DESIGN AND IMAGES FOR HOUSE SIGNS
All types of slate are ideal for engraving designs images or motifs. The close grained nature of the stone means that very intricate designs are possible. Here are just a few examples.
OAK BORDER HOUSE SIGN IN BLACK SLATE.
This slate house sign has an oak leaf border raised in relief.
The housename lettering is also raised "in relief" but this is not essential and could be cut and painted, see york stone, Indian sandstones and Granite to see alternatives on the same theme. As you can see the lettering and the border show up very well because the honed face of the slate is darker than the blasted background. This effct is less pronounced when the sign is wet but even this can be overcome by sealing the slate with a non colour enhancing sealer. For a larger image of this house sign please click here:
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PET MOTIF HOUSE SIGN.
There is plenty of choice for pet lovers, wether your passion is dogs, cats or alligators you can find a suitable image to personalise your new stone house sign. Most sign engravers will have a wide choice of animal motifs on offer to suit your home sign.
This Affenpinscher terrier motif shows that a suitable motif awaits every pet lover. The house sign motif in this example was engraved "in relief" and the background of the image left natural finsh. To see a larger image of this house sign please click here:
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RAILWAY MOTIF HOUSE SIGN.
No one is more dedicated to his hobby than the railway enthusiast. Good train images are hard to find, but they are there! Engrave a train image on your house sign, or a ship, or an aircraft, or ............
The image in this case was engraved "in relief" and the background painted white to highlight the motif. The paint may need touching up in later years. To see a larger image of this house sign please click here:
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The functional purpose of a house sign or house name plate is obvious, to guide visitors to your home. However there is another equally important role for the humble house sign. A well designed and appropriate house sign can display to the passing world the type of people who live here! A well chosen motif can tell the world that pet lovers live here, or that the owners appreciate their period home and respect it's history. Or simply that the occupants are people with a sense of style! So explore the world of stone engraving and choose wisely, there are thousands of images and limitless design ideas available.
GOLFER MOTIF HOUSE SIGN.
All sporting fans would appreciate a house sign with an image celebrating thier chosen sport! Wether your passion is footbal, fishing surfing or as in this case golf you will find thousands of motifs and images to suit your sporty house sign.
The image in this case was also engraved "in relief" and the background of the image painted white. To see a larger image of this house sign please click here:
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CELTIC KNOTWORK MOTIF HOUSE SIGN.
This celtic knotwork is an example of how even ornate images can be engraved beautifully into black slate.
The image on this house sign was engraved "in relief" but could equally well been "inscised" and painted. To see a larger image of this house sign please click here:
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MOTIF OF TREE ON A SLATE HOUSE SIGN.
This tree motif on this green slate house sign was clearly engraved to match the "Cherry tree" name of the house. Think of an appropriate image for your home and search for suitable images, firstly ask your preferred house sign maker for his suggestions, then I suggest you do a Google image search.
The image on this house sign was engraved "inscised". That is, the image is cut into the face of the material and, in this example painted silver. To see a larger image of this house sign please click here:
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Some house sign makers will have the ability to create custom images. Not all images are suitable for stone engraving. Engravings on slate and stone cannot show subtle degrees of colours or shading. For high definition of artwork such as photo engraving you will need to look at laser engravers working mainly on granite. If you do find an image you really like, ask if your sign maker can match it or create something similar.
AFGHAN HOUND MOTIF HOUSE SIGN.
For pet lovers the motif world is your lobster! I have engraved house signs with lizards ,Tortoises, Gerbils and Rats! Why not I say! What better way to put your personal stamp on your house sign.
The Afghan hound motif on this green slate example is standing in a typical dog show pose. On this number sign the image was engraved "in relief" and the background of the image left natural finsh. To see a larger image of this house sign please click here:
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HORSE MOTIF HOUSE SIGN.
This horse bust motif was engraved for a home where horses where clearly an important part of the life of this family home.
The image in this case was engraved "in relief". That is, the image standing proud of the background, similar to a cameo brooch. To see a larger image of this house sign please click here:
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PET MOTIF HOUSE SIGN.
The best pet motifs show the distinctive character or nature of the pet in question.
The border collie in this case is shown in a typical pose for these obsessive "rounders up". To see a larger image of this house sign please click here:
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CELTIC BORDER HOUSE SIGN.
This 12X8 inch house name sign has a celtic knotwork border deeply engraved around the border.
The house name is engraved in relief in a celtic style font. All in all a fabulous looking house sign in a very appropriate material. To see a larger image of this house sign please click here:
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CELTIC BORDER HOUSE SIGN.
Similar to the above house sign. This 10X8 inch house name sign also has a celtic knotwork border deeply engraved around the border.
However the house name is engraved in relief in a script style font and the background painted white to highlight the lettering. A beautiful and striking house sign but the background will probably need re-painting over the decades. To see a larger image of this house sign please click here:
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