I am a stone letter carver based on the Lizard Peninsula in West Cornwall. I offer a bespoke/tailor made creative script writing service in stone using traditional letter carving methods. All my work is done by hand with no machinery or power tools aside from cutting the stone to size if necessary. For more information, please contact heidi@mabbott.net or go through the contacts page.
Traditional methods
I start by sketching an overall design and determining the script/font on paper before drawing it out directly onto the stone. I then use a selection of chisels and a mallet and remove the unwanted material from within my drawn lines. Mostly I use a traditional V cut formation with the chisel at an angle, from both sides towards the centre of the line, giving a crisp edge and smooth, even incision.
Stone types
Selecting the right stone for the right job is a basic design consideration. I try to use reclaimed stone from fireplaces or window sills or locally sourced/customer provided stone. Customers seeking a rustic or organic look; appropriate for a small fisherman’s cottage or pet memorial in a country garden, for example, may consider using locally sourced stone from close to where they live or used to walk.
Portland stone gives the best results for a more formal memorial or house/villa name. Sourced from Albion Stone, and brought back with me from short holiday trips to Portland, I make a selection of the reject stone they have in the yard to resize, prepare and make use of for new work.
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