More pieces in place.

As we move into the old (and operating) pub the job gets tougher. We have to do our job but also disturb the paying guests as little as possible. It is a balancing act at the best of times. But the guests are now, at last, getting a good look at the things we are doing and the direction the pub is taking. The reaction so far is very positive.

Another of the project now in place is the cast concrete countertops for the new bar. They were made by a fellow on Vancouver Island. I had designed a simplified logo and had two copies cut with a computer controlled waterjet out of stainless steel and brass. They looked fabulous in the new counter! They are one more way we build the company brand right into the facility.

Other areas of the project are nearing completion. I'll post more pictures soon.

-grampa dan

Family jewels

Sometimes we can find the most creative solutions to a design challenge where we might least expect them. A few weeks ago I was in Toronto doing a Sign Magic Workshop. I went to a dollar store there to get some stir sticks and some small cups to mix our paint in. As I walked the isles looking for what I needed I found some massive plastic rubies. They were a whopping two dollars too! I imediately thought they might work perfectly for the crown jewels I needed for the signs at the pub. I knew Phoebe would love any spares we had as well.

Tonight I finally got to the project. It was a simple matter of drilling some large holes in the crown and sticking in the jewels. A little sculpting epoxy formed the claws of the mounts. The sign is now ready for paint at last!

Stay tuned for painting progress...

-grampa dan

Organized at last!

My studio and working areas have been slowly bilding up with unfinished projects and general clutter ever since we started in on our latest project. Sometimes it simply cant be helped. But it has been getting to me... so much so that this long weekend I simply couldn't stand it any longer. A deep clean would have to wait a while longer but it was time to take the time to sort things out.

Wall space is always at a premium and I needed a place to hang heavy and large signs while I worked on them. Something that held more than one sign would be a bonus. I started cutting and welding up a heavy steel frame, designing as I went. As I worked I remembered I had salvaged some cool steel frames, complete with some heavy duty castors. They were perfect! It didn't take long until I had a great looking frame which would hold a sign, front and back. A platform would hold my chair safely while I worked in comfort. A removable bar through the top frame would hold two more hanging signs. As an afterthought I decided to weld on the side table to hold a bunch of colored paint. And a large bucket fastened underneath would hold an ample supply of rags real handy. Best of all it all wheeled effortlessly around the studio as needed. 

Why I didn't build it years ago was the mystery.

-grampa dan