Lettering and carving courses
Weekends from April through to October, some midweek days, all listed in my shop
Available dates include : April 23/24, May 14/15, June 11/12,
Weekends and one day tasters. For dates head to my SHOP
I teach small groups of complete beginners the gentle craft of stone-carving. No experience or artistic ability needed, just enthusiasm and curiosity.
At the end of our time together you will be amazed at what you have created! Discover how relaxing and satisfying it is to work in stone.
The ultimate escape from modern cares and an antidote to our screen-based experience.
“The world always seems brighter when you just made something that wasn’t there before. ”
Carving with Cake! - and home-made soup, bread, coffee……….
Patient guidance throughout from experienced teacher, beginning with the tools
Sketching your design, having a shot, making mistakes, carving!
Lettering a speciality - raised or incised
Beautiful scenic location easily accessible from the A68, 40 miles south of Edinburgh
Plenty of fresh air - we work outside weather permitting
If you don’t have a project in mind I can suggest something
Small numbers mean dedicated tuition
A Typical Day:
9.30 - Arrive at my rustic workshop for a welcome coffee and chat about your project
10.00 - Tool and safety talk (including Covid stuff)
10.15 - Look at examples of carvings, lettering
10.30 - Demonstration of carving or lettering
10.45 - Choose a stone and try out the chisels on the back
11.00 - Sketch your design, start work.
12.30 - Lunch - home-made soup outside with a view of the local extinct volcano and a fire to warm us by
1.15 - Continue your carving project
3.00 - tea break - cake!
Work till 4.30
Although carving and lettering are not heavy work they do require concentration and we will have plenty of fresh air. At the end of the day, you will be satisfyingly tired.
It is possible to achieve something wonderful in just a morning!
“To practice art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow. So do it.”
Carving in stone is………….
Relaxing
Fun
Meditative and refreshing
NOT heavy work
Grounds you in the here and now
Gives an immense sense of achievement
Possible for everyone
Covid Safety Notes
My courses are small and usually outside or in my airy workshop. Although there are no current restrictions, you can feel reassured that my courses are safe.
Stone carving naturally involves wearing masks which I will provide.
A separate set of tools for each participant to use exclusively.
Hand sanitiser provided.
“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.”
students work...........
students work...........
“I enjoyed my weekend, it was my favourite birthday present ever! I have always wanted to do a letter cutting course and I am so glad John found you to teach us. The setting of your workshop in the countryside was such a treat, being surrounded by lots of your work and stone, the sun and being able to work outside. Your delicious soups and flapjacks, coffee & tea. In all a perfect experience.”
Costs
Day of Carving - £100 per person
A one day course including use of tools, stone and all refreshments. You just need to bring yourself, your enthusiasm and wear warm working clothes and stout shoes.
Discount for weekends and longer
£190 per person for a weekend carving workshop.
Gift vouchers available
Treat someone to the experience of stone crafting, the perfect gift for a special occasion.
Please note that the courses are suitable only for children aged 10 years and older.
With over 20 years of experience in stone carving and 5 years in teaching, I will guide you through a relaxing and absorbing ancient craft.
For a list of dates and courses head to my course bookings tab or press book here - I am also open to suggestions for dates if you have a group of 2 or more- fill out the contact me sheet to enquire.
