A headstone is a canvas where inscriptions etch the story of lives lived and love immortalized. Behind the artistry lies an intricate process involving family, designers and stonecutters.
Across Alberta, societal trends towards personalized memorials are creating unique opportunities for families to honor their loved ones. 800 Monument is a leader in memory crafting, ensuring that their work will last generations.
Material
Despite the prevalence of digital snapshots and mass-produced goods, there remains an undeniable allure to handmade keepsakes. These treasures not only capture special moments, but also serve as a source of enduring comfort during the grief process. Crafting unique handmade keepsakes also provides an opportunity to express creativity and personal sentiments, says Gaulden Monuments.
Many traditional headstone designs use materials like marble or sandstone. However, these materials tend to erode over time and can make inscriptions difficult to read. Fortunately, modern memorial companies are able to provide a wide range of unique headstone materials that will last for years to come.
One of the most popular options is granite. This durable material is available from most providers and allows for a variety of customizations. Another option is bronze. This material is also durable, rustproof and allows for a variety of customizations.
It’s important to consider the final resting place of your loved one when choosing a headstone. Some cemeteries restrict the type of headstones they allow, so be sure to check with your provider before making a purchase.
In addition to traditional headstone shapes, some people choose to have their loved ones commemorated with grave markers that are shaped like specific hobbies or interests. For example, a fisherman may want to be remembered with a headstone etching of a fishing boat or with a sculpture of a beloved fish. Others may want to honor a music lover with a monument in the shape of their favorite instrument.
Design
A headstone is a physical representation of your loved one’s memory, and it should reflect that person in a very special way. It is a place for families and friends to gather, remember and heal. While it can be difficult to design a memorial that reflects your loved one, it is possible with the help of experienced professionals.
The first step is choosing the material. This includes not only the type of stone but also the color and style. A variety of shapes are available, from traditional uprights and flat markers to slanted or curved styles. Once the stone is chosen, the next step in the design process is identifying the etchings or engravings that will make it unique.
Engravings can include names, dates, inscriptions and symbols that tell a story of your loved one. Etchings can include illustrations, reproductions of artwork or poetry and even maps that showcase their favorite travels.
Lettering can be a key element of headstone design as well. Different fonts convey a different tone and emotion. For example, Comic Sans is a good choice for someone with a playful personality while Edwardian Script is a classic option for those looking for something more formal.
Etchings
Besides a basic headstone, many memorial providers offer stone carvings and etchings that can help tell your loved one’s story. Artwork can express sentiment just as well as words, and it can add a sense of personalization. A likeness of your loved one can be depicted as detailed as a photograph.
Your memorial designer can recommend a type of grave marker to best showcase your artwork. For example, small flat markers might not allow room for a picture, but a companion or upright headstone is usually much larger and can accommodate an image.
A skilled hand etcher can take a scenic picture and turn it into a unique one-of-a-kind portrait on a stone. These are sometimes called photo-etchings and can add incredible character to a memorial.
Other popular etchings include hobbies and interests. For instance, if your loved one was a fisherman, his or her image can be etched into the stone alongside a fishing hook. If your loved one’s faith was a large part of their life, a religious symbol could also be etched into the headstone.
Lettering
In many ways, a headstone is similar to a piece of art. Like a painting, it can showcase the likeness of your loved one or the symbol that best reflects his or her personality traits and accomplishments. For example, a stone craftsman can etch an image of a fisherman on the front of a memorial to honor a loved one’s passion and hobbies.
Unlike calligraphy, which aims for perfection of style, lettering is more like an individual illustration. This is because each letter in a phrase or quote serves a distinct role in the composition. This allows the stone engraver to be creative without the limitations of a single typeface.
For this reason, it is often referred to as “artistic lettering.” It also allows for greater flexibility in arranging the words and the images on a headstone. Depending on the memorial’s layout and the person for whom it is being designed, the stone mason can choose a more elegant script or a bolder approach to the lettering.
Some headstones are not the right size or shape for an image. For instance, a small marker doesn’t have enough space to display a photo alongside the epitaph. This is why some people choose to have a companion headstone design that displays an image of both deceased loved ones on the same stone.
Inscriptions
The inscription is the final element of a headstone and offers an opportunity to truly honour a loved one. Inscriptions are often based on poetry, literature, or even lyrics from songs that the deceased loved. A skilled memorial provider can help with the process of selecting a meaningful epitaph.
When it comes to deciding what should be engraved on a headstone, the most important consideration is that the inscription reflect the person’s character and essence. This can be achieved by using heartfelt words and phrases like “Forever in our hearts” or “In loving memory of”.
Religious quotes also offer comfort for those with a strong spiritual belief. Including a verse like “May angels lead you to paradise where eternal peace resides” can be a very moving tribute for many people.
A headstone inscription can also be used to honor a person’s passions and hobbies. For example, if the deceased was fond of travelling or enjoying new experiences, an epitaph that encapsulates these aspects of their life can be very touching and poignant.
It’s often a good idea to avoid using humor on a headstone, as what may seem witty or humorous to some might be taken the wrong way by others. A softer, more gentle approach is a better choice. In addition to text, etchings or carvings on the stone are a common and popular way of incorporating imagery into a headstone.
Visual Symbols
Symbols and imagery offer an opportunity to honor the unique spirit and essence of your loved one. Common symbols include crosses, hearts, angels, and doves. Other options can highlight a passion or experience, such as musical notes for a musician or a stethoscope for a doctor.
Personalizing a headstone is a deeply personal decision. However, careful consideration of your options will help you create a memorial that captures the memory of your beloved.
Once you have selected a material, shape and size for your memorial, it is time to consider the details. Small, thoughtful additions can tell your loved one’s story and add a sense of character to the monument. For example, a simple font like Varela Round can convey a friendly and affectionate personality, while Comic Sans can be used to communicate a playful personality.
Purchasing a headstone is a significant decision that can impact the longevity of your memorial. It is important to understand the available customization options, timelines and costs to make a informed purchase. Many online manufacturers offer an automatic price calulation, free shipping and a no-obligation design process. It is also a good idea to shop around for prices and quality. You may be surprised at the wide array of choices available to you. Be sure to choose a reputable online manufacturer and always check for secure payment methods. This will protect you from identity theft and scams.