Our Story

Continuing your legacy and mythology through our thoughtfully crafted collection is what sets Fossil Bluff apart from other mass market and drop-ship retailers. We truly endeavor to provide our like-minded clientele with items that carry with them an intrinsic feeling of heritage, legacy, mystery, and quality.

Our Philosophy

Life is an adventure and we're here to help make it better for all of us.

Since 1999 Fossil Bluff has been a purveyor of uncommon Masonic artifacts and is an artificer of bespoke handcrafted curious creations. Our primary goal is fantastic customer satisfaction and to provide quality products, carefully crafted in our fine workshop which is nestled directly amidst the wetland fossil archive and calcite deposits of central Texas. We strive to be a cultural sounding board that offers a relaxed state of mind and an opportunity to connect with the world around us. We promote a ‘touch-not-tech’ culture and an environment rich with cooperation, truth, relief, and brotherly love. We strive to provide quality bespoke crafts and heirloom quality products, while supporting several non-profit organizations whose causes are truly noble.

∴ Bro. Tom McGuire PM MN’22

The Creative Heart of FossilBluff.com

Tom McGuire is the founder and creative force behind FossilBluff.com, an online destination for bespoke Masonic art and gifts. As a Texas Mason and former District Deputy Grand Master, Tom brings a deep understanding of Freemasonry’s symbols and traditions to everything he creates. His work is as much about making beautiful objects as it is about crafting pieces that carry meaning, inspire reflection, and honor the rich history of the Craft.

Each piece starts with in-depth research into the allegories and symbols of Masonry, ensuring the design is as authentic as it is meaningful. Often, there are subtle, hidden details that Masons will recognize while others might overlook. These layers of meaning are what make Fossil Bluff items timeless creations that truly embody our motto: “Gifts for today, Inspiration for a Lifetime.”

Unlike mass-produced products, every item we design is one-of-a-kind. Every step of the product design is done in-house, from sketching ideas on paper to final production, marketing, and even managing the technology that powers FossilBluff.com. Over time, our products may be refined or revised over and over to ensure high standards are kept.

But Tom isn’t just an artist; he’s also an explorer. He’s taken his passion for discovery beyond the symbolic world of Freemasonry and into the real world. One of his most notable adventures was with the Arctic Cowboys, in a world-first expedition that kayaked the entire Northwest Passage under human power in a single season. Highlighting the dramatic effects of climate change in the Arctic. He’s also surveyed ancient petroglyphs and explored historical sites like Casa Juan Ponce de León in the Dominican Republic, using cutting-edge tools like photogrammetry to document and preserve history. These experiences and technologies bring a sense of depth and perspective to Fossil Bluff products that few others can match.

∴ Bro. Tom McGuire PM

Founder / Owner Fossil Bluff

Scottish Rite Valley of Austin Member

Texas Lodge of Research Member

FossilBluff.com has grown into a trusted name in Masonic art, but Tom remains its soul. Customers know that every product they purchase is crafted with thought, care, and a deep respect for Masonic traditions. We do not chase profit, quite to the contrary. We create value by inspiring personal growth and connection. Freemasonry is a call to constant self-improvement, a principle he carries into everything we produce.

Our work and journey are driven by a simple but powerful idea: that art can reveal the hidden, inspire the heart, and connect people to something greater. Whether through our creations, expeditions, or contributions to the Masonic community, we invite you to see beyond the surface and find meaning in the world around you.

The Significance of our Name

Fossils, Bullets, Crystals, Creeks, and Bluffs

Before breaking ground, extra care was taken to visually examine the area and later, closer examination with metal detectors. We quickly found buckets and buckets of Calcite crystals. Upon close examination of the wetland areas of the property we discovered many fossils, probably from the Paleozoic period, including Gastropods, Bivalves, Cephalopods, Mammoth Teeth and many we couldn’t identify. Later, with the use of Metal Detectors, we found several heavily corroded Minie ball ammo.

When looked at as a whole, our workshop sits at the base of a small Bluff where water flows down which eroded the ground resulting in Calcite Crystals being released from the natural limestone deposits. The discovery of Fossils and Civil War era ammunition gave us many opportunities to name our then newly forming endeavor. Combining these descriptions we began working with names like Bullet Bluff, Fossil Falls, Crystal Falls, finally landing on Fossil Bluff.

Decoding Fossil Bluff

Our logo history and explication

Our old identity - circa 1999 - 2015

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