200 years ago, decorative concrete was art imitating reality and known as faux bois. Ferrocement processes are still applied in the 21 century by artists like Carlos Cortes, a 3rd generation faux bois artist.  Studio Cortes features benches, tables and even a bridge as modern faux bois art pieces resembling rough bark wood. Collectors, including Martha Stewart, watch avidly for the antique pieces.

Artists within the Engrave-A-Crete community are activating their artistic side and stepping out dramatically in the art of decorative concrete.

Vlada Hanzl of engrave s.r.o made this concrete chess set that intrigues many of us here in the office. I love the stark simplicity of black and white any time, but I especially like the lines created by the checkered board which measures about 23 inches square and the sturdy chess figures, each ranging from 3 to 5 inches tall.

When Lisa Takaguchi of Adept Concrete Engraving, put this concrete table at the beginning of a series of photos she sent, it just took my breath away. I need one of these on my patio or in a garden.

Nicole Santoni says that Concrete Zen is busy creating their benches, huge pots and molded cocktail tables. Their artistry has led to their being connected with the renovation of vintage homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and his proteges.

Why don’t you press your own ‘art button’ and liberate your creativity?  I’ve shared the work from Vlada, Lisa and Nicole. I would like to see yours as well; please email pictures to me, judya@engraveacrete.com, or post them to our Facebook Page.

Consumers learn about decorative concrete engraving just as many of you did — surfing the web. When they land on the Engrave-A-Crete website, they frequently contact us asking if someone does engraving near their home.

Our policy is to get their contact information and call you. The intent is to make the connection between the customer and you or the contractor who is in their area. Then, you can follow-up.

If you want to be part of this free lead referral system, just sign up! You can update your information at the Contractor Specialist Listing form and be included. Or, if you have questions, call Debbie 800-884-2114, ext 105.

Sign up today for your Contractor Specialist Listing.

For the Seasoned Craftsman Who Only Needs Engraving Tools and a Trailer, or for the entrepreneur who’s not quite ready to invest in a full package, but sees the benefit of a “Traveling Billboard.”

The Tradesman Trailer package includes a white 14ft tandem axle trailer with professional eye-catching graphics, The Lil Beaver Pro Pack and the Kaleidocrete System, 8 HP air compressor and fire extinguisher.

If you already have your own pressure washing equipment, Wet/Dry Vacuum, etc., or if you just want to start off small with plenty of room to expand, then this is the package for you.

$23,900.00

Call 1-800-884-2114 to speak with Dale, or Debbie about investing in your own business complete with its own traveling billboard.

Business Package #3 includes:

• The Mongoose 411 Pro Pack: Mongoose 411 Concrete Engraver; a Center Pivot; 6 Connecting Tubes; 4 Blades (4.0 x .090 Premium USA Diamond Blade, 4.0 x .125 Premium USA Diamond Blade, 4.0 x .250 Premium USA Diamond Blade, 4.0 x .375 Premium USA Diamond Blade); Mastering Concrete Engraving -The Basics DVD; 500 Brochures For Your Imprinting; Easy Roll Storage Case; Trammel Point Layout Kit; Training Manual w/ Design Ideas; Wide – High Traction Wheels.

• The KaleidoCrete System: Mochton Stylus Shark Concrete Engraver; Mini-Mochton Stylus Wasp Concrete Engraver; Barracuda Concrete Engraver; Accessory Items (Includes: Tool Box; 50′ Air Hose w/ Couplers; Air Nozzle Duster; Replacement Stylus Impactors for Shark (130/pk); Replacement Impactor for Wasp); Deluxe Template Set.

• Sandroid Recirculating Blasting System

The Sandroid is an innovative tool for blasting decorative designs into existing concrete. It creates a fine impression in the concrete slab by blasting away the top surface of sealer, stain and concrete. Sandroid can create very delicate images as well as distinguished designs.

All in one… Sandroid blasts the design and simultaneously vacuums the debris and blast media to maintain a nearly dust free environment. It automatically separates the fine dust particles and reuses the blasting media.

Clean the filters on the vacuum with only the twist of a wrist. The Sandroid’s unique filter purge system allows for long-term usage without disassembling the unit for service. Simply connect your airline to the filter purge valve then open the valve to clear the dust from the filters.

• Nearly Dust Free Blasting
• For Use in Interior or Exterior Projects
• For Use on Floors, Walls, and Ceilings
• Industrial Strength
• Dual Vacuum Motors
• 16 Gauge Powder Coated Steel Body
• Machined Aluminum Nozzle
• Vacuum Filter Air Purge Valve
• Uses Multiple Types of Blast Media
• Utilizes Engrave-A-Crete Reusable Flexi-Blast Templates or Traditional Sand Blast Mats

Call 1-800-884-2114 to order.

Engrave-A-Crete offers several business packages suitable for any investment level.

Business Package #1 includes:

• The Mongoose 411: A great way to get started in the decorative concrete business. This machine easily cuts, scores and saws straight lines for tile patterns, and other long line designs. It quickly attaches to the center pivot to cut circle patterns of any size. It cuts fast and straight, with great accuracy. Pattern designs are only limited by your imagination.
• The Barracuda: Mid-sized Mochton Stylus – Barracuda – Concrete Engraver has 29 replaceable impactors. This mid-sized concrete engraver is great for cutting deigns that have fine detail. With its specially designed head it can cut into most small openings. Weighs 6 pounds.
• The Wasp: When it comes to touching up, removing islands, voids, and adding extra details to the engraved pattern, the Mini-Mochton Stylus Wasp Concrete Engraver is a handy pneumatic tool. The Wasp’s name comes from its design- it has a single reciprocating carbide stylus cutter, called a “Stinger”.

Call 1-800-884-2114 to order.