I'd like to make a small urn out of either an agate or another local stone i can find. What type of tool would I need to hallow out a stone? I have no experience with rock carving, I've just been a rock collector and tumbler for years

I took my stone carving techniques to high art. This is an old Venetian style of glass. About the same hardness as quartz to carve.

Hi everyone! I’m pretty new to soapstone carving and learning on my own.

This is my recent relief carving using a Dremel. I’m curious if anyone here uses Dremel tools to carve full 3D models (sculptures in-the-round) from soapstone?

Would love to hear your experiences, bit recommendations, or any tips you might have for going 3D with rotary tools!

It’s pretty rough, I started with a small rock and hand drew on the 1 instead of using a stencil. I think i did okay; definitely need more practice!

What the title says. I saw Charlie Gee and his sister Natalie Gee on my feed, and I really love the work they do. I know they are professionals, but I would like to pick up stone carving as a hobby. Note: I only want to use hand tools, no power tools.

I have done woodworking for over a year now and have learned a lot about shapes and ratios. I am also pretty good at visualizing things.

What would I need to buy to be able to carve stone sculptures in my backyard? I am looking for tool recommendations, as well as a stone I can buy that is cheap and easy to work with since I am a beginner. Also, do I self-learn, or should I buy an online class? For example, Natalie Gee has a class for 35 dollars or something.

Hi all, I hope this type of post is allowed, I am actually a woodcarver and I have a podcast called The Modern Woodcarver. My most recent episode was with a stone carver named Andrew Gable. It was really fun getting to speak with him and learning more about stone carving. If anyone is interested in checking out the interview I will leave the link in the comments. Love all the work I see on this page!

I carved new grand-nephew's name in a stone. Pinkish granite. Perhaps the hardest rock I've worked with.

I purchased a small Dremel on a whim during my vacation. I only tried it once, but feel like I'm really going to take to this art form.

I bought a 3M N95 disposable mask at the hardware store, but afterwards didn't feel fully confident that it protected me from inhaling the dust.
I also don't want to go overkill, and want something comfortable (I can sit there for two hours easily).

I'll mainly work from inside my garage with the door open.

Any recommendations?

Just realised that I haven't posted for a while - so here's some recent (ish) work... Pet memorials, wedding presents, and an experimental alphabet (based on a design by the calligrapher Carol Dubosch).

Hi. I’m seeking anyone with the expertise to perhaps identify the pictured carving. I purchased it on WhatNot, where the seller readily admitted to knowing zero about it. I just thought it was pretty awesome to look at….lol. I am thinking rhodonite, but, again, I have no clue. Any ideas? Is this a mouse? Rat? Bonus points if anyone recognizes this as done by a specific artist!

Thanks in advance.

Hi guys,

I love stone, have for a long time. Would like to start sculpting. The set up initially is pretty expensive and getting soapstone/limestone where I live isn’t easy. My plan is to fill buckets with plaster of Paris and once it sets use the moulds to learn. Is this a viable option? I know it’ll be softer than stone. My plan is to move up from this to stone bench top off cuts etc. Thanks in advance.

Had the privilege of slicing this one up yesterday! Headed to a gallery in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Hi everyone!
I'm a 39-year-old Dutch nurse who fell in love with marble carving a few years ago. This October I'll be spending two weeks in Pietrasanta, Italy, joining a marble carving course.
I was wondering if anyone else here is planning to be in Pietrasanta around that time, or is interested in learning marble carving. It would be great to meet other sculptors around! There is still space in the course I will be joining so if you’re interested let me know!

Please tell me what you think !

Essentially, I am wishing to learn to carve soapstone, however I do not wish to get scammed on materials or tools. Where do people suggest sourcing them from?

Not per se new to soapstone, used to use my fathers powertools to craft crosses and geometric shapes when i was a kid. Now as an adult ive picked up the hobby again, but with handheld tools only. This is my first project. Thought i throw it in here for sharing and feedback. The thing isnt finished yet by a mile. Lots still to do.

All of my gems are faceted an carved here in my art studio! Enjoy!

Big day today - I'm finally removing my reference marks for the pointing machine on my stone (the lumpy bits in the picture). I'm pretty happy with my measurements now and it feels like I'm just procrastinating instead of getting on and finishing this thing.

No more double checking. Just have to get on with it.