Transforming Old Slate into Lasting Memories with Engraving

Re-Imagining the Past: Transforming Treasured Pieces Through Laser Engraving

Recently, we took on a truly special project: transforming 50-year-old slate tiles into meaningful, personalized plaques. Our client came to us with slate tiles salvaged from her husband’s childhood home—pieces of a roof that had weathered half a century. Discovered after years of storage in an outdoor shed, these tiles held deep sentimental value, but they were fragile. One tile even had a corner completely chipped off, making the task of repurposing them particularly challenging. Her vision was simple yet profound: to commemorate her husband’s 60th birthday by giving these cherished tiles new life. If possible, she hoped they would become beautiful keepsakes to honor his past and find a place in his newly built tiki bar or den — entrusting us to bring her vision to life!

The Slate's Journey: From Weathered Roof Tiles to Stunning Keepsakes

When we first got hold of the tiles in their original form, we observed they were worn, rugged, and full of history. Each piece held a story, having protected a home and its inhabitants for over half a century. One thing was certain: these tiles needed some tender care before they could become something new and re-imagined.

Cleaning, Painting, and Sealing the Tiles

Once cleaned, the slate tiles were brought back to life, revealing their natural beauty. We applied paint and a sealing finish to preserve their structure and enhance their appearance, making them ready for engraving. The transformation was astounding, turning rough, weather-beaten tiles into sleek, elegant plaques.

Personalized Designs for a Milestone Celebration

The client’s husband is a man after our own hearts: full of diverse interests, he’s an Ohio State fan, musician, boating enthusiast, and a proud Ohio native. We wanted to capture all of these elements in the designs of the two plaques.

Smooth Sailing at 60 – A Celebration of Life and Interests
In the first design, we captured the spirit of celebration. With the text "Smooth Sailing at 60!" and the inscription "Let the Winds of Courage Be Your Guide," this plaque speaks to the joy of life’s journey. The design features nautical elements, tiki-inspired graphics, and a tribute to Ohio State—all honoring the birthday milestone and the husband’s love for music, boating, and the Buckeye spirit.
A Timeless Tribute to Home – A Nod to Roots and Tradition
The second plaque takes a more traditional approach. An outline of Ohio marks the husband's connection to his roots, with the coordinates of his childhood home included. Although a photograph of the original home was not on hand, we creatively added a star to mark the city, ensuring the plaque still paid homage to his birthplace. The simple, heartfelt inscription reads: "This slate holds the spirit of my childhood home and all its stories," with longitude and latitude marks.

The Final Transformation – Ready for Display

Together, these engraved tiles now reflect the unique interests, memories, and milestones of the husband they honor. What started as weathered roofing materials has transformed into a pair of beautiful, personal mementos, perfect for display in a tiki bar, den, or any space that holds meaning.

This project demonstrated how old materials could be re-imagined, turning slate that once sheltered a home into something that will be treasured for generations. Whether you seek to commemorate a milestone or preserve memories in a unique way, custom engraving can transform even the most unexpected items into beautiful, lasting keepsakes.

Reach out to us today for your creative projects. Let’s craft something together that is truly unique and ready to be imagined!

Geoff and Susan, Owners
LightForce Laser Engraving

Transforming Old Slate into Lasting Memories: A Custom Engraving Story