Maggy Howarth - Cobblestone Designs

Once a year we turn our attention to teaching the skills which are practiced here at Cobblestone Designs Workshop. We feel it is important to pass on those skills and techniques which we have researched over years in the hope thatour students will go on to make beautiful, well-constructed pebble mosaics, either professionally or for their own gardens and personal enjoyment.

The old skill of cobbling, together with the more refined art of pebble work are our starting points. We look in detail at the traditional paving in gardens and courtyards, which are always functional surfaces intended for hard wear. We then progress to pebble mosaic, which entails an exploration of decorative and artistic designs and patterns. Sound technique is emphasised at all times. If your interest lies more in fanciful works (i.e. not needing to be durable, outdoors & in all weathers) you may find that another course will suit you better.

SPRING WORKSHOPS FOR 2008
Held at Cobblestone Designs Workshop, North Lancashire, U.K.

Saturday & Sunday April 12-13
& Tuesday & Wednesday April 15-16

2-day workshops in Basic Pebblework

The Basic Pebblework 2-day workshops (1 & 2)

These will concentrate on traditional in-situ pebble technique. It will cover basic principles of construction: different types of stone, simples patterns using different shapes of pebbles; plus essential bases and mixes. There will be advice towards the making of successful designs using contrast, shape and colour. In addition there will be an evening slide-show of world-wide pebble mosaics. Participants will make a small pebble mosaic to take home. This course is suitable for beginners; the class of 2007 included enthusiastic gardeners, landscape professionals and artists.

2007 Basic Pebblework courses

THE PRE-CAST METHOD FOR PEBBLE MOSAIC
As practised by Maggy Howarth

Held at Cobblestone Designs Workshop, North Lancashire, U.K.

The next course will be held in 2009:
Monday to Friday September 14 - 18th

Pre-Cast Technique for 4 and a Half Day Course

This is an advanced course & the technique takes determination to master; so not for the faint-hearted. Students should have previous experience of pebble projects, or have taken the Basic Course previously, & had some practice subsequently.

The intention of this course is to give a basic grounding in the indirect, upside-down method of pebble mosaic construction in which slabs are cast using grout and concrete.

The course will cover: making patterns and moulds, the principles of casting and concrete technology, and more advice on achieving successful designs. On the first day there will be a résumé of pebble types and patterns, then a demonstration of the upside-down technique and an opportunity to practice. On the 3 days following, participants will make their own small mosaic blocks, cast them and turn them out the following day. There will be plenty of supervision and assistance to enable a reasonable result by the end of the course.

2007 Pre-Cast Course