class="tag"Posts Tagged ‘cabin’
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!
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!
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!
The Sign Depot – @ The Top Of Canada
Peter Moir of The Sign Depot Heads To The Top of Canada
Last month Peter Moir, owner/president of The Sign Depot went on his yearly canoe trip. This year his trip took him to the top of Canada. He and his canoe group headed to Baffin Island, Nunavut to explore the Mount Joy area of the Soper River. The Soper River, now deemed a heritage river in Canada, is region full of wildlife, including polar bears!
The summer days are extended in Baffin Island. With only a few hours of darkness you can explore the area at length each day. As you can see Peter was able to find great scenery along his canoeing adventure.
A lot of planning went into preparing for this trip. Here are just a few things to think about when planning a canoe trip vacation.
How To Plan A Canoe Trip
- Research the area – Make sure you are aware of the rules and regulations for that area
- Travel light – Everything you need has to be transported by canoe or carried by you
- Make it waterproof – Keep your belongings in a watertight container to avoid damage
- Capture the moment – Remember your camera so you are able to photograph your adventure
These are just a few things to think about when planning a canoe trip. The best way to prepare is to speak to someone with a lot of paddling experience.
Summer Vacation
How are you spending your summer vacation? Are you planning a canoe trip or something else? Perhaps a long trek, or a relaxing time at a cottage or cabin? Which ever you choose we hope you get to spend some time enjoying the outdoors this summer. It won’t be long until the winter starts to creep in and we’ll be talking about hygge once again.
Is The Gray Jay The Next Big Thing For Cottage Signs?
The National Bird Project
The GRAY JAY was announced as the Canada’s National Bird by the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and Canadian Geographic through their National Bird Project. The gray jay was selected because it’s a bird that can be found year round (yes that includes the frosty winter months) in all of Canada’s provinces and territories.
Here at Sign Depot we are wondering if we will begin to receive requests for the gray jay on new orders of custom cottage signs?
Custom Signs With Bird Designs
Over the years we have created several custom signs with birds that are found in Canada, but these species tend to migrate south for the winter. The Canada Goose and Canadian Loon (also known as the Common Loon) have appeared on custom signs created here in the Sign Depot workshop.
Now with announcement of the gray jay being added to the list of popular birds found in our country, we may start to see requests for sign designs with this species of bird included in the sign artwork. We think it’s perfect pairing for our sandblasted cedar cottage signs as they weather the elements year round as well.
Be Ahead Of The Trend
Are you thinking of getting a custom wood cottage sign or residential sign? You might want to consider having a gray jay added to your sign design. It could end up being the next big thing in cottage signs. We see many different trends when it comes to our custom signs. Why not be ahead of the trend? All it takes to order a gray jay cottage sign is a bit of information on your part and a visit to our CONTACT US page.
Within a few weeks of receiving your order, you too can be a proud owner of a trendy custom cottage sign.
Creative Custom Wood Cottage Signs
“How much does a custom cottage sign cost”? That is a question we regularly get asked. As you can see by all the factors below that price has a lot to do with your taste and style.
Ordering A Cottage Sign
Are you wondering how to order a custom wood cottage sign? We often receive inquiries about how to go about ordering a sign for a cottage.
We always say start with the size, text, colours, graphics and whether your cottage sign will be single or double sided. You will also need to know if your custom sign requires any hanging brackets or posts and if it requires onsite installation or just shipping. This gives the estimator a good idea of the work that would be involved in creating your wood sign.
Do you want to know the cost of a cottage sign? The price varies on the items listed above. It is a good idea to know your budget for the cottage sign. Start with base price listed below and figure out how many custom options you will want included on your sign.
Cottage Sign Examples
Below are just a few examples of cottage signs made by The Sign Depot.
Customization options are virtually endless when it comes to cottage signs., and as you can see creative custom wood cottage signs are our speciality! For more examples of the custom sign work created here at The Sign Depot be sure to visit our portfolio. After you find something that suits your cottage and its surroundings, head to the CONTACT US page and request your free quote. Make sure to include the details from the items listed above and we will have one of our sign designers contact you with the approximate cost of the sign. After approval you are on your way to receiving a creative custom designed wood cottage sign.
Custom Cottage Signs And Address Markers
Cottage Signs That Stand Out From The Rest
Big or small, custom crafted cottage signs can prove to be great address markers. When your guests are looking to find your cottage or cabin, there are some important details to think about to ensure your sign is getting the job done. When the expert signmakers here at The Sign Depot created The SCHWANS sign in the image above, the following three items were considered.
Font Size
A large font is always a good choice. If the font is too small it will be difficult to read from a distance. When it comes to address markers for your cottage/cabin it is better to be seen and not passed by.
Colour Choice
When finishing a cottage sign, choosing colours that create contrast assist with increasing visibility. In this case, the bright letters stand out much better against the dark background. This is also important for wayfinding purposes.
Creating Dimesion
This wood sign was sandblasted. This means the wood was carved into to create the background leaving the letters raised and creating dimension in the sign, once again increasing visibility of your sign.
If the above three items are considered when designing a cottage sign and/or address marker, you are certain to find the results you are looking for. Plus you can rest easy knowing that your visitors will be able to find you.
There are lots of other ways to customize a cottage sign to your personal taste. When you choose to have a custom sign shop create your cottage sign possiblities are endless. Read more about it on our post about the Advantages Of Working With A Custom Sign Shop.
Heading to a cottage or cabin in the near future? Be sure to check out our list of the Best Campfire Recipes To Try Out At Your Cottage Or Cabin.
Best Campfire Recipes To Try Out At Your Cottage Or Cabin
Creating A Campfire For More Than Marshmallows
Now that the warm weather is here, many become weekend warriors and head for their cottage or cabin. There are only so many roasted marshmallows that one can eat over the summer, so here is our list of the best campfire recipes for you to try this cottage season.
Best Campfire Recipes
Stock up on tinfoil and long bbq tongs, heavy duty metal skewers and oven mitts . It’s time to take campfire cooking to the next level!
Campfire Corn On The Cob
Leave the husks on your ears of corn and soak them in a bucket or cooler of water for an hour. Next with either use your long bbq tongs or heavy duty metal skewers (depending on grip or weight) to roast the corn over the open flame until the husk becomes a very dark brown. Set roasted corn aside to let the steam to do the work and finish the cooking. After that put on your oven mitts and remove the husks from the corn and serve.
Spider Hot Dogs
This brings a bit of fun to the typical weiner roast. Start by scoring cross or x pattern into the ends of the hot dog with a knife. You are begining to start the legs of the spider. Now slice into your scoring a bit but not too far into the weiner. You don’t want the legs to char and fall off. Then insert your metal skewer into the hot dog and roast over the campfire. As it cooks you will see 4 legs form on each end of the hot dog, because as the weiner roasts the ends begin to curl up.
Tacos In A Bag
Being that your are at the cottage/cabin chances are you plan on grilling some hamburgers. Put a few extra on the grill and save the leftovers for this campfire recipe.
Start with a small bag of nacho chips (Doritos work best as their bags are foil lined and chips are flavoured already). Squish the bag a bit to crunch up the chips into smaller bite size pieces. Next chop up your cooked burgers and taco toppings (lettuce, peppers, cheese etc). Open the top of the nacho chip bag, add the toppings, roll up the top and give it a good shake. Then use the bbq tongs to hold the bags over the fire so that the cheese melts. Next set aside until the nacho chip bags are cool enough to hold. Slowly and carefully open the bags to let out the steam. Then once the bag and toppings are cool to the touch, eat the concoction right out of the bag, splitting it down the side as you get deeper into the filling (or eat with forks).
Campfire Cones
Think of it as all the fun of s’mores in an easier to manage ice cream cone. Begin with a sugar cone and fill with your sweet toppings, marshmallows, chocolate chips, caramel sauce, berries or any dessert toppings you like. Wrap the cone in foil. Use the bbq tongs to hold the package cone over the campfire to cook the ingredients. After that, let it cool and unwrap this portable dessert.
Memorable Moments At The Summer Cottage / Family Cabin
We know that campfires are just one of the memorable moments at the summer cottage and/or family cabin. Let us know in the comment section if you have traditions for your summer vacation getaways to the lake. We want to know what makes it memorable for you. You may even want to incorporate those memories into a custom cottage sign.
Our expert sign designers can craft a custom wood cottage sign with the text, colours and graphics that are personalized to your satisfaction. Visit our CONTACT US page for more information.
For additional Outdoor Living Ideas check out the One Big Outdoor Extravaganza post
Custom Wood Cottage Signs And Making Memories
Signs Of Summer
We are finally getting some signs of summer. With the snow behind us, thoughts of summer fun are popping up. We asked our twitter followers “When you hear COTTAGE what words do you think of” These are some of the words that @DavidArtHills @Spike_CS @JuliaRosien @YVRBlogger and @JRWaddell came up with.
We love all the different ways a cottage can be thought of. The saying may be Home Is Where The Heart Is, but we think it applies to a cottage as well. Whether you call it a cabin, a lake house, a vaction property or a cottage it is a representation of your getaway from the everyday. It provides a break from the hustle and bustle and gives you place to reflect on what is important to you. We make personalized custom wood cottage signs to represent this.
Whether you think of your cottage as place to welcome guests
A place to chill out
Or your place where your family gathers
we have something that will fit your style.
All it takes is your cottage memories. Our expert sign makers here at The Sign Depot can create cottage signs with the text, graphics, colours and font of your choice. Once you find the size and shape that fits your budget they get to work cutting, carving, sanding, painting and personalzing your custom wood cottage sign.
Leave A Legacy
Our wood cottage signs are custom crafted from western red cedar. Western red cedar is rot-resistant which makes it the best choice for outdoor signs. The longevity of cedar cottage cottage sign makes it a perfect accompaniment for a family cottage as it passes down from generation to generation.
For more examples of our custom cottage signs visit our Residential Portfolio Page. Want to get head start before cottage season starts? Visit our Contact Us page to get a quote on your very own custom cottage sign!