About Me
Hi! My name is Ana, and this is my About Me page. I’m 10 years old, and I make engraved slates using real slate pieces I find near our summer camp. I love turning old things into new art. The slates come from an old 1800s barn roof, and they’ve been sitting by the creek for a long time. It makes me happy to take something forgotten and turn it into something special.
Collecting the Slates
Sometimes when I am at camp I walk along the creek and look for slate pieces. Also, I check their shapes to see which ones look fun to use. Then I pick them up and keep them in the natural shape I find them in. Some are bumpy, some are smooth, and some look like funny puzzle pieces. I think that makes each one special. I wanted to share this part on my About Me page because it shows how much fun I have finding them.
Cleaning and Getting Them Ready
After that, I bring the slates home and scrub them clean. Then I rinse them and let them dry so they look nice for engraving. Sometimes it takes a while, but I don’t mind because I like seeing the slate change from dirty to shiny. When they’re dry, I get them ready for engraving. This part is important because the cleaner the slate is, the better the picture looks.
Picking the Pictures
Next, I choose the pictures I want to engrave. Also, I look for animals, pets, or designs people ask for. I edit the pictures and make them ready for the machine. It makes me happy when someone wants their pet or favorite animal on a slate. It feels like I’m helping them keep a memory forever.
The Final Process
After I collect and clean the slates and choose the picture I want to engrave, the last part is the most exciting. First, I put the slate into the X‑Tool engraving machine and line everything up just right. Also, I make sure the picture is in the perfect spot before I start the machine. Then the machine does the rest of the work, and I watch it carefully because it’s fun to see the picture appear on the slate. When the engraving is finished, I put a clear protective coat of paint on it to keep the design safe. Sometimes I even hand‑paint on the slates to make them look extra special.
Want Your Own Slate?
If you want your pet breed or anything else engraved on a slate, just click “Shop My Slates” below. I’ll post more pictures of me working soon so you can see even more of what I do.