Just Beginning...

Mike Welborn · Post by **Mike Welborn** » Mon Oct 02, 2006 3:50 pm

I am new to lettering and am trying to gain some knowledge. Any advice is much appreciated.

I am currently interested in learning, how to replicate "old time" signs on old pieces of wood. I have used old wood, such as barn wood for several years on various projects from picture frames to replicas of busshel box apple crates. I am mainly interested in simple text with a shadowed look. My main goal is to achieve an authentic look for a finished product. Any suggestions on how to get started ??

Thanks
Mike W

Post by **Mike Jackson** » Tue Oct 03, 2006 7:38 am

Hi Mike,
Welcome! There is a LOT of talent here and you will find most of them more than willing to help with specific questions if you can ask them on more narrow topics. I believe most people will tell you that learning to hand letter does not come quickly and is not something you absorb through osmosis by simply watching someone do it. That helps, of course, but you will need to spend a lot of time with a brush in your hand practicing the various strokes that eventually combine into letter forms.

There is a wealth of information on this site, both in the old posts and on the main section of the The Original Letterheads Site. Take some time and read through the old posts and dig deep into the Feature Articles sections of this site at:
http://www.theletterheads.com/index.html

You might look at Steve Shortreed's web site at http://www.letterhead.com for the list of upcoming Letterhead events and make sure you go to any in your area. Steve stays up with all the upcoming events.

If you really want a jump start, consider going to a workshop like the one Noel Weber and John Studden are hosting at the end of October, mainly focused on glass gilding.

Of course, you should also subscribe to all the trade magazines listed in the Site Links on the green site linked at the top of my reply above.

Maybe others will help with more and better advice, but this should get you started.

Good luck,
Mike Jackson - Co-Administrator

John Lennig · Post by **John Lennig** » Tue Oct 03, 2006 6:19 pm

Mike Welborn.... where are you??

Roderick Treece · Post by **Roderick Treece** » Tue Oct 03, 2006 8:23 pm

Mike,
I just had a long talk with another Mike that was interested in old rustic signs.If you go to www.ghosttownsigns.com you can see alot of examples of "Old Time Signs".
My suggestion to you is get an old Speed ball pen and showcard book.A nice set of stiff fitches (Brushes) , some water based paint and a peice of old barn wood and go to town,ghost town that is.
Those old books show how to do one stroke letters that are perfect for what you want to do.You will only need two or three colors white ,black and raw umber dark to do a very nice 100 year old sign.
I don't normally teach classes but if your coming to San Deigo I could arange a 2 day lesson.

I hope that helps and good luck
Roderick

Larry White · Post by **Larry White** » Wed Oct 04, 2006 9:16 am

Hi Mike-
I've been a big fan of Mark Fair and the Flying Biscuit Sign Company. He's got a great style for his antique looking signs. Roderick's no slouch in his inventive approaches to making things look old either! Also, don't forget to search this board, as various discussions on this subject have been posted here already. I'm always an advocate of learning by doing...and not wasting a lot of time getting started. Good luck and have fun with it.

Post by **Mike Jackson** » Wed Oct 04, 2006 10:59 am

http://www.letterhead.com/events.html

Mike,
It might help us if you can let us know what part of the country you live?
There are numerous upcoming Letterhead events listed on the page above, including he big one in Georgia coming up very soon.

Mike Jackson