, including a piece of Portland stone (approximately 55cm x 25cm x 22cm), safety gear, and the tools you will need for when on the course You could consider making a simple printed course handout outlining the technique’s main principles and useful links/suppliers – Totally your choice though! Tea, coffee, biscuits/cakes Use of a beautiful, purpose-built art studio with all the equipment & materials you will need Beautiful countryside setting Pre-course prep It would be useful to gather, sketch out or think about what abstract shapes you are drawn to. Mark will be able to provide ideas as well and advise you on which of your ideas may work best so having some ideas to work from would be useful. You will be working outdoors so come prepared for the forecasted weather and all students must work in sturdy shoes. You will be sent an automated email on booking which prompts you towards documents that help you prepare for your time here. If this does not happen then please email James before the course.   Beyond The Course Having completed a Phoenix Studio course many of our students choose to explore the medium further. They may come on another weekend course, start coming to our Phoenix Art Club Sessions or our Creative Monday Sessions, or carry on independently at home. We are more than happy to help and advise you in taking those first creative steps! Need accommodation? If you are travelling from further afield and would like to stay in the area for your visit then have a look at our recommend B&Bs and hotels. Click here for the list.

In this unique course with tutor Sarah Reece you will learn how to cut two shapes of stones: The first will be a free form shape with a flat edges as shown in the images. The second the focus will be how to create a traditional cabochon. This stone will be have a flat base with a rounded top. This will be cut from rough stone which you can each select from Sarahs beautiful collection. You can decide the shape and size and which part of the stone you wish to use. The class size is limited to just 1 student. So you do not breathe in harmful rock dust during the process, you will be cutting the stone while it is in water. With this in mind, please wear older clothes, and waterproof shoes – wellies are advised as it is not a clean or dry activity. Water sprays from the rotating wheels as you are working. We will provide you with a waterproof apron. This course is an excellent introduction to stone cutting. It allows you to step into the world of Lapidary where you can cut and create any shaped stone you desire, you won’t be beholden to the shop bought stone. This means your projects and settings can become completely unique as per your designs. You will be working with a Cab King 6″ and the Diamond Pacific Pixie Cabbing Machine. We have factored in a 30 minute break for lunch during our Saturday sessions. Full info below… When: Sarah is available at weekends and during the week. If you decide to book a stone cutting course, there is flexibility for your booking. We will contact you to find a suitable session. Length: The session will last 4 hours Where:  THIS WORKSHOP COURSE IS BASED IN FARNHAM NOT OUR WOKING WORKSHOP Weydon Farm House Weydon Farm Lane GU9 8QJ There is parking on site. Tutor: Sarah Reece What does the session involve? In this unique course with tutor Sarah Reece you will learn how to cut two shapes of stones: The first will be a free form shape with flat edges (as shown in the images). The second the focus will be how to create a traditional cabochon. This stone will have a flat base with a rounded top. This will be cut from rough stone which you can select from Sarah’s beautiful collection. You can decide the shape and size and which part of the stone you wish to use. You will be cutting the stone while it is in water so you do not inhale harmful dusts. With this in mind, please wear older clothes, and waterproof shoes – wellies are advised as it is not a clean or dry activity. Water sprays from the rotating wheels as you are working. We will provide you with a waterproof apron. This course is an excellent introduction to stone cutting. It allows you to step into the world of Lapidary where you can cut and create any shaped stone you desire, you won’t be beholden to the shop bought stone. This means your projects and settings can become completely unique as per your designs. You will be working with a Cab King 6″ and the Diamond Pacific Pixie Cabbing Machine. The class size is limited to just 1 student. This Instagram post gives you a preview of what to expect from your session Experience required: None, all abilities are welcomed. We support you throughout the session and provide demonstrations to show you the techniques and steps needed to create your project. With one to one sessions, you will gain a large amount of support in this intensive introduction to stone cutting Class size: 1 What is included? All tools and consumables are supplied The stones you will carve are NOT INCLUDED in the price of the course – This is something you can choose on the day so you can select something you would like to work with. Sarah has priced up different varies in generous sizes ranging from £3-£20. If you would rather not buy stone to work with, no problem, Sarah has plenty of beautiful flint that you can use instead. What to bring: For safety reasons, during each class, you are required to wear appropriate footwear, we request that no open toed shoes are worn within the workshop. Wellies or older waterproof shoes advised. Long hair should also be tied back when working with the equipment. You may also wish to bring a notebook. There are always many tips and tricks given verbally by the tutor, which some might like to keep note of. Also pack your own snacks and drinks for the session if required.

The one day stone carving class enables the general public to experience the art of hand carving stone. The class is designed for the beginner and every one will take home a hand carved Yorkshire rose. This class is held in a well-equipped workshop.

The one day stone carving class enables the general public to experience the art of hand carving stone. The class is designed for the beginner and every one will take home a hand carved Yorkshire rose.

We often run private workshops, these could be one to one lessons, two to one lessons, group sessions for parties or a private session for a group of friends to have a fun day out. Whatever the occasion or need, we are able to host your requirements at the Workshop. The best way to arrange a private session is to email us and tell us what it is you are looking for. Let us know if you have any specific dates or times in mind, and if you have any set goals in mind so we can gauge what you are looking to achieve. We can help you get the most out of your time with us and we will work hard to accommodate your needs Please contact us before booking to confirm booking timings and project ideas. Private one to one classes bookings are valid for one year from the purchase date. We often run private workshops, these could be one to one lessons, two to one lessons, group sessions for parties or a private session for a group of friends to have a fun day out. Whatever the occasion or need, we are able to host your requirements at the Workshop. The best way to arrange a private session is to email us and tell us what it is you are looking for. Let us know if you have any specific dates or times in mind, and if you have any set goals in mind so we can gauge what you are looking to achieve. We can help you get the most out of your time with us and we will work hard to accommodate your needs Please contact us before booking to confirm booking timings and project ideas. Private one to one classes bookings are valid for one year from the purchase date.