Lesson Two: How to Carve an Abstract Native Flax Plant in Stone

The harakeke — native New Zealand flax — is one of the most graceful forms in nature. This lesson teaches you how to translate that flowing, organic shape into stone, creating a sculpture with real contrast between light and shadow. It's still a beginner's lesson, but a step up in challenge from the Koru — a good next project once you've got the basics under your belt.

This is Lesson 2 in the series. If you haven't carved before, it's worth starting with Lesson One: the Koru — but if you're comfortable with the basics, you can jump straight in here.

What's Inside

• 7 pages of clear written instructions
• 28 step-by-step photographs guiding you through every stage
• A printable Flax template — cut it out, mount it on cardboard, and trace it onto your stone
• Detailed guidance on drilling, cutting, chiselling, rasping, and creating sharp sculptural edges

What You'll Learn

This lesson introduces a key new skill — carving raised edges that catch the light and create depth and shadow across the surface of the stone. You'll drill through the stone to create the loop in the flax form, cut and chisel the outline, use a rasp to shape angled surfaces, and sand to a finish that shows off the contrast between flat planes and sharp edges.

What You'll Need

A stone block approximately 20cm × 8cm × 4cm. Tools: a hand saw, a size 12 drill bit, a chisel and mallet, a rasp, sandpaper (80 and 220 grit), and silicon masonry sealer. Safety: always wear a dust mask and safety goggles when cutting and sanding stone.

Who It's For

This lesson is suited to beginners who have either completed the Koru lesson or have some basic experience with stone. The techniques build on Lesson One — if the Koru taught you how to shape a form, this lesson teaches you how to make it dramatic.

Delivered as a PDF download. You'll receive a link to download the lesson immediately after purchase.