The Sign Depot
 

class="tag"Posts Tagged ‘cottage signs’

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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

Cottage Signs Shopify - The Sign Depot

and Felipe created a Google 360 of our showroom.

Google 360 Sign Depot

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.

  1. Visit https://thesigndepotcottagesigns.com
  2. Pick from one of the choices available at https://thesigndepotcottagesigns.com/collections/all
  3. Enter the text you would like on the sign
  4. Complete payment process
  5. 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!

 

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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.

historic sign - The Sign Depot

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.

Canadian Custom Sign - The Sign Depot

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.

Cottage Signs And Address Markers - The Sign Depot

We hope these ideas help with your long weekend!

 

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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.

Gray Jay Cottage Sign - The Sign Depot

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.

Cottage Signs - The Sign Depot Inc

Cottage Sign Loon - The Sign Depot

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.

How Much Does A Custom Cottage Sign Cost - The Sign Depot

How To Order A Custom Wood Cottage Sign - The Sign Depot

Within a few weeks of receiving your order, you too can be a proud owner of a trendy custom cottage sign.

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Custom Cottage Signs And Address Markers

Cottage Signs That Stand Out From The Rest

Cottage Signs And Address Markers - The Sign Depot

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.

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Signs That Cottage Season Is Over For Another Year

Signing Off On Cottage Season

Being a company that makes custom cottage signs, we thought this news may come easier from us. We wanted to let you know that cottage season is once again coming to close.  While you may not want to believe it, we have proof.

 Signs That Cottage Season Is Over For Another Year

Normally the signs that cottage season is ending and fall is beginning include leaves turning red

Cottage Signs - The Sign Depot Inc

and geese flying south for the winter.

Cottage Signs - The Sign Depot Inc

This is not the case this year. In case you missed it, The Weather Network posted this image on their facebook page yesterday (Sept 10 2014) of the conditions happening in Calgary.

We think this is one of the biggest warning signs we have that it is time to prepare the cottage for the winter. Last year we provided you 5 Websites To Help You Close Your Cottage For The Winter and with the unpredictable weather we thought it would be best to give you some more places to look for information on winterizing your cottage.

More Websites To Help You Close Your Cottage For The Winter

  1. Cottage Closing Electrical Safety Tips
  2. Cottage Closing Checklist From Hydro One
  3. Seasons from The Practical Cottager
  4. Winterizing Your Cottage from Trusted Pros
  5. Winterizing Your Summer Cabin Or Vacation Home

The tips above are give you a good idea about the workload ahead of you when prep your family cottage for the winter season. Our tip is to protect your exterior custom cottage sign from winter damage by following these steps

  • Wash it with soap and water.  A mild liquid dish detergent will do the trick
  • Let it dry
  • Give it a polish with a spray car wax (ie Turtle Wax)

This will add luster to the wood sign and serve as a protectant against the winter elements.

So while we have you thinking of winter, we just want to remind you that Personalized Cottage Signs make great Christmas Gifts and it’s never too early to CONTACT US and get your order in!

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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.

cottage word cloud - The Sign Depot

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

custom cottage signs - The Sign Depot

A place to chill out

custom cottage signs - The Sign Depot

Or your place where your family gathers

Personalized Wood Cottage Signs - The Sign Depot

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!

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Keep Your Custom Cottage Signs In Tip Top Shape And Other Cottage Closing Tips

5 Websites To Help You Close Your Cottage For The Winter

Wondering how to close your cottage for the winter? We have compiled a list of 5 websites with great information on how to properly close your cottage, cabin, or lake house property for the year.

  1. Cottage Life – Gives a thourough two day plan on how to close a cottage
  2. Cottage Tips – Has tips on both your interior and exterior property winterization
  3. Canada Safety Council – Helps to prevent break ins and loss of property during the off season
  4. Canoe.ca – Cottage Home & Property Showcase  – Provides info on how to keep critters out of your cottage
  5. Canadian Home Trends – Adds a great checklist for those closing down their cottage for the winter

One More Cottage Tip

If you have a custom wood cottage signs, there are a few steps you can take to add longevity to your cedar signs.

  • Wash it with soap and water.  A mild liquid dish detergent will do the trick
  • Let it dry
  • Give it a polish with a spray car wax (ie Turtle Wax)

This will add luster to the wood sign and serve as a protectant against the winter elements.

In the spring just wash off the wax coat and you are good to go.  Our custom paint finishes last for approximately 7-10 years depending on the area your cottage sign is located and how much sun it gets.  After that we suggest bringing it in for refurbishing.  Refurbishing means we sand it down to remove the flaking paint and then recoat the cedar sign with brand new paint.  Your sign will look like new!

Cottage Signs - The Sign Depot

Looking for ideas for custom cedar cottage signs? There are lots of personalization options to choose from. Be sure to visit our CONTACT US page to connect with one of our expert signmakers.

 

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Custom Wood Cottage Signs – Long Weekend Means Cottage Season

Custom Wood Cottage Signs – Long Weekend Means Cottage Season

Victoria Day

The Long Weekend is upon us and that means many will be heading to cottage. Whether the cottage is 4 hours or 40 minutes away, you still want it to be your home away from home. Not only is a cottage your getaway from the everyday, you want it to be welcoming to friends and family too. The easiest way to get that warm friendly cottage first impression is by adding a custom cottage sign to your laneway. Its more than just an address marker. It is a  personalized representation of what your cottage means to you. With fully customized Sign Depot cottage sign, you can choose the size, shape, colours, text and graphics to individualize the look of your sandblasted cedar sign.

 Custom Wood Cottage Sign -The Sign Depot

For more examples of how unique your custom cedar sandblasted sign can be make sure to visit our Residential Gallery in our Portfolio.

As you can see our custom wood cottage signs show off your individual creativity and good taste to your cottage guests. 

 

They make great gifts for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, House Warming gifts or any special occasion. Cedar cottage signs are built to last so its the gift that keeps on giving.  Not sure on what to put on a cottage sign that you are giving as a gift? Gift certificates are available too! This give the receipient lots of choice for their custom cedar sandblasted sign.

Cottage season will be in full swing soon! Make sure to contact us soon in order to get your custom carved cedar cottage sign into production. We want to make sure you have it in time for your first trek to the cottage this year. Email us, send us a tweet or message us on facebook.

We also want to remind all of our readers to stay safe this Victoria Day long weekend and remember not to let your guests drink and drive.

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