Comment by Nathan Giffin Vertical Artisans on July 18, 2010 at 1:24am

Now isn't this stuff fun....I'm curious what a mason would charge for this entrance way and what you charged... Perceived Value is Value!

Comment by Jeff Bonick on July 20, 2010 at 1:07pm

This is all glue on stuff, right?

Comment by chris legg on July 21, 2010 at 10:31pm

Jeff, I manufacture cultured stone. So part of this stone on the condos is glue on. But,I vertical carved all the stones on the arch ways to blend the two together.I'm slowly introducing this wonderful craft to custom home builders in montana.

Comment by Jeff Bonick on August 2, 2010 at 7:51pm

Chris, If I may be so bold as to offer you a suggestion... First, I think your work is great and you blended the color and textures so well I couldn't distinguish between the glue on or the carved! Second, as a mason of some 43 years and builder of many (real) stone walls like this one, I would suggest that you design and carve the arches first paying particular attention to the laws of physics so that it looks real, then add the field stone to complete the wall. This may take more time but you will have the freedom to design and create the illusion of a true hand laid wall and hopefully greater profit! I thought it was real stone until I saw the arch!, Then I knew immediately it was fake. I'm sure most people won't notice but take the extra effort to fool them all and distinguish your work from the rest! Hope this helps...Keep in touch, Jeff.

Comment by chris legg on August 11, 2010 at 9:48pm

Jeff, Thanks for the tip. You are right, It would look more real if I carved first. I'll try that on the next condo.Thanks again, Chris.

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