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Stone Design Portfolio

2009-01-15T14:13:00.004-06:00

Carved Stone Creations - Stone Design Portfolio

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“Stone is our passion”
Inside and out, set your project apart with the timeless elegance, beauty and sophistication of natural stone. Specializing in custom architectural stone and bronze, we pride ourselves in creating the most unique and extraordinary luxury home embellishments found anywhere.
As your global stone source from design through completion, we’ll work with you every step along the way to ensure you only get the highest quality custom stonework for your home. Our talented team of designers will craft your vision utilizing a full suite of advanced design software. The approved model is then hand-sculpted by some of the world’s best stone carvers, working with your choice of exquisite natural stones from around the world. Nothing creates a more dramatic presence than the look of natural stone defining your home or Business.

For more information contact our design center:
Carved Stone Creations, Inc.
2101 Progress Way, Kaukauna, WI 54130 866-759-1920 info@CarvedStoneCreations.com
www.CarvedStoneCreations.com
STONE DESIGN PORTFOLIO, VOL. I

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The owners of Carved Stone Creations gather inspiration from around the world to create many of the pieces in the showroom. The international collection of stone colors and designs available to you allow for virtually limitless possibilities.

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Like a visit to the Colosseum of ancient Rome, the great room of this residence boasts a travertine colonnade. In addition, a pair of fourteen-foot Corinthian columns flanks the magnificent two- story fireplace.

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The attention to detail we provide on your project is unsurpassed. An exquisite stone fountain is sure to add beauty and enjoyment to your surroundings. At Carved Stone Creations, we will guide you through each step of the design process by creating either a classical reproduction or custom design.

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Carved Stone Creations was involved as soon as preliminary renderings were completed on this Tuscan estate. The plan required dozens of structural solid granite columns and a twenty- five ton carved marble staircase. This required early involvement, as collaboration with the architect and structural engineers was critical.

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This residential exterior illustrates several examples of granite cladding, balustrades, and columns available to enhance your home. Notice the custom curved panels in both honed and rock-face finishes. The granite veneer is available as thin as ¾".

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Each of the thirty-three meticulously hand-carved panels on this marble staircase feature designs modeled after the owner’s own history and interests. The sheer scale of this gorgeous staircase is awe-inspiring.

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Carved Stone Creations can provide for all your natural stone needs. This great room features a carved staircase, flooring, fireplace among other architectural details.

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Decorative stone range hoods are an easy way to redefine the kitchen and can be complemented with stone corbels, columns, or even a fireplace.

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The Isis Gold limestone accents shown here are an example of combining stone and wood into a luxurious unique design.

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Our limitless selection of natural stone sinks is sure to embellish any kitchen, bathroom, or remodel project. The fiery marble featured gives the warm glow of a vibrant sunset.

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Created with your personal style in mind, our designers will impress you with our custom, hand carved natural stone tubs. For a lasting warm soak, heating elements can be installed to preheat your stone bath.

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A water jet cut medallion will provide your floor or tabletop with a design made with unsurpassed intricacy and precision. Available in an array of colors and customized to your exact requirements.

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A Golden Orient travertine stone staircase graces this home with its elegance and splendor as it winds downstairs.

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The rich and varied color of this stone staircase, with bowed travertine treads and risers, are a perfect complement to the thin stone veneer wrapping the walls. Combining Old World warmth with contemporary design, interlocking Serengeti Gold quartzite can be installed vertically around a curved wall.

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A natural stone fireplace will add warmth and depth to any room, and will not go unnoticed. Let your home convey an old world charm with a handcrafted stone fireplace surround.

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Travertine is the most popular stone type for interior uses, especially in fireplaces, columns, and flooring. The intricately carved details and family crest make this fireplace a family heirloom.

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Adorn your game room or study with the ennobling influence of classical statuary or a finely detailed renaissance-themed fireplace.

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Your personalized one-of-a-kind fireplace from Carved Stone Creations is designed with impeccable detail to minimize, if not completely eliminate unsightly seams. Full-length hearths and mantels, hidden seams in shadow lines, and mitered corners are just a few of the qualities you will find in your stone fireplace.

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Carved granite architectural accents will add interest to your home, and can be full-faced or veneer to meet your specifications.

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Natural stone pavers have been popular since the dawn of civilization. Carved Stone Creations brings you unique sizes to emulate any design including our own Palatial Versailles pattern with sizes up to two foot by three foot.

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This unique raised patio features a twenty-eight foot diameter gazebo with a stainless steel decorative dome. Oversized blocks were quarried especially for the nearly eleven foot long granite beams to span across each of the eight Corinthian columns.

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Adding a focal point to your garden or landscape will truly make an elegant statement by providing both a functional and aesthetic purpose. This can be achieved not only with gazebos, but with statuary, birdbaths, and other custom designs.

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At Carved Stone Creations, we truly embrace the beauty and culture of Asian inspired pieces, as most of the artisans who hand carve our pieces have passed down this talent for thousands of years.

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From abstract art or classical statuary to life-size zoo animals, we will create any form of handcrafted statuary you desire. From a conceptual sketch or photo, we will create your unique masterpiece.

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Appreciate your granite fountain year round, exposed to even the coldest climates. Your fountain will maintain its functionality and timeless grandeur for generations to enjoy.

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Granite is typically the preferred stone choice for outdoor fountains and landscaping décor, mainly due to its minimal maintenance and unmatched durability.

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Wall fountains transcend ordinary design to make an elegant statement. Classical and contemporary designs in both residential and commercial projects create a tranquil and serene environment for all to enjoy.

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At Carved Stone Creations, we collaborate with designers and architects to provide custom commercial stonework in addition to our residential designs. Projects include interior and exterior stone cladding, wall fountains, flooring, and hotel bathroom vanities.

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Welcome to our stone studio and design center where you will experience our diverse offerings even before you step foot into our world-class showroom. Besides being all natural stone, each of these photos have one thing in common; they are all on the same building.

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Our design process of this grand marble staircase Each detailed panel drawing, in addition to the began with preliminary hand sketches. From four unique newel posts, required a full-scale clay this concept, our designers developed a three- model for approval prior to carving any actual dimensional model of the entire structure. stone.

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This special commission reproduction began with Special planning was required prior to photographing both the original piece and estate construction to coordinate the integrated site. A preliminary computer model was created to lighting and plumbing with the crushing weight determine the correct scale. Once approved, our of this fountain. More than eighty tons of designers created detailed shop drawings of every hand-carved granite was used to construct this piece ensuring a precision fit during installation. magnificent fountain.

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Since its inception, Carved Stone Creations Inc. has been committed to offering a unique service to its clients by integrating personalized designs with hand-sculpted stone and bronze products from around the world. The company uses extensive research and development; coupled with three- dimensional computer visualization software to create the most luxurious home embellishments found anywhere. It is our belief that by continuing to bring such an innovative service, that our corporation will achieve continued growth and expansion.

Carved Stone Creations features real stone architecture at the International Builders’ Show

2008-10-09T14:16:00.003-05:00

Carved Stone Creations, Inc. - an innovative design firm and direct importer of natural stone products from around the world – will be showcasing genuine architectural stone products at the International Builders’ Show at Las Vegas in January 2009.

The massive stone display created by Carved Stone Creations for the show features a stone exterior façade flanked by a photo gallery and Roman-style bath. The façade includes stately custom-carved granite door and window surrounds matched with a thin veneer stone cladding.

A granite exterior will outlast generations and is a premier choice among the most magnificent estates around the world – especially in colder climates. With new lightweight thin veneers, natural stone exteriors are becoming increasingly popular choices for new home construction and are also an ideal choice for remodel projects.

As you are drawn to the display, your eyes fix upon the luxurious hand-carved marble soaking tub framed by a pair of solid travertine columns and archway. The flooring is all natural stone tile including Carved Stone Creations’ own exclusive Palatial Versailles travertine flooring with sizes up to 24” x 36”.

The opposite face of the island display features an intricate relief-carved marble balustrade and elegant hand-carved stone fireplace surround. A large HDTV looping an inspiring slideshow set to music crowns the fireplace.

For more information on the range of available products - including bronze fountains and statuary, visit the company’s website at www.CarvedStoneCreations.com or stop by booth N1435 to pick up a DVD-ROM filled with high-resolution photos.

IBS-Show-PressRelease09.pdf

Yearn to Burn

2008-01-21T13:34:00.002-06:00

Luxury Living: Area experts offer tips on how to create the perfect fireplace.

Written By: Lisa Strandberg

Elemental and wild, fire attracts us with its warmth, glow and power. It’s no wonder so many of us want a little piece of it in our homes.

“Want” is the operative word when modern-day homeowners choose a fireplace type and surround style, according to Steve Boegh, owner of Fox Valley Stone and Brick Company, which has showrooms in Neenah and DePere.

“People don’t talk about affordability, they talk about want.” He says, adding that a typical customer’s perspective is, “This is one time around for me. This is my dream home.”

To ensure a homeowner will love the reality of a fireplace as much as his or her dream of it, Boegh advises to shop early. “It’s not just for Christmas anymore,” he says.

Homeowners should determine precisely what they want in a fireplace prior to the design process. The reason? As passionate as a homeowner may become about including a fireplace in a new or existing home, practical considerations come into play, including the ability of a structure to support the weight of a fireplace and its decorative elements.

“The builder needs to know from the homeowner up front if they’re going to add a stone fireplace surround,” says Wess Ripley, vice president of Carved Stone Creations in Kaukauna, which sells custom-carved products made of natural stone. “All stone is going to be heavy.”

A clever remodeling contractor can work around weighty issues like these when adding a fireplace to an existing home, especially if the addition is made above a vacant space in the basement where supportive structures can be installed. Alternatively, says Ripley, “We’ve designed fireplaces that look massive but are basically built out with studs and sheet rock, and we clad it with slabs to give it the illusion of a big fireplace.”

The necessary venting also factors into locating a fireplace. Running a chimney through, say, the middle of the master bedroom wouldn’t appeal to most homeowners.

Lifestyle matters, too, in selecting the core of the fireplace – a wood-, gas- or pellet-burning firebox. “When people come to us, we ask them some leading questions, “Boegh says, listing several- “How do you live? Are you just home on the weekends? Do you want your fireplace to be aesthetic, or do you want it to be functional?”

With fireplaces that burn wood or pellets, replenishing the fuel requires more time and effort than some homeowners can spare. For others, nothing but the crackle of a wood fire will do. For those often away from home, the convenience of a thermostat-controlled, gas-burning fireplace that will keep a home heated and prevent plumbing from freezing during a power outage trumps all.

With the size, shape and function of a fireplace determined, homeowners shift their attention to its appearance. Often, that process begins with selection of firebox design elements.

“People demand everything from pewter to copper,” says Boegh of the hardware enclosing the firebox. Interiors available for any type of fireplace range from metal to brick to natural stone, depending on customer preference.

But the place where most homeowners focus their decision-making energy is the same place they will later focus their eyes – on the fireplace surround. With the façade, “the only limit is your imagination,” says Ryan Schleihs, owner of Cast Stone Studios in Greenville. The company custom-molds fireplace surrounds and other products from concrete.

“You can inlay different types of metal or glass. It’s a really versatile product that you can customize to your home,” Schleihs says.

So, too, is stone, with which Ripley says homeowners can do “absolutely anything,” assuming they’ve planned ahead with their architects and builders.

“A lot of times, it helps if they just bring in a picture from a magazine,” Ripley says. That image can help narrow options like whether the hearth should be elevated or flush with floor and takes a homeowner a long way toward selecting a material.

Travertine, marble, granite and limestone have proven popular with stone-loving homeowners in recent years. Each has its own character, which an appropriate design will enhance.

As the stone used to create Rome’s Coliseum, for example, travertine lends a timeless, Old World look to a surround. Its naturally pitted texture works best with simple lines rather than highly detailed designs. Marble, on the other hand, has a fine grain that artisans can sculpt into virtually any shape without loss of detail.

Again, a homeowner’s wants – and his or her bank account – determine what’s possible in terms of a fireplace surround, which can span anywhere from a yard or two to 20 feet or more.

Ripley says his company’s projects range in cost from about $4,000 to upwards of $40,000, depending on material, design and shipping requirements.

“We could have a fireplace carved in China where the stone is quarried in Brazil,” he says.

The prices of Schleihs’ designs also vary according to complexity. An array of thin concrete panels with limited detail might cost several hundred dollars, while a tall surround with columns and curves requiring a custom mold could run $10,000 or more.

Homeowners also have the option of brick or stone surrounds, which have become more customized in recent years.

“The biggest trend that I have seen is more complicated looks in mixing of materials and definitely more stone as opposed to brick,” Boegh says.

Integrating space for a television in the fireplace surround also represents a growing trend. “A lot of people are doing it because the fireplace it the focal point, and what’s the point of putting a fireplace in the room and turning your back to it to watch TV?” Boegh says.

Whatever you want – to watch the fire and your favorite show at the same time, to bring flames to life with the flip of a switch or to gaze upon something ultra-modern (or utterly ageless) – a fireplace can offer exactly that.

Carved Creations

2008-01-21T10:35:00.002-06:00

Building Stone Magazine, Fall 2007 – A Publication of Building Stone Institute

Written By: Stephanie Aurora Lewis

Gardens, parks, town centers and plazas are important to a city’s infrastructure. They create an environment that is suitable – and often even inspirational – for social interaction. The imagery of natural stone and its ability to endure in outdoor conditions for hundreds of years makes it an ideal material for these place-making features such as monuments, fountains, benches and sculptures. The stone carvers who create these sculpted pieces exhibit true handicraft as defined by William Morris during the Arts and Crafts Movement in England at the end of the 19^th century.

Outdoor Sculpture

In Chicago, the Millennium Monument elegantly marks the end of a tree-lined Wrigley Square lawn space in Millennium Park. Similar to Central Park in New York City, the lawn was designed as an inviting space for visitors to relax and to stroll along adjacent walking paths. The beautiful, 40-foot-tall Peristyle monument is composed of Doric columns and includes inscriptions by the founders of Millennium Park in its base. Bybee Stone Company Inc. of Bloomington, Ind., carved the monument out of Indiana limestone.

California features a fountain so stunning that the prince of Saudi Arabia once asked the designer and carver – Bakerfield’s House of Stone, Inc. – if the fountain could be disassembled and shipped to his country. Amazed at this request, House of Stone’s owner Eric Dobbs advised the prince that the weight and size of the fountain (60 feet in circumference) would make air travel difficult and expensive. Still persistent, the prince requested an actual cost estimate for the fountain’s transport. When the figure came in at more than $185,000, the prince decided instead to purchase the fountain’s eight-page set of plans so that he could have it replicated in Saudi Arabia.

House of Stone also creates fountains for the bold Las Vegas strip – a place well known for outstanding outdoor sculpture. Dobbs states that a hand-carved fountain of natural stone, accented with a water and light show, is so visually stunning that it actually competes with the excitement of Las Vegas. House of Stone Inc. is completing much of the stone carving currently in progress for The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino.

Natural Stone for Outdoor Installations

Understanding natural stone is a science and an art. Robert Ripley of Carved Stone Creations from Kaukauna, WI, extensively researches different qualities of natural stone and what happens to these natural stones when installed outdoors. He reports that the greatest amount of detail can be created with marble, a material that can showcase subtleties of fabric and specific features, such as hair, on a sculpture. Granite, Ripley explains, has a tendency to chip off more easily during the carving process, making small details more difficult to highlight. Ripley describes the difference between carving in marble and granite like the difference between using clay and wet beach sand for a creation.

Marble is not often highly recommended for outdoor locations, however, because of the damage that can occur to the stone from freeze/thaw cycles. If marble is used outdoors, it needs to be sealed in the fall during the dry season so that moisture penetration does not occur during the winter and spring seasons. Though it seems insignificant, moisture can penetrate into marble’s microscopic veins and cause significant damage if it starts to expand during a freezing bout. Additionally, minerals in marble fade over time from ultraviolet rays breaking down their colors. When marble is used outdoors, it will weather and consequently show a patina quality – a color some find very beautiful.

Conversely, granite is an idyllic material for sculptures located outside; it will endure the elements twice as long as marble. Granite also is the most resistant to freeze/thaw cycles because its moisture absorption rate is between 1 percent and 3 percent [Correction: the absorption of granite is 0.02-0.4%]. Further, the colors in granite will not fade in ultraviolet light because its colors were “baked” into the stone during its formation through the lava process.

Jerry Williams, owner of Barre Sculpture Studios in Montpelier, VT, states that certain considerations are necessary to protect granite when it is combined with elements such as electricity, water, and fire. Williams conceived, engineered, and carved a breathtaking piece that combines granite and fire. One of Barre’s clients requested a table that could be used for an annual father and son camp out. The table would be used near a campfire. Williams proposed a sensational idea with the fire actually be located inside the table. The project is eight feet in diameter and made of Dakota Mahogany granite. The center has a custom-made iron fire pit with bronze lid. The granite is insulated to protect the structural integrity of the stone from the heat of the fire.

Stone Supplier Expands Facility

2006-08-04T13:32:00.002-05:00

STONE IS OUR PASSION

The Post-Crescent, Appleton-Fox Cities-Sunday, July 30, 2006

Written By: Judy Waggoner

Who: Carved Stone Creations Inc. opened for business in 2004. From its 10,000-square-foot Kaukauna facility, the company’s six employees and occasional sub-contractors design, import and install all types of architectural detail stone, such as fireplace surrounds, columns, fountains and statuary.

“We are reviving a lot of things people thought they couldn’t have, but if money is an issue, stone is not going to replace brick and concrete,” said Carved Stone Creations’ owner Rob Ripley.

Ripley, 52, worked in construction for 10 years, but had earned a degree in structural architecture from Northwest Technical College in 1974.

“If you really learned it, it’s still there”, Ripley said.

When Building a subdivision northwest of green bay, Ripley put fountains in all the cul-de-sacs. He chose granite over concrete fountains because granite lasts longer.

“In order to get the quality we wanted, we had to import granite fountains from China,” Ripley said.

What: Chinese craftsmen have carved granite fountains for 8,000 years, Ripley said.

“It’s a unique product and they can put a lot of people to work carving stone,” he said.

In mid-April Ripley broke ground on a 23,000-square-foot addition to the Kaukauna facility, doubling the size of the company’s showroom – Stone Studio – and increasing the warehouse space.

Keller is framing the structure, which is expected to be usable in August. Carved Stone will take up to a year to finish applying the cladding, or exterior thin stone veneer.

Why it’s important: Ripley designed the addition to have four different stone facades – two contemporary, one resembling a Medieval castle and a full-scale replica – 36 feet high by 64 feet wide – of the Alamo “without shell holes”.

When visiting the Alamo, Ripley bought construction plans in a gift shop and took about 300 photos.

“The detail is blown away from the assault it took; it was bombarded for days by cannon fire,” he said.

Ripley chose the Alamo because “it is very recognizable” and he wanted to show that his company could duplicate any style that a customer wants.

“Stone is our passion,” Ripley said.

For more information:

Carved Stone Creations Inc.
2101 Progress Way, Kaukauna WI 54130

920-759-1920
www.carvedstonecreations.com

Gallery of Homes Featured Business

2006-08-04T13:13:00.001-05:00

FROM CUSTOM FOUNTAINS AND FIREPLACE SURROUNDINGS TO STONE FLOORING AND COLUMNS, MAKE A STATEMENT OF DISCERNING TASTE BY BRINGING YOUR IDEAS TO CARVED STONE CREATIONS

Green Bay Press Gazette – April 20, 2006
Written By: K. Conard

The quality and uniqueness of stone adds value to any project. From custom fountains and fireplace surrounds to stone flooring and columns, make a statement of discerning taste by bringing your ideas to Carved Stone Creations.

Carved Stone Creations (CSC) began as an idea about four years ago and opened its million-dollar show room in July 2004. The owners of CSC, Rob and Eileen Ripley, (developers of the Lake Sandia subdivision just forth of Pulaski), designed and built six carved granite fountains in the cul-de-sacs of their subdivision. The enjoyment of this creative experience and the passion for stones elegance, beauty and durability sparked the idea to offer their expertise to the public.

As a former building contractor, Rob used natural stone in several of his high-end construction projects. Having this experience and product knowledge brings the versatility of addressing any issues you may have in your own projects.

“There is no other company like us. Our clients come to us with their unique ideas and we bring them to life carved in stone.”

Rob, former past president of the Brown County Home Builders Association (BCHBA), has been actively involved in the association since 1993. Construction industry knowledge, leadership skills, and enduring friendships have been attained as being a pert of this organization.

Currently, a stone’s most popular use in the home is counter top surfacing followed by stone flooring in foyers. As several of the CSC’s projects show, the entire home now has an opportunity to indulge in custom stonework. Many homes are now including exotic stone vessel sinks in the master bath or guest bath, real marble columns or and elegant European-styled fireplace in the great room. Outside, homes are now set apart by including exterior stone cladding, carved stone architectural accents and slate roofing.

Carved Stone Creations’ forte is in the custom-design process. Assisted by cutting edge design technology and software, we are frequently called on to take photos or any combination of design elements to create a unique fountain sculpture, column or fireplace surround that satisfies the diverse tastes of our clients. Once the design is approved and stone-type and color has been specified, we commission expert carvers in China to carve each item from quarried blocks of stone. Often, the items are so big and uniquely shaped that installation inside a home demands just as much creativity as the initial design process. We also offer unique and exclusive stones such as Burlwood sandstone, Serengeti Gold and Tahitian Pearl quartzite, which clients can only find here.

Warmer weather has increased the interest in outdoor granite sculptures including estate fountains and luxurious carved belvederes. Rob and Eileen recently participated the Milwaukee Realtors home and garden show and dazzled the attendees with an incredible $150,000 Asian-inspired courtyard. The display featured a 20-foot wide moon gate topped with two intricately carved 10-foot dragons, a natural jade table patio set placed on the quartzite pavers, a tiered fountain and numerous amazing hand carved granite pieces!

It is very important to the staff at Carved Stone Creations to inform our clients about the properties of the stone they are considering for a project and to make sure it is an appropriate selection. There is no such thing as a “bad stone” only an inappropriate use of that stone.

Carved Stone Creation’s membership in the Marble Institute of America (MIA) helps keep the company informed on the important trade issues and current trends. The Ripley’s attend annual stone industry events and trade shows in addition to many educational seminars sponsored by the MIA.

“We are direct importers, therefore our pricing is very reasonable. In an effort to encourage more use of natural stone, we pass these savings on to our customers. Stone has become much more affordable now than ever in the past – and will always remain a solid value.”

Carved Stone Creations’ prime location and referrals from satisfied customers have lead to such an increase in sales that a 23,000 square foot addition is being added to the building. Visit their showroom at 2101 Progress Way, in Kaukauna. You can also visit their website at: www.carvedstonecreations.com

To find out how they can take your ideas and put them into stone, call toll free, 866-759-1920. Stone is enduring, leave a legacy in stone and Carved Stone Creations can help. After all, they are the “pillars of the imagination”.

Turned to Stone

2006-07-24T14:36:00.002-05:00

FROM MOSAICS TO MARBLE, KAUKAUNA'S CARVED STONE CREATIONS IS A SHOPPING MUSEUM FOR THOSE SEEING UNIQUE STONE STYLES

Fox Cities Panache – Spring 2005
Written By: Jill Zimanek

Jaime Filtzkowski gazes down at a sample of coffee-colored travertine, pretty certain that this is what she wants in her new home.

“I love it. It's very, very nice. Ceramic is out. I want this for my flooring. I've wanted it for a long time. And I want it around my fireplace,” she says, adding she's also getting a granite counter top for her kitchen.

Filtzkowski is perusing the myriad of stone samples – granite, limestone, marble, slate, sandstone, onyx and travertine of every color – found at Carved Stone Creations in Kaukauna. Everything in the building, including the building itself, is made of stone. The outside is covered in quartzite slate. Standing out front of the building are statuary lions, a horse, monkeys and other animals, along with fountains, stone tables and paved walkways.

Inside it looks like a museum with its enormous carved black marble staircase, various tone floors, carved fireplaces and indoor sculptures. Mosaics don the walls along with silk oriental rugs.

“It's great to come in here, if anything just to look,” Filtzkowski says. “And the owners are very nice, very helpful. They know what your plans are and can give you a good idea of what you need.”

Owned by Rob and Eileen Ripley, the business opened in July 2004, making many Fox Valley builders' lives much easier.

“There is no other place comparable to Carved Stone Creations in this area,” says Charles Wolski, owner of Aberdeen Homes. “They have a wide variety of stone that can be molded into anything you want and purchased at reasonable prices. They provide services and goods that are one of the best in the country. You can visit their showroom and have everything at your finger tips. It's great for a builder.”

“I never could have afforded quartz and marble before in my homes because it was too expensive. Now, whatever your heart's desire, they can order and do it for you. They can duplicate designs on houses in stone that were impossible to pay for in the past,” Wolski continues. “The fact that you can buy anything reasonable in stone makes Carved Stone Creations special all around.”

Owner, Rob Ripley, a building contractor, has had a longstanding passion for stone. After completing six granite fountains in the cul de sac of a subdivision he was developing, Rob and his wife decided to go into the stone business.

“Anything you ever wanted handcrafted out of stone, we can do,” Eileen says. “Stone columns, statuary, memorials, gravestones, fountains, fireplace surrounds, sinks, counter tops, flooring…we have a little of everything.”

Shaynette Baxter, one of Wolski's clients, is using Carved Stone Creations sandstone both inside and outside of her home.

“We have sandstone columns on the outside of our house to breakup the brick and a sandstone entrance around the front door. We thought it would be beautiful to bring that inside, so we have two fireplace fronts out of sandstone and two pillars inside, “ Baxter says.

One of the most unusual requests Carved Stone Creations has had thus far is for the creation of an urn made of white marble to look exactly like the deceased's country line-dancing boot.

“The woman was dying and wanted to see it before she died. It was an unusual request, but we satisfied it,” Eileen says.

Set in Stone

2006-07-24T09:05:00.002-05:00

Carved Stone Creations to offer a fantasy in granite.

THE POST-CRESCENT – FOX VALLEY INC.

May, 2006 - BY: MAUREEEN WALLENFANG

KAUKAUNA - It's part Egypt, part Fantasyland and very hard to miss!

Carved Stone Creations' new stone studio, visible from U.S.41 is already drawing surprised reactions from passersby and it isn't even open yet – that will happen sometime early next month.

The eccentric business which will sell fountains, statues and architectural details made of stone, stands out like a quirky oasis on the north side of an otherwise ordinary industrial stretch of highway going through the city.

It boasts an elaborate quartzite slate façade and two-story solid granite columns with porticos. Its grounds are home to gazebos, fountains and statues that include Atlas, Buddha and at least one mermaid.

Carved Stone Creations' owners, Rob and Eileen Ripley, wanted to indulge their fantasies to show potential business and residential clients that nearly anything can be carved out of stone.

“You want cupids? You want snakes? You want flowers and vines?” Rob asked. “There is no limit. We're showing the extremes because we want to show all the possibilities. We wanted to be fancier than any five-star hotel, beyond anything you can imagine!”

Much of it, he acknowledges, is over the top and inspired by exotic things the well-traveled couple found while globetrotting.

“You wouldn't do this on a residence,” he said, referring to the diamond pattern polished granite on the building's exterior. “We're just trying to get your attention!”

The $1 million, 10,000 – square-foot building itself was “inspired by Luxor,” said Eileen. “At the same time, we try to do things that people will actually use,” Rob said as he displayed drawings for the studio's staircase, which is still under construction. “Will I sell many staircases? Probably not. But someone might like its relief carving.”

Inside, the studio displays many understated natural stone products and architectural details like elegant marble tiles starting at $7 a square foot, fireplace surrounds, graceful vessel sinks for bathrooms and classic mosaic flooring.

“It's going to be wonderful,” said Deborah Brahm, designer for Distinctive Design of Green Bay. ‘This area needs a business like this.”

Town of Greenville supervisor, Andy Peters, didn't wait until CSC's doors were open. He saw the building under construction and walked through the mud to get information on fountains.

Ultimately, the town and sesquicentennial committee asked CSC to make a stately 11-foot-tall, three-tiered granite fountain topped with a carved eagle for the Jennerjohn Park on State Hwy 15. It will be purchased with private donations. “We wanted something unique and I did a lot of research on the internet. I found this to be reasonably priced. Their prices were comparable to concrete, so this was a much, much better buy because it will last!”

The $21,000 fountain is scheduled to arrive in July and will be the focal point of the new walking trail that connects all three parks, the YMCA and two schools.

Perishable vs. nonperishable

The Ripleys come from a real estate development/construction background and also own Ripley Inc., based in Krakow . Before that, they farmed for many years.

“I could see the writing on the walls as far as farming goes,” Rob said. “It was not a problem to grow, it was a problem selling. There wasn't the return.”

Centralized distribution patterns meant the smaller farmer had a tough time. They ended up throwing out or donating a lot of unsold food. “We ended up farming for the food banks,” Eileen said.

Ten years ago, they moved into real estate development and then construction using Rob's background in structural architecture. He currently is president of the Brown County Home Builders Association.

The idea of going into stone importing came about when they had a tough time finding the high-end fountains they envisioned for a development called Lake Sandia, north of Pulaski. They didn't want cast fountains, but rather carved granite that would stand the test of time.

When they found what they wanted, they also opened a new market. The Ripleys moved completely away from the perishable world of farming into nonperishables; most notably granite.

Because of Wisconsin winters, they focus on granite for exterior fountains and statues. They don't sell marble for exterior use – it's too porous and better suited to warm climates – or molded cement statues, which Rob said show significant damage in as little as 5 years from freezing and thawing. Granite, however, will last for many lifetimes!

Their decision to open in the Fox Cities was based solely on availability of the very visible location. “If not, we would have looked on the interstate near Chicago,” Rob said. “ We needed 62,000 cars driving past every day. This way, we force the builder to come here because the consumer saw us. We're working it backwards.”

Learning curve

Fond of their farming days, the Ripley's retained their work ethic, which means it's normal to put in 70 hour workweeks. They learned the eccentric world of importing, in which a shipment might be delayed as much as two weeks going through customs. “We import hand carvings from Asia because it's one of the few place there are artisans left to do it.” Rob said. “There aren't the same kinds of artisans here in the United States . They don't exist.”

They import stone and tiles from South America, India, Pakistan, Italy, Turkey and Mexico .

Wess Ripley, their son, does graphic design for the firm. His drawings for the mezzanine relief panels, for example, are currently in Asia being carved to his specifications.

The Ripley's figure their work will be a natural fit for commercial users. But at the same time, they know individuals often have ideas of something special they want for a garden or an entryway to a home.

Deborah Brahm of Ashwaubenon went to the Ripley's to find a sculpture for her garden and instead ended up ordering both a gazebo and a fountain.

“When I saw this gazebo, I thought it was like a sculpture that you could sit in. It's beautiful and ties in with the columns inside my house,” Brahm said. “I like the style, the low maintenance and the fact that it is made of natural materials, which is what's going on in design right now.”

Expressive Entryways

2006-07-21T14:31:00.002-05:00

Grand staircases, carved stone, mosaics make for memorable first impressions

Marketplace-Spring Homes of Distinction 2005
By: Cheryl Hentz

Your home’s entryway; it’s the first thing guests see when they arrive and it sets the tone for the rest of the house.

In reality, the entryway may be the farthest point many visitors get into your home. What that means is those visitors’ first impression of you and your home could very well be their last. Your home’s entryway determines the statement you make to those temporary guests.

Is it any wonder that more and more people are investing money and personal touches into their home’s foyer?

Artfully designed doors, stonework and pillars can add drama to the outside. In the foyer, mosaic floor designs, polished wood and decorative lighting can heighten the effect. To make an impression in a big way, some homeowners choose the classic design element of a grand staircase as a foyer centerpiece.

“We used to sell what we call standard stairways for maybe an 8-foot high ceiling and with maybe 14-foot risers. They would cost anywhere between $5,000 and $15,000,” says Sharon Kressin, co-owner of Arcways in Neenah. “Now, we’re seeing people go to a real high-end market – at least at our company. Everything is very custom. The medium price range is probably $25,000 to $35,000. It’s not unusual to have jobs that are over $100,000. The complexion of the business has really changed over the years.”

She says that in many cases people are designing their own stairways to compliment their personal taste and desires. It’s not just in how the stairway looks; it’s how they’re crafted as well.

“We’re talking everything from exotic types of wood for us to use, different handrails, balusters and so forth, for their own personal look.” Kressin explains, “Some are very wide open, some have very tight curves and some of the stairways are s-shaped. They are all very unique design, depending on their personal taste. It’s endless as to what can be done!”

“Wrought-iron balusters are really hot. They’ve been popular for a few years now,” Kressin says, and she sees their popularity growing. Some specialty balusters are also imported from Spain and Italy to meet clients’ needs. “They’re hand-carved and have a real unique design. They’re a very hot item right now, too. People seem to want a very ornate look,” Kressen says.

One other trend Kressin says they’re seeing people requesting stone treads and risers on their stairways. “We use marble, travertine or granite. That’s a whole other look and they may faux paint the skirt boards to look like they’re stone. Then we’ll put a fancy wood turning from Spain on the stairway and create an elaborate look,” she says.

Decorative tile floors are also becoming more prevalent; especially in entryways. Tile colors run the gamut. “The entryway is the area everybody sees right away, so people tend to be a bit more daring,” says Kathy Conard, co-owner of CTI of Wisconsin (Concrete Technology, Inc.). “And they’re using a little bit more of the darker colors these days. We never seem to do two floors the same, so colors and styles can be tweaked to the owner’s liking. We’ve done homes with everything ranging from brown tones to marble black and gray to blues.”

Even concrete approaches to front doors are making more of a statement these days. And many are doing so with a brick or stone-type look, something the Conard says can be done very simply with a special type of solid spray.

“Other than appearance, safety issues are concerns that are somewhat encouraging this,” she says. “The spray, once applied, is almost like salt-resistant. Being in Wisconsin you can put the salt out and it melts the ice, but you don’t have to worry about it peeling or popping your concrete.”

“The exterior of your home can be done in a classy, tasteful manner that exudes elegance,” says Rob Ripley, owner of Carved Stone Creations in Kaukauna. For example, a quartz slate exterior can be applied to the exterior walls of a building in the same manner as putting down a tiled floor. The result is very bold, yet rich and unique looking. “People are looking for something that lasts; something that’s quality; and something that’s one of a kind,” explains Ripley.
One of the things Ripley says he is getting a lot of requests for is custom mosaics on floors, including those in the entryway areas.

“We inventory about 60,000 square feet of stone that can be used on the floor. There are so many different designs it’d make your head spin,” he says. “Sometimes people use mosaics on the walls, too. We see a lot of statues, stone columns and wall fountains going in front entryways. Even grand staircases embellished with stone are becoming somewhat popular.”

There are several reasons for peoples’ interest in stone. “The most important thing with stone is there are no two pieces ever alike. They are as unique as the people who are putting them in,” Ripley says. “Plus stone also has an enduring characteristic to it. It has that classic look that you’ve seen in castles and fancy homes in Florida or California. Mansions, always, always have stone. And in the past five years, I would venture to guess that the stone prices have dome down dramatically; probably as much as 50 percent. And the stones – which are absolutely beautiful – are being harvested in many different countries including Brazil, the Philippines and here in the States as well.”

From a practical standpoint, stonework appreciates in value rather than depreciating.

The motto at Carved Stone Creations is, “Nothing is impossible. If you can see it in your mind it can be made real.”

Ripley says that even though society has become somewhat accustomed to faux finishes and faux everything, there is a movement to bring back the real McCoy. Not only is the cost not that much more, it’s worth it, he says. In the end, it will outlive the owner.