Stone craft is a skill that everyone can access and have fun learning, says Damian Cudmore, who is currently teaching students the skills needed to create the style of 19th-century stone work at The Farm in Byron Bay.
Everyone welcome
‘I’m teaching stone craft to people from eight to 80,’ he told The Echo.
‘I am teaching people of all skill levels and experience in the style of 19th-century stone cottages. My experience is that the 19th century is where we get the most elegant experiences and expressions of architectural stone.’
Students are helping Damian to build a stone shelter for The Farm’s goats (who also like to climb on the work in action and have now been confined to the field next door) as a way to learn stone craft skills.
Damian says that people can join up for one day or more but that it takes about four days to give you the basic skills to take something away from the course to start a home project or begin developing real skills.
‘It is amazing, the one demographic that always stops and says can I have a go is the 5-12 year-old boys and girls. It is a great way for people to focus their energy and create a tangible outcome,’ he explained.
Building with stone creates good thermal mass and Damian says the curriculum is great for owner-builders and tradies who want to add to their craft.
‘Three things people underestimate in stone crafting are how much it costs, how good it looks, and how great it feels.’
Contact Damian on 0425 212 852, email: [email protected], or check out the website at: www.truestone.com.au.
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