...Erick, for your blasting also check the people who make head stones for cemeterys. ...and regarding hand lettering, even if you are still learning, It is always FUN to do! (well, for me anyway.) It's a mechanical skill that (almost) anybody can learn, like typing or playing a guitar. And the more...

...Scooter, I strongly recommend that you start out by getting familiar with the process by making test pieces in your shop. Traditionally, a sign person was 'required' to be a quite proficient hand letterer BEFORE becoming a glass gilder. ...On door transom numbers, I charge appx. $300 for four 3-4...

...STAPLES proved their value to me recently. I had purchased over priced new ink to replace the dried out cartridges in the epson that came w. my computer. When the POS thing still did not work, epson phone 'support' informs me that I need to have the printer serviced (which would cost more than a ...

...This is so timely, since I am currently making some epoxy on hdu experiments myself. I have done some before, and they turned out well, but I can see how it could get out of control too easily. At that time I used the Pb, but later when I wanted to use it again it had gotten hard in the can, and ...

...After rolling a layer, I "pallet out" to remove most of the paint from the roller on another panel (or sheet of cardboard), then roll it again very lightly over the layer of paint. After giving the wet paint layer a moment to begin to set up, I can smooth out most of the higher paint ma...

...Hey, I want a Prius too! ...My 13 year old Saturn is paid for however, and at least it's not a truck or SUV. I really feel sorry for people who have to drive those. (Like always) I ride my road bike to run errands, as much as possible. I predict that gas will (easily) double in price by next summ...

...It would be an honor to join the L.I.A. Where do I sign up? With 'my' ten mil, I'll fly everybody to the meet in my private jet.

...I have framed various gold pieces with velvet, 'crushed' velvet and velveteen as a back up. The fabric store has many great colors, and I have bought a few different ones to check how the work will look with it behind. Dark green, blues, burgundy and dark purple all look great. Once I even found ...

...That's not silver. The Chinese put LEAD in everything...

...I can't help but wonder what is behind the white panels on either side of it.

...That beveled oval is so nice! How old is it??

...for years Nocturna was my fave water based use brush. Until I bought some MACK (2962) tan-brown handle h2o brushes. Their hair is a little less-long, and has more 'snap' (which I prefer).

...I advise you to NOT clear coat it. Carefully wrap the gilded parts w. tissue paper or bubble wrap held in place w. tape or string. And instruct the groping 'handlers' to remove it ONLY after the thing is installed. Naked gold leaf will last indefinately (or as long as the structure under it). Onc...

...Totally awesome score! Show more...

...Wasn't MIKE living in Pa. with (his girlfriend?) LYNN HOLLINGER when he made the video? Where-ever she is today, perhaps she knows how the video was made and edited. I think she held the camera. Does anybody know what happened to her?

...Try calling Toledo residents with that (very distinct) last name. Perhaps he was somebodys grandfather...

...FRANCIS LESTINGI is a 'master caster". His (in NY) #is (716) 688-5359.

...Quite nice Dave, as usual. The piece looks totally authentic to the 1889 vintage. Will you have the actual year of your labors (and your name) etched somewhere on any of the pieces? I like how in the third photo you are rightfully gazing proudly upon your work. You have mastered a level of artist...

Hey Kelly, go to LETTERVILLE and then 'past meets" to the ZOO meet in CINCI last summer. There are good photos of JOHN in each of the three portfolios.

...Bobbie, I admit that am not totally informed about how Rick G. used shellac, but I have made many reverse pieces over the years and have NEVER used it. Maybe I am missing something, but the things I have done all still appear to be in good shape without any shellacing involved.

...The "correct" way is to use 12 karat white gold instead of silver.

...It looks like the land of casual lettering and yellow backgrounds.

... As important as knowing a styles unique characteristics, knowing what paint laden hair will do (when stroked) is vital. Various brushes can make specific shapes as required by various letter styles. Many, like scripts. evolved to be the way they are (and look) BECAUSE of the type and shape of th...

Try spraying the fabric with HAIRSPRAY before painting it. This works to keep 'sharpies" from bleeding.

...I have mixed "bronzing powder" w. clears for reverse on glass work, w. very good results. It can be applyed heavy, or in multi layers for an opaque look. And in a thin coat it can be backed up w. 12k- 23k gold or aluminum foil for a more reflective, brilliant look. One shot makes metall...

...or you can just use YELLOW and explain to the client that is will be (real) GOLD on their sign.

on 5/4/03 Mike Jackson posted here a copy of a Strong letter (about his school) that has a mast head with a photo of him in it. ...C.J. looks alot like Mike Meyers with his mustache.

...Joe, Could you possibly HAND CUT your stencils. Then you could chuck the plotter. (haha) As you learn the various techniques used in sign making, don't forget to study up on (the single most important aspect of the business) layout and design. That's where the true quality comes from. A good book...

...Maybe it's an ancient indian stash box. Where they kept their hooch-ems for the peace pipe. Or maybe yall are right, and it's some stylish squaws powder for her shiney nose.

...THAT"S THE TRUTH! Mike Stevens stressed the same thing. By using the "right' combos of letters and colors to designate priorities to it's various elements, an astute designer can "guide" a viewer through a signs various messages, in their intended order. And for the intended r...