class="tag"Posts Tagged ‘wood’
No Comments This Restaurant Sign Needed a Passport Stamp of Approval
Dimensional Restaurant Signs
Last year the owner of PASSPORT SIPS + TAPAS contacted us after being inspired by our barn board signs post and wanted something similar but with a few minor changes to fit their brand. Their visual marketing strategy is to connect their branding to the “passport stamp” within their logo using a dimensional restaurant sign to make it very eye-catching. In order to accomplish this, the sign makers here at The Sign Depot created this exterior sign from two different materials to create the style that Passport Sips + Tapas was looking for.
Creating the Passport Sips + Tapas Custom Sign
This sign was mix of pine wood and outdoor PVC. The first step was to create a pine wood backer, then distress the wood. Two different hues were used when finishing the wood to give it more dimension. Next the individual PVC letters and logo were cut out on our CNC router table and given an outdoor paint finish with minor distressing done to the paint. As you can see in the image below the letters were prepared for pin mount installation on to the wood sign backer.
The last part of the sign project was to insert the passport stamp image into the letter “O” in the word passport to make it the focal point of the sign.
Next the sign was assembled and prepped for shipping, which included a custom made wood case to ensure the sign arrived safely.
The Passport That Crossed The Border
Here at The Sign Depot, we manufacture many signs that are shipped into the United States. We just thought it was such a fun play on words that we were fabricating a sign with the word PASSPORT that would be crossing border. Now it is great to see from their Instagram page that their restaurant is in full swing and the sign provides a welcoming entrance-way to the establishment.
With more that 25 years experience creating custom restaurant signs, we look forward to assisting with your upcoming sign projects. Visit our CONTACT US page to connect with us!
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.
Community Involvement – The Buddy Bench Project
Buddying Up With Our Community
Recently we were contacted by our local radio station 91.5 The Beat to see if we would be interested in their latest School Tour project. They were looking for a business that values community involvement to assist with their BUDDY BENCH initiative. We were glad they came to us and we could help with the project. This may have you wondering what we mean by “BUDDY BENCH” but we think the video below describes it best.
How A Buddy Bench Works
This 3 minute video is a great example of what a BUDDY BENCH can do. Many children often struggle with making friends, joining in and/or finding someone to talk to. The idea of putting a BUDDY BENCH in a school playground assists the children that need a little help in this area. They sit on the bench and a spotter will come and sit with them and strike up a conversation. This little engagement can do a lot to improve the mental health and/or self esteem in kids. It also assists with stopping bullying at school.
Bring On The Buddy Benches
91.5 The Beat is donating BUDDY BENCHES to 3 local schools. Together with our friends at Fiddlesheads and Cedarland Lumber we assisted them with this important community project.
Our involvement was to engrave the words BUDDY BENCH along with the sponsors names into the wooden bench. To do this we sandblasted the bench pieces to carve into the wood. Yesterday the first bench was donated to a local school and as you can see it was all smiles when it was received.
Proud to donate this “Buddy Bench” to #MillenWoodsPS – All thanks to @Fiddleheads_HN @TheSignDepot & @CedarlandLumber for making this happen 😁🙌 pic.twitter.com/dMKOCMUYWw
— 91.5 The Beat (@915theBeat) May 10, 2018
Thank you @915theBeat for your lovely donation of the Buddy Bench for @MillenWoods. Everyone deserves to have a friend. See someone sitting alone? Go say HI. 👋🏼 Be their buddy. 😊 #WRDSBlive pic.twitter.com/nsLL9ZAEa0
— Waterloo Region DSB (@wrdsb) May 10, 2018
Sandblasting wood is something we have been doing for over 25 years. If you want more info about our sandblasted wood signs please visit our portfolio and if you see something you are interested in please CONTACT US!
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.
National Christmas Tree Day – Western Red Cedar
Get Set For National Christmas Tree Day
The first Saturday of December is National Christmas Tree Day declared so by The Canadian Christmas Tree Growers Association. According to Ontario’s Ministry Of Natural Resources And Forestry, Christmas trees are grown for 8-10 years before they reach 8ft depending on the species of tree. That means selecting a real tree for Christmas requires a bit of thought. There are many options when it comes to Christmas Trees, but if you are looking for a unique option for your tree we suggest a Western Red Cedar tree.
Western Red Cedar Trees
Western Red Cedar is the commonly known name of the Thuja plicata, which means it is an evergreen or coniferous tree found in the western parts North America. Because western red cedar trees are rot resistant, they make a great choice for those who prefer to have a real Christmas tree. In addition to making great Christmas Trees, western red cedar is our wood of choice for our sandblasted wood signs.
Longevity Of Western Red Cedar
According to the Government of British Columbia website, a fallen western red cedar tree can lie for 100 years and still be harvested as wood roof shakes. That is the reason we use cedar for our cottage, residential and sandblasted signs. Cedar withstands the elements very well, and with the variety of weather across Canada, it makes cedar the best choice of wood or our signs.
Cedar Signs For Christmas
There is still time to get your order in for a custom cedar sign for Christmas. Just visit our CONTACT US page and provide our expert sign designers with the size, text, graphics and colours that you are looking to have included on your cedar sign. After they receive that info, they are able to provide you with quote for your sign.
Christmas Tree Day Online Celebration
Visit our Facebook Event Page for National Christmas Tree Day and post a picture of your Decorated Christmas Tree. We are looking to see all sorts of Christmas Trees. Whether they are real or artificial, indoor or outdoor, cedar or otherwise, we want to know how our readers are decorating their trees for the season. Post your pics at https://www.facebook.com/events/1603550443287183
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.
Did You Notice The Signs Of Spring?
Spring Has Sprung At The Sign Depot
Have you noticed the signs of spring? While many look for robins and tulip blooms we have a whole different set of spring occurrences here at The Sign Depot. It begins with a plethora of phone calls and emails related to these topics
- Spring Trade Show Signs – see how unique your booth can look by visiting our CUSTOM SIGNS AND BOOTHS FOR TRADE SHOW SEASON post.
- Weathered Signs In Need Of Repair – learn how quickly a damaged sign can be replaces on our DAMAGE CONTROL post.
- Mother’s Day Gifts – whether you are looking for a stone garden sign or a cedar residential sign, we can personalize it to your Mom’s liking. Read more at MOTHER’S DAY ENGRAVED SIGNS.
- Cleaning An Exterior Sign – we have complied a great list of ways to spring clean your outdoor signs. Take a look at HOW TO SPRING CLEAN YOUR CUSTOM EXTERIOR SIGNS for some tips and tricks.
After the spring basics listed above are in place our next steps usually involve preparing for the summer season. What that means is we assist many golf courses and seasonal venues with their preparations for their busy season.
The last sign of spring we see is when we begin receiving requests for quotes on custom cedar cottage signs. Whether your cottage is a summer vacation home in Muskoka, or a cabin on the Grand River we can customize our wood signs to match your style and taste.
We are very happy to say we are ready for spring here at The Sign Depot no matter what Mother Nature sends our way over the next few weeks. Are you ready for spring? Take a look at your signs. Could they use a spring refresh? If so, be sure to visit our CONTACT US page to see how we can help.
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 Christmas Decor Item Contest And More Gift Ideas
Custom Wood Decor Items In Time For The Christmas Season
The holiday season arrived a little earlier than expected in 2014. With all this winter weather upon us it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas. It makes you want to curl up in front of a wood fireplace and get ready for the festivities to begin. Now speaking of fireplaces, perhaps your mantel could use a little holiday decor? Or maybe there is another spot in your home that could use a little something festive. Our Custom Wood Santa Block could be just that little touch of something special! Be sure to enter the contest at the end of this post and perhaps our 6″x6″ custom cedar Santa decor item might become yours!
Looking To Get A Jump On Christmas Shopping From The Comfort Of Your Home?
If you don’t want to bother travelling to the mall or other retailers for that extra special present, we have lots of gift suggetions on our post TOP 10 PICKS FOR CUSTOM WOOD SIGNS AND CHRISTMAS GIFTS. There you find a variety of unique items ranging from custom wood cottage and residential signs
to family fun items that can all be customized to your personal taste.
When ordering a personalized item that you are looking to have ready in time for the Christmas season, be sure to get your order in before the last minute rush begins.
Ordering Your Custom Christmas Gifts In November Can Save You Money
For all orders with deposits received in November 2014 we will reward you with a 10% discount upon project completion. We thought it would be a bonus to save you some money just because you are on top on your game! Being prepared for Christmas 2014 will not only save you time this year, you will be saving cash too!
How To Order A Custom Christmas Item From The Sign Depot
Visit our CONTACT US page and Email The Sign Depot with the item you are looking for.
Be sure to include
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The size you require
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What text and graphics you need (or if you need our expert designers to help with that)
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When you need it ready for
These steps will help to fast-track the process and get your project quoted. Once the quote is signed off and the deposit is received that your custom Christmas gift will go into production.
Now that you have all of your prep done, take a moment and enter our contest (it may take a minute for the rafflecopter form to load) for a Custom Wood Santa Block, made from sandblasted western red cedar and finished to show off how jolly Santa is!
Custom Crafted Beer Signs – International Beer Day
The First Friday In August Is International Beer Day
Being located in Canada’s Home of Oktoberfest, we know how popular beer is in Canada. With Oktoberfest just being a few months away, International Beer Day is a great way to gear up for our local Bavarian festival. Here at The Sign Depot we are very familar with lots of Canadian breweries both big companies and small local crafted beer, along with the restaurants that serve their beverages. We decided today would be a great day to display some of the custom crafted beer signs we have created over the years.
Crafted Beer Signs
When it come to the big beer brewers in Canada the most well know brand is Molson Canadian.
We have crafted several beer signs for Molsons over the years, but one of the most recognizable one would be the one situated in Air Canada Centre.
Smaller craft breweries also come to us for signs that will help then stand out from their competitors. Recently Innocente Brewing Company opened it’s doors in Waterloo Ontario and a custom wood sign was one of the tools they used to brand this new beer company.
Restaurant and Pub Signs
When it comes to establishments that serve ale and lager, there is quite a variety of crafted beer signs that fit the bill.
To learn more be sure to read our post Custom Pub Signs – Traditional VS Modern. There you will learn why custom crafted and personalization of pub signs is of tremendous importance.
How You Celebrate International Beer Day
Do you have plans for International Beer Day? Celebrating could mean checking out a local patio or gathering friends at the cottage! Grabbing a pint is custom on long weekends and being that International Beer Day falls on the Civic Holiday Long weekend here in Ontario Canada we raise a glass to you, however you choose to celebrate. Cheers everyone!
