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Stone Carving at the Bench
This demo focused virtual workshop will introduce students to working with and carving stones by hand, without the need of large lapidary equipment. Ryan will demonstrate both intaglio and relief carving techniques. Beginning with intaglio carving, students will learn how to carve designs and patterns into stones and then how to polish those carvings. He will also teach students his technique for applying metal leaf to carved areas, as depicted in Ryan's signature “gold bubble” collection.
Ryan will also demonstrate relief carving techniques, focusing on simple relief designs that can be carved into the tops of stones. Drilling holes directly through or into stones to accommodate tube settings and carving out larger openings for stone overlaps will also be covered. Students should be very comfortable using a rotary hand piece in order to successfully participate in this class.
For more information about virtual courses, visit our Virtual Course FAQ page.
Meet the instructor
"Participation in the arts was always important to me growing up. A strong arts program in high school influenced my decision to pursue a degree in the arts. I chose the arts program at Bowling Green State University in northwest Ohio where I discovered and fell in love with metals. I was introduced to many artists, including Michael Boyd, who became an inspiration for me.
Upon graduating with my BFA in 2009 I apprenticed for Michael Boyd at his studio in Colorado. That experience turned into a nine-year adventure where it ended with Michael and I as partners in the Colorado Center for Metal Arts. It was with Michael that I learned to work with and manipulate stone, adding a new element to my love of jewelry design.
Since having started my business, Ryan Gardner Designs, in Colorado in 2010, I have moved back to Ohio and now operate my studio in my hometown. I showcase my work in galleries and shows as well as teach workshops across the country and online."
Learn more about Ryan and his work at https://www.ryangardnerjewelry.com/#/.
Materials & Tools
The following supplies will be used for course demonstrations and objectives. A suggested item and/or vendor has been provided below for reference. Click the vendor name to be redirected to a page where you can view the item. The quantities needed for each item are listed first. If ordering, please be aware that some items may come in larger quantities than needed for this class. We recommend not opening an item's packaging until the day of the workshop. Student participation during or in-between class sessions is not required - observers are welcome.
Raw Materials/Consumables:
- various clear stones - glass cabs work well for practice (Amazon)
- 1 x gold or silver leaf - not Keum-Boo foil (Rio Grande)
Basic Hand Tools:
- 1 x rotary tool - flex shaft, micro motor, etc. (Rio Grande)
- 1 x steel block / steel surface (Rio Grande)
- 1 x calipers (Amazon)
- 1 x B50 diamond ball bur - 200 grit (Lasco)
- 1 x B50 diamond ball bur - 400 grit (Lasco)
- 1 x B50 diamond ball bur - 600 grit (Lasco)
- 1 x CL1 diamond bur - 200 grit (Lasco)
- 1 x small diamond drill bit set (Lasco)
- 1 x 1200 grit diamond powder (Lasco)
- 1 x 50000 grit diamond powder (Lasco)
- 2 x bullet felt bur (Lasco)
- 1 x 2-part epoxy - with long work time (His Glassworks)
- 1 x scale with .01g measurement (His Glassworks)
- 1 x D40 diamond bur - optional (Lasco)
- 1 x CC250 diamond bur - 600 grit - optional (Lasco)
- 1 x CC250 diamond bur - 400 grit - optional (Lasco)
- 1 x CC250 diamond bur - 200 grit - optional (Lasco)
- 1 x TR100 diamond bur - 400 grit - optional (Lasco)
- 1 x TR100 diamond bur - 600 grit - optional (Lasco)
- 2 x knife edge felt bur - optional (Lasco)
Other/Miscellaneous Items:
- glass dish with flat bottom - for water
- vaseline
- toothpicks
- q-tips
- little cups - for epoxy and powder (1oz work best)
- hard work surface
- fan and open window - or ventilation system
- particulate dust mask
- safety glasses
- pencil, Sharpie, notebook - for notes
- rags/towels