We built our shop a little more than six years ago. It was a dream come true after many years of planning. I often imagined how it would be in those years, where I would place each tool, and how it would look on the inside and the outside. Each time I visited one of my friend’s shops I would take notes on the things I liked. Finally our dream came true.
Sign makers are a unique breed of people. We have a fraternity of sorts... called ‘letterheads’. Letterheads are people who are passionate about sign making and sharing our craft with other like minded folks from around the world. There is no formal organization. we pay no dues. No one is in charge. But every once in a while we get together and share our ‘secrets’ and practice our craft.
Back a number of years ago, just after we finished our new shop we decided to throw a one daycelebration, a ‘Letterhead Picnic’here at our ‘ranch’. It was held with only a few weeks notice and little publicity. Surprisingly, more than 60letterheads showed up from as far away as Nova Scotia and Texas and all points in between. Since thenwe have been honored to have a lot more visiting letterheads come from literally around the world... Australia, Germany, Holland, Sweden, Hawaii and all across Canada and the USA. Some were long time friends, others new acquaintances. Some visitors stayed only briefly, others for a few days. Some stopped by on their way to other parts, some made a special trip - just to come here. While each visitor was here we shared what we could, answered questions, painted, carved, sculpted, welded and a whole lot more! Each visit was a whole lot of fun.
Each time a letterhead friend comes by to our shop I request that before they leave, they ‘sign in’ on our Wall of Fame. The signatures, messages, drawings, along with small panels and other ‘treasures’ fill a large portion of one wall. Recently it was time to rearrange that corner of the shop to make way for others who will soon arrive. I give a heartfelt thank you to each person who has done us the honor off visiting us here in our shop. I also thank you for freely sharing your knowledge of our craft in true letterhead spirit. I treasure each signature left on our wall and the memory it represents.
-grampa dan