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No Comments Custom Cabin, Cottage and Farm Signs Made from Canadian Cedar
Creating Your Custom Signs
When it comes creating a custom sign for your cabin, cottage or farm we have two different methods to suit your needs. Each option has its own advantages when it comes to western red cedar signs. The first method involves a template for those not sure where to start and the second method works well for those that know exactly what they require. Either choice gives you options that work within your budget and creativity.
Sign Templates for Custom Wood Signs
For those wanting to create a custom sign but needing a little assistance when it comes to the look of their sign we suggest choosing our Template option.
Just pick one of the sign designs at https://thesigndepotcottagesigns.com/collections/all and click on the preferred image. When the webpage for that sign loads, fill in the Text on Sign field with the name and/or words you wish to have on that sign. Above that choose the option of the Single Sided sign price or the Double Sided sign price and then click Add to Cart. Finish the shipping and payment info and your sign will be shipped to you soon. This is also a great option for gifts! Whether it is for Christmas, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day or a Wedding Gift, a custom Canadian cedar sign is always appreciated for any occasion.
Fully Customized Signs
If you need a more customization than our template signs offer, then we suggest our custom crafted western red cedar signs as a better fit. While they are a higher price-point than our template signs, a fully customized sign can be manufactured by our expert sign makers to fit your needs. You select the size, shape, colours, images and text that you require on your wood sign and it is made to your specifications. These signs are fantastic for cottage or cabin signs or for family farm signs to carry on tradition and highlight heritage. To get started visit our CONTACT US page and email us your request.
Celebrating 25 Years of Cottage Signs With New Digital Strategies
25 Years Creating Custom Wood Signs
This year marks the 25th anniversary of The Sign Depot. Through the years we have made quality signage and customer service a priority which makes us valuable partner to our clients. We provide them with signage that best fits their brand and assists with making them recognizable in their industry. Of all the different materials we use to fabricate signs, the most popular has been our western red cedar signs. They are a popular choice for exterior signs for our business clients and as cottage signs for our residential customers. They can be spotted across Canada and into the United States.
Innovative Signs and Strategies
With over two decades of sign making experience we have always been on top of sign trends and choose modern day methods to market them.
It began in 2009 when we incorporated a digital strategy to engage current and potential clients through our social media channels on twitter and facebook. That sparked a fresh website and blog. As new networks came online we found pinterest to be a valuable tool to display our work and company culture. Whether it’s signs or strategies we are always looking to innovate in our industry that is how we connected with Digital Main Street.
The Sign Depot Meets Digital Main Street
Earlier this year we attended a Digital Main Street info presentation at the Waterloo Region Small Business Centre. There we spoke with Sara Bingham the Entrepreneurship and Technology Advisor for the centre. We discussed how we could bring our cottage signs to the masses through E-commerce. Sara understood what we needed and set it all up. She brought in Digital Main Street representatives to assist with this project. Mansi was the rep. that customized a Shopify E-commerce site for us
and Felipe created a Google 360 of our showroom.
Sara, Mansi and Felipe were fantastic to work with and they really listened to our needs for this project. Working with the Digital Main Street team was fun and inspiring. It made us see how can bring our custom wood signs into a modern marketplace and change the way we do business. We believe that our new COTTAGE SIGN site will streamline the process of ordering a custom cottage sign. See how easy it is by following the steps below.
Simple Steps For Cottage Signs
All it takes are a few simple steps to order a personalized cottage sign.
- Visit https://thesigndepotcottagesigns.com
- Pick from one of the choices available at https://thesigndepotcottagesigns.com/collections/all
- Enter the text you would like on the sign
- Complete payment process
- Look forward to receiving your cottage sign
We think this new way of ordering will make it us a ONE STOP SOLUTION FOR COTTAGE SIGNS!
Carving Out A Spot In Our Community
Bring On The Buddy Benches
After the success of the Buddy Bench project last spring, 91.5 The Beat approached us to once again be part of their next round of School Tour Buddy Benches. We were so happy to see how well received they are at the local schools and gladly accepted the chance to sandblasted the cedar with donor recognition names and the BUDDY BENCH text for this next round of school visits.
Positive Community Involvement
Today the first of the fall Buddy Benches was awarded to St. Matthew Elementary School in Waterloo Ontario. One of our Sign Depot Facebook Fan Page members, Jennifer Beckett, sent us this emotional message regarding today’s presentation, along with a picture of her son sitting on the new St. Matthew’s Buddy Bench.
St. Matthew Catholic School in Waterloo had some sad times recently with the tragic passing of a student over the summer followed by the arson of the school’s only play structure a few days before school started. A visit from 91.5 The Beat and the donation of a Buddy Bench from The Sign Depot & Cedarland Lumber was just the warm hug this wonderful, caring school community needed! Thank you!
To see that this is going to make such a positive impact on the school that has experience such hardship recently is exactly the reason why community projects are so important. To learn more about this project and what exactly a Buddy Bench does for the school’s students, visit our post COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT – THE BUDDY BENCH. To give your school a chance to receive a Buddy Bench of their own, enter the contest at 91.5 The Beat.
Did your local school receive a Buddy Bench? We would love to hear about the positive impact it is making. Leave a comment below so we can learn more about our locally Buddy Benches.
Recognize Your Community of Donors With Donor Recognition Signage
Donor Recognition
According to LIFT PHILANTHROPY PARTNERS there are 3 strategies for proper donor recognition.
- Thank them
- Recognize them
- Tell the story
Each of these areas can be covered by choosing unique signage for donor recognition. Recently we had the opportunity to fabricate a donor recognition sign structure for St. Paul’s University College, which is on the University of Waterloo Campus in Waterloo Ontario. This unique design was developed here at The Sign Depot with the assistance of ABA Architects, also located in the Region of Waterloo. This sign structure has become a focal point in the building and incorporates the 3 strategies listed above. First it thanks the donors for their community involvement. Second it recognizes each donor and their contribution to St. Paul’s and third the arch structure conveys the message of the donors lifting up St. Paul’s and incorporating their spirit into the building.
Below you can see the beginning stages of the sign on the layout drawings and the final installation.
As the donor recognition sign came together it was decided that the sign should light up as the students, professors and staff of St. Paul’s walk through the arch-way. This signals how important their donors are to them by making them take notice of all those who chose to donate to St. Paul’s.
Donor Recognition Walls and Signs
Whether you are part of a University, a Social Enterprise or a Not-For-Profit, making the effort to recognize your donors is a great way to keep in touch with them and their community involvement efforts. It may encourage them to become lifetime contributors to your organization. We can create unique displays of for donor recognition walls, commemorative plaques and memorial signs. Visit our CONTACT US page to connect directly with the Sign Depot designers to see how your donor recognition project can be implemented into your establishment.
DIY Backyard Games – Great Ideas For Your Cottage or Cabin
Crafty Ideas For Your Cottage / Cabin Life
Here at The Sign Depot we have become fast fans of Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman’s Making It competition TV show. Each week the show’s crafters, known as the makers, take on challenges to create unique items for each competition.
In essence, that is what our signmakers do here on a day to day basis when they are creating custom cottage signs and other unique structures. This show has inspired us to connect with some bloggers about their DIY projects that can add some family fun to your cottage, cabin or even your backyard. Below is a list of do it yourself backyard games that we think you will enjoy making and playing in the great outdoors.
DIY Backyard Games
DIY Nerf Target
See how to tackle this target at https://the-gingerbread-house.co.uk/2018/04/23/how-to-make-a-diy-nerf-target
Outdoor Patio DIY Tic-Tac-Toe Game
Learn how to put this together at http://juliemeasures.com/outdoor-diy-tic-tac-toe
Ring Toss and other Carnival Themed Games
Check out this list of outdoor games like Ring Toss and Balloon Down at https://www.playpartyplan.com/fun-outdoor-games
More Outdoor Fun This Summer
For those that want to mix it up without too much crafting, check out these lists of outdoor games at https://www.onecrazymom.com/20-forgotten-summer-games-for-kids and https://www.playpartyplan.com/camping-games-for-kids-and-adults and https://thesoccermomblog.com/outdoor-games-for-kids
Even those with little ones can enjoy some outdoor activities with ideas from https://www.whatsupfagans.com/top-backyard-activities-for-four-year-olds
Many people can be put these games together with household items like tin cans, string, disposable cups, t-shirts, sidewalk chalk or even pool noodles to create obstacle courses.
We have been known to put together some fun games as well. We have made CUSTOM CORNHOLE BOARDS and even some BRANDED PLINKO GAMES for businesses.
Getting Crafty at The Cottage
Is there a backyard game you have made for your cottage, cabin or backyard? Post about it in the comments! We love to get inspired by our readers’ crafting abilities. Don’t have a unique backyard game? That’s okay. Try one of the ones above and tell us how it turned out. Let us know if you invited extended family or neighbours to try them out too. To ensure they find your cottage with ease you should consider an address/lot marker or a sandblasted cottage sign like the ones pictured below. To learn more visit our CONTACT US page and send us a note!
Collaborative Sign Design – Cambridge Pallet
From Networking To Collaboration
Networking has always been a focus for The Sign Depot. Through networking we build great business relationships within our community. This is how the Cambridge Pallet reception sign came about. Through connecting with Jorge Meneses we were able to refer business back and forth between our companies and learn more about our interests outside of our companies as well. In fact we are now committee members for Movember KW, swap vacation stories and assist each other with community involvement fundraising events. Because we have gotten to know each other well throughout the years, when it came to creating a sign for Cambridge Pallet, it became a collaborative effort.
Sharing Sign Design Ideas
Jorge had let us know that Cambridge Pallet was looking for an interior sign for their office area. He envisioned steel letters in the reception area. We suggested to take it one step further and have a replica wood pallet added to the sign design. These sign ideas were put together to create a sign that reflects their company and their brand. While this might not be the exact definition of collaborative design, we feel that this was a great way to work together to create a unique 3 dimensional sign.
Building A Pallet Sign
To create the pallet sign we began with MDF board, which is a great material for interior signage. It was cut and assembled to replicate a wood pallet.
It was then finished to match the colour they use for their pallets. After the paint finish was complete, the text portion was added to the sign project. The brushed metal letters were pin mounted to the sign to create dimension.
Once the sign was fully assembled, our installers placed in the reception area of Cambridge Pallet. Since its arrival both staff and clients have remarked with how much they like the new sign and that it is a great representation of the company.
Build A Sign Around Your Brand
Whether you connect with in person at networking events or online through our social channels, we want to collaborate with you to create a sign that reflects your company and brand. Visit our CONTACT US page to get the process started.
Outdoor Dining and 3 Dimensional Signs at Dels
Dear Dels, We Love What You’ve Done With The Place
Approximately four years ago the expert sign-makers here at THE SIGN DEPOT were busy with the signage rebranding of Del Dente to the Dels Enoteca Pizzeria. If you read our earlier post you know the change was quite significant, and you are aware that they were able to re-purpose the original 3 dimensional sign to different part of the building. Fast forward to present-day and the restaurant has upped their game once again. They have created a very inviting outdoor dining space. This Al Fresco dining area, known as #DelFresco, is a charming patio that provides a wonderful dinner spot for the summer. It even has an area for you bring an extra special guest that normally wouldn’t be able to join you while eating at the establishment.
Pet Friendly Patio
The addition of pet beds and water dishes make it a welcoming spot to bring SPOT along with you! This means you can now bring your dog to your fancy Italian dinner.
Outdoor Decor
Beyond the wood tables and the pet area, the Dels Patio is surrounded by bountiful flowers and plants and the signage provides great accents to this fresh air atmosphere.
The custom crafted utensils and dimensional signage serves as a backdrop for the new dining area and because it is a lit sign you can easily find your way to the patio during the evening hours. Open air dining is great way to enjoy warm summer nights and we think the new Dels Patio is the perfect place to try before the summertime ends.
If you are looking to add 3 dimensional signs to your establishment, we would glad to assist you. Check out our DIMENSIONAL SIGNS GALLERY for inspiration and then head to our CONTACT US page to connect with us.
Bring On Boating Season With Custom Nautical Signs
Wonderful Waterways
This summer we are experiencing lots of warm weather and the best way to spend the season is near water. Whether you are water skier, wakeboarder, fisherman or boat enthusiast, spending time on the water is a great getaway from the everyday. If you are a boat owner and you don’t live near a waterway, you have a few choices when it comes to enjoying boating season. Either you trek your boat with you from dock to dock, store it at a local marina or keep it at the cottage. Being that many choose to invest in real estate we think the later is a great choice especially if you tend to make the most of boating season.
Best Boating Areas To Invest In
When selecting a vacation property it is best to think of what area will best suit your needs. You may want a cabin near a large river, a cottage at the Muskoka Lakes, a summer house in The Hamptons, a winter property in Florida, vacation house in the Okanagan or maybe you will decide to build bayside. There are great options all over North America that fit your style. To further enhance your boating lifestyle we think the addition of a custom nautical sign will be a welcome addition to your property.
Custom Nautical Signs
Custom nautical signs come in all shapes and sizes. We can customize your exterior wood sign to reflect what you love most about boating. Some great ideas to start with are
- Beach Scenes
- Sunsets
- Muskoka Chairs
- Light Houses
- Anchors
- Fishing Poles
- YOUR BOAT
The possibilities are endless when it comes to picking the theme of your custom sign. Once you have decided on the size, shape, text, graphics and colours then you can visit our CONTACT US page to let us know how you want you nautical themed sign to look. We are happy to provide you with a free quote for your fully customized sign.
We hope you can spend some time boating this summer and get a chance to drop anchor on a wonderful waterway.
Long Weekend Road Trips and Custom Cottage Signs
Road Trips and Tourist Attractions
We want to ensure your long weekend is a fun one. The best way is to have a great plan in place. Start by checking out our ROAD TRIP PACKING LIST post to see our list of the TOP 10 items you should make sure you pack for your next road trip. Now that you have everything in place it’s time to download a playlist for the trip. We have created one full of songs about driving and travel. Have a look at our ROAD TRIP PLAYLIST to see if you agree with our selections. We think it will help you chill out on the journey.
While some times the road trip is about the journey, other times it’s about the destination. We have a great list of Ontario Tourist Attractions that might peak your interest. We would love to know which ones you have visited and which ones you plan to. Perhaps you might even be interested in some of the Historic Sites in the picture below.
Cottage Country and Custom Cottage Signs
Maybe a trip to the cottage is more your style. We have lots of info to ensure you have a fun time at the cottage. Hopefully our road trip lists above have helped you enjoy the trip to cottage country and now that you have arrived it is time to enjoy long weekend. Bird watching is great way to pass the time at the cottage. Learn about some of the more popular birds we have put on cottage signs by visiting our post about the NATIONAL BIRD PROJECT.
Another great thing about spending time at a cottage is cooking over an open flame. You can see our list of recipes to try at your cottage or cabin by checking out our CAMPFIRE RECIPE list. Are you having guests join you at the cottage? Make sure they can spot your site with an address marker or family cottage sign.
We hope these ideas help with your long weekend!
Social Enterprise and Small Business Signs
Community Involvement Means You Are Always Learning
The month of June was beyond busy with our cottage sign segment of the business, but we still take time to be involved in our community and find ways to learn about new ideas. Earlier this month The Centre for International Governance held an advance screening of the film THE SOCIAL SHIFT along with a Q&A with the creators of the film, Meaghan and Marie Wright of Mirror Image Media. Many in attendance were new to the concept of Social Enterprise and the positive effects it has on a community. The creators summed it up well when it was stated that many business owners wait until they retire and then become philanthropists. In reality they could be creating businesses that “do good” as their mandate, which then would be referred to as a social enterprise. You can learn a bit about social enterprises in Canada by viewing the film’s trailer below.
Throughout the filmed the audience learned about Canadian businesses that assist with environmental change, companies created that gave people a place to work and taught them new skills with a chance for advancement and so many many other ideas that help both locally and globally.
Signs With Social Enterprise In Mind
Last month we spoke about our community involvement with the BUDDY BENCH project.
Since then we been able to work on other signage that promotes inclusivity and social change. One was a donor recognition feature at St. Paul’s University College along with signage for their Greenhouse social impact incubator. Another project we were proud to be part of was the WELCOME NEIGHBOUR exterior sign created for the Victoria Hills Neighbourhood Association that was revealed at this year’s Neighbours Day.
As you have noticed in earlier posts we also enjoy being involved in our community, whether it be at sponsoring events or attending events like this above mentioned screening to see how we can be innovative with the way we make our signs and source our materials. For example our preferred metal provider donates and holds fundraisers for the Make a Wish Foundation, which is why we buy from them. When businesses take a look at how they run their company and the businesses they choose to work with they can learn how they can make a social impact. Even small tweaks can provide lasting results and social change.
