Stone Supplier Expands Facility

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 useable 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

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 countertop 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 carves 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 toped 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!

Warmer weather has increased the interest in outdoor granite sculptures including estate fountains and luxurious carves 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 toped 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”.