Crafting a Lasting Tribute: The Story Behind Our Custom Slate Memorials
Rachel MurphyBehind the Piece: A Custom Slate Memorial Made to Last
By Rachel Murphy | His Word Designs
At His Word Designs, our mission is to create pieces that honor life’s most meaningful moments with durability, reverence, and technical precision. Recently, we had the profound privilege of fulfilling a special custom request that perfectly highlights the unique beauty of natural slate, and the enduring power of a promise.
The Material Challenge: Weatherproof Engineering
When a client from Florissant, Colorado, reached out looking for a permanent outdoor plaque to honor the memory of her children, Kristie and Bradley, we knew the technical specifications had to be carefully considered. The Rocky Mountain climate demands a product that can withstand intense UV exposure, heavy winter snow, and rapid freeze-thaw cycles.
For this project, we selected a premium 12x8-inch natural slate plaque. Slate is a beautiful but naturally variable stone. Using digital calipers, we measured the specific piece at approximately 0.23 inches thick, just under 1/4 inch.
Our Outdoor Protection Process
- Pre-Sealing: The stone was treated with a protective satin base coat before engraving to help lock in the natural grain.
- Precision Engraving: We used a high-power laser system on our structural honeycomb bed to create a clean, high-contrast permanent engraving into the mineral layers of the stone.
- Post-Sealing: We applied multiple thin, flexible coats of weather-resistant sealer to help protect the engraving from the elements without trapping moisture or creating thick pooling that could lead to flaking in freezing temperatures.
The Creative Details
The design incorporates timeless, elegant typography featuring the uplifting words of Psalm 16:11:
“In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.”
To celebrate this project marking a major milestone for our studio, we also included a small, complimentary memorial ornament. This piece features original, hand-drawn silhouettes of Jesus and children playing, engraved on premium hardwood with custom-cut angel wings, a joyful, tangible token of remembrance for the family’s home.
Fulfilling the Mission
There is no greater reward for our work than ensuring a family’s loved ones are beautifully and permanently remembered. Shortly after delivery, the client shared a wonderful public 5-star review along with a photo of the plaque placed gracefully in her outdoor garden sanctuary:
The completed outdoor memorial plaque placed in the family’s garden sanctuary.
“ The slate piece that this seller made for us special order meant so much to us since it was made to be at our children's graves. The seller has a big heart and incredible skill at what she does! We couldn't be happier with what she made. It will mean so much to us even in the years to come. A great big "thank you!”
We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to use our platform and manufacturing tools to create lasting tributes. Whether it is a faith-forward memorial, a housewarming keepsake, or functional everyday home goods, our focus remains on combining technical precision with heartfelt craftsmanship.
Custom Pieces Made with Care
Every custom order begins with a conversation. If you have a meaningful verse, name, date, or memorial idea in mind, we would be honored to help create something lasting and personal.