Hearing GraphicHearing is one of the most important elements of being a functioning, contributing human being. So why wouldn’t you take the extra time to protect such an important element of your human skill set out in the high-decibel environment of concrete and masonry construction and repair? We all know people who don’t take precautions necessary to product their hearing, their eyes and their lungs — and pay the high price. Here’s a story from the Jan/Feb issue of Concrete Repair Bulletin that provides chapter and verse about the perils of not taking precautions to protect hearing on the concrete/masonry jobsite. Regulations, exposure levels and hearing protection are all covered in detail. You can find the story at this address: http://www.icri.org/PUBLICATIONS/2012/PDFs/janfeb12/CRBJanFeb12_SafetySolutions.pdf. It’s worth the investment to read this in-depth story.

Concrete, granite or other masonry, Gerald Taylor works them all.

Decorative concrete is all the rage, whether you’re talking contractors, public artisans or homeowners. One of the great tradesmen in the arena for concrete art is Gerald Taylor, who blends art and hands-on power tool application to create functional art out of concrete, granite and other materials. One design he’s become adept at applying in a variety of masonry materials is the iconic fleur-de-lis.

In addition to its comparatively recent connection to the New Orleans Saints football team, the design has existed for hundreds of years and appears on everything from a king’s sash to a family coat of arms. This is one of the iconic designs Gerald has used in his work. And now he’s showing you how it’s done.

Check out the Idea Box to learn some of the master secrets to building incredible concrete and masonry artifacts that are both beautiful and functional.