I can't stand it any longer, I have to tell you about this experience:
I've shared with some of our Letterville neighbors, the carving project I've been working on, (with tunnel vision) which I installed this past Sunday. Believe it or not, it's my second "paying" carving job... I did this entire project by hand, since my scanner took a dump, I had no other choice. (I did not use the computer!)
It's an enlarged replica of the Combat Infantrymen's Badge. This badge is given to soldiers who've fought in close combat and worn with horor, close in relation to the purple heart, so I'm told.
Today, (Veterans Day) I attended a dedication and un-veiling ceramony for this monument, located in front of the Fort Myers Museum.
The heavy roar of three "chopper's" flying close above, started the service, in honoor of Veterans, past and present. A line-up of local politicions spoke of courage and our wonderful county. A member of a local high school band played Taps, the finale.
This project was important to the three men, who placed their order with me. I worked on it with the care I do with any other job that makes it's way through my shop.
The three men, met with me, to assist in the install. I arrived before each of them and perched the piece in it's place. The looks on each of their faces, when they saw it, was absolutely priceless! I caught them sneaking peeks, the entire time we were on site.
Today, after the service, was a much more heartfelt and humbling experience. There was practically a reception line of Veterans who came and personally thanked me for my part in their rememberance... It was deep, and is difficult to express in words. I have never in my lifetime, received so much praise, for my efforts...
A big 'Thank-You!' to those who serve our country! They DESERVE our recognition...!
On another note; If it weren't for Letterville, I doubt I would have ever taken this job and would certainly have been without this humbling experience... Thank-You, neighbors!
Cher.
***I've asked Don Coplen, to post a few of the pics...*** Come back, and have a look-see...
-------------------- Co-Host: SANDCASTLE Panel Jam 'a Dixie Letterhead Reunion' Fort Myers, Florida
Cheryl Lucas a/k/a "Shag" on mIRC Vital Signs & Graphics, Etc. Cape Coral, Florida 239-574-4713 VSignsNgraphics@aol.com Posts: 987 | From: Cape Coral, FL USA | Registered: Aug 2000
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When I joined the Army in 1969,I thought it was my duty. Now I KNOW it was for people like you and this BB To be free enough to express ourselfs(good & bad)
The fellows in the photo,and others like them are ALL HEROES in my book.
-------------------- PKing is Pat King The Professor of SIGNOLOGY Posts: 3113 | From: Pompano Beach, FL. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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This sign was carved and sandblasted, using 1.5" HDU. The rifle, 3/4" HDU, attached using PB Fast Set.
I reinforced the entire back of this piece, using 1/8" aluminum stock, basically cut to shape. Ha, I used 22 stainless steel screws to attach it! lol (it just looked right...hehe)
The post/panel attachment system is finished nicely. Each post is capped, 'L' brackets are welded to both the posts and the backing plate and bolted together. Allowing for easy removal for maintenance, etc.
The post, are anodized aluminum. They have a brushed appearance and nearly match the OneShot Metallic Silver paint.
I distressed the (shiny, silver) paint, first by airbrushing Black into all the cracks and dimensional areas. Then, with a rag and mineral spirits, I started rubbing it away. This created the distressed appearance and toned down the sheen. It looks like pewter.
I set the posts, using hydraulic cement. Wow, that stuff is awesome! It set-up to firm, within 5 minutes. I topped the post holes with black, fish aquarium gravel. hehe
When I used the PB Fast Set, (to attach the rifle) I didn't realize it was like Gorilla Glue. It was the first time I used it. I don't recall the distructions, I mean instructions, explaining the potential for expansion or to keep the glue away from the edges... The oooze, was my biggest nightmare, as I wasn't aware it was happening or I would have been attending to it while it was still wet. I had the piece draped with soft cloth and weighted down, during the curing process. I kept my calm and dealt with it... Also, I had a heck of a time, keeping the rifle in place, while the goo was expanding, I bit my tongue for a good 15 minutes...
Cher.
-------------------- Co-Host: SANDCASTLE Panel Jam 'a Dixie Letterhead Reunion' Fort Myers, Florida
Cheryl Lucas a/k/a "Shag" on mIRC Vital Signs & Graphics, Etc. Cape Coral, Florida 239-574-4713 VSignsNgraphics@aol.com Posts: 987 | From: Cape Coral, FL USA | Registered: Aug 2000
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Nice Job Cheryl! As a Infantry Veteran I can say that one of the goals they set for any soldier is to be awarded that badge. We'll never know what those men had to do to get that honor. Hats off to them! "Follow Me, for I am the INFANTRY!"
11 Bravo US ARMY 1981-1984
-------------------- Mike Meyer Sign Painter 189 1st Ave n P.O. Box 3 Mazeppa, Mn 55956
We are not selling, we are staying here in Mazeppa....we cannot re-create what we have here....not in another lifetime! SO Here we are!!!!!!!
Wonderfull piece of work! Producing a "tribute" piece, truley, is something special...you certainly honor our vets with the quality of your work!!! I hope you signed it somewhere?
So, I guess that "girls CAN carve too"
Joe, Makin Chips and Havin Fun!
-------------------- Joe Cieslowski Connecticut Woodcarvers Gallery P.O.Box 368 East Canaan CT 06024 jcieslowski@snet.net 860-824-0883 Posts: 2345 | From: East Canaan CT 06024 | Registered: Nov 2001
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Great Job, Cheryl! Looks awesome! It's good to get positive feedback once in a while, isn't it? Makes it easy to go to work and do what you do.
-------------------- Jane Diaz Diaz Sign Art 628 W. Lincoln Ave. Pontiac, Il. 61764 815-844-7024 www.diazsignart.com Posts: 4102 | From: Pontiac, IL USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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Great looking carving You should be proud. Background looks like Smalt. Again you should be proud.. Mike Didn't reliize that about you.. 11B here also 83-89
Funny you should mention the background looks like smaltz.
Today, I was recalling this project to another sign buddy and mentioned to him, in the sunlight, the background had the appearance of smaltz.
I attributed this, to using PB Primer/Filler. It's some really thick stuff. I layed on two coats along with two coats of background paint and the result was tiny peaks, for the light to reflect off of.
I'm not a big fan of the texture after sandblasting HDU, but this time I was relatively pleased after using the primer/filler. With light reflecting off it, it actually does have the appearance of smaltz!
Cher.
-------------------- Co-Host: SANDCASTLE Panel Jam 'a Dixie Letterhead Reunion' Fort Myers, Florida
Cheryl Lucas a/k/a "Shag" on mIRC Vital Signs & Graphics, Etc. Cape Coral, Florida 239-574-4713 VSignsNgraphics@aol.com Posts: 987 | From: Cape Coral, FL USA | Registered: Aug 2000
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explaining the potential for expansion or to keep the glue away from the edges... The oooze, was my biggest nightmare, as I wasn't aware it was happening or I would have been attending to it while it was still wet. I had the piece draped with soft cloth and weighted down, during the curing process. I kept my calm and dealt with it... Also, I had a heck of a time, keeping the rifle in place, while the goo was expanding, I bit my tongue for a good 15 minutes...
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