Beginner Stone Carving Weekend Workshop
29–30 November • 9:00am–3:00pm each day
Rawene Campus
$90 per person
Discover the grounding, meditative joy of shaping stone with your hands. Over two relaxed days, you’ll step into the world of traditional and contemporary stone carving, guided by an experienced artist who teaches with patience, care, and deep respect for the craft.
This weekend workshop is designed for complete beginners as well as those who have held tools before but want to strengthen their foundation. You’ll learn in a supportive whānau-like environment where everyone is encouraged to explore at their own pace.
Course Overview
Across Saturday and Sunday, you’ll move from the very first marks on the stone to a finished taonga you’ll be proud to take home. Your tutor will walk you through safe tool handling, core carving techniques, and the creative decisions that bring a piece to life.
You’ll also experience the calming, rhythmic nature of stonework — many participants describe it as grounding, mindful, and unexpectedly healing.
What You Will Learn
Foundations of Stone Carving
How to select the right stone for your project
Identifying natural features, grain, and carving direction
Essential tools and how to handle them safely
Core Techniques
Marking and planning your design
Roughing out your form
Shaping, smoothing, and refining details
Carving curves, lines, and edges with confidence
Finishing Your Taonga
Sanding and polishing techniques
Binding and repair fundamentals (so you can care for your pieces long-term)
How to give your carving strength, shine, and longevity
Creative Expression
Understanding form, feel, and intention
Bringing Māori-inspired or contemporary motifs into your work respectfully
Finding your own carving style through guided exploration
What’s Included
Two full days of hands-on teaching (12 hours total)
All tools and materials provided
Safety gear supplied
Morning and afternoon tea
A calm, supportive learning environment — perfect for both beginners and returning students
What to Bring
A packed lunch
Clothes you don’t mind getting dusty
Closed-toe shoes
A willingness to explore, play, and learn
We’ll provide everything else.
Tutor Bio
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