it's CARV'd is a small, personalized slate lettering and carving studio founded in April 2020 during the COVID pandemic and is located in scenic, Orange County New York. I use a variety of steel and carbide chisels', steel hammer (also called a dummy), only crafting each piece by hand, never by machinery. I am honored to be one of the few African American stone artisans that practices the art of stone carving and cutting letters in the United States of America. My goal is not only to create beautiful art that will last a lifetime, but to keep the ancient art of stone letter cutting by hand alive and pass this art down to the next generation.
By working with me, you will have a work of art that you can pass down to your future generations. I hope to create with you soon! |
![]() Grae Wellness carving for the Grae Wellness Headquarters, with founder and visionary, Tim Grae,
Grae Wellness
![]() Beautiful purple slate carving for Orange Nursery and Stone Supply highlighting manager Joe's yearly cross country trips with his beautiful rescue dog, Halo.
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it's CARV'd is honored to be featured alongside Fathers Love, Fathers Heal in Hudson Valley Magazine.
Latest News & Projects:
Gilded Gold for Dr. Shoy Colbourne
12/9/2022: I am incredibly honored to carve a stone for the soon to be Dr. Shoy Colbourne. Shoy and I started at the Office of School Wellness Programs together and during these 7 years, he never waivered from his mission of education. He has earned his Master's Degree and SBA license from Fordham University and soon to be Doctorate Degree from St. Peters University.
I wanted to carve Shoy something that he can have in his future office, or on his office door, but it had to be special. After consulting with my teammates, we decided on taking the carving and gilding it with 24kt gold leaf. It was my first time gilding, but I knew I could do it, just like Shoy knew he could finish his Doctorate while being the Director of Implementation of the Bronx, and a new father for the third time. The result is a stunning nameplate, whose gold shines in any light source bright and beautiful. Congratulations Dr. Colbourne, as your hard work has paid off and our NYC scholars are so lucky to have you supporting them. |
The Leahy's
8/9/22: I was tasked with a Gaelic carving as a birthday gift for First Lieutenant Leahy from his lovely wife. She wanted the piece to be traditionally Irish and helped me in the design process.
The letter L, was in a gaelic style I've never done before. It took lots of research and studying in order to complete the intricate designs within the L. In the end "The Leahys" came out wonderfully and the carving has transformed their front yard. The addition of solar panel lights really shines at night and gives the piece new dimension. Thank you so much for the opportunity to bring your vision to life and for trusting the process. |
Xavi Memorial Stone
6/1/22: Memorial stone carved for departed family member Xavi. Xavi was a loving dog and brother to his other family members. This stone captures his playfullness and his leashes that are kept in his favorite Star Wars bookbag. It was an honor bringing this stone to life. This stone was in the backyard of Xavi's mother and it was only fitting to have him immortalized in the very stone that will lay next to him in the yard.
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Murphy Memorial Stone
6/1/22: it's CARV'd was honored to memorialize a dear family member who passed recently by the name of Murphy. Murphy was a beautiful dog who loved to play, was super friendly with my kids and a loyal member of the Pastore family. I wanted to capture Murphy's innocent eyes and as he was a labradoodle mix and if you know they have interesting hair. It was a very challenging piece to do as I've never done such complex hair, but it came out amazing. Thank you for trusting the process and RIP Murphy.
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it's CARV'd Headstone
10/9/21: it's CARV'd was honored to hand-carve the headstone for my closest friend of 23 years whose mother had recently passed. It’s my first headstone and really pushed my creativity. Ms. Putnam was a loving mother and an artist with an undeniable quirkiness, who’s favorite flower was Queens Ann Lace Wildflower. I know she’d love this remembrance. Carved in bluestone and placed in Woodstock NY, which is famous for it's bluestone. Thank you to my amazing friend Teresa, for the opportunity to honor your mother.
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Little Bird
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What Would
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5/23/21: Hand carved stone for a very special colleague. Two time breast cancer survivor, mother, wife and teacher, Fela dedicates
her life to her family and the betterment of the New York City school students in the borough of the Bronx through Health and Physical Education. Thank you for being a wonderful colleague, mentor and Bronx "Momma Bear" always pushing me to "unpack and be great." When I was discussing starting my business and how to go about it, Fela always listened, gave me advice, pushed me to work harder and get even more creative. This carving is my thank you for believing in me and trusting the process. -Andra F. Roig, Jr. |
4/24/21: Beautiful hand carved 10 year wedding anniversary stone. Our client wanted to surprise his wife on their 10 year anniversary with a garden stone. He wanted a hydrangea in the middle, as that was the bouquet flower on their wedding day. ASM inscribed in his ring and RMW is inscribed in her ring. Such a beautiful and thoughtful idea. The stone includes a beautiful photo book of the entire carving process to cherish and make their one of a kind stone even more unique.
3/6/21: it's CARV'd was commissioned to restore a cross carved into a piece of slate that was incomplete. The request was to figure out how to fit a Jeremiah 33:3 passage. This gift was even more special as the person who it was commissioned for was very sick and hospitalized with COVID. With the power of prayer, they are slowly recovering and the words on this stone couldn’t ring more true. All commissions include a beautiful photo book detailing the process. Thank you for choosing it's CARV'd.
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12/26/20: it's CARV'd is honored to be highlighted in an article featuring Kwoka Farms, for Hudson Valley Magazine. Kwoka Farms, in Pine Bush N.Y., hosts photo shoots for everything from Hudson Valley engagements and weddings, to holiday cards with its Huacaya alpacas. No matter the occasion, the sweet alpacas are the perfect Hudson Valley addition to picture-perfect photo sessions. Because of this, Kwoka Farm hosts family-friendly photo packages for the holidays, weddings, bar mitzvahs, and everything in-between. it's CARV'd has the honor of carving the Kwoka Farm identifying sign, which is displayed in front of the farm.
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12/12/20: it's CARV'd is extremely excited to announce that all new commissions will receive a beautiful, one of a kind, photo book. I take photos of the entire process, from the sketches of the initial designs, to the completion of your project. Your glossy, hi-res photography book, is almost as beautiful as the the carve itself. Almost. "Your project is very personal to you. That makes it very personal to me. I take your vision and feelings and convey it to stone, so that it will last multiple lifetimes."
—Andra F. Roig, Jr.
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![]() Commissioned identifying sign for Kwoka Farm. 2ft x 2ft carved in Pennsylvania bluestone.
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![]() "Stay Focused" in these trying times. Carved in purple Vermont slate. 21in x 14.5in For Sale
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![]() Purple slate carving for Orange Nursery and Stone Supply, a great supporter of it’s CARV’d
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![]() Commissioned Somo Monarks inscription in purple slate with green highlights. Somo Monarks
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10/17/20: Andra F. Roig, Jr. was honored to be one of the artists showcased at "Shadows," presented by Guerrilla Art Shows, curated by Louis Angel @guerrillaartshows
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