What Happens If You Make A Mistake?

This is probably the question I get asked most frequently! The finality of what happens in stone is an intriguing question!

Can you glue stone back together?

The short answer is yes! technically it is possible to glue a chip of stone back in place using epoxy resin. In restoration work, resin is widely used to replace and repair stones.

If it’s a larger piece of stone being replaced then often a dowel is attached into the back of the stone and then it can be glued into a corresponding hole in the wall of the building to ensure its really anchored into place. 

In geometry though, theres absolutely no where to hide, and a piece glued back on would show. If it’s a very tiny error, maybe I might be able to move a line slightly, but if it was a big mistake then I’d have to start again.

Do you make mistakes?

Over the last 5 years that I’ve been carving geometric patterns, I have become aware of my skills improving. It’s inevitable that you hone the skills you use on a regular basis, and I’ve carved a LOT of geometry!

I’ve had a stone crack in two when I had nearly finished carving it, but that was due to an existing hair line fracture in the stone. I was using an off cut given to me by a quarry, clearly there was a reason it wasn’t used by them. After that I promised myself to always use freshly cut stone to order.

I visited Japan not long after I’d broken it. Whilst visiting I learnt more about the Japanese method of repairing called Kintsugi.

When I returned I decided to repair it and surprisingly I ended up really loving this it! Somehow it became more unique that if it hadn’t broken at all. I called the finished pieces ‘Strength’ and auctioned it off to one of my newsletter subscribers. 

I rarely make any mistakes now, or not any of significant magnitude anyway. The key is being consistent with the pressure of the hits and sticking to a methodical process, whilst also being patient!

‘Strength’ Broken stone repaired with gold using the Kinsugi method.