Fiery Handmade Signs
After the dust from TN settled and the pictures started rolling in, several of us noticed the pictures of the CaJohn’s sign and couldn’t help but drool with envy. Turns out, the sign was made by our very own Blane and he was kind enough to send over some information on the signs to share with everyone.
(From Blane)
The size of CaJohns sign was 3 1/2 ft by 4 ft it was designed to be free hanging so the back was finished also.
I start by finding what size is needed, from there I select 1 1/4 by 12 inch cedar board, 3 boards are placed side by side and then framed together on the back leaving a flat square carving area on front. The carving on this sign goes up to a inch deep.
The sign is completly hand carved except for straight line’s where a hand rotar was used. I start with drawing the logo on the wood and then completely paint in the logo in, this takes longer but helps me remember where to carve, if a mistake is made it’s almost impossible to correct, so the extra time is worth it.
After completing the carving process, I smooth out all the area’s by sanding, after that is completed I repaint the logo, on this sign I decided to go with the old market look for Johns store, after repainting it I sanded it to give it a vintage look.
After the painting and sanding is completed I frame in the sign, different layers where used for the top and bottom to give it a mantle look, all signs are custom so it is really up to the customer or charity on what they want, John gave me a size and logo from there he gave me freedom to do what I wanted on the sign. It’s hard to see all the detail that is actually in the sign.
Once the sign is framed in, 1 coat of sealer and 2 coats of clear are applied. The sign is completly done by me over approx. 60 hours of work. I also do custom shelves and other wood working items that are found in my parents antique/craft shows.
Prices are determined on the size and detail of the sign they range from $125.00 to $2000.00. I do about 8-9 signs a year 3-4 for charity 2-3 for friends and 2-3 for stores that request them. Right now I have 4 signs for friends that I’m starting at the first of the year, Jim Campbell (Fire Patch logo) Tracy Campbell (Cape Fear logo) Paul “The Big Show” (Fire n Smoke logo) Nick L “HSB” ( Hot sauce blog logo) – Everyone get in line!
I have another one for the local fire department and one I’m donating to the Habitat for humanity. I also have 3 local store fronts that have requested signs. So as you can see I have a full plate because this is just a hobby, the great thing is I do enough paying customers to cover the cost for friends and charity signs. So it is a labor of love and not income. Like I said before it is my way to give back to the Chilehead community and the friendships I have formed with them.
