posted
Hello to everyone in the forum - I am a stained glass artist who has recently become interested in the glass carving and reverse painted mirror art. I recently built a new home and had a complete glass studio built on to the home. I purchased a Graphtec FC5100 and have a blasting room and cabinet. I am recreating an 1800's saloon in my loft. I would really like to recreate a 19th century reverse painted mirror w/ a cool saloon name. My problem is that I have all of the equipment but none of the know-how. Is there someone out there that knows of anyone who might be willing to teach me a few things in exchange for use of any of my equipment? Any suggestions or offers would be greatly appreciated. I am new to the forum and your wonderful world of signmaking so I apologize for sounding ignorant in any way. Thanks again,
posted
Hi, Jeanne, and welcome. Sounds like quite an ambitious project! I myself do not do glass or mirrors....but some of the folks at The Lodi Meet do! (link takes a while to load) Even if they are busy painting and arguing about whose mural is bigger/better/faster, these folks can give you a few pointers. As it is not my meet, I have no clue as to whether there will be a panel jam area. But even by dipping your brush to help with the murals, you will be learning. And rubbing elbows with people who can help you! Love....Jill
Posts: 8834 | From: Butler, PA, USA | Registered: Jan 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
Hi Jeanne, ..It's cool that you want to jump into the world of signmaking by starting with one of the most difficult aspects of it, reverse blasting, painting and gilding on glass. This is a very involved process that is done by a few, very skilled artists. It can take many years to master, and being a proficient hand letterer is usually required first.
... I suggest that you do a few things to get going. > Start by collecting the ancient signbooks that describe the processes you want to learn. Also subscribe to the Letterheads (AMAL) magazine to see many excellent examples in every issue. >Then make many practice pieces. If you are not already a skilled designer, copying the old designs in the books are great subjects to take on. > And start attending the gatherings of people who already are into this stuff. The "Memorial Conclave" would be a good one for you in Cali. The knowledge shared by the experienced artists at these meets will help you greatly. >And pursue other sign based web sites. Letterville is good if you want info on the stick on letter industry, but may not have as much focus on glass work as you probably need.
...A friend named Rick Glawson once took a bunch of us on a tour of an L.A. antigue glass sign collectors house, which had an amazing, complete 1800's saloon built in it. The owner had beautiful antique glass signs everywhere. I willl never forget the wonders in that collection. Rick had a business of restoring old glass signs, and he knew many very wealthy collectors.
posted
The easiest 'cheating' way is to use two panes of glass- paint yout picture back-to-front on the back of the frontmost piece, and ensure the second piece is actually a mirror!
Another cheats way is to get a mirror, and mask it and blast or strip out the silvering where you wish the picture to be, then paint it in there.
Another way I've done is to paint the pic on duplex transfer paper, and transfer it to the glass then gild it.
Or get it properly silvered.
Best wishes with the project!
-------------------- "Stewey" on chat
"...there are no limits when you aim for perfection..." Jonathan Livingston Seagull Posts: 7014 | From: Highgrove via Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia | Registered: Dec 2002
| IP: Logged |
Welcome to Letterville. Yeah, reverse glass is a challenging field, but that's what makes it so much fun. We can help you with the mirroring part at http://www.angelgilding.com/.
For the rest, I strongly suggest that you start by going to the meets. Dave Smith and other masters of the craft will be doing demos at Ian's meet in Callender, Scotland http://mclarensigns.com/gen_ticlkle_trossachs.htm and Kelly Thorson will be demonstrating Angel Gilding at the Kenora, Ontario meet in July - for details go to the Future Live Meets link on this site.
Have fun with your new project and don't forget to ask questions. Sign people are the most helpful, sharing folks I ever met.
Sarah
-------------------- Sarah King - Angel Gilding Supplies 708-383-3340 sarahk@angelgilding.com Posts: 27 | From: Oak Park IL USA | Registered: Sep 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
Email me Jeanne. The art is involved and I'm still learning a lot, it is a never ending learning curve, but I'll help you all I can. How far are you from Lodi, CA?
-------------------- “Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again?” -Winnie the Pooh & A.A. Milne
Kelly Thorson Kel-T-Grafix 801 Main St. Holdfast, SK S0G 2H0 ktg@sasktel.net Posts: 5496 | From: Penzance, Saskatchewan | Registered: May 2002
| IP: Logged |
posted
BTW...I'm impressed - 1 post and you are a resident already! It's good to see that you feel there is value in the information here.
-------------------- “Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again?” -Winnie the Pooh & A.A. Milne
Kelly Thorson Kel-T-Grafix 801 Main St. Holdfast, SK S0G 2H0 ktg@sasktel.net Posts: 5496 | From: Penzance, Saskatchewan | Registered: May 2002
| IP: Logged |
posted
Jeanne Chapman....hhmmm, that name sounds very familiar.
Welcome to the site. You will find a lot of very valuable information here....and probably a few criticisms. Absorb the former and disregard the latter.
-------------------- Chapman Sign Studio Temple, Texas chapmanstudio@sbcglobal.net Posts: 6306 | From: Temple, Texas, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
posted
Considering where you are, it might be worthwhile to locate Richard Bustamante or Francisco Vargas. Either of them can teach you what you need and get you going and are in the Fresno area.
A search on this site will probably get you their phone numbers, but a phone book might be easier.
Cisco (559) 252-0935
[ March 19, 2006, 10:02 AM: Message edited by: Rick Sacks ]
-------------------- The SignShop Mendocino, California
Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity. — Charles Mingus Posts: 6721 | From: Mendocino, CA. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
posted
Jeanne, Noel Weber & myself run workshops on reverse glass techniques about 3 times a year. The next will be some time in June, we will post the dates later. The 3 day workshop alternates between Los Angeles & Boise, if you are interested. Boise is next www.johnstudden.com
-------------------- John Studden Valencia Signs & Graphics Valencia, CA Posts: 30 | From: Valencia, CA | Registered: Oct 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
Hi Jeanne, just saw your post, feel free to call my number is 252-0935 I'm by the main airport on Winery. Or you can check out my website to get an idea or what I do...
-------------------- aka:Cisco the "Traveling Millennium Sign Artist" http://www.franciscovargas.com Fresno, CA 93703 559 252-0935 "to live life, is to love life, a sign of no life, is a sign of no love"...Cisco 12'98 Posts: 3576 | From: Fresno, Ca, the great USA | Registered: Dec 1998
| IP: Logged |
Sounds like you're getting a lot of great help on this topic already. I myself have done only a little work with glass but hope to learn more about it as well as other traditional techniques.
I have done a little research and have some resource materials as far as art and lettering of that era. If I can help in that regard drop me a line.
I know others have mentioned attending a live meet to get a feel for the Letterhead movement. If you are not too far from Lodi, CA and can possibly attend that meet in May, I think you will meet some incredibly talented people willing to help you out. We will be producing 9 murals in four days and it promises to be a great time.
If you haven't been to a live meet yet, there is no good way to put it into words, other than it will change your life....for the better!
Mostly I just wanted to say welcome to Letterville and good luck with your project, sounds pretty cool!
posted
WOW! I have never seen such generosity in others when asking for help. You truly are a group of giving and sharing artists. The only other group of artists that I have come across that are even close is the Blacksmiths of the world. I took courses on blacksmithing and almost every blacksmith you meet is excited about sharing their craft with others. Then came you guys, I can not say how much I appreciate your responses. This is extremely important to me. I have worked with glass for a while and I know that the reverse art is a precious craft that requires patience and talent. I am hoping that I have enough of the patience to show any talent that I might have for the art. I will follow up with each and every one of you that has asked me to and shared your ideas. These helpful responses are exactly why I became a resident. I have been watching the forum for some time now and researching the different aspects of your crafts. It was well worth the $ to be able to receive your knowledgeable advice and possibly get to know all of you and support Barb & Steve because without them I wouldn't have contact with you. Looking forward to getting started and getting to know and learn from all of you! Jeanne Buffalo Road Design Inc Clovis, CA
posted
Don't pay attention to Felix, I speak english. And enough spanish to roam around Mexico. Next is Puerto Rico, hey Felix from there we can go to Habana!! ok conyo?
-------------------- aka:Cisco the "Traveling Millennium Sign Artist" http://www.franciscovargas.com Fresno, CA 93703 559 252-0935 "to live life, is to love life, a sign of no life, is a sign of no love"...Cisco 12'98 Posts: 3576 | From: Fresno, Ca, the great USA | Registered: Dec 1998
| IP: Logged |
posted
Welcome to Letterville Jeanne. You are going to hear many of us urging you to get to a meet. No. We're not all alcoholics, but a Letterhead Meet is just about as essential to us. Seeing a new Lettervillian walking in the door at their first meet gives us the same pleasure as someone taking their child to their first circus. We feed off your excitement!
We have an extensive collection of photos and stories from past meets. I urge you to go thru them. In your case, you will really enjoy anything that has to do with past California Conclaves. It's all on our Past Meets Page at http://www.letterhead.com/meets/index.html
I also highly recommend you purchase the book below. Most of us consider this the Bible when it comes to gold techniques.
Gold Leaf Techniques
Here's the classic definitive guide to gold leaf sign work. Written in 1961 and updated in 1998 by Kent H. Smith, this book covers every aspect of one of the most impressive sign-making techniques. Gilding on glass, signboards, trucks, dimensional letters, carved signs, sandblasted signs-you'll find all that and more in this complete and descriptive book.
#259 Price: $39.95 Click Here To Order If all works according to plan, SignCraft will credit Letterville with a commission.
Anytime Cisco! You're welcome to stay with us anytime! About Habana, I'm not ready yet. When I go to Cuba I want to stay with my relatives. I don't want to do the tourist thing. I just haven't convinced mom yet. I think it makes her sad to think about it.
-------------------- Felix Marcano PuertoRicoSigns.Com Luquillo, PR
Work hard, party like a tourist! Posts: 2274 | From: Luquillo, Puerto Rico, USA | Registered: Nov 2000
| IP: Logged |
Printer-friendly view of this topic