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No Comments Crafting Custom Cedar Wood Signs For Christmas
Cottage Signs For Christmas
When the weather starts to get chilly and everyone heads indoors to Hygge, we start preparing our cedar signs for the Christmas season. Every year we receive requests for Cottage Signs for Christmas Gifts. They make a unique gift and each cedar cottage sign can be personalized to an individual’s taste. This means they become a timeless gift that can be displayed with pride all year long.
Wood Signs That Weather Well
While there are several types of wood signs, we prefer to use Canadian Western Red Cedar for our cottage signs because of the longevity of the wood. Cedar holds up against the elements and with our 4 seasons ranging from heat and humidity in the summer to the freezing temperatures and moisture in the winter it is the best choice for custom signage.
We Make What Works For You
Our custom sign designers keep your budget in mind when it comes to creating a cottage sign that meets your specifications. You are able to select the size, shape, text and image for your sign. You can also decide if the sign is to be a single sided or a double sided sandblasted wood sign. You even has the option of having a custom post created to match your sign. With all of this choice, you are sure to find a mix that works for you.
What You Need To Provide When Ordering A Sign For Christmas
Because you want to ensure you receive your quote in a timely fashion, follow these steps
- Know your budget
- Decide on a size
- Figure out the shape you want the sign to be
- Provide the text to be on the sign
- Think of an image that would suit the sign
Once you have prepared these five items, send an email to sales@sign-depot.on.ca to receive your quote. Please note that taxes, shipping and/or installation are extra. Be aware the earlier you get your order in the better, as there will be time required to prepare and custom finish your sign.
3 Dimensional Signs Score Big With Shoeless Joes
Restaurant Signs For Hockey Fans
Shoeless Joes North Bay opened it’s doors just in time for hockey season and wanted the atmosphere to reflect Canada’s Game.
This meant creating unique signage to match the hockey theme of this restaurant. The sign requirements for this project included a hockey stick maple leaf and a hockey lace framed sign. Both projects had several steps to acheive a proper 3 dimesional look for the signs.
Hockey Lace Sign
The LACE UP dimensional sign had several components to it. It began with individual cnc cut letters that were finished red and then wrapped with actual hockey laces.
Next the metal frame was also painted red and the hockey lace was threaded through the frame to create a web.
Then the sign was assembled and installed in the restaurant’s interior.
Maple Leaf Hockey Stick Sign
The hockey stick sign was created to be 3 dimensional as well. It started with a variety of stacked hockey sticks cut to form the half maple leaf.
They were then attached to a plywood backer.
Once assembled it was mounted on to clear acrylic with a scratched ice look. The scratched ice look was created by applying vinyl frosting behind the acrylic piece. Then the full sign was installed inside the restaurant.
Adding To The Atmosphere
Both of these signs have a very different looks but blend well with the surrounding atmosphere of the restaurant. They are themed pieces that are noticable, but will not distract from the sports being played on their television screens. Together they enhance the patrons’ experience of being immersed in the hockey world.
For more information about 3 Dimensional signs or other signage that we fabricate be sure to visit our CONTACT US page to set up a quote for your business. Now is a great time to get set for the new year!
Great Custom Signs Get To Share The Spotlight
Creating A Custom Sign For A Vintage Landmark
It’s hard to believe that 2 years have already gone by from when we created the custom sign for the exterior of Gusto101 in Toronto. The Going For The Gusto post was a step by step look at how the sign was created and given a custom faux rust finish to match the vintage building it where it would be situated, but there is much more to the story of Gusto101.
Adding To The Atmosphere
When it comes to custom restaurant signs we know that signage plays a big part in creating an atmosphere around a location from the exterior of the building to the architectural interior. Gusto101 took it one step further and made their vintage look sign part of their brand. They choose to celebrate the former car garage location and keep reminders of days gone by while adding modern day touches like a retractable patio roof. The mix of traditional vs modern works in there favour and they chose to celebrate their unique establishment with a video.
I’m sure you can see why we really like this video. Seeing the Gusto101 sign go from day to night gives a great representation of how important your custom sign is. It is a 24 hour advertisment for your business and it can elevate your company’s brand.
Finding The Right Fit
When it comes to finding the right sign to fit both your business and your budget , our professional sign makers can assist you with several choices to streamline the sign design, permit, manufacturing and installation processes. Being a full service sign shop our sign experts can suggest ways to customize the look of your sign and give it the unique style your business deserves. Be sure to visit our Contact Us page to request your quote for your own custom crafted sign.
Custom Painting And Creating One Of Kind Artistic Signs
Are You Unique?
Being a custom sign shop we are always looking for unique ways to create custom artistic signs. Many of our signs have custom paint finishes to make them a one of a kind sign. Custom painting is something that has had a cultural impact throughout history and is still carried over to modern day.
Custom Sign Painting
The crew here at The Sign Depot had the opportunity to view the film Sign Painters, which was glimpse into the world of handpainted signs. (FYI there is a swear word or two in this trailer- don’t say we didn’t warn you).
SIGN PAINTERS (OFFICIAL TRAILER) from samuel j macon on Vimeo.
The film showed how historic sign painting techniques are still used today, but the real star of the film is 1 Shot Paint, something we use almost daily here in our workshop.
But I am sure all of our expert sign makers will agree with what the painter in the trailer said “I want to make signs that turn into art”
Spray Painting With Airbrush Techniques
Another great custom painting technique is airbrushing. We often use it for backgrounds on our custom wood signs. This paint finish can provide overall coverage or colour fades just like the skyline in this cottage sign below.
Airbrush techniques are often used in several variations of street art as well.
From the Las Vegas Strip
To a very popular graffiti artist
To learn more about how street artist Bansky pranked passers-by in Central Park take a look at the Colossal post about the Unannouced Art Sale (a big thanks goes to Unmarketing’s Scott Stratten for bringing this amazing post to our attention!)
Even we have taken to spray painting techniques outside the shop. Below is a time lapse of stencil and spray paint sign technique (you can see it happening mid-way through the video) and although we don’t get many opportunities for this kind of sign work we always jump at the chance to try something new.
Creating A Custom Look
The expert sign makers here at The Sign Depot have several other custom sign painting techniques to ensure your sign has a unique finish and creates an impact. If you are looking for something vintage and weathered, or modern with a high gloss finish, they can achieve a one of kind look for your artistic sign. Once you have an idea of your sign project be sure to visit our Contact Us page in order to receive your quote. Looking for more ideas? Search around our website, blog, facebook page, and pinterest boards for some inspiration.
Restaurant Industry And The Sign Depot – Custom Business Signs
The Sign Depot Returns To The CRFA Show
Right away we knew our Custom Signs For The Restaurant Industry would be a good fit for the Canadian Restaurant and Food Service Association (CRFA) Show. We are always looking for ways to show our unique signs. We find that they fit well with a variety of establishments. Getting in front of Restaurant Professionals is always top of mind for us, and what we want is for Sign Depot to be top of mind for them.
Restaurant signs that are stand out are great ways for companies to get noticed and our expert sign makers always find ways to add artistic styles that incorporate company branding. These signs become find-ability solutions that work for businesses.
Award Winning Beertown Public House Sign
We wanted to ensure that we were able to stand out at the CRFA Show as well, so were able to secure a spot directly across from the Chef’s Cooking Stage. Here’s a look at our surroundings.
This was a highly visible area with lots of traffic travelling by our booth. We even had some familiar faces stop by. We had the fine folks from Baden Coffee and Herrles Market pop by our CRFA booth.
Then we had our own Artistic Flair Bartending demonstration happen at our Sign Depot booth.
How Much Would It Cost To Create A Sign For My Business?
That was only one of the many questions we answered at our booth. We had our slide show running through the trade show to exhibit the variety of custom 3 dimensional signs we have created. Many of these sign projects would have been too big for our display booth, but we knew it was important to cover all the types of signs we can create. The reactions we varied from “I recognize that sign” to “How much would it cost to create a sign like that for my business?” We always have time to answer those questions. Requesting a quote is easy to do. Just head over to our Contact Us page and let us know the following
- How big should your sign be? Including measurements streamlines the process
- What is your budget for the sign project?
- Do you have any logo, text or graphics that should be incorporated into the sign?
These three questions are great ways to get your sign quote started. After approval, your signs will be handcrafted here in our workshop to your specifications. As your sign supplier, our goal is to exceed your expectations. Professional looking signs are expected from high end industries. We are always looking for different ways to connect with Industry Professionals.
The CRFA Show was a great way show our custom business sign solutions to Restaurant Owners, Chefs and Marketing Executives.
Finds From The Farm – The International Plowing Match 2012 and Custom Farm Signs
City Goes Country In Kitchener-Waterloo
When most think of Kitchener-Waterloo they think of the technology sector, but the area has so much more to offer. Kitchener-Waterloo is part of a much bigger municipality known as The Region Of Waterloo. The Region of Waterloo consists of the cities of Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge as well as Wilmot, Wellesley, Woolwich and North Dumfries townships. This mix of urban and rural communities is what gives this area of Southwestern Ontario a uniqueness and appeal to tourists. It was no wonder that the International Plowing Match chose Roseville, a town just outside of Kitchener-Waterloo, to hold this year’s event.
From Farm To Table
The farming community in this area is vibrant. With the shift in focus on locally grown food, this area has so much to offer. The Buy Local Buy Fresh initiative that originated in this area was well intact before anyone had heard of the 100 Mile Diet. We have several options for those seeking to support local farmers.
Here’s a list of a few popular places to support local food
- Kitchener Market
- St. Jacob’s Market
- Herrles Market
- Barries Asparagus
- Stemmler’s Meats
- Wellseley Gourmet
- Eating Well Organically
-
Agriculturally Accurate
Farm machinery is also a staple in this area. Finding the right tools and equipment locally is what helps our local farming community thrive. This year’s plowing matches range from antique plowing to modern day methods. This makes sense since much of the early day farm machinery came from Waterloo Manufacturing. Finding the mix of old and new is something that The International Plowing Match has in common with us here at The Sign Depot.
Whether it is the process of making a sign look weathered or finishing a project with a unique finish the medley of old and new can be easily recognized the moment you step into our showroom. You are suddenly in a mix of pub, reception and Farm Signs. We think it is a great representation what we can offer to the community and a relection of how the community has influenced us.
We think the International Plowing Match will also continue to display the mix of old and new by showing how far farming has come with making sure to respect the evolution of agricultural pursuits. Want to learn more about what there is to see and do at the 2012 International Plowing Match? You can find it on their Schedule Of Events.
Heritage Signs, Traditional Signs, Re-Purposed Signs And Historic Sign Replications
Sometimes Its About Making Old Things New and Sometimes Its Vice Versa
Upon entering our showroom you will notice the newest edition of the Sign Depot crew. ‘Roman’, as I’ve named him, was created from several rusted gears, scrap metal & imagination.
Projects like this pop up all over the shop, as we have a very creative bunch here. You never know what materials are going to be re-purposed to create something entirely different.
But that’s not always the case. Sometimes the client needs something new to replicate something old. This happened recently when Doon Heritage Crossroads required a new sign to match their Historic surroundings. The local attraction is a replica of a 1914 village where guests are invited to experience A DAY IN THE LIFE…
In order to achieve an authentic look the letters were hand-painted and the script was very basic, as was often the case for that era. Creating this sign to easily match the other buildings on site would be a challenge for many, but through the use of the staff’s lettering techinques and fine craftsmanship they gave the sign the look of days gone by. Heritage sign replications give sign makers a chance to use traditional sign techniques with modern materials. This gives the heritage sign a historic look while making it a low maintenance sign through the use of present day sign materials.
Whether you choose Cedar, MDF, Acrylic or HDU these materials when treated properly add longevity to your sign and keep it from looking weathered. Now if you are looking for the weathered look, we can help with that too. Once you have decided on the sign finish you want we are able to create it from a variety of custom crafted sign materials and sign finishing techniques. This will give you a unique, one of a kind heritage-look sign.
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.
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.
3 Dimensional Signs – Carved Front Doors
First Impressions
Sign people are always telling potential customers “ Business signs are one of the most obvious places to demonstrate a first impression ” Of course this is true but there are other opportunities to affirm this first impression – like the front door. 
Every customer goes through the front door of this restaurant,what a great opportunity to make an impression.
” cetol ” to preserve and bring out the warmth of the wood. Details like custom hammered iron brackets compliment the carved wood and add to the handmade feel. Custom made moose antler door pulls are memorable and a fun addition to the restaurant.
First impressions are not restricted just to the sign – be creative and find a new way to impress your potential customers.
