Getting Started: What is Stone Carving?
Stone carving is the subtractive sculptural process of shaping natural stone into artistic or functional forms. Students will explore tools, techniques, and historical context as they create original work using soapstone, alabaster, or other beginner-friendly stones.
🛠 Tools and Materials Overview
Basic Tools
Rasps (coarse and fine)
Chisels (flat, point, tooth)
Mallet (wood or rubber)
Files and rifflers
Sandpaper (various grits)
Recommended Stones for Beginners
Soapstone – soft, colorful, easy to carve
Alabaster – slightly harder, beautiful translucency
Note: Always ask before using power tools. Most projects will be completed with hand tools.
🧤 Safety First!
Always wear safety goggles and a dust mask when carving or sanding
Work in ventilated areas
Use clamps or sandbags to secure your stone
Keep fingers away from the striking path of tools
Clean up dust thoroughly – stone dust can be harmful
🎥 Video Tutorials and Demonstrations
Watch before you carve!
Intro to Stone Carving Tools and Safety
[YouTube Link – Intro to Tools (5 min)]
[YouTube Link – Intro to Tools (5 min)]
Basic Stone Carving Techniques for Beginners
[YouTube Link – Rasps, Files & Shaping (10 min)]
[YouTube Link – Rasps, Files & Shaping (10 min)]
How to Polish Soapstone
[YouTube Link – Finishing Your Sculpture (7 min)]
[YouTube Link – Finishing Your Sculpture (7 min)]
Understanding Subtractive Sculpture
[Khan Academy or Art History Clip]
[Khan Academy or Art History Clip]
📚 Step-by-Step Guide: Your First Stone Project
Sketch 3 ideas in your sketchbook
Choose one and draw multiple views (top, side, front)
Rough out the form using rasps and chisels
Refine details with rifflers and fine files
Sand and polish – start with 120 grit, finish with 400 or higher
Optional: Apply mineral oil for sheen
🔍 Inspiration and Artist Spotlights
Barbara Hepworth – Modern abstract forms
Isamu Noguchi – Nature-inspired minimalism
Henry Moore – Large-scale forms and voids
Auguste Rodin – Figurative realism (in marble)
Explore their work to understand how artists handle mass, texture, and shape.
📝 Downloadable Resources
[Stone Carving Safety Checklist (PDF)]
[Tool Identification Worksheet (PDF)]
[Stone Carving Project Rubric (PDF)]
[Sketch Planning Template (PDF)]
🙋 FAQ
Q: Can I carve marble?
A: Not yet! Marble is advanced. We start with soft stones like soapstone.
A: Not yet! Marble is advanced. We start with soft stones like soapstone.
Q: What if I break my piece?
A: Breakage is part of the process. You can either repair it with epoxy or redesign your sculpture.
A: Breakage is part of the process. You can either repair it with epoxy or redesign your sculpture.
Q: How do I get a smooth finish?
A: Sand thoroughly, then polish with oil. Rinse and repeat!
A: Sand thoroughly, then polish with oil. Rinse and repeat!
🏁 Final Reminders
Always bring your sketchbook to class
Clean your area thoroughly
Be patient – carving takes time and effort!