Author Archives: AtlasSigns

Happy the Australian Shepherd

Meet Happy

Atlas Signs and Plaques is happy to announce the newest member to our team: happy, the dog. Happy is a 10 week old Australian Shepherd and is (to this point) very well mannered, friendly, and well behaved. For example, when I walked into the office today he promptly ran up to meet me and my shoelaces (he took greater interest in the latter, oh well).

 

Happy Prepares to Eat

Over the course of the next few months we will be charting Happy’s growth and documenting some of the growing pains that will assuredly present themselves along the way. Like most people know, In order to train a dog you must first understand it. Here’s some “level-one” information to get us started.

 

Despite its name, the Australian shepherd is actually American. Most experts agree that Australian shepherds owe their name to heightened usage as sheep dogs in Australia compared with other nations.

 

Happily Feasting

Australian Shepherds, or “Aussies” typically live from 12 to 15 years, reaching a weight of 50-65 lbs., and 2 feet of height. They are generally a family loving and friendly pet.

Rarely, If Ever, Will an Aussie Owner Need One of These

 

Highly alert in nature, these working dogs thrive on activity and physical exertion. If they do not receive enough stimulation they tend to become troublemakers. However, since they are readily trainable they quickly learn what behaviors are and are not acceptable.

Hey! Where'd the Goods Go?

We will all learn soon enough (especially Janey) how true these characteristics are as we chart Happy’s incremental growth.

Mommy and Puppy

The Internet Gives Too Much Freedom

Bird Sign Plaque

Our Birds on a Wire Sign is a True "Best Buy"

The Internet gives people too much freedom. Whether it’s browsing YouTube videos, shopping, or Facebooking; the Internet has conditioned users into expecting instant and perfect results. But what happens when an Internet user doesn’t get what they expect when they expect it? Predictably…they get angry. Continue reading →

How Atlas Signs and Plaques Creates Your Personalized Plaque

How is This Made?

Here is how it is done

The process begins with the customer who selects from hundreds of Address Plaques, Privacy Plaques, Memorial Plaques, Welcome Signs, Name Plates, and Gift Ideas, etc.  To make it even easier, many customers individualize their plaque online prior to placing their order. It’s as easy as writing the desired text in a box.

Clients are able to choose from base metals including copper, bronze, pewter, brass, silver-nickel and iron. But wait, there’s more. Some of the base metals are available with additional finish choices that are a perfect fit when a more rustic effect is called for. Since artisans are engaged in every step, each sign and plaque has the added touch of being totally unique with slight variations in color and finish. Truly an artistic addition to your personal environment!

"Chuck" at Work

Once the design is complete it is transferred to the CNC router, nicknamed “Chuck”.  Chuck is the machine responsible for transforming HDU (a highly durable signboard that will never rot, or be eaten by insects) from plain board into the basis for the plaque itself. After Chuck has completed his chore, the signs are removed from the cutting table, hand-prepared for metal coating, and fitted with mounting hardware.

Spraying

Janey Spraying Metal Coating

The signs are then hand-sprayed with a coating of real metal that forms a chemical bond with the signboard. Unlike paint, the chemical connection between the metal coating and the HDU substrate ensures that no matter how harsh the climate, the metal will not delaminate or corrode.

Patina Bath

Next it is bath time. The Plaques’ aging is carefully accelerated using a  natural aging process. Hand polishing brings color, contrast, luster and depth to the sign A clear coat finish is added as the final step which provides the sign with an extra level of protection against the elements as well as adding to overall luster.

All Packed Up and Ready to Go

Once the signs pass final inspection, they are carefully packed and whisked away by the UPS man. All in all this process, from idea to hand crafting to completion, takes about 2 weeks.

That’s it! From custom idea to custom sign. You choose how your sign looks and Atlas Signs and Plaques does the rest.

What Reminds You of Winter?

Do Snow Capped Mountains Remind You of Winter?

By now most of your Christmas shopping is probably finished—a relieving thought to be sure. My own Christmas shopping concluded last weekend with a series of gifts for my dad. I’m sure I speak for many when I say I can’t wait for Christmas. On the other hand, what happens after Christmas (besides New Years) is a little…tougher to get excited about: Winter.

 To some, winter means playtime. But for those of us who have never put on a pair of skis or don’t view ice fishing as entertainment—winter means cold weather with the chance of snow. Despite this, winter lends itself to some very high quality aesthetic images, some of which I will share with you today (with matching sign, of course!) Continue reading →

Why Atlas Signs Creates the Most Uncommonly Good House Numbers

Why – Because we love the process of creation, relish variety, and despise the mediocre and common.

 

Pine Trees Up North Picture

Atlas Signs and Plaques are Beyond Memorable...

We are all, by nature, unique in our looks, personality, and how we wish to be viewed and defined.  Yet, many homeowners miss the opportunity to differentiate and individualize their homes by identifying them with simple and cheap metal numbers from big box stores. What a missed opportunity to select how our prized dwelling is seen by the world.

...They're Unforgetable.

House Numbers and Address Plaques are the finishing touch on a house, and when installed, instantly change it from a structure to a home. Hanging the Address Plaque is not unlike placing the angel on the top of the holiday tree. The finishing touch.

And Versatile

The sign-makers at Atlas Signs and Plaques believe that variety is the spice of life—and as such, set out to beautify and personalize homes with custom signs. Personalized plaques have a two-fold appeal. First, owners can receive virtually any graphic, words, or numbers that they desire, creating a personal touch. Some home-owners choose to display their passion for bicycling, wildlife, the sea, flowers, the ecology, whimsy, or nature. Others choose to enhance there entrance with designs appropriate to the home’s style and era by choosing from plaques styled specifically for Arts and Crafts, Bungalow, Mid-Century Modern, Craftsman, Beach Home, Cabin, Art Deco, or Victorian.

Even "Standard" Signs are Radiant

Second, the signs have the look of foundry cast metal but are sold at about a third of foundry price. In an economic climate such as this, needlessly overpaying for anything is foolish. Atlas Signs understands this and offers some of the lowest cost, highest quality custom signs on the market.

Everyone at Atlas truly enjoys the fine relationship between fantastic design and great execution. That is the driving force. We like what we do, and who we do it for.

Made in the USA, With American Products and Labor