Understanding Designs Options

    Headstones used to be carved by hand using a chisel and mallet which was time consuming and resulted in simpler artwork and basic lettering.  Today, craftsmen prepare a rubber stencil and use sandblasting, which allows more creativity and a variety of lettering styles at a reasonable cost.  In addition, hand etchings done by artists, generally on black granite can be custom designed and laser etchings can provide exact duplication of portraits, scenery and family photographs.

Text Fonts

    With the development of computer aided design a variety of artistic font styles exist to further personalize the artistry  of a memorial.  Epitaphs such as  "In Loving Memory" and "Rest In Peace"  and endearments such as "Beloved Parents" along with short poems, verses or song lyrics are often added today. 

Flowers

   Roses, the universal symbol of love,  are one of the most common flowers used on memorials.  There are many other flowers and leaves that have both sentimental or religious meanings, such as dogwood, lilies, wild roses, daisies, oak and pine.

Religious Art

Religious symbols and artwork is a traditional form of personalization.    Many church cemeteries require a religious symbol.   There are many styles of crosses and they are often combined with flowers.   Religious art goes beyond crosses and may include bibles, doves, angels and saints.

Other Art

     There are many other options to consider when personalizing your memorial with artwork.  Families may choose emblems of organizations, hobbies or even a depiction of the family home or favorite vacation spot.  Your family memorial tells a story about your family for future generations.