Bennett Awards Archive Page
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Last week, I wrote about the process used to create our pewter recognition awards. This week, I will write about the process used to create our bronze recognition awards. As with our pewter recognition awards, the same basic process is used both for our existing recognition awards, as well as the custom awards we create specifically for our customers.

The bronze casting process used to create our unique awards is called the “lost wax” casting process, and it has been around for thousands of years. It involves a few more steps than the pewter casting process described last week.

As with the pewter award production process, the first step involves the artist creating a model of the award design, usually using clay. In the case of an inventoried recognition awards, this creation is based solely on the artist’s inspiration. In the case of our unique custom awards, this design is driven by the spec of a specific customers.

Once the model has been created (and approved by the customer, in the case of custom awards), a mold is made. This mold is created by coating liquefied rubber around the original model. Before coating, the rubber is heated to a near-liquid form so it is easy to apply to the model. The rubber is then allowed to cool, and as it cools it hardens. Once the rubber mold has fully cooled and solidified, it is cut in half, and the original model is removed. The mold now contains a cavity that has the same dimensions as the original award model.

The next step is to heat wax up until it is in liquid form. This molten wax is then poured into the cavity of the mold. It is then allowed to cool and harden. Once it has solidified, the now-solid rubber mold is removed, and you now have a wax model that is in the same exact form as the original clay model.

The wax is then cleaned up of any imperfections, pits, excess wax material, etc. Once it has been cleaned, wax “sprue lines” are attached the wax. These are like tree branches that create channels or conduits to the wax sculpture award. These sprue channels provide access for the molten bronze once it is poured, and allow air to escape when the bronze is poured, so air pockets and pits don’t develop in the bronze sculpture award. These sprue lines all converge into a wax cup at the top of the sculpture award. This cup will be the entry point where the bronze will be poured.

Once the spue lines have been attached, the entire wax structure is dipped into a slurry, which contains liquid silica, a cement- or ceramic-like material. The wax sculpture award is removed from the slurry, and the shell is allowed to dry and harden. Once it is hard, the sculpture is then re-dipped, then hung for hardening. This cycle repeats until a shell of a sufficient thickness has been created. The larger the sculpture award, the thicker the shell.

Once the shell has been created, the entire structure is placed cup-down in a kiln, which serves two purposes: 1) it further hardens the ceramic shell, and 2) it melts the wax, which then flows out of the sculpture. This is why the process is called “lost wax” casting. Now, all the remains of the original sculpture award is a cavity inside the ceramic shell – again, in the exact same shape as the original model, with the addition of the sprue lines and cup that were created.

Next, bronze ingots are placed in a crucible, which is then heated in a furnace. Once the bronze is melted to a liquid form, it is poured into the cavity that exists in the ceramic shell. As the bronze cools, it hardens. Once it is fully solid, the ceramic shell is broken away from the bronze sculpture award. You are now left with a bronze sculpture award that is in the same form as the original model.

Finally, the sprue lines and excess metal are trimmed from the sculpture award, and the metal is polished to a smooth finish. In some cases, patina is applied, which colors the metal. The core sculpture award is now complete!

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by: Bennett Awards
Friday, September 26, 2008

The "Bookends" Recognition Award is a new design created by artists Bob and Tom Bennett. Recognition awards are a wonderful way of showing appreciation to those who have worked hard to complete their tasks. Appreciation comes from the heart and is surely respected by others. This unique sculpture award is a fine piece of art designed by award winning artists.

The "Bookends" Recognition Award consists of two figures - one male and one female - struggling to hold up the books between them. The design of this sculpture award represents the persistence and hard work of the task at hand. Both figures stand at 8 inches tall, including the marble base. Created in pewter, this award available in a silver-plating finish, a gold plating finish and a natural pewter finish. As with all Bennett awards, the black marble base can be customized with the engraving of your choice.

This high-quality sculpture award will recognize the importance of the person, business or organization that receives it. Recognition awards make beautiful gifts to those who mean the most to you. The "Bookends" Recognition Award can be customized to fit you're your specifications. View Bennettawards.net to find all of the latest recognition awards we have to offer.

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by: Bennett Awards
Thursday, September 25, 2008
We often get questions about how our unique recognition awards are created. Bronze and pewter sculpture awards each have a slightly different manufacturing process. In this blog, we will describe the PEWTER award production process. In a future blog, we will describe the BRONZE award production process.

All of our pewter sculpture awards - whether they be custom awards or recognition awards that are already in our awards inventory - following the same basic process of production. First, an original model of the award is sculpted (designed) out of clay or wax. In the case of custom awards, this model is created per the customer's specifications. For our existing inventory of recognition awards, the design is solely based on the inspiration of the award artist.

Once a model is created, a mold is made. A soft, almost liquid-like rubber is coated on the outside of the model. This rubber model is then "vulcanized", which makes the rubber hard and permanent, yet still pliable. The award model is then removed from the mold, and now the mold contains a cavity that is exactly the same dimensions as the original model.

Next, pewter is heated in a furnace until it becomes liquid. This normally occurs at about 380degF. The metal is heated beyond this, usually to a temperature of between 500degF and 800degF, depending on the size of the sculpture award. Once the metal reaches the target temperature, is is poured into the cavity of the mold. A centrifugal casting machine spins the mold while the metal is poured, ensuring the pewter flows into all of the nooks and crannies of the cavity.

Once the metal cools, it hardens into the shape of the cavity (the same shape as the original award model). The mold is now removed from the metal casting. Next, the sculpture award is trimmed of any excess metal, then buffed and polished. If it is a plated award, then either silver or gold plating is applied. Once the sculpture award has been prepared, it is mounted on a marble based (usually engraved with an inscription of the customer's choice), then it is complete!

These beautiful, unique awards are created at foundries that specialize in fine art casting processes. These processes take skill and years of experience, and the people involved are true artisans. We are proud to work with some of the finest foundries in the world, and they play an integral role in creating the incredible sculpture awards that we offer.

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by: Bennett Awards
Wednesday, September 24, 2008

The Ryder Cup has ended and the golf season is coming to a close in many parts of the country. Perhaps your country club is holding an awards banquet this year? Our unique sculpture awards are a great gift to those who have had a successful golf season. Golf awards are a great way to express appreciation and recognizing the hard work put in by others.

The "Against the Wind" Sports Recognition Award is a beautiful sculpture award designed for golf. This sculpture award depicts a golfer in knickers finishing a swing. This unique sculpture award stands nearly 20 inches tall, including the base. The "Against the Wind" sculpture award is created in bronze, and features a shadowed patina finish on its clothing and a high-polished bronze finish on the remaining elements. As will all Bennett awards, a black marble base can be engraved with the custom text of your choice.

Artist Tom Bennett designed this gorgeous sculpture award. This wonderful recognition sculpture award will be a keepsake for many years to come. The recipient will love the hand craftsmanship and high quality of this piece. Give the gift of a lovely sculpture award to end this golf season.

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by: Bennett Awards
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
We are very excited that the National Council for History Education has selected a Bennett Award to present to Senator Robert C. Byrd of West Virgina. The Bennett Award "Soaring" will be presented to Senator Byrd in recognition of his distinguished leadership in advancing the study of history in our nation's schools. The unique award will also be used as on ongoing award named in Senator Byrd's honor - the Senator Robert C. Byrd Award. The National Council for History Education established the award to be given to policy makers and public speakers who work to ensure that history is a strong and meaningful part of our student's education.

The presentation ceremony will take place on Wednesday, September 24, 2008 at 4:00 pm in the Mansfield Room in the United States Capital in Washington D.C. David McCullough -- Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, Medal of Freedom recipient, and member of the National Council for History Education's Board of Trustees -- will present the unique recognition award to Senator Byrd.

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by: Bennett Awards
Friday, September 19, 2008

With over thirty years of experience creating unique custom awards, the artists at Bennett Awards can fulfill all of your custom awards needs. Our staff is happy to work with all our clients to develop new custom awards designed to your specifications. Our team of gifted artists and account managers will work closely with you throughout the design process to ensure that your custom award is a perfect match for your needs. There are multiple options to create custom awards.

If you find one of our existing recognition or sports awards that fit what you are looking for, they can be resized to meet your needs. Each individual base of these sculpture awards can also be resized if you have a fresh idea. Our artists and account managers will take you through the process to find what's right for you. Don't forget about our engravings that add personalization to each piece.

If you are looking for a totally new custom sculpture award that fits your organization or company, we can certainly make your dreams come true. This option is performed in a step-by-step fashion: we start with rough sketches, move on to a rough model, the ultimately progress towards a final model. Customer feedback and approval is incorporated throughout the process. Finally, the marble bases for any custom awards can be personalized using any of the methods described above. Contact Bennett Awards for all your custom sculpture award needs.

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by: Bennett Awards
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Virtually all of the customers purchasing our unique sculpture awards choose to personalize their award by incorporating an personalized engraving on the marble base of the award. These award engravings can incorporate a virtually unlimited number of text options. For example, the engraving might contain the name of the recipient, the name of the award, the name of the presenting organization, and/or a special phrase or saying. In the case of corporate awards, the text may contain the company tag-line, motto or logo.

There are two ways to incorporate the personalized engraving. The first, and most common, is to have the engraving etched into the black marble base itself. The etching can be filled with either gold or silver fill. Generally, it is a good idea for the fill cover to match the finish of the sculpture - silver fill for pewter or silver-plated pewter awards, and gold fill for gold-plated pewter and bronze awards.

The second option is to have a laser-engraved plate attached to the base of the sculpture. This plate can be either silver- or gold-plated. The advantage of the laser plate is that it is able to hold more text characters, and can contain color images (a color corporate logo, for example).

Our customers have been thrilled with both of these options - either choice can make for a great presentation. Our consultants will be happy to work with you to ensure that your award engraving adds to the beauty and impact of your awards and award presentation.

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by: Bennett Awards
Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Projects, ideas and plans all take time to accomplish. Unique awards are a great way to show appreciation for all the hard work and effort put in to complete those goals. Whether you are opening a new organization center, or simply having a great business year thanks to someone, our "Flight" Recognition Award is a great unique award that will soar to the occasion. Your organization or business is flying in the right direction. Recognize those individuals who have helped you achieve such status.

The "Flight" Recognition Award uses powerful, symmetrical lines to convey flight or forward motion. This unique award, designed by artist Tom Bennett, stands 10 inches high. The "Flight" sculpture award is created in bronze and features a high-polish bronze finish. It is attached to a black marble base, which can be engraved with a personalization of your choice.

Sculpture awards are wonderful ways to show that you recognize the efforts of others. All of our awards are handcrafted by award winning artists. They can also be modified to your specifications. Be sure to view all of our recognition awards at Bennettawards.net.

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by: Bennett Awards
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
We get many, many requests for custom awards; in fact, it is one of our specialties. When someone asks for “custom awards”, they generally want awards that are tailored to their needs: custom recognition awards, for example, that are specific to an individual, or custom corporate awards that are geared towards a company.
It helps to understand, however, that there are many different options for creating custom awards. The most tailored approach is to commission a new custom awards design that is totally unique and targeted to your needs. This path involves having one of our award artists create a brand new design based on your requirements and specifications. Many different things can drive the design of these custom awards; for example, corporate logos in the case of custom corporate awards, or symbolic icons in the case of custom personal recognition awards. While these types of custom awards offer the most flexibility in terms of meeting specific needs, they do take a bit longer, as creative design, modeling, and mold making need to be done prior to beginning production of these custom awards.

A second option is simply to personalize one of our existing, pre-made awards with custom engravings. These engravings can be etched into the marble base of the award, or a personalized metal plate with an inscription can be affixed to the base. This method takes on existing award from our design inventory and “customizes” it through the personalized engraving. While this path does not provide as specific of a tailoring as the custom awards design described above, it is faster and, in most cases, less costly.

A third option lies somewhere between the two above. Some of our sculpture awards enable the ability to customize a specific part of the award. For example, our “Appreciation” and “Grand Appreciation” recognition awards both feature a figure holding an object. This object can be inscribed with a saying or image, such as a logo. Our standard object for these two awards is a star; however, customers can commission a special object to sit in the arms of the sculpture award. A construction company award, for example, might utilize a hammer, or a teacher recognition award might employ a book or an apple.

In any of these cases, you can be assured that your award will speak to the unique nature of your presentation or event. We have years and years of experience working with customers to help them find the perfect custom awards for their needs, and we would love to work with you in this quest as well!

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by: Bennett Awards
Friday, September 12, 2008

Over the years our awareness has been raised about the need to become a cleaner, healthier earth. Many of us have strived to do things, large and small, to help this process succeed. There are people and organizations that have went above and beyond the norm in a fight for a healthier earth. Those people should be recognized for their hard work and wonderful efforts.

Artist Terrie Bennett has designed the "Save the Earth" Recognition Award for the purpose of continuing awareness for this global cause. This poignant, meaningful sculpture award encourages us to make wise choices with respect to our environment. This award depicts a globe being held up by a "protective" curve. This is a perfect award for recognizing individuals or organizations involved in environmental or humanitarian pursuits. This sculpture award stands 8 inches tall, including the black marble base. The base can be engraved with the text of your choice.

It takes perseverance and strength to purse the efforts of a safer, healthier earth. Those who make the qualified effort should be appreciated. Show your appreciation with the "Save the Earth" Recognition Award. Be sure to view all of our recognition awards at Bennettawards.net.

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by: Bennett Awards
Wednesday, September 10, 2008

From racing in your local community sailing club, to flying through the water in America’s Cup, sailing has been a sport that is enjoyed by many for centuries. The end of the racing season is around the corner. You soon will be planning your awards banquets. If you are searching for the right awards to give this season, try the "Challenger" Sports Recognition Award.

The "Challenger" Sports Recognition Award is designed for sailing awards. The design depicts a racing sailboat navigating through stormy seas. Artist Bob Bennett designed this unique award. This sculptor award stands 12.5 inches tall. The "Challenger" sculpture award is created in bronze. It features a high-polished bronze finish on the sailboat and an aqua patina finish on the water that serves as its base.

No sailing competition is too large or small. After the long racing season, give a gift that recognizes the true champions. They will appreciate the generous gift they receive. Be sure to view Bennettawards.net to find all of our sculptor awards.

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by: Bennett Awards
Friday, September 5, 2008

Project Red was created by Bono and Bobby Shriver to raise awareness and money for The Global Fund. The fund raises money to fight the AIDS virus in Africa. With the help of Bennettawards.net, and many other companies, a certain percentage of product revenue goes directly to fight the AIDS virus in Africa. For this reason, we offer the "Care" Recognition Award.

"Care" was created by sculptor Tom Bennett in support of Project Red. Tom first learned of this program when it was featured on the program Oprah, and was so touched by the cause that he created this beautiful, haunting sculptor. "Care" captures both the heartbreak and hope associated with this devastating epidemic. In support of this project, 20 percent of all sales of "Care" will be donated to The Global Fund to help fight HIV/AIDS in Africa.

This sculpture award can be used for many different occasions. Not only are you showing recognition to the recipient, but you are also showing recognition to the fight. Please join Bennettawards.net in our fight against this terrible disease. You contribution for this beautiful sculptor award can help save the lives of those who need help the most.

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by: Bennett Awards
Wednesday, September 3, 2008


We all strive to better ourselves, families, businesses and organizations. We look towards the future in an eager way. Perhaps you have a dedicated employee or organization leader who has had the strong vision to lead? For this reason, artist MK Shannon has created the “Vision” Recognition Award. This sculpture award is a perfect way to show your appreciation.

The "Vision" recognition award applauds and recognizes those individuals and organizations that have a true vision for the future. The sculpture award design depicts a large, impressionistic figure reaching upwards in a flowing, sweeping motion. The arms of the figure become the legs of a smaller figure, whose arms are thrown out in a flowing motion. This unique award stands 18 inches tall including the marble base. This sculpture award is created in pewter and available in natural pewter, silver plating or gold and silver plating. The black marble base can be customized with an engraving of your choice.

A sculpture award is a beautiful way to show a special person or organization that you appreciate their vision towards the future. This unique award is a wonderful way to express your caring for that special person or organization. This award can be customized to your specification. Be sure to view all of our recognition awards at bennettawards.net.

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by: Bennett Awards

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