Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is sand carving?
What exactly is sand carving?
A: Sand carving is a method of deep etching/carving using sand under high pressure to create images and text.
Q: How do you get the image onto the product?
A: We use a computer controlled plotter to cut out a stencil from the artwork for large stones and mirrors, as well as photo developed stencils for items that require finer detail. The stencil is then applied to the substrate (glass, metal, stone, wood and so forth). After the stencil has been applied we etch or carve out the design using a sandblasting machine.
We have an extensive image library to produce your product. If you have your own artwork, font or logo that you would like us to use we will work with you to make a wonderfully personalized product just for you!
Q: What kind of Signs do you do?
A: Our signs are in the dimensional sign category and may be seen at, professional offices and almost any place where an impression needs to be made. Also in the dimensional sign category, we include our carving/engraving on stone for a more permanent type of sign or marking.
We also do Etched Glass Signs up to 36" x 24" which looks spectacular when edge lit with LED's. (Note we do not do LED lighting. That is an option however that you can pursue)
Q: What equipment and materials do you use to produce your Signs and Awards?
A: Depending on the item, We use plotters, special resist film developers, high-speed engraving drills with diamond and carbide bits as well as shading stones. Some projects require the use of low powered sand carving equipment. Yet others require the use of high powered sand carving equipment. Some projects require a little bit of each depending on the material and complexity.
The item we are creating drives the materials we use. We use nothing but quality paints to finish items that require them. We also use wood, aluminum, glass, rock, granite, marble and many many other materials to provide that custom one of a kind product for you.
Q: What materials can you transfer the text and images on?
What kind of materials can you transfer the artwork to?
A: Almost anything, utilizing a specific process for a specific material.
We can do sand carving and high-speed hand engraving on glass and ceramic tiles, metals, wood, some plastics, mirrors, motorcycle windscreens, and wine bottles as well as rocks, stones, bricks, granite, marble, and typically anything else that has a hard smooth surface.
NOTE: We do not sand carve into tempered glass. Sand carving into tempered glass can cause it to shatter. Annealed or Float glass is the only glass we will do deep carving into.
Q: Why don’t I don't see any text or graphic images to choose from where do I find them?
I don't see any images or types of text to choose from. Where can I see what is available?
A: We considered designing a page with sample images and sample text to give our customers a simple solution. We decided against it because everybody does that. We are a Custom shop not a Production shop. We have an image database with over 100,000 images and a font database of over 80,000 fonts. We can mix and match, re-size, combine, etc. We like the customer to participate in the design process so we can help make that vision come true.
Once we get an understanding what you’re looking for, we will put together some choices and narrow it down from there. Upon selection, we will email a proof which requires approval, then complete the transfer to the selected material.
In all of our projects, we include the first half hour of design time free. Should a project require more design time, additional design time fees will be incurred. We will inform you at the time we see your artwork or by discussion what...if any....additional charges will be incurred to complete your project. We will email you a quote. Should you accept our quote, we will place a custom order item for you on our website for you to purchase.
Q: Can I send you stuff I want engraved or an item I want you to put something on?
Can I send you my items for you to put something on them for me?
A: Yes, BUT it depends what it is, and what you want done. You will need to contact us for a discussion regarding the above. We do NOT as a general rule alter heirlooms, and other valuable collectible pieces, but if you are local we can discuss it. We will not however be held liable if aunt Mays 150 year old mirror shatters in the process!
Q: Do you do laser engraving?
A: In short No. We prefer to have a "HAND" in everything we produce. Similar to an artist’s paintbrush, it still has to be worked and tweaked. We truly add the personal touch to everything we create. Laser engravers are expensive production type machines, similar to printers. They can produce awesome images, text and photos on many items, we just don’t use them in our process.
Q: Do you engrave wine and champagne bottles? How can I get one done?
Can I order a champagne or wine bottle from you? Yes and No
A: Yes but...Unfortunately, we can only do wine and champagne bottles for local customers who bring us the unopened bottles to be done, or for stores with the appropriate alcoholic beverage licenses that offer this service to their customers. We do not have these licenses and cannot buy and resell wine or liquor. However if you have an empty bottle that you may want done, we can accommodate your request in most instance. Also we do not sand carve unopened champagne bottles as they can explode in the blasting cabinet.
Q: So What kind of things can I order from you to personalize?
A: We can put the art work (depending on type and detail) on almost anything from rocks to Glass.
What you see on our website is just a small sampling of ideas of what we are capable of doing. If we don't have what you’re looking for, chances are we can find it!
We do corporate awards, lighters, mirrors, paperweights, address markers, motorcycle parts, yard signs, perfume bottles, wedding glasses, tile accents, window etching, and more.
Q: What kinds of things don't you do?
What kinds of things don't you do?
A: We don't do laser engraving, ring inscriptions, or ring, watch or any other jewelry engraving.
What we do ...do, is create custom quality "One of a Kind" personalized items at production prices.
Q: Should I Order Marble or Granite - What's the difference?
A: Granite is a crystallized material, due to being melted and slowly cooled to form crystals. Marble is a sedimentary material that has never been melted, only compressed from pressure and time.
We suggest that you use Granite if your plaque or memorial will be displayed outside. Marble or Granite can be used inside. Marble is softer and appears less grainy than granite but it can easily be scratched.
Q: Do you offer a photo option?
Could I have my photos carved on Glass or Granite.
A: Not at this time. This is a capability we are currently developing.
Q: Are your prices fixed for all your custom work?
I see you don't have prices on your website for your products. Are all your prices fixed for your custom work?
A: No. The prices are calculated based on our experiences and knowledge of the artwork and fonts we have on file for the substrates they will be engraved on. This limits our design time as well as our costs and the price of the item. For an example if you wanted a rock paperweight with the name "Jane" on it and a Butterfly, we would expect no change in the website pricing for your custom item.
However, if you wanted us to re-create your company logo on a rock or a special design that is not readily available or needs to be re-worked to be usable for us, then we would have to charge additional design fees to complete the artwork. Many things are considered when pricing a custom item such as the detail of images, the surface of the item to be engraved, the size of text and images, etc.
Should your needs fall outside of our website product type designs or you are unsure, give us a call and we'll see how we can help you out.
Q: Can you put any Logo on the items you sell ?
Can/will you put any logo on any of the items you sell ?
A: Well Yes...and....No ! We don't use other companies logo's and apply them to our products that we sell or just because a customer wants it. Logo's are licensed /copyright protected identifiers unique to an individual company. It would be wrong and unlawful for us to put ...for example...a Harley Davidson Logo on our products and sell them unless we were licensed to do so. However, if a customer had the licensing rights to use that identifier/image, we could do the work for that customer. As an example....If a Harley Davidson Dealer wanted the mirrors for their store etched with the corporate image...we could do (and have done) that. If a car dealer wanted a gift for a client with the automotive model, Ford, Chevy and so on....we could do that at the request of the dealer.
If John Doe wants a Harley Image on his address stone....unfortunately we can't do that unless John Doe had the right to use that image. If you have any questions or are uncertain, give us a call and we'll see if we can help.
Q: Do you do single items only or can you do production type quantities?
A: We can do both, but are somewhat limited for huge production type quantities. The process we use is quite intensive. A good lead time length will help with products where large volumes of items are required. It all depends on your description of volume. Give us a call and we'll gladly discuss how we can help you.
Q: Are there any images or designs that you will not do?
A: YES...We will not create any item using Nazi, anti - American, Pro terrorist, or Hate speech of any kind, pro or anti - current or past President/Political figures images or slogans, or any licensed image or logo or in general any controversial or negative subject matter. Also we do not as a general rule engrave heirloom or historically significant items.
What exactly is sand carving?
A: Sand carving is a method of deep etching/carving using sand under high pressure to create images and text.
Q: How do you get the image onto the product?
A: We use a computer controlled plotter to cut out a stencil from the artwork for large stones and mirrors, as well as photo developed stencils for items that require finer detail. The stencil is then applied to the substrate (glass, metal, stone, wood and so forth). After the stencil has been applied we etch or carve out the design using a sandblasting machine.
We have an extensive image library to produce your product. If you have your own artwork, font or logo that you would like us to use we will work with you to make a wonderfully personalized product just for you!
Q: What kind of Signs do you do?
A: Our signs are in the dimensional sign category and may be seen at, professional offices and almost any place where an impression needs to be made. Also in the dimensional sign category, we include our carving/engraving on stone for a more permanent type of sign or marking.
We also do Etched Glass Signs up to 36" x 24" which looks spectacular when edge lit with LED's. (Note we do not do LED lighting. That is an option however that you can pursue)
Q: What equipment and materials do you use to produce your Signs and Awards?
A: Depending on the item, We use plotters, special resist film developers, high-speed engraving drills with diamond and carbide bits as well as shading stones. Some projects require the use of low powered sand carving equipment. Yet others require the use of high powered sand carving equipment. Some projects require a little bit of each depending on the material and complexity.
The item we are creating drives the materials we use. We use nothing but quality paints to finish items that require them. We also use wood, aluminum, glass, rock, granite, marble and many many other materials to provide that custom one of a kind product for you.
Q: What materials can you transfer the text and images on?
What kind of materials can you transfer the artwork to?
A: Almost anything, utilizing a specific process for a specific material.
We can do sand carving and high-speed hand engraving on glass and ceramic tiles, metals, wood, some plastics, mirrors, motorcycle windscreens, and wine bottles as well as rocks, stones, bricks, granite, marble, and typically anything else that has a hard smooth surface.
NOTE: We do not sand carve into tempered glass. Sand carving into tempered glass can cause it to shatter. Annealed or Float glass is the only glass we will do deep carving into.
Q: Why don’t I don't see any text or graphic images to choose from where do I find them?
I don't see any images or types of text to choose from. Where can I see what is available?
A: We considered designing a page with sample images and sample text to give our customers a simple solution. We decided against it because everybody does that. We are a Custom shop not a Production shop. We have an image database with over 100,000 images and a font database of over 80,000 fonts. We can mix and match, re-size, combine, etc. We like the customer to participate in the design process so we can help make that vision come true.
Once we get an understanding what you’re looking for, we will put together some choices and narrow it down from there. Upon selection, we will email a proof which requires approval, then complete the transfer to the selected material.
In all of our projects, we include the first half hour of design time free. Should a project require more design time, additional design time fees will be incurred. We will inform you at the time we see your artwork or by discussion what...if any....additional charges will be incurred to complete your project. We will email you a quote. Should you accept our quote, we will place a custom order item for you on our website for you to purchase.
Q: Can I send you stuff I want engraved or an item I want you to put something on?
Can I send you my items for you to put something on them for me?
A: Yes, BUT it depends what it is, and what you want done. You will need to contact us for a discussion regarding the above. We do NOT as a general rule alter heirlooms, and other valuable collectible pieces, but if you are local we can discuss it. We will not however be held liable if aunt Mays 150 year old mirror shatters in the process!
Q: Do you do laser engraving?
A: In short No. We prefer to have a "HAND" in everything we produce. Similar to an artist’s paintbrush, it still has to be worked and tweaked. We truly add the personal touch to everything we create. Laser engravers are expensive production type machines, similar to printers. They can produce awesome images, text and photos on many items, we just don’t use them in our process.
Q: Do you engrave wine and champagne bottles? How can I get one done?
Can I order a champagne or wine bottle from you? Yes and No
A: Yes but...Unfortunately, we can only do wine and champagne bottles for local customers who bring us the unopened bottles to be done, or for stores with the appropriate alcoholic beverage licenses that offer this service to their customers. We do not have these licenses and cannot buy and resell wine or liquor. However if you have an empty bottle that you may want done, we can accommodate your request in most instance. Also we do not sand carve unopened champagne bottles as they can explode in the blasting cabinet.
Q: So What kind of things can I order from you to personalize?
A: We can put the art work (depending on type and detail) on almost anything from rocks to Glass.
What you see on our website is just a small sampling of ideas of what we are capable of doing. If we don't have what you’re looking for, chances are we can find it!
We do corporate awards, lighters, mirrors, paperweights, address markers, motorcycle parts, yard signs, perfume bottles, wedding glasses, tile accents, window etching, and more.
Q: What kinds of things don't you do?
What kinds of things don't you do?
A: We don't do laser engraving, ring inscriptions, or ring, watch or any other jewelry engraving.
What we do ...do, is create custom quality "One of a Kind" personalized items at production prices.
Q: Should I Order Marble or Granite - What's the difference?
A: Granite is a crystallized material, due to being melted and slowly cooled to form crystals. Marble is a sedimentary material that has never been melted, only compressed from pressure and time.
We suggest that you use Granite if your plaque or memorial will be displayed outside. Marble or Granite can be used inside. Marble is softer and appears less grainy than granite but it can easily be scratched.
Q: Do you offer a photo option?
Could I have my photos carved on Glass or Granite.
A: Not at this time. This is a capability we are currently developing.
Q: Are your prices fixed for all your custom work?
I see you don't have prices on your website for your products. Are all your prices fixed for your custom work?
A: No. The prices are calculated based on our experiences and knowledge of the artwork and fonts we have on file for the substrates they will be engraved on. This limits our design time as well as our costs and the price of the item. For an example if you wanted a rock paperweight with the name "Jane" on it and a Butterfly, we would expect no change in the website pricing for your custom item.
However, if you wanted us to re-create your company logo on a rock or a special design that is not readily available or needs to be re-worked to be usable for us, then we would have to charge additional design fees to complete the artwork. Many things are considered when pricing a custom item such as the detail of images, the surface of the item to be engraved, the size of text and images, etc.
Should your needs fall outside of our website product type designs or you are unsure, give us a call and we'll see how we can help you out.
Q: Can you put any Logo on the items you sell ?
Can/will you put any logo on any of the items you sell ?
A: Well Yes...and....No ! We don't use other companies logo's and apply them to our products that we sell or just because a customer wants it. Logo's are licensed /copyright protected identifiers unique to an individual company. It would be wrong and unlawful for us to put ...for example...a Harley Davidson Logo on our products and sell them unless we were licensed to do so. However, if a customer had the licensing rights to use that identifier/image, we could do the work for that customer. As an example....If a Harley Davidson Dealer wanted the mirrors for their store etched with the corporate image...we could do (and have done) that. If a car dealer wanted a gift for a client with the automotive model, Ford, Chevy and so on....we could do that at the request of the dealer.
If John Doe wants a Harley Image on his address stone....unfortunately we can't do that unless John Doe had the right to use that image. If you have any questions or are uncertain, give us a call and we'll see if we can help.
Q: Do you do single items only or can you do production type quantities?
A: We can do both, but are somewhat limited for huge production type quantities. The process we use is quite intensive. A good lead time length will help with products where large volumes of items are required. It all depends on your description of volume. Give us a call and we'll gladly discuss how we can help you.
Q: Are there any images or designs that you will not do?
A: YES...We will not create any item using Nazi, anti - American, Pro terrorist, or Hate speech of any kind, pro or anti - current or past President/Political figures images or slogans, or any licensed image or logo or in general any controversial or negative subject matter. Also we do not as a general rule engrave heirloom or historically significant items.