Apr
1
Carved Wood Signs Deliver Class
Filed Under Ask An Expert | Leave a Comment
Thom Inman asked:
If you are looking for a compelling Welcome Sign that will distinguish yours from all the others you’ve seen, you should consider a custom made carved wooden sign. Whether you are running a Country Inn, a Lodge with rustic cabins, old family General Store; or, simply a Lake Cabin, second home or RV Camping Site…a custom carved wood sign will provide you that special distinction that will set you apart from others around you. It will also make a statement for those who visit your business, arrive at your home or extend a Howdy to those other campers at the sites you frequent. Everything about your sign speaks volumes about you and your uniqueness.
Because there are hundreds, indeed thousands, of fonts and varieties a powerfully designed wooden sign becomes a composition. For instance, a simple font is often used to deliberately convey a rustic look, different even simple, font choice of the same text will profoundly change the balance and harmony of the sign. The right font can determine the overall look, which, in turn, can serve to make the message on the sign more appealing. Remember, your overall goal is to grab the attention of potential customers, quests, visitors or neighbors and give them something to remember. Since your sign will likely be one of the first aspects of your business or abode they will see, the way it appears is a crucial part of customer attraction, personification and identification.
The message itself is just as important as the look, as it will make a statement to the viewer – receiver - target. You want them to continue coming back; to tell others about your style; to express your warmth, personality and affections; so be sure it is something they will be likely to remember: the more distinctive the better. It may even serve to define you; or, at the very least, something about who you are and what you have that’s unique - so choose your words carefully.
If you are unsure about how the sign should look, consult with the person who will create it. Collaborating directly with the sign artist is the single most powerful tool you have to customize or tailor just the right message, balance and harmony. Once you have established exactly what you are going for, (sometimes you just don’t know what you are looking for but know it when you see it) you will have an easier time deciding just how it should look.
There are many designs that can help present your message. The one you choose should compliment the message on your sign. If the message is simple and rustic, go for that type of design. If you are going for something more complex, there are designs available to fit those types of signs as well. It’s all in the presentation. Avoid vendors who have a page of images you may select from. Or, a page of fonts you must use. Or worse, how many letters per line that you are restricted to. It requires a great deal more than counting letters on a fixed shaped and sized panel and then hoping folks will notice your message.
BRYAN
If you are looking for a compelling Welcome Sign that will distinguish yours from all the others you’ve seen, you should consider a custom made carved wooden sign. Whether you are running a Country Inn, a Lodge with rustic cabins, old family General Store; or, simply a Lake Cabin, second home or RV Camping Site…a custom carved wood sign will provide you that special distinction that will set you apart from others around you. It will also make a statement for those who visit your business, arrive at your home or extend a Howdy to those other campers at the sites you frequent. Everything about your sign speaks volumes about you and your uniqueness.
Because there are hundreds, indeed thousands, of fonts and varieties a powerfully designed wooden sign becomes a composition. For instance, a simple font is often used to deliberately convey a rustic look, different even simple, font choice of the same text will profoundly change the balance and harmony of the sign. The right font can determine the overall look, which, in turn, can serve to make the message on the sign more appealing. Remember, your overall goal is to grab the attention of potential customers, quests, visitors or neighbors and give them something to remember. Since your sign will likely be one of the first aspects of your business or abode they will see, the way it appears is a crucial part of customer attraction, personification and identification.
The message itself is just as important as the look, as it will make a statement to the viewer – receiver - target. You want them to continue coming back; to tell others about your style; to express your warmth, personality and affections; so be sure it is something they will be likely to remember: the more distinctive the better. It may even serve to define you; or, at the very least, something about who you are and what you have that’s unique - so choose your words carefully.
If you are unsure about how the sign should look, consult with the person who will create it. Collaborating directly with the sign artist is the single most powerful tool you have to customize or tailor just the right message, balance and harmony. Once you have established exactly what you are going for, (sometimes you just don’t know what you are looking for but know it when you see it) you will have an easier time deciding just how it should look.
There are many designs that can help present your message. The one you choose should compliment the message on your sign. If the message is simple and rustic, go for that type of design. If you are going for something more complex, there are designs available to fit those types of signs as well. It’s all in the presentation. Avoid vendors who have a page of images you may select from. Or, a page of fonts you must use. Or worse, how many letters per line that you are restricted to. It requires a great deal more than counting letters on a fixed shaped and sized panel and then hoping folks will notice your message.
BRYAN
Mar
27
Why Cedar is the Wood of Choice
Filed Under Ask An Expert | Leave a Comment
Thom Inman asked:
When designing a carved wood welcome sign, one of the first things you should consider is the material from which it will be created. If you are looking for a classic rustic sign which speaks to nature, harmony, and environmental reverence; you ought to choose wood. If your sign will be placed outside, you will need a wood that will withstand a variety of weather conditions without becoming cracked, damaged or flawed over time. Western Red Cedar is the top choice and is used in the creation of the finest custom-crafted signs for its amazing attributes.
Cedar is dimensionally stable – its durability is legendary. This means it lies flat and straight without warping or cracking like most other woods will do. This also means it will withstand all that nature and weather will conspire against it and still look great over a long period of time. This is the stuff West Texas fence posts are made from! Red Cedar was used in the construction of King Solomon’s temple in Jerusalem circa 1000 BC. The use of cedar is mentioned in The Iliad. Red Cedar is used particularly in applications requiring resistance to weather, such as shakes and shingles – Totem poles; for heavens’ sake!
Cedar also won’t decay nor does it rot. Western Red Cedar is the first and clear choice for carved wooden signs. The natural oils it contains keep deterioration from happening as this preserves the wood from decay.
Cedar also has a wonderful aroma, thus adding to the rustic feel of your lodge, cabin or RV. If you choose Western Red Cedar as the material for your next personalized welcome sign, you will be able to keep your sign for a very long time. Whether you decide to maintain its finish, or just leave it in its natural state, you will be happy with the many great attributes of this wood. Although unfinished cedar will change colors over time, the slow metamorphosis is completely appealing. Because Red Cedar doesn’t rot, it will never really damage, thus making it visually appealing and very much intact for many, many years to come. To maintain its richly textured grain with amber, cinnamon and sienna colorings, do not employ spar varnish or polyurethane. There is a way, way better solution to durability than these old-fashioned approaches. A green finish system which releases zero VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) formulated to enhance and enrich the natural durability and appearance of western red cedar. Seek a vendor employing finish formulas that enhance water damage and reduce graying by incorporating sun-blocking, ultra-violet protection.
Western Red Cedar will also not bow or sag over time. This means your sign will stay straight and visible for as long as you keep it up. Because of this, your sign will last as long as your business, and will look just as beautiful in years to come as it did the day it was created. Since it is self-preserved, you will not have to take a lot of time treating it, and can feel confident in the knowledge that you will see a definite return on your investment.
KENNITH
When designing a carved wood welcome sign, one of the first things you should consider is the material from which it will be created. If you are looking for a classic rustic sign which speaks to nature, harmony, and environmental reverence; you ought to choose wood. If your sign will be placed outside, you will need a wood that will withstand a variety of weather conditions without becoming cracked, damaged or flawed over time. Western Red Cedar is the top choice and is used in the creation of the finest custom-crafted signs for its amazing attributes.
Cedar is dimensionally stable – its durability is legendary. This means it lies flat and straight without warping or cracking like most other woods will do. This also means it will withstand all that nature and weather will conspire against it and still look great over a long period of time. This is the stuff West Texas fence posts are made from! Red Cedar was used in the construction of King Solomon’s temple in Jerusalem circa 1000 BC. The use of cedar is mentioned in The Iliad. Red Cedar is used particularly in applications requiring resistance to weather, such as shakes and shingles – Totem poles; for heavens’ sake!
Cedar also won’t decay nor does it rot. Western Red Cedar is the first and clear choice for carved wooden signs. The natural oils it contains keep deterioration from happening as this preserves the wood from decay.
Cedar also has a wonderful aroma, thus adding to the rustic feel of your lodge, cabin or RV. If you choose Western Red Cedar as the material for your next personalized welcome sign, you will be able to keep your sign for a very long time. Whether you decide to maintain its finish, or just leave it in its natural state, you will be happy with the many great attributes of this wood. Although unfinished cedar will change colors over time, the slow metamorphosis is completely appealing. Because Red Cedar doesn’t rot, it will never really damage, thus making it visually appealing and very much intact for many, many years to come. To maintain its richly textured grain with amber, cinnamon and sienna colorings, do not employ spar varnish or polyurethane. There is a way, way better solution to durability than these old-fashioned approaches. A green finish system which releases zero VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) formulated to enhance and enrich the natural durability and appearance of western red cedar. Seek a vendor employing finish formulas that enhance water damage and reduce graying by incorporating sun-blocking, ultra-violet protection.
Western Red Cedar will also not bow or sag over time. This means your sign will stay straight and visible for as long as you keep it up. Because of this, your sign will last as long as your business, and will look just as beautiful in years to come as it did the day it was created. Since it is self-preserved, you will not have to take a lot of time treating it, and can feel confident in the knowledge that you will see a definite return on your investment.
KENNITH