Most people who call me have never hired a stone carver before. That is normal. This page walks through how a custom stone carving commission works at Old World Stone Carving, from the first conversation to the day your piece is installed. I have been taking commissions since 1989, and I still treat every project as its own story.
1. The first call or email. You tell me what you are thinking about: a fireplace surround, an entryway detail, a church capital, a school mascot, or something else entirely. Photos of the space help. So do rough dimensions, even if they are not final. I answer every call, text, and email myself. You can reach me through the Contact page.
2. Design and material choices. We talk about style, stone type, and budget. Limestone, marble, granite, and sandstone each behave differently under the chisel and in different climates. I work in many historical styles and can also develop original designs. If you have a reference photo or an old drawing, bring it. If you only have a general idea, that works too. I often produce sketches before any stone is cut.
3. Shop work and progress photos. Once we agree on a direction, I carve the piece in my Ohio studio. I send progress photos along the way so you can see the work develop. Clients tell me this is one of the most rewarding parts of the process. Watching raw stone turn into something detailed and personal is hard to describe until you have seen it happen.
4. Delivery and installation. I deliver and install work nationwide when the project requires it. Fireplaces, entryways, and large architectural pieces often need on-site fitting. Smaller sculpture and ornament can ship safely when installation is not part of the job. Every commission is different, and we figure out logistics together before work begins.
5. What you can expect as a client. There is no typical commission. Some jobs take weeks, others take months. I have worked with homeowners, architects, churches, schools, and cities across the country. For examples of finished work, browse the carved stone fireplaces gallery or read more about Dale Johnson and the studio behind the work.
If you have a project in mind, even a half-formed one, I would like to hear about it. Call (614) 578-2176 or use the contact page. I look forward to the conversation.