How to Carve a Fish From Stone
- 1). Pick a fish, but don't settle for a single photo or drawing of the species you choose. You'll need multiple views of the sea creature so you're able to render your sculpture from a variety of angles. Hang the art in close proximity to your worktable so your resource images serve as your reference while you work.
- 2). Obtain a slab of stone sized to accommodate your finished fish carving. Limestone is an affordable choice. Soapstone, alabaster, marble, and granite are also popular media, but if you choose the one you're most familiar with, the crafting process will probably be more enjoyable. Alternately, select a stone based on your carving implements so you don't have to buy additional tools.
- 3). Place your stone flat on your work surface atop a sandbag to cushion it while you work. A sandbag keeps the stone from moving and minimizes vibrations each time you chip at the stone. By absorbing impact, the sandbag will help you experience fewer breakages during the carving process. Before you strike the first blow, put on protective eyewear and a dust mask.
- 4). Rough the stone. Use your heaviest chisel and sturdiest mallet to do the rudimentary work required to remove superfluous stone from the slab. If you're proficient at using power tools, you can use them to get started. Next, hammer away smaller pieces of the stone to create your fish silhouette. Keep an eye on the reference art you hung over your worktable so you don't lose sight of fish species you're recreating.
- 5). Pick up a point chisel for the next stage of the fish carving process. Hold it at a 45-degree angle, and methodically chip away at the shape. Toothed and flat chisels can be used to add more details to your fish before you smooth the surface with a rasp. Use a file to even out marks left on the fish body by other carving tools. Smooth your fish with a course grade of diamond sandpaper. If you like a satin finish, you can use wax on your carving to give it a finished shine.
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