Bespoke Door Plaques for a Holiday Let
June 30, 2010
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Posted by Wendy
I mentioned recently that I could accommodate special requests (I think perhaps I’m always mentioning it!): well, this is an example of one of those times. This order came from a lady who is preparing a property for holiday rental. The bedrooms are all being named after flowers and I was asked to make plaques for each of the bedroom doors as well as the bathrooms and loos (in this case, reading rooms!):
door plaques
When I’m designing something to a specific brief, I sometimes need to research the items in question – there isn’t always a clear, accurate image in my head! Of course, I use Google, as well as books, for looking at images, but I always come up with my own version which is often based on looking a number of photos for reference.
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I love designing new images, it’s one of my favourite things to do. The process usually includes making several sketches, each one a development of the last. I usually make 3-6 sketches before the image evolves into one I am happy with. I sketch quickly though, and this part of the process sometimes only takes 3 or 4 minutes: it’s a pretty important 3-4 minute though as it gives me the basis for the design. It can take longer, however, and there are times I need to sit and ponder a design – or even sleep on it!
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I also use real-life items to draw from: there is, very conveniently, honeysuckle growing in my garden, which was an excellent piece of reference material! Sometimes real-life items are easier to work from.
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honeysuckle
Each plaque doesn’t take long to paint…
painted plaques
but they each have two basecoats, with sanding in between and after, then an image, then a layer of varnish (sometimes two) and finally the wording on top. Oh, and a coat of paint on the back, then sticky pads for the customer to fix onto the door! It all adds up! Sometimes though, it’s the drying that takes the longest! These hot sunny days are wonderful for quick drying times.
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Here’s a closer look at the plaques:
rose
rose
lavender
lavender
snowdrop
snowdop
primrose
primrose
daisy
daisy
honeysuckle
and, of course, honeysuckle. Then there were three bathroom plaques:
bathroom
and the toilet door plaques:
reading room
This one was a commission I thoroughly enjoyed. The idea of all the rooms having a name is a lovely one – and makes a lot of sense in a big house. The recipient was pleased with the end products too, which is always really nice.
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Please do get in touch if there’s something similar I can do for you. I’m only a click of the mouse away: wendy@1stuniquegifts.co.uk
Categories: General, New gifts just created
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