Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 4: Required Supplies
• Part 2 of 4: Sketching
• Part 3 of 4: Preparing the Stone
• Part 4 of 4: Engraving
• Warnings
• What do you need

Having learned to engrave on stone, you can create decorative art products from the available material that can survive for more than one century. Despite the hardness of the material, the engraving process itself does not have to be complicated. With the right tools, some skill, and experience, you will learn how to create beautiful designs in stone that you can place in your home, garden, or give as a gift.

Steps

Part 1 of 4: Required Supplies

1. 1 Find the right stone. The type of stone you need will depend on your skill level and future design.
   • For beginners, flat stones found at the bottom of a river are best.
   • Softer sedimentary rocks (sandstone, limestone and mudstones) are easier to drill.
   • Pay attention to rocks when on the beach, in the garden, etc. or simply buy engraving stones from your local hobby and craft store.
2. 2 Get an electric engraver or router bit. You can also use a blacksmith's chisel and hammer for engraving, but an electric engraver will greatly simplify the process.
   • Choose an engraver or milling cutter with tip replacement support.
   • The carbide tip is suitable for engraving softer stones such as sandstone, limestone or mudstone. For harder stones and glass, a diamond tip should be used.
   • Engraving tips come in a variety of shapes and widths. For simple imaging, a standard complete carbide tip is suitable. Over time, you can add complexity to your designs with a tapered nib for more detailed lines, and a cylindrical nib for shading and volume.
   • You can buy an electric engraver or router bit at a hardware store, hobby and craft store, or online.
3. 3 Wax pencil, marker or stencils. By applying templates for future designs on the stone or creating a stencil, you can avoid many mistakes when engraving.
   • You can use wax pencils or markers to transfer the design to the stone.
   • To create a simple stencil, use cardboard or acetate foil and a carving knife.
   • Beeswax and latex paint can be used as additional materials for applying color and shine to the stone.
4. 4 Use safety glasses. Be sure to use safety goggles when engraving. When working with a stone, small particles and dust are present in the air, which are hazardous to the eyes.
5. 5 Prepare a container of water. Prepare a container of water large enough to submerge the stone. This will allow you to cool and clean the stone during the engraving process.

Part 2 of 4: Sketching

1. 1 Select an image. It will depend on your skill level, the size and shape of the stone, and the intended use of the finished product. Inspirational words, a name, flowers, leaves, sun, or other basic shapes are great patterns for a beginner.
   • Create your own unique sketch or write the word you want to engrave.
   • There are many templates available on the internet that you can print and cut.
   • Create a sketch on your computer. Draw a picture or type a word using your favorite font. Adjust the shape and size to your stone and print on black and white paper.
2. 2 Sketch or stencil your sketch. Whether it's an image in the form of a flower or a feather, or just a word, having a sketch or stencil will greatly simplify the engraving process and create a beautiful design.
   • Before transferring the sketch to the stone, practice creating a drawing on paper.
   • Make a stencil. If you printed an image, place a tracing paper on top and circle the drawing with a pencil. Transfer the paths to cardboard or acetate foil and cut out the image with a carving knife.
3. 3 Practice on rough stones. To get a feel for the engraving process, practice on similar stones.
   • With the help of an engraver, try to create straight lines going in different directions.
   • Vary the pressure to create different lines. Draw lines with light, quick strokes. Then draw the same line with great pressure. Note the resulting differences.
   • Practice drawing circles and other shapes.
   • Practice writing different letters to write a word on a stone.

Part 3 of 4: Preparing the Stone

1. 1 Cleanse the stone. First, remove dirt and debris from the stone with a damp cloth. Let it dry or wipe it dry with a clean cloth.
2. 2 Transfer the sketch to the stone. Transfer the image with a wax pencil or marker, or attach the stencil to the stone.
   • If the stone is rough or loose, then transfer the image with a wax pencil. It is convenient to draw with a marker on even stones with a smooth surface.
   • Place the stencil in the desired position. Secure it with tape so that it does not move during the engraving process.
3. 3 Fix the stone. The engraved mark cannot be removed in any way, so make sure that the stone does not move while you work.
   • If the stone is flat and won't roll, just place it on a flat surface.
   • Place a non-slip backing underneath the stone to keep it from moving on the surface.
   • If the stone is not flat, then you can fix it at the bottom with a vice or clamp, which are sold in hardware stores.

Part 4 of 4: Engraving

1. 1 Engraver your sketch. Set the engraver to a low speed and slowly trace the lines of your sketch with light strokes.
   • First outline the contours of the sketch. Engrave the outline of your design with shallow lines.
   • Continue to trace the lines of your image with the engraver. Instead of using strong pressure, it is better to walk along the lines several times with light strokes.
   • Place the stone in a container of water periodically to cool it down. It will also remove waste from the grooves so you can see your work better.
   • Continue engraving the lines of your drawing until they are the depth you need.
   • Add shadows or other elements to the image. Draw thinner lines in the direction of the main strokes to add shadow.
2. 2 Cleanse the stone. When finished engraving, clean the stone by immersing it in water or wiping it with a damp cloth. Let it dry or wipe it dry with a clean cloth.
   • If you want your stone to shine, then polish it with wax and a soft cloth. This will accentuate your design and add extra shine to the stone.
   • If you want to add color to your drawing, use latex paint to fill in the grooves. Black paint on light stone or white paint on dark stone will perfectly highlight the details.
3. 3 Show everyone your work! Place a stone in your home, on your doorstep, in a garden, or present it as a unique gift.
   • Large stones can be used to make decorative steps in the garden.
   • Heavy stones can be used to make door stops or book stands.
   • A small pebble engraved with inspiring words or a special date is a great gift.

Warnings

• Always use protective goggles when engraving.
• Observe all manufacturer's instructions when using an engraver or cutter.
• Keep the electric engraver or cutter away from water to avoid electric shock.

What do you need

• A rock
• Electric engraver or cutter
• Protective glasses
• Wax pencil, marker or stencil
• Container with water
• Rags
• Optional materials: wax, latex paint