At the beginning of the session, there will be a discussion and review about the tools and how to use them correctly. The student will be reminded about the importance of the V cut and different ways to cut stone. There will be a discussion about what students would like to carve. Realistically, one or maybe two words are achievable in a day depending on experience.

Before the carving process begins, there will also be a discussion about style, proportion, spacing and form and the importance of drawing before preparation. We will look at how to transfer your design from your sketches on paper to the stone. Students will then begin to draw their design in preparation for carving. Students will work on their project with personalised tuition and guidance from Simon throughout the day.

This course will introduce the student to Stone Relief Carving with Limestone or Portland stone. We will look at the tools such as the hammer, claw and chisel and learn the important techniques of chopping, chasing and levelling. You will then think about a design and learn how to draw and trace it out onto stone. The idea will be to create a low to medium cut relief but those with more experience can atttempt a more complicated design.