Frequently Asked Questions:

How do you perform the carving?
We use a process known as sandcarving.  We begin by giving the stone a light sandblasting to clean it.  A design is created on our PC and sent to our vinyl cutter, which cuts the image in a thick, self-adhering vinyl sheet.  We adhere the vinyl template to the stone, expose the areas we are going to carve, mask off all other areas, and then place it in our sandblasting cabinet. The sandblasting cabinet uses compressed air and aluminum oxide grit to erode away the exposed portions of the stone. Once ready, we paint the stone, remove the template, and perform any clean-up and finishing touches.

What can I expect when I order a custom stone?
  • First, we ask you some questions to make sure we understand what you would like.
  • Then we select a stone and develop a layout for you to review and comment on, along with pricing information.
  • Once we get the layout the way you want, we develop the final price and delivery.
  • With your approval, we begin carving.
  • When ready, the piece is photographed, tagged, and boxed in a sturdy box.  We deliver locally or can ship via UPS / USPS.  
  • If delivered, payment is not due until delivery.  If the piece is to be shipped, we ask for payment prior to shipment.
  • Regardless, we want you to be thrilled with the end result.

How is pricing determined?
  • Just as each piece is unique, so is the price, but it is based on the weight,
         the size & number of characters, and the area of the artwork.  In this
         example, the rock costs $10, the lettering is $23, and the small heart 
         $3.  Therefore, the total cost would be $36 plus sales tax.  

What forms of payment do you accept?
  • Cash and checks are fine.  If we are shipping the piece, we can also invoice you via Paypal, which will allow you to pay with most major credit cards.

​How long does the process take?
  • The longest most time-intensive aspect is the design of the stone.  Once you've approved our proof we can usually carve the stone in 1-2 weeks.  However, if you have a deadline looming such as a wedding, please let us know when you would need your stone and we can review our commitments and confirm if we can meet your delivery date.

What types of stone do you use?
  • It all depends on the orientation and setting in which the stone will be displayed.  In our gallery you will see examples of limestone, sandstone, bluestone, small granite boulders, tumbled river rock, slate, and cut granite slab.

Where do your stones come from?
  • We prefer to gather our own stones locally if possible – it provides more satisfaction in the process of creating the piece. Besides, what better way to spend an afternoon than by hunting rocks along Sugar Creek?  But, in order to match the right stone to the project, we have several sources from which we also purchase.  Also, our slate is salvaged from locations that have a history, and we share that history with you with the stone.

I have a special stone with sentimental value - can you carve it?
  • Absolutely - we'll be happy to take a look at it.  Please take a look in our gallery's Remembering Stones.

Will my stone be okay out in the weather?
  • Harder stone, such as granite, will be more resistant to weathering and will last for centuries.  Limestone and other softer stones will retain their detail for up to a century or more, depending on conditions.  Some of the slate that we use already has over a century of use as barn roofing.

Will my stone require any maintenance or care?
  • Decaying leaves will stain the surface of the stone, so keep them from remaining on the stone for very long.  A stone in a damp or shady location may grow moss or lichen.  A good scrubbing with dish soap and warm water will brighten the stone.  Stubborn leaf stains respond well to Oxyclean or other cleaners which attack organic compounds.  Avoid harsh cleaners, acids, or bases.

Is the paint on my stone weather-resistant?
  • Yes, we apply a minimum of five coats of the same paint as is used on monuments and grave markers.   Like all things, it will weather in time, but it should take a long time.

If you have any other questions, please contact us.  Thanks!