Purbeck Headstone - a Client's Review
Posted 11/06/19 in The Headstone Guide
A recent review received by a client after we made a headstone for her husband. The review captures the ethos of our workshop and the results we strive for.
Blog: The Headstone Guide
Headstone Symbol- The Sun
Posted 17/05/19 in The Headstone Guide
We are often asked to carve a sun disc on our headstones. In this post I explore the rich symbolic meaning of the sun.
Headstone Symbols- The Boat
Posted 22/01/19 in The Headstone Guide
The image of a boat has been used on headstones for centuries by many civilizations. The boat lends itself well to carving, as it can be simplified and stylised. It is a romantic symbol, a symbol of a journey but also a symbol of safety and refuge.
Bible Verses for Headstones
Posted 13/12/18 in The Headstone Guide
A selection of Bible verses for headstone epitaphs which are both uplifting and comforting.
Choosing your Own Headstone
Posted 06/12/18 in The Headstone Guide
Have you even thought about choosing your own headstone? Leaving some guidance in your will could be a great help to your family.
Monumental Grief
Posted 10/03/17 in The Headstone Guide
Are you struggling to find the right wording for your loved one's headstone? You should not have to do this alone. Kerry Ingham, a bereavement counsellor offers some direction and support.
Winner of Good Funeral Award 2016
Posted 15/09/16 in The Headstone Guide • Workshop life
Last week Stoneletters was the proud winner of a Good Funeral Award for "Best Maker of Hand Carved Memorials in an Indigenous Material". The award is a real accolade and testament to all of Fergus's hard work and devotion to his clients.
Funeral Readings and Words of Comfort
Posted 04/02/16 in The Headstone Guide
A collection of comforting funeral readings for funerals and memorial services. Words from these may also be inspiration for memorial epitaphs.
Funeral Poems to Comfort and Bring Peace
Posted 21/01/16 in The Headstone Guide
Here is a list of funeral poems which I hope will provide some comfort and peace.
A Stunning Epitaph
Posted 11/01/16 in The Headstone Guide
Epitaphs from poems can be stunning from a distance, and if carved with great rhythm, they will draw people in to read the beautiful words.
Church of England Fees 2016
Posted 11/01/16 in The Headstone Guide
When you want to erect a new memorial or add an inscription to an existing memorial in a churcyard there is usually a fee to pay. Here is a list of the updated Church of England Fees for 2016.
What everyone should read before thinking about a headstone
Posted 10/12/15 in The Headstone Guide
I have been making headstones for fifteen years. I hope this article helps people who are thinking about a headstone. My biggest piece of advice is to take your time.
Oxfordshire Diocese Churchyard Regulations
Posted 17/11/15 in The Headstone Guide
This is a brief summary of the Oxfordshire Churchyard Regulations which apply to our clients. Clients are often worried about regulations, but vicars tend to be very helpful and encourage unique, hand carved headstones.
What words can I put on a headstone?
Posted 09/11/15 in The Headstone Guide
I am often asked what wording is allowed on a headstone which is to go in a churchyard. Unfortunately, there are often no hard and fast rules. Below I shall summarise the main guidelines and offer advice based on over ten years' experience.
Children’s Headstones - the most beautiful Epitaphs, Quotes and Inspiration.
Posted 08/10/15 in The Headstone Guide
Choosing a headstone or memorial for a child must be the hardest thing to do. I have collected together some beautiful epitaphs and quotes for children as well as some examples of headstones which I hope will provide some comfort and inspiration.
Gravestone Epitaphs from Poetry- some beautiful examples
Posted 06/05/15 in The Headstone Guide
Some beautiful examples of epitaphs inspired by poetry.
Gravestone installation - monolith or dowel?
Posted 23/03/15 in The Headstone Guide
Gravestone installation is a very important part of my work; I prefer to install all of my gravestones myself using the Monolith fixing method wherever possible. Here I explain how we fix our headstones, and I describe the pros and cons of monolith and dowel (pin) fixings.
Memorial design - a case study
Posted 15/01/15 in The Headstone Guide
A case study into the thought process and decision making that goes into choosing the wording of a memorial for Hugh Stubbs, by his daughter Kitty Allan.
Gravestone Symbols and Carvings- Meaning and Inspiration
Posted 06/01/15 in The Headstone Guide
Lettering is only a small part of a gravestone design. Almost all of my headstones incorporate a small carving of a symbol or motif. Choosing a symbol is often difficult and may be inspired by something your loved one was passionate about or simply an image from nature. Here are some symbols from my headstones which I hope will inspire you.
Headstone Epitaphs- 150 beautiful examples
Posted 13/10/14 in The Headstone Guide
Choosing a memorial quote or epitaph for a headstone can be very difficult. Here is a list of tasteful epitaphs and quotes for headstones, many of which I have carved into headstones myself.
Bespoke Headstones - have you seen such unique designs?
Posted 15/09/14 in The Headstone Guide
Have you ever seen a truly bespoke, hand carved headstone? These headstones are nothing like those seen in the catalogues of monumental masons. This selection of headstones is to give you an insight into our work.
Green Slate Headstones and Memorials - 10 stunning designs
Posted 14/09/14 in The Headstone Guide
A selection of 10 stunning green slate headstones and memorials to inspire you.
Traditional Headstones - is the UK seeing a revival?
Posted 12/09/14 in The Headstone Guide
Traditional headstones are seeing a slow but steady revival in our UK churches thanks in part to the internet where letter cutters are able to promote their fine work.
Headstone design -your questions answered
Posted 12/09/14 in The Headstone Guide
Here I address some of the most frequently asked questions about headstone design.
Portland Headstones - 7 unique designs
Posted 12/09/14 in The Headstone Guide
Portland Headstones to inspire you. Portland limestone is a natural British material which improves with weathering. These headstones give you an idea of the versatility of the stone, although the lettering needs to be large enough to read without the need to paint it, and in time as it weathers the letters need to be cut deep and large enough to remain legible. Carving letters along the edge is very effective.
Hand Carved Memorials- What makes ours unique?
Posted 11/09/14 in The Headstone Guide
Our hand carved memorials are hand made with meticulous attention to detail. This sets us apart from others.
Slate Headstones -10 inspiring designs
Posted 10/09/14 in The Headstone Guide
Here are 10 fine examples of hand carved slate headstones to inspire you.
Cleaning Gravestones
Posted 09/09/14 in The Headstone Guide
People often ask me about cleaning gravestones, and the answer I usually give is not to do so unless absolutely necessary! If you are determined to clean a gravestone, I share some tips in this article.
Headstone Materials- 7 of the best
Posted 05/09/14 in The Headstone Guide
Headstone materials- how do you choose? Here I list 7 of the best, all of which look beautiful in a natural churchyard setting.
Headstone Inscriptions & Epitaphs-Where do I begin?
Posted 05/09/14 in The Headstone Guide
Choosing an inscription for a headstone can be a daunting and stressful prospect. Here I offer advice to help you begin.
Cremation Memorials - the new headstones?
Posted 31/08/14 in The Headstone Guide
Are cremation memorials the new headstones? Lack of space means that cremation memorials are in demand. However there is scope for interesting and creative design.
Headstone materials - 8 questions you need to ask
Posted 08/07/14 in The Headstone Guide
Choosing the right headstone material is crucial and it is hard to know where to begin. Do you start with the inscription, or the stone? Here I suggest 8 questions you need to ask when considering what material to use.
How soon can I erect a headstone? 4 good reasons to wait
Posted 04/07/14 in The Headstone Guide
Choosing a headstone is a huge undertaking and should never be rushed. Do not feel hurried and pushed into deciding too soon. Here I share 4 good reasons to take your time.
Ten tips for choosing a headstone inscription
Posted 13/05/14 in The Headstone Guide
Here are my top ten tips for choosing a headstone inscription, one of the most challenging part of commissioning a headstone.
Dying Wishes
Posted 12/05/14 in The Headstone Guide
Dying Matters commissions new study which shows that half of all couples do not know how their partner would like to depart this world.
Bespoke memorials
Posted 26/04/14 in The Headstone Guide
This beautiful bespoke memorial was meticulously shaped by hand to make a fine, smooth pebble stone.
Circular headstone epitaph
Posted 10/03/14 in The Headstone Guide
Circular lettering for a headstone epitaph.