CLIENT: Abigail’s Footsteps (A charity organisation)
LOCATION: RHS Show Mavern
THE TASK: Abigail’s Footsteps is a baby loss charity dedicated to providing support and counselling for bereaved parents and families. They aim to improve the care provided to bereaved parents by hospitals and offer specialised training for midwives to support grieving families. The charity approached the Aquacut team through renowned landscaper Rick Ford, with a request to create an etched tile for the entrance of a garden project dedicated to the Abigail’s Footsteps foundation. The goal was to craft a piece that would serve as a heartfelt tribute to the charity’s work and resonate deeply with visitors.
SERVICE PROVIDED: Initial design & CAD modelling, Stencil creation, Etching & Painting
INITIAL ASSESSMENT
From the moment Rick Ford shared the vision of Abigail’s Footsteps with us, we knew this project would be something special. The charity’s mission resonated deeply with our team, inspiring us to contribute to their cause through our craftsmanship. Our initial assessment began with an immersive understanding of the charity’s values and the emotional weight carried by the project.
Rick described the garden as a sanctuary for reflection and healing, where the etched tile would serve as a welcoming symbol for visitors. This space needed to exude compassion and hope, and our task was to encapsulate these feelings into a single piece of art.
Next, we focused on the technical requirements:
- Text Inclusion: The charity provided a short, poignant sentence they wished to be inscribed on the tile. This text needed to be clearly legible and aesthetically pleasing.
- Material Selection: The chosen tile had to withstand outdoor elements while maintaining its beauty. We recommended a durable, high-quality stone that would serve as a lasting tribute.
- Design Constraints: The design needed to be intricate enough to convey the intended message but simple enough to avoid overwhelming the viewer.
OUR PROCESS
We conducted a site visit to the garden location, taking precise measurements and noting the environmental conditions. This visit was crucial for understanding the spatial context in which the tile would be placed. We envisioned how natural light would interact with the etched design and how visitors would approach and view the piece.
The creation of the etched tile involved a detailed and meticulous process, ensuring the final piece would be both beautiful and meaningful. Our team worked through several key steps to bring this project to life:
Design Concept:
- Our CAD designers received the poignant sentence from the charity to be included on the tile.
- The digital CAD design was finalized, ensuring it could be used by CNC machines to cut tiles that perfectly matched the design.
Stencil Creation:
- A stencil was created from the template design using digital CAD designs and CNC cutting equipment.
- The stencil was measured, cut, and applied to the chosen tile, ensuring a compact fit to prevent any leakage during the etching process.
- The tile was sandblasted following the custom-made template to etch the compassionate design into its surface.
- Final adjustments and touch-ups were made to achieve a stunning finish.
Project Outcome
The outcome of this project was a beautiful, emotive etched tile that perfectly captured the essence of Abigail’s Footsteps. This sentimental piece will be showcased in a garden project designed by Rick Ford, serving as a poignant reminder of the charity’s mission. If you would like to donate to this very worthy charity, please click here.
Want your own custom etched design? Contact us today at 01565 750666.
