However, it was difficult to make runestones, and in order to master it one also needed to be a stonemason. During the 11th century, when most runestones were raised, there were a few professional runemasters. Balle was active in the later 11th century and his work is representative of the Urnes runestone style.
Conversely, it proved to be difficult to craft runestones, and one required expertise as a stonemason to achieve proficiency. By the 11th century, most runestones had been erected, and only a few individuals possessed the necessary skills to create them. Balle's work from this period exemplified the distinctive Urnes style.