1/2-Day Workshop: Carve a Celtic Knot in Stone (relief)

Description

Come and carve a Celtic knot in stone. It’s great fun, and hitting stuff is therapeutic! ___ A half-day, hands-on introduction to traditional stone carving in Maltese limestone. Step out of the churn. No screens. No power tools. Just the ring of steel on stone, the feel of chisel and hammer beneath your hands, and a simple Celtic knot slowly taking shape — carved by you. This half-day course is an invitation to pause and try something ancient, tactile, and real. You’ll spend a few hours in a working studio inside a repurposed Yorkshire wool mill — a place once filled with industry, now alive with craft. Under the guidance of Philip O’Brien – first-prize winner at the European Stone Festival and a teacher with decades of experience in multiple fields – you’ll learn the essential V-cut technique that underpins much of stone carving. Using this time-honoured cut, you’ll carve a prepared Celtic knot design into a tablet of creamy Maltese limestone. Dense, smooth, and satisfying to work, this stone rewards patience and rhythm with crisp shadows and sharp detail. What the session looks like: You’ll begin with how to hold the tools, how to strike, how to let the stone respond. Then you’ll move straight into carving your knot — a looping pattern with no beginning and no end. By the close, you’ll have your own finished piece: tactile, personal, perhaps imperfect, but recognisably your own. Expect the steady beat of your hammer, the grit of dust, and the quiet satisfaction of seeing a flat stone turn into something carved and lasting. This is more than an introduction. It’s a reminder of what just a few hours can achieve — one strike at a time. (Children Year 9 and above accepted, but must be accompanied by 1 responsible adult per child).

What's included in the price?

* A half day of expert, hands-on tuition. * All tools and materials required (stone included). * PPE is provided, except steel toe capped shoes (recommended) other sturdy boots will usually be okay. And do plan on your clothing getting dusty, so your best party outfit is not ideal. * Small group format for close, personal guidance. * Tea, coffee and biscuits included. * A screen-free, power-tool-free time of quiet focus and analogue making.

Cancellation policy

Easy - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 2 weeks before the course starts

Maker

Philip O'Brien Sculpture

with Craft Courses since 2025

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