Category Archives: What we LIKE

What We Like, And What We Don’t Like

There’s Something About Verdi

Here at Atlas Signs and Plaques, Copper Verdi and Bronze Verdi are two of our more popular finishes.

Unique Serenity Garden Plaque

A More Blue Bronze Verdi

We make our verdi signs by hand, just like all of our other signs. Once we have a bronze or copper-coated sign, we bring it across the shop to the patina table. There, our artisans apply a blend of chemicals to create that time-worn look. We use the cold patination process for a few reasons, but primarily because it’s safer. Once we’re finished with the patination, we spray the plaque with our marine grade clearcoat and send it off to you. However, we can also make a sign without the clearcoat if you want the sign to age more quickly.

Love and Happiness Bronze Verdi

Another Verdi Sign

But why are do our verdi signs show so much more variation than our other signs? This is mostly because of the patina. As you recall, our patina comes from a chemical reaction that we control. However, different artisans have a different touch. In addition, the chemical reaction is affected by the temperature of the shop.  Our verdi signs are completely unique, just like a genuine antique patina. Check our store for more examples of the brass or copper patina.

Atlas Signs and Plaques is proud to make all of our signs and plaques from American Labor and Materials, right here in Lake Mills, Wisconsin.

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No Smoking Signs and How to Keep Your Air Cleaner

How do you keep your air fresh and clean from pollution and second hand smoke?

 

Small Oval No Smoking Sign

Smoking has become stigmatized and is becoming exceptionally rare in public places. With that said, there are still places where it’s up in the air whether or not smoking is acceptable. There are restaurants, bars, and taverns that stick to their heritage of a smoky, dim room, but the backlash against these businesses is growing. No matter where you stand on the issue, there is a solution: our full collection of No Smoking Signs.

No smoking signs are an easy way to let your patrons and guests know that they need to leave before lighting up. The only problem is that most signs are either flimsy or boring or don’t fit the feel of your restaurant. That’s where we come in. Because our signs are all hand-made to your order, we can do whatever you’d like. We have signs in several sizes, ranging from the unobtrusive Smoking Prohibited Sign to the slightly larger No Smoking Anywhere plaque. But if you want something more, just let us know your ideas and we can make it happen.

As long as you’re clear with the application of your rules, there shouldn’t be too many problems with smoking. Just have some gentle reminders (or not-so-gentle, if that’s your style) around and people will follow.

And remember, all of our signs are made from American Labor and Materials.

 

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The Perfect Address Plaque for a San Francisco Painted Lady

It was, after all, the colorful Victorian homes of San Francisco that inspired the phrase “Painted Ladies”. So why are the address numbers on these beautiful homes so lame?

Ben and Jerry's at Haight Ashbury, How sad

Ben and Jerry's. How sad is this?

A recent trip to SF led us to visit the Haight Ashbury District, once famous for “trips” of another kind. While Hippies (many old enough to require walkers), and a few “head shops” can easily be found, the complexion of the neighborhood has changed so much that a Ben and Jerry’s now occupies the fabled intersection.

As I marveled at the fairytale exteriors and harmonious colors, one thing that caught my [sign makers] eye was that all but one Victorian Home had the most outlandish, cheap, inappropriate, big box store, address numbers identifying the home (and that address plaque was inappropriately simple). All of that restoration work and continuing maintenance expense, and the finishing touch was missing. How sad!

San Francisco Victorian Address Plaque

The only address plaque in Haight Ashbury?

While thousands of Victorian homes have been destroyed by earthquake and the wrecking ball, many of these fairytale dwellings still grace parts of San Francisco, including the Haight Ashbury District. Constructed primarily during the last half of the 19th century and the early years of the 20th century, they have most always been a colorful addition to the San Francisco urban scape. While some call the colorful exteriors “garish” and “clown-like”, we think their colors are an important part of the beautiful diversity that defines San Francisco.

A gorgeous example of a San Francisco Victorian

A Gorgeous Example

It takes more than color to make a Victorian House and several other themes are common. We often think of dark and heavy sitting rooms with thick draperies, but the motif goes far beyond that. Victorians were fond of nature, so floral, palm, butterfly, fern, marine, and animal motifs are common. The age of Queen Victoria saw extensive British Colonization which brought exotic plants and beasts to the forefront. Think of these elements as you select the perfect finishing touch to your Painted Lady Home. Atlas Signs and Plaques will have exactly what you desire to make your home standout.

 

 

 

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The Wedding Season is Now! Have You Made Your Wedding Gift Selection?

Wedding Date Heart Plaque

And it Won't Harm a Tree

Is your gift idea custom? Is it personalized? Does it have special meaning? Most importantly, are you pleased with your selection idea?

Monogram Arch Wedding Plaque

Classic

If you answered “No” to any of the above questions, Atlas Signs and Plaques is running to you with the solution to your dilemma – Perfect and memorable wedding gift ideas.

Not only is the peak wedding season rapidly approaching, it is also the time of year that has the most anniversaries. In only about 2 weeks, Atlas Signs and Plaques can create and ship your one-of-a-kind custom gift plaque. To help, Atlas has a whole section of personalized wedding and anniversary plaque ideas.

Fluer De Lis Wedding Gift Plaque

Fluer De Lis

What could be more appropriate than to celebrate the couple’s wedding date with a Flower of Life Wedding Plaque, or the more whimsical Swirls on a Square Wedding Plaque, or stay with a more traditional Monogram Wedding Plaque. These are only a few of your options for the unexpected gift you have been seeking.

Love Birds Wedding Gift Plaque

Love Birds

Hurry, these are custom and personalized gifts, and do take a bit of time to craft. Please read all about the products in the FAQ and Materials and Muse Sections before ordering.

Every item is hand crafted in Wisconsin. Made in the USA using American materials and labor.

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June 19, 2011. What is The Perfect Father’s Day Gift? Not Another Necktie!

The Man Cave Plaque in Bronze Finish for Father's Day Gift

For His Special Place

Answer: The perfect Father’s Day gift is a custom personalized plaque from Atlas Signs and Plaques. Don’t even think about a necktie for Father’s Day.

Bear Address Plaque in Silver Nickel Finish

A Bear of An Address Plaque

What terrific choices Atlas has. All custom, all personalized, all unique, and all just perfect gifts. Don’t settle for the same old uninspired gifts when you have options. Think outside the box for Father’s Day Gifts for Dad, Grandfather, Godfather, and all of the other Fathers in your life.

A Golfing Fathers Day Gift

A Golfing Father's Day Gift

To help you make your shopping easy, Atlas has a whole section of Gift Ideas For Him. Some of our favorites are The Man Cave Sign to identify those sacred (men only) areas around the home, Manly Road King Clocks, Golf Plaques for the golfing dad, Fishing Plaques for the fisherman, and a no-nonsense humorous No Soliciting Sign. But, of course these are just ideas. Shop hundreds of perfect Father’s Day Custom Gift Ideas at Atlas Signs and Plaques.

Abandon All Hope No Solicitor Sign For Father's Day

Give Dad Some Peace

Like everyone, the concept of knowing that thought went into the gift selection makes all the difference to the recipient. There is still time to order a custom Father’s Day Plaque, but hurry, time is getting short.

Everything at Atlas Signs and Plaques is Custom Made in the USA using American materials and labor. We wouldn’t have it any other way, and neither would dad!

Love This? Go Tell it on a Mountain!