Stonework courses ceased in 2018. Some information from the past:
During these workshops, usually one per summer, students learned how to construct various structures utilizing stone, incorporating techniques that may be carried over into building or covering foundations, barbeque fireplaces, walls, ponds, and waterfalls.
The 2012 session built a pond and small waterfall. Shown is Andy Burton of Minnesota.
May 2007 stonework students: Jennifer James (Illinois), Tony Chmiel (Wisconsin), Pat Simeon (Ohio), Ted Laufenberg, Wisconsin.
May 2006 participants, l-r: Gary Barker, Jon Hendrickson, Lyle Sorenson, Shane Fiore, Beth Cronin, Sam Billmeier, Tom Jensen, Dr. Gary Carlson
Topics covered:
stone selection (size, color and shape)
moving and lifting stones
digging, hauling, and screening of appropriate sand and gravel
mixing concrete and mortar
foundation footings
reinforcement
stone placement in terms of design and structure
laying up stone
working with the rocks, in most cases, without splitting them
cleaning rocks with abrasives, detergents and chemicals
No previous experience is assumed for these workshops. They are specifically for beginners – do-it-yourselfers, not experienced masons. Toward the end of the course, we spend part of a day on field trips – viewing examples of interesting stonework around the area.
Students must provide their own construction hardhat, shovel, garden or mixing hoe, small trowel, wire and scrub brush, rubber boots, kneepads, heavy rubber gloves and protective eye protection.
for 3 days, paper towels, toilet paper, sleeping bag, camera, etc.