When we started designing and fabricating the signs for Vala’s Pumpkin Patch, our goal was to tell their story and enhance the work they had been doing for many years. There were not many trees on the property when they bought it. Each year, Tim Vala planted scores of trees. Through the decades, the paths became beautifully tree-shaded, and in the fall the colours are fabulous. Many of the signs we’ve designed have a tree structure as a base. Because they are sculpted from steel and concrete, they will never rot. The colours were carefully chosen to mimic the historical wood structures and fences that abound at every turn. We even made sure some of the metal on the brackets was exposed and allowed to develop surface rust to look as old as the rest of the farm. The decorating crew will surround the giant stump with pumpkins just before the fall season opens. And Jack, the farm mascot, sits atop, perfectly balancing a stack of the delicious apple donuts they are famous for.
Tail structure complete
The first question I am asked each time Henry visits the shop is ‘Can we work on the parade float today?’ The parade float isn’t a high priority As I am currently very busy designing next year’s paying projects for customers but we often try to make at least a little progress. We’ve already stripped down the old dragon parade float from a few years ago and set up the golf cart chassis on some jack stands. The driver’s seat was mounted late last week but today it was finally time to get serious and do some actual work that Henry could appreciate. We decided to fabricate the curved structure that would curl up over my seat to form the scorpion tail. Henry measured and carefully cut the steel tubing. He is good with a tape measure! As fast as he could operate the metal bandsaw I welded the pieces together. Henry got more excited with every piece and by the time he headed home this afternoon it was at long last time to climb up to his lofty chair for the first test fit. He enthusiastically approved! Stay tuned for more progress…
X dino sculpted
The first of my pieces for the 2027 Sign Invitational is now fully sculpted and ready for paint. I had a blast roughing out the little pirate dinosaur yesterday and then adding the detail this afternoon. Stay tuned…
