Creative Technique and Philosophy

Signage & Onsite Engraving:

It has been said that a business with no sign is a sign of no business. While this may sound tongue and cheek, there is an underlying truth to it. Take a look at what a difference our commercial signage can make. We think you will find that our mission to provide truly custom products, especially in this regard, will be all the difference you were looking for in creating a lasting piece of signage that mirrors the uniqueness of the business it is created for. Prices on signage projects vary greatly, depending on overall size, texture, and detail but in most cases are comparable if not more competitive than foam and concrete. Nothing says we are a stable business and we plan on being in business for a long time like carving your name into stone.  For more information, please contact us. We believe whole heartedly in providing you with a very personal experience.  While it may be more efficient to do more business with less contact, that philosophy never has made much sense to us. Our goal is to treat you or your company, exactly the same way in which we like to be treated during a transaction. So give us a call, and let us know what we can do for your business

Onsite Engraving:

We are not only proud of what we carve and create in house but also what we can produce on site as well.  Take a look at just a few pictures of onsite engraving projects we have worked on recently.  Whether your project is extremely large, or simply a half days work we will help you find an economical solution.  Please feel free to call us for a full company resume, and or further pictures of projects which are similar in size and scope to what you are working on pricing for.

Brick Programs:

Thank you for your interest in our donation brick program. We have been producing donation bricks for over 30 years for many organizations, schools, churches, cities, etc. Our most common brick is a 4" X 8" "red common" paver. This brick includes 3 lines of text, each line with enough space for 15 letters, or numbers, including spaces. Just to clarify, a space between words or names is included in the total count per line. We also offer other colors and sizes of bricks for a slightly higher price. Granite is also available in pavers, plaques, and large signs. Granite benches and bronze plaques are also very common and enhance the overall beauty and significance of any donation project site. If there is an interest in benches plaques or signage, we would be happy to provide pictures of work we have done in the past, and or sketch a more custom idea that might be desired. Some of our ongoing projects include: Berkeley Reparatory Theatre, the city of Pleasanton downtown area, Amador High School, Piedmont High School, Gomes Elementary School, Alisal Elementary School, Harvest Park Middle School, Allen Temple, and many others. These organizations have literally raised tens of thousands of dollars as a result of this fundraiser that offers a unique and personal sense of permanence to all who purchase them. By simply giving people an opportunity to donate toward the betterment of an area they are so connected to, and essentially allowing their contribution to be permanently displayed, the pleasure they and all others share in the enjoyment of the area becomes truly priceless. If we can be of any further assistance to you please do not hesitate to give us a call. Included in a packet available at your request are some sample order forms that have been very successful for other schools, churches and organizations in the past. We hope this will provide you with the information you need to get your donation brick program off the ground.

Garden Art:

Carvings

These carvings are truly one of kind pieces. While our designs are inspired by the work of Isamu Naguchi, Will Edmundson and Charlie Hunt to name a few, our goal is to make our own small mark in the stone industry. All of the men who have come before, both recognized and unknown, have truly paved the way for a company like On the Rocks. There is no way to give enough credit to all of the talented stone carvers that have provided us with shape, textures and designs that seem to defy possibility. These are the pieces that tug on our creative heartstrings and inspire us to continue on this journey. Truly, all of the work we have been fortunate enough to enjoy, and people we have been able to work with along the way has really given us the inspiration to continue doing what we do. 

We try to create unusual shapes, critters and creations that will provide not only a focal point for any yard or walkway, but also a distinct yet subtle presence of art. These pieces, like everything we do at On the Rocks, are in some ways a statement. Displaying them in your yard or walkway truly says something about you. All of us appreciate hand crafted art because; on some level it speaks to us unlike the mass-produced knickknacks we find in chain stores. Take pride in the fact that you not only appreciate the work, but are willing to display the pieces that move you and share them with others. Trust us; the reactions to your pieces will be truly priceless.

Bird Baths:

Each of our bird baths are completely original pieces. Essentially, the piece/s you will enjoy for years to come will forever be a one of a kind. The materials used are primarily granite, and specifically selected for their distinctiveness. The designs are all unique in that they are chosen to fit the stone, allowing the natural beauty of the stone to become intertwined with what we do to the piece. The goal is for the two to become one, without either detracting from the other. As Isamu Naguchi once said, you have to just "let the stone be the stone." We hope as you look at these pieces you will be able to see in the finished product how we are able to accomplish this not so easy feat. While these pieces take on all shapes, sizes, textures and prices, We are confident you will be able to find which works best for you, your style, and space.

The prices of our bird baths vary greatly, but we hope that a quick look at the Prices page will give you a good understanding of which pieces closest fit your price range. Commissions are welcome, but know that our work is very free form. That is to say, each custom piece truly evolves as it is being worked on, and sometimes that means stopping, stepping back, and realizing that the stone is just done being worked, and ready to be appreciated for what it has become rather than what else we can do to it.

Benches:

Like everything we do at Bras & Mattos Monuments, our benches are all one of kind pieces. They come in all shapes sizes and textures, and generally speaking, are carved in such a way that there is usually space left available for engraving if so desired. That said they generally carved in such a way that they are truly beautiful and functional pieces with or without engraving. However, the option of an inscription we find is important in that it adds a very personalized touch for those who prefer it. Commissions are of course welcome, but remember that our work is truly free form. That is to say, each custom piece truly evolves as it is being worked on, and sometimes that means stopping, stepping back, and realizing that the stone is done, and ready to be appreciated for what it has become rather than what else we can do to it.

River Rocks:

Engraved river rocks are truly a unique gift for any and all special occasions. This company was started with the intent of providing completely unique and custom creations for people looking for a "that's it" kind of gift! We welcome custom orders, and more than happy to discuss any ideas you might have. Most commonly we find that these are so popular many customers purchase a few for themselves as well.

Like any custom purchase, we think it is extremely important that you know exactly how the rocks are chosen, and engraved. We pride ourselves on selecting only the best rocks, based on the size, texture and overall beauty. Each rock is chosen not only for its uniqueness, but also for the word/s and or design that will ultimately be engraved on it. It is important to keep in mind that prices will vary greatly depending on the size of the rock and how much detail is desired. Be sure to check out our Prices page that goes into more specific detail about how each rock is priced, and why.

After the rock has been chosen, cleaned, and is ready for inscribing, the real work is virtually done. The reason being, we think it is most important to find the right rock for the right design. A layer of stencil filler (rock glue) is applied to the stone in order to stick the rubber stencil that the word/s and or design will be hand cut into for the inscribing process to begin. The words are transferred onto the rock, and hand cut out, letter by letter line by line with a stencil knife all by hand. When the word/s and or design is cut, the exposed stone can then be engraved after the remaining exposed area's are all taped off to avoid over spray. The sand essentially cuts the exposed stone, and bounces off the remaining rubber. It is a very time consuming process, but when done right produces a final product unlike any other. Depending on the clarity and visibility of the finished letters, a very small amount of paint or clear coat is then applied if necessary to really make the "word/s or design pop!" The stones are then stripped of the rubber and tape, cleaned with an environmentally friendly solvent, washed again with fresh water, and ready to be enjoyed. Just take a look around in our Engraved Rocks link; we're pretty confident you like what you see, and look forward to assisting you with any and all or your orders.