Beginners Oamaru Stone

Date: Saturday 17th January  |  10:00am - 4:00pm

With Tutor: Donna Clarke

Discover the joy of working with beautiful, creamy Ōamaru stone in this relaxed, hands-on beginner’s workshop. Over the course of the day, you’ll learn essential carving techniques, explore simple sculptural forms, and gain confidence using traditional hand tools. With guidance and plenty of time to experiment, you’ll shape your own small sculpture to take home—perfect for your garden, home, or as a thoughtful handmade gift.

Whether you’re completely new to carving or keen to try a new creative medium, this workshop offers a friendly, supportive space to slow down, make dust, and enjoy the satisfying process of turning stone into art.

What You'll Learn:

Students will learn the full process of working with Oamaru stone, beginning with essential tool-handling skills and safe use of chisels, rasps, rifflers, mallets and sanding tools. They will explore how to block out a form by removing bulk material to establish the basic shape, before moving into controlled carving where they refine curves, angles and details with confidence. Techniques for creating a range of textures, from smooth and polished to rough or patterned, will be introduced alongside progressive sanding and finishing methods to achieve the desired surface quality. The workshop also covers the fundamentals of design and planning, helping students translate a sketch or concept into a three-dimensional piece.

Why Join This Workshop?

Joining this workshop gives you the chance to explore Oamaru stone in a supportive beginner-friendly environment where you can discover the joy of carving with guided, hands-on practice. You’ll build confidence as you learn essential techniques step by step, experiment with shaping and texture, and watch your own sculpture take form from a raw block. It’s a relaxed, creative day that lets you slow down, focus, and make something meaningful with your hands, all while gaining skills you can continue to develop long after the workshop ends.

What Are Some Benefits of Doing This Workshop?

• Learn the fundamentals of stone carving
• Gain practical experience using key tools and techniques suitable for beginners.
• Create your own sculptural piece, made entirely by you.
• Build skills in shaping, refining, and finishing a physical material.
• Get familiar with a uniquely New Zealand stone celebrated for its softness and beauty.
• Receive personalised guidance from an experienced tutor
• Enjoy a fun, social Saturday activity connecting with others in a relaxed creative environment.
  
  

Meet your Tutor:

Donna has been sculpting with Oamaru stone for more than twenty years, developing a deep respect for the material and the way it transforms under simple hand tools. Her work celebrates the natural beauty of the stone, often finding its perfect home in garden settings where light, texture, and form come alive. Passionate about sharing her craft, Donna loves guiding students as they shape their own pieces, offering clear, encouraging instruction at every step. She finds immense joy in watching learners gain confidence and pride as their sculptures emerge over the course of the day.

“It’s a brave thing to turn up and be given tools and a block of stone, but Donna gave my friend and I the courage to make something we loved.” – G Campbell

What to Bring:

• Dust mask
• Close-toed shoes
• Long hair is to be tied back
  
  

What Will Be Provided:

• Oamaru Stone (300mm x 300mm x 100mm)
• Tools
• Sandpaper
• Tea and Coffee
  
  

Can Anyone Do This Class?

Yes! This workshop is suitable for all levels, and absolutely beginner-friendly. If you love being creative, you’ll fit right in.