Thursday, July 23, 2009

WHY DID I START OVERLAY SOLUTIONS?

Why did I start Overlay Solutions?
“I remember the summers as a child at Disney World in Orlando Florida I was amazed at all the huge stones all around the amusement park. I would wonder, how they could get all those stones up there so high? How did they stack the boulders so perfect inside the rides? How did they get the huge stones through the ride entrances? How do they make such beautiful floors & benches? I would then just say to my self Oh well it’s Disney and if anyone could find a way to do it Walt Disney could. Until one day I discovered that so much of what truly amazed me more then the rides themselves was man made replications. I was not disappointed but inspired that someone could achieve such realism that year after year I would ask, how did they do that? Now I know and I plan to create the same illusions that had me so amazed as a child and still to this day. My goals are to build Overlay Solutions with solid integrity and vast desire for this craft of illusion and replication to turn my client’s visions & dreams into reality.

Walt Disney once said,“If you can dream it you can do it.”


That pretty much sums up Jody Smith’s philosophy at Overlay Solutions. Inspired by the creations at Disney World as a child, Smith uses concrete to craft beautiful overlays transforming almost any surface from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether it is turning a mundane countertop into a stunning new old world stone looking kitchen centerpiece or a dull patio into a gorgeous gathering place, Smith can envision the finished product while designing it. Using his sixteen years of previous landscaping experience, Smith incorporates his ideas into the surrounding environment to create seamless designs. He will also take on an exclusive Landscape Design Installation project if needed to serve his clients evey need.

Depending upon the application and type of aggregate used, Smith applies a variety of designs and carvings to the product based on the clients’ desires. His finished product goes beyond conventional concrete stamping methods, and its beauty lies within the intricate details ingrained in each project. Smith also uses a variety of colorization techniques including flakes of bronze or copper that can give clients more of a classic look. Smith views himself as an artist whose canvas is concrete, and sees his projects as works of art. Smith enjoys taking a much more personal approach by helping his clients create their own visions with him. “I want my clients to have exactly what they are seeking in any of the many services that Overlay Solutions has to offer. Overlay Solutions provides quality work with concrete results and takes great pride that our only limitation is your imagination.
http://www.overlaysolutions.com/

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Overlay Solutions YouTube Channel



Overlay Solutions would like to Welcome & Invite you to our YouTube Channel. We will be posting videos of our decorative concrete projects and upcoming service additions. We look forward to bringing more and more videos of all types of decorative concrete projects from Vertical to Horizontal. Jody Smith of Overlay Solutions is very excited about the changes being made and truly looks forward to sharing with all of his fellow decorative concrete artisans. Join us on our channel, also we welcome you to please rate and subscribe to our videos so that we can keep you posted and improve our videos.



Monday, July 20, 2009


Vertical Stone Facing is an art form, with no limitations in creation. It is becoming extremely popular because of the endless possibilities that can be achieved in texture, coloration, size, shape and stone style. Manufactured products just can not give our clients the versatility that true hand carved stone simulations can produce. There are no stamp sets that can create the true realism that Overlay Solutions can achieve by the many advanced techniques used on our projects. Jody Smith Owner/Artisan of Overlay Solutions has been trained in this art form by the best in the industry. Smith has searched for the best training, products and tools that the industry has to offer. To help in his quest and efforts to create one of a kind works of art and illusions on each and everyone of his projects. Smith has realized that not just everyone can carve stone from a hand textured concrete canvas. It takes countless hours of practice and precision to turn faux into a the illusion of true reality that satisfies his client's visions & dreams.
In the last few years homeowners, architects and designers are becoming more aware of what is becoming a mainstream decorative concrete phenomenon. Vertical Stone facing can offer so much more for the home or business then boxes of factory made stick on stone. You can do so much to the interior & exterior of your home or business, interior walls, refurbish fireplaces, hot tub surrounds, outdoor grilling islands, exterior hardscapes and much more.

Overlay Solutions adds the extras to our creations such as intricate details, quality products, shadow painting, 3D lichens, stunning minerals, real geode inserts, and authentic amethyst clusters. In the starting stages of Overlay Solutions adventure in stone facing they had to make a decision on fast production or perfection and Smith choose perfection for his business. "Yes stamping and other stick and go methods are a lot faster until you see the finished product that lacks the intricate details of hand carving.

The faster the production the quicker you reach that threshold that rest between the caliber of quality and scanty performance. I want to build a name for myself the same way any artist produces art, one distinguished piece at a time" Smith Says.