Sign Making 101
On the campus of Liberty University, next to the Welcome Center and the Montview Mansion, sits the National Civil War Chaplains Museum. It is the only exhibit available that honors those who served as chaplains during the Civil War 1861-1865.
I love making things by hand and jumped at the chance to paint a sign for this historic museum.
The mahogony wood structure for the sign was made by the Liberty University Cabinet Shop.
Then words for the sign were printed from a laser printer and taped (with blue painters tape )to the boards.
I placed transfer paper faced down under the printed words and (temporarily) secured it with the tape to keep the words from shifting.
With a pencil, I traced around the letters.
Once the words were traced onto the wood, I removed all the papers (save the transfer paper because it can be used more than once…I use it over and over and over…).
Choose the paint color that best suits your project. We wanted a park style sign for the museum, so we chose gold to compliment the mahogany wood.
Red under gold helps give the gold a better look. Typically, I would use a brighter red under gold. However, the maroon color worked for this type of park/ranger sign.
I painted all the letters maroon red and then painted over the maroon with gold.
A thin coat of outside varnish was added to the sign and then it was ready for use.
Love how it looks against the 1923 stone building (was the caretaker’s cottage for the Carter Glass/Montview Mansion).
Make plans to visit and learn more about generous hearts that gave of themselves that others may be comforted and encouraged during time of war.
Open to the public. A Grand Opening Celebration is set for August 9, 2014.
Enjoy the happy made in your life!
Michelle
07/10/2014 @ 10:59 am
Greetings Ms. Marttila,
I have a few projects I would like to have assistance on or commission them for completion. I recently attempted to recreate a 32×24″ banner on duck canvas of a U. S. Christian Commission flag/banner from the Civil War. I drew the letters by hand based on a photo using a lead pencil. Because I am not skilled with paint, I decided to use a permanent black ink pen and fine tip marker. It turned out well enough for use at re-enactments, however, I would like to have a more authentic version done with paint.
I started with a second Christian Commission banner on white duck canvas and have the letters set with borders in fine black ink. I tried to begin filling in the letters but the ink bleed a little this time. Again, paint would be more appropriate. I have been invited to come to Lynchburg next month for the reopening celebration of the Chaplains Museum. Perhaps we could meet and I could show you my projects.
Thanks for your time and consideration. God bless!
Sincerely,
Robert Hester
07/23/2014 @ 4:41 pm
Hi Robert! Sounds like a fun project! I would be glad to meet and look at your Christian Commission Banner when you are here on August 9th. Feel free to private message me through my author Facebook link on my website to talk before then. Perhaps we could set something up for when you come.
Blessings,
Michelle
07/17/2014 @ 10:01 pm
It is truly a blessing to watch Michelle create her magic. The Lord is truly using her with her special gifts to bring children to know his son Jesus!