1-Day Workshop: Carve a Celtic Knot in Stone

Description

Come and carve a Celtic knot in stone. It's great fun, and hitting stuff is therapeutic! ___ A one-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 stone and tools beneath your hands, and a Celtic knot slowly taking shape, carved by you. This one-day course is an invitation to slow down and make something real. You'll spend the day in a working studio tucked inside a repurposed Yorkshire wool mill; a place shaped by industry, now repurposed for creativity. 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 how to carve a traditional Celtic knot in relief using time-honoured tools and techniques. No machines. No shortcuts. Just steady, focused craft. What the day looks like: You’ll begin with the basics: how to handle the tools, how to listen to the stone, how to remove the background without losing the lines. You’ll learn to carve a knot that loops endlessly – a symbol with no beginning and no end – into a tablet of creamy Maltese limestone. Dense, smooth, and satisfying to work, this stone holds detail beautifully and rewards patient carving. Expect the rhythmic sound of your hammer, the grit of stone dust, the hush of concentration. Expect to surprise yourself. This is more than a course. It’s a pause. A chance to learn something slow, tactile, and quietly powerful. Come and carve a pattern that’s been passed on through centuries – one strike at a time. By the end of the day, you'll walk away with your own finished piece — tactile, perhaps imperfect, but personal — and the deep satisfaction that comes from learning a skill that’s perhaps older than language itself. (Children years 9 and above accepted, but must be accompanied by 1 responsible adult per child).

What's included in the price?

* One full 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. * Access to an on-site café for lunch (not included in the course price). * A screen-free, power-tool-free day 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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