A relatively simple and inexpensive method, which can be used
for a paved (or similar) area, is to make a  METAL STUD  layout.
 
Provided the studs are of a 'rust resistant' metal (stainless-steel,
brass, aluminium, etc), these layouts can make an attractive and
longer-lasting alternative to painting on the ground  -  plus could
be ideal for creating a permanent layout, in a 'Roof Garden' area.
 
The first photograph, below, shows this technique being used on
a 'terraced' area at "Caer Llan Field Studies Centre" (Wales, UK).
 
The second photograph, under it, is a 'closer' view  -  illustrating
how these markings were produced, by using brass metal studs.
 

 

 

 
Although metal studs are an ideal method for 'hard landscaping',
(and could be easily inserted by using a "nail-gun")  -  you might
instead prefer to have a 'bronze effect' layout, for grassed areas.
 
 
Whilst any "Sunclocks"  made in real cast bronze would be very
expensive, you can purchase a kit of parts in 'metallic resin' at a
price that is cheaper than stone layouts.  The photograph below
shows an Hour-marker in this material, created by Simon Bland,
but note that only Roman numeral markings are used, on these.
 
Unfortunately however, Simon makes the 'Date-scale' parts to a
standard size, instead of their correct dimensions  -  and so this
will create some insurmountable problems, during installation !
 
In particular, there will be very large 'gaps' between most of the
months (because they are too small)  -  whilst others are too big
to physically fit side-by-side, thus causing an 'overlap' problem.
 
(Please also note that these metallic resin component-parts are
supplied without any method of 'fixing' them, on to the ground).
 

 
 
For information on his bronze resin 'kit', you could go directly to
Simon's own web-site  -  or just telephone him,  ( 01529 488260 ).
 
He can also provide inexpensive 'stencils', which could be used
with 'aerosol' paint, to put a "Sunclock"  on School playgrounds.
 
(Please refer to the 'Educational Kits' page, of Simon's web-site,
for more details  -  but examples are shown in a picture, below).
 

 

 
Instead of 'artificial' metal (resin) parts, you might prefer to have
a "Sunclock"  layout which is made of real metallic components.
 
If so, then we suggest visiting the web-site of "Sixpenny Forge".
Alternatively, you can simply telephone them on:  01725 553195.
 
These three photographs below, illustrate several of the various
metal parts which they can supply  -  mainly in stainless-steel or
brass, (plus those are available with different 'surface finishes').
 
A selection of such 'effects' are displayed in the lower picture, if
you may like any "Sunclock"  to have a 'weathered' appearance.
Please contact them direct, to request more information on this.
 
In addition to the metal parts themselves, "Sixpenny Forge" can
also supply circular (or square) 'mounts', in sandstone and slate.
 
        
 

 
 
 
Another, highly professional, 'metal-working' company which we
can most certainly recommend is "Leander Architectural"  -  who
are based in Buxton, Derbyshire, U.K.  Telephone: 01298 814941.
 
This next photograph, shows a very colourful 'Date-scale'  -  and
which was created for the "High Peak Community Arts", in 2011.
 
Its individual ceramic 'months' were produced, using local artist
Caroline Chouler-Tissier  -  then set in an aluminium framework,
plus with final installation also done by "Leander Architectural".
 

 
 
 
For any persons who enjoy 'Do-it-Yourself' metal-work (possibly
including electric-arc welding), then it would be relatively simple
to create a metallic "Sunclock"  layout  -  either just for your own
location, or perhaps additionally marketing them to other people.
 
If you could have an interest in making any metallic 'kits', please
see our page detailing how you can profit from Human Sundials.
 
 
The photographs below illustrate a 'home-made' layout, made by
using textured steel plate  -  with its numbers and letters created
from welding-rods, bent to the required shape and 'spot-welded'.
 
The lower picture shows a 'close-up' view of some lettering, and
the big red button is a cover of several "ground-anchors", which
are used to firmly fix the large metal plate on to its grassed area.
 
When completed, all metal parts were painted (to delay rusting).
 

 

 
 
 
Instead of using some "ground-anchors" (as above), to fix parts
on a lawn area  -  by just creating any markings as 'holes', in the
metal, grass grows through these and holds each part securely.
 
That particular technique is illustrated in the picture below, and
the layout is located at "Burnie Polytechnic" (Tasmania)  -  plus
who commented on its "impeccable accuracy", of time-telling !
 

 

 
If you might prefer to use some professionally 'cast' metal parts
in bronze, or aluminium  -  then we suggest contacting Kenneth
More, at "Falon Nameplates Ltd."  ( Telephone:  01670 530136 ).
 
For a professional artist working in bronze, then we recommend
Dallas Collins.  E-mail him, or telephone: 0117 330 9131 (Bristol).
 
 
Alternatively, you may like to have a stainless-steel "Sunclock".
 
In a similar way to the parts from Sixpenny Forge shown above,
many different 'surface finishes' can be applied  -  and we would
recommend "Tills Innovations" for such layouts.  Please contact
Mike Tillett for your requirements,  ( Telephone:  01284 787479 ).
 
 
However, 'cast' or stainless-steel parts could be expensive  -  so
only any prestigious 'public' layouts, would probably use those !
 
 
 
If you would like to see some more of the photographs    
you can return to our 'Picture Gallery',  by clicking on this icon.
 
OR
    Click on Red Button,   to return to  FIRST PAGE.
 
 
 
Should you have any questions, then please contact us via our
Response Form  -  or click on this link to see why "Sunclocks"
have become so popular, when compared with other sundials.
 
 
Remember you could also make money with Human Sundials,
so please contact us if you may be interested in generating an
income, from this very unusual 'opportunity'.  We suggest that
you telephone us, plus ask to speak direct with Douglas Hunt,
whose sundial plans have been in use world-wide since 1986.
 
Douglas should then be able to discuss several 'possibilities',
and give some advice suited to your personal circumstances.
 
 
Our unique sundial designs are located in numerous different
situations  -  from Schoolyards, to private gardens and Parks,
as well as courtyard sundials at prestigious "Stately Homes".
 
 
"Sunclocks"  are very interactive sundials for children  -  plus
all of our sundial layouts are 'customized', for YOUR location,
so you can be sure that it would show the correct clock time.
 
 
These are particularly popular within the Educational Sector,
due to many 'curriculum-wide' aspects, of a Human Sundial !
 
You could click these links to see why "Sunclocks"  are now
often used as school sundials, plus the benefits for teachers
(including 'fund-raising') of these novel sundials for learning.
 
 
As garden sundials, there are advantages over the 'pedestal'
type  -  mainly since our ground-level "Sunclock"  cannot be
stolen, plus it does not interfere with grass-cutting of a lawn.
 
Click here to find why this sundial has become very popular,
when compared with some of the other 'conventional' types.
 
 
Click on this 'book' icon, to see a list of ALL the pages in our web-site  -  and
select your choice of category, from within that 'Sitemap' section :