Stone Carving at the Bench

A special in-person version of Ryan’s popular virtual class, “Stone Carving at the Bench,” this workshop will give you a new understanding of working with stone without large equipment and incorporating carving techniques and metal leaf into lapidary designs.

Over the course of three days, this workshop will give you hands-on experience to learn techniques involved for carving and drilling stones at your bench – no large lapidary equipment required! 

Students will be guided through the process of how to make laminates using thin sheets of mother of pearl and abalone under a transparent stone; as well as intaglio carving using different shaped bits to carve a variety of patterns into the tops of their stones; and, reverse intaglio with methods for carving from the back of the stone. Students will learn finishing process to take their stones from matte to polished as well as other "at the bench" tips and tricks for altering the shapes of their stones, drilling holes, and preparing them for setting.  Ryan will also demonstrate his technique for applying precious metal leaf to carved areas, as depicted in his “gold bubble” collection. 

Please be advised: Registration for onsite classes closes one week before the class start date.