Participate in the Design

Each of the images you will see here represent a concept that a client has brought to me hoping that I could indeed translate it into stone. That first step turns into a conversation which over time evolves into our shared expression in a unique memorial. These are headstones that have the personal touch of a loved one and better reflect the personality of those who have passed on. They have meaning, substance and value as a historic art form. The cemetery is the gallery where this stone sculpture resides. Future generations will admire it’s symbolism and reflect on what it meant to us in our day. This is what I take away from my time in the old burial grounds and what I want to preserve and contribute to. This is the opportunity you give me. Hence, I value my clients and I’m happy to report that I have developed many meaningful relationships over the years. I have a drawer in my desk that has been slowly filling up with the thank you letters that I’ve received from all over the country from these friends of mine. 

I am fortunate to possess a deep spiritual foundation and I am descended from a long line of various clergy. I am not put off by my client’s situation and sensitivity. I’ve been doing this for decades and have dealt with many others going through what you are. I make the monuments for my own family and friends. We are all in this together.     

The Process

Typically a customer will research cemeteries and find elements that they would like to include and send me pictures or rubbings. Then we talk about scale, types of stone, lettering styles, and eventually settle into a final design. This ends the "design" process . 

Now I have enough information to accurately price the job and a work order is sent to the client to be signed off on. After I receive the down payment, I order the stone from the mill and prepare the full size drawings to be sent to the client for their approval. It will take a few weeks for the mill to process and deliver the stone to my shop. Then the carving labor begins. This is a slow process I know but I think that you'll find that it is worth the wait. 

Setting the Stone in the Cemetery

You will first need to check to see if your cemetery has any restrictions on type or size of memorial it will allow. (This of course will affect the design process.) 

The finished memorials are crated for delivery. I often set stones myself if the drive is not too far. I do ship all over the country. If that is the case the cemetery sexton can recommend a local  monument dealer in the area where the stone is going and I will contract them to take shipment and do the setting in the cemetery.

Terms

I work by standard contractors terms with one half of the total cost of the job due at the beginning of work and the balance of payment due upon completion.