The biggest items this year on everyone's Christmas list is, of course, the stainless steel tumblers. Our SIC cups are flying off the shelves and it's only going to get more hectic. The word is spreading about how well these cups work and the rainbow of powder coated colors they are available in. I expect this to be our number one item throughout the holiday season.
We are hosting a fund raiser for Frenship High School, my own Alma Mater and my son's as well. We still have kids in the family attending Frenship and more that are about to start. Frenship has always been a huge part of our lives and we are honored to sponsor them with specially created SIC tumblers. You can see them at www.frenshipnation.com.
Remember everyone, Christmas is just around the corner and things are going to be busier than ever here. The best ways to insure that you get your gifts ready on time is to order early, know what you want when you come in to place your order and, of course, it's always a little bit faster if you purchase directly from us.
Don't forget trick or treating is happening at KK's Corner Mall next door, just like every year. Bring the family out for some Halloween fun. We will be here handing out treats with the family.
Good luck this season and we hope to see you soon!
Jerry Moriearty
Woodshed Gifts
]]>To begin with, you need a pattern for your sign. I use Corel Draw to make my patterns, but you can use almost any desktop publishing application to make them. Simply create the sign look you want, with the font you want and the outline that sets it all off. If it's too big for your printer, don't worry a bit, you can have a print shop print it off for you on a large architectural printer. I use Staples for this, they are fast and affordable in my area, and can do prints 36" wide and almost unlimited length.
Once you have your pattern created and printed, you will need your wood. If your sign is very large, you will have to either use plywood or glue together multiple boards to get your desired size. In this instance, I glued up ash using bar clamps, biscuits, and Titebond 3 glue, my favorite wood glue. After gluing up the boards, plane and sand them smooth. Now you are ready to apply your pattern.
I use 3m spray adhesive for my patterns. I spray a medium coat on the back of the paper and let it dry for a few minutes, until it's tacky but not wet. This makes it easier to get off later. Carefully lay your pattern on your wood and work out the wrinkles as you go. You don't want any paper wrinkles to snag when you are working later.
Your next step is going to be routing out the letters. I like to route them about an eighth of an inch deep, but you don't have to go that far in. I do it to give me sanding room later. I start with a large bit, one that is the size of the largest parts of the letters, or as close as I can get, then I graduate downward until I use a 1/16" bit to get the details at the end. After routing, I use a jigsaw with a good, smooth cut blade to cut out the sign shape.
After that is complete, wipe mineral spirits over the paper to loosen the glue and peel the paper off. Finish cleaning up the glue residue with mineral spirits and a lint free rag. Let the mineral spirits dry completely, then spray the letters with your color of choice. I use sign ink for my letters, but spray paint works fine. Keep your distance from the sign while spraying and do several fine coats. You don't want the paint to get too wet and soak into the grain around the letters. After you are satisfied with coloring your letters, break out your sander and sand off the excess paint. Make sure the paint is thoroughly dry before sanding. I use 80 grit to remove the paint. I also route the edges of the sign at this point, so I can get all the sanding completed at once. I sand through the grits up to 220 grit.
If you want to add some color, you can use a rag dampened with stain to wipe down the sign. After the stain sets on the wood for about fifteen minutes, wipe up the excess with a clean rag. Give the stain 24 hours to dry and finish the sign with your favorite clear finish. I generally use polyurethane.
And that is how you make a sign with some wood and a router. It's not terribly expensive, but you will put some labor into the project. If you're not comfortable with the tools, or don't have the time, we will be happy to make one for you. If you need some advice or have some questions, feel free to send us an email. We'll be happy to help you out.
]]>To mark on vacuum sealed cups and mugs, we use an additive marking system. No metal is removed and no damage is done to the metal's integrity. One thing you should be aware of is that Yeti's warranty is voided by ANY modifications to their products, not just laser marking. If you're going to mark a tumbler, make sure that it's a method that will not compromise the integrity of the item because you won't be sending it back in.
1) What is the cost?
The cost is simple on the cups, $15 for the first side and $10 for the second. The marked area is approximately 3"x3" on most items. The turn around time is usually two to three business days, but that varies with order levels in the store and the size of your order. We get them done as soon as physically possible. Discounts are available in case quantities.
2) What can be etched onto a cup?
The possibilities are almost endless. We can do business logos if they are in a black and white vector format, line art works best. We can do text in a vast number of fonts, and we can do unlicensed artwork that is in a vector format as well.
3) What if my logo isn't in a vector format?
Most reputable graphics designers will have vector file formats available for you. Just get in touch with them and see if they can send you the file in AI, EPS or CDR formats. If they don't have your logo in a vector format, we can attempt to convert it from a high quality image. If it's an easy conversion, we won't charge you a dime. If it's more difficult, but still possible, it's a $20 charge. For those logos that can not possible be converted because of detail, or quality issues, we can have our graphic designer recreate it for you for a fee. The fee is generally in the neighborhood of $65-$120, but that can vary with the scope of the logo.
4) Can it be marked in other colors?
Unfortunately, the only color available for laser marking at this time is black. The manufacturer of the chemical used is actually working on color marking solutions, but they have not announced success or a release date as of yet.
5) Do they come in colors?
Powder coated tumblers are everywhere. We can engrave most of the tumblers on the market. Laser engraving a powder coated tumbler removes the coating revealing the stainless steel color beneath. Depending on the color of the coating, the mark can be subtle or a bold contrast. We do thousands of these each year.
I hope this answers everyone's questions about their cups. If you're ready to get them done, just drop by the store. We will be happy to get you taken care of.
]]>Businesses and professionals all over the world use name badges to create a impression of established solidity and to impress their business identity in their customers minds. Name badges also help identify employees that stand out from the rest with exceptional service or help to find out which employees were offering less than stellar service to your customers.
Name badges can be as simple as a name and log engraved into a piece of plastic or as complex as a full color, photo quality image that boldly displays your brand. At Woodshed Gifts, we can do both. There is no minimum order, no set up fee, and we can keep all your information on file to make it easy to replace lost badges or create a new one for a recent hire. We can set you up on a monthly billing system so you can just send a new employee in for a badge, though many of our business accounts make new hires purchase their own. No matter what style or design, we can create exactly what you want and make it simple for you to create your business/employee identity.
Fasteners can be a problem with bulk ordered online badges. Everyone likes a magnetic badge for convenience, but due to health concerns, sometimes they just don't work. Or, perhaps you are in a position where you need a post fastener, to put on a jacket for instance, we keep three styles of fastener in stock for customer convenience. If you have a special color of material you want for your badges, we would be happy to order it for you and keep it in stock.
Our laser engraved name badges are our most popular for local businesses. They are easy to make, affordable, and can be done in minutes while you wait. These badges start at five dollars a badge for a standard order, or you can add embellishments, such as badge frames in gold, silver, or black color for just a bit more (special order only). We also do full color, photo quality, glossy dye sublimated name badges as well. These take just a bit longer to have ready, but the impact on customers can be extremely rewarding. This style starts out at seven fifty each and area always ready the next day.
For more information on badges, give us a call or stop by the store anytime.
]]>The I ask a customer is, do you have a logo? At least fifty percent of the time, the answer is "do I need one?" Simply put, yes, every business needs a visual image that will stick in a customers head and help your business stand apart from the rest. Without a logo, you're just a name and, all too often, names get forgotten.
The second most common answer is either "Yes, I had it designed by a guy on Etsy" or "Yes, I designed it in Publisher". That is always the moment when my stomach drops and I steel myself for a long, long day.
I will skip all of the fancy graphic design talk about feelings, images, and such. I will just discuss the bare basics of a logo. To begin with, a logo should be readily visible, it should be comprehensible, and text should be legible. If you can't tell what a logo is, can't read the writing on it, or can't make it out, you've already defeated the purpose. No matter how pretty the text is and how much you like it, if people can't read it, you're losing business.
Next, a logo should be versatile. No matter the size, you should be able to clearly see the detail. Generally, simple is better. If you make an incredibly elaborate piece of art for your logo and shrink it down to go on a business card, most of the time it will just be a blob. Not to mention, if you want vinyl work done, you will often be out of luck. Then factor in a 3d lit sign for your store, will they be able to do what you want them to see on the finished sign? These are very, very, very valid concerns when you are deciding on your logo design.
Logos should also be in the proper format. Sure a jpg or a png is great for a website or a business card, but photo formats turn into blocks as you enlarge them. Also, these formats often have a solid background and aren't suitable for engraving, stamping, embroidery, or vinyl. To make your logo truly usable for your business, you need to have it in a vector format, basically meaning it is composed of lines and angles that are infinitely re-sizable. The most common way you will see these is in a eps, cdr, or ai format, but even that doesn't guarantee it's a true vector. Always ask your artist for the vector files.
Once you have all this information firmly in place, you are ready to find a graphic artist....and then the work really begins. Advertising agencies have staff designers that are familiar with the art requirements for almost any medium, IF they are good. A file that you would use to laser engrave your logo will be composed differently than the file you use for cutting it out in vinyl for your front window or for vinyl on your car. Both of those are different than what you would use for having your shirts embroidered, which is different than what you would use to sublimate employee t-shirts. When you talk to your artist, tell them how you intend to use your logos, what materials you want to use your logo with, and how you wish to display it. Make sure they are comfortable with all aspects because if you drop it off at a vinyl shop and they have to rebuild it, it can easily cost you $100 an hour for their time.
So, how much should a comprehensive logo package cost? If you have a design in mind, are willing to listen to your designer when they make suggestions, and you communicate your needs effectively, you can expect to pay around $1500 for a solid package. If you don't communicate well, or if you have no clue what you want, expect $3000+ because they will be using a lot of extra time trying to figure out what you want. If you want the original artwork and vector design files as well as the final product, many designers will charge you another $500 to $1500 for the files because that essentially enables you to cut them out of the loop for future design needs.
If a designer seems too reasonable (under $500), chances are you are going to end up spending twice as much in the long run. Designers charge for their skills and knowledge of the mediums their art will work with. A competent designer will save you thousands of dollars in conversion and rebuild fees. Cutting corners will do nothing but cost you money dealing with people like me in the future.
If you're in the Lubbock area, stop by and talk to me before having your logo created. I will be happy to point you in the right direction of a designer that will work best for your needs. Hopefully it will save everyone involved a lot of time and energy while helping your business growth stay at the level your business deserves.
]]>Several years ago, I was working in Brownwood, TX for Staples. I was five hours away from my family, trying to get us ahead financially. I refused, however, to miss the Fourth of July with Michael. On July 1st, I drove back to Lubbock to get him and bring him to Brownwood. We spent three days of planning, gathering food, cooking, and getting ready for an AMAZING barbecue with all my new Brownwood friends. He was so excited to be the center of it all. He picked out everything! On the third, he and I went to the largest fireworks stand in Brownwood. I told him we had $250 to spend on fireworks and that was the limit. He promptly started calculating in the way young geniuses do. After about an hour of looking and figuring, he decided to buy a $50 assortment of little stuff and a $200 single fuse 100 shot, triple report artillery shell. We cooked for friends, played games, visited and had a fantastic time. When it was finally dark, we waited until every single firework was popped before he proudly debuted his massive fireworks machine. As he lit it, under my supervision of course, his whole body trembled in anticipation. The fuse burst to life and we took off like a shot to join in with the rest of the crowd. For what seemed like forever, the sky became awash in lights that, at least in our eyes, rivaled the shows at Disney and Six Flags.The entire time, his eyes were glued to the sky and a smile was plastered on his face. When the show finally ended, he gave my waist a big hug and said, "That was the best ever!"
So, while the Fourth of July is the celebration of the final copy of the Declaration of Independence, in my world at least, it's a celebration of family. A time to bond with the little ones while they are still there and to make memories that will always burn in your mind like fireworks in the sky.
With dye sublimation, we can make some VERY cool items for special summer parties. We can do custom flip flops, custom coozies, t-shirts, and we even stock some AMAZING grill sets. Our cutting boards are some of the finest made in the U.S. and we can even do custom boards for your grill competitions. Summer is also remodeling season. We have helped with projects from vinyl cutting for wall and window decorations to engraving glass for a refinished china hutch.
We also custom cut items from 1/8" MDF, a composite, engineered wood similar to plywood, but easier to paint and less prone to warping. We do everything from cut out names 2' long to monograms, crosses, and even decor to glue on a refinishing project (like baby blocks for the face of a dresser). In addition to MDF, we can also laser cut 1/8" acrylic.
Last of all, summer is a great time to work on your marketing strategy for fall. We have a wide array of promotional items to fit the bill. Coozies, name badges, cups, knives, golf markers, divott tools, glasses, pens.....the list goes on and on. Pick some items that customers will use a lot through the summer to keep yourself fresh in their minds. The rewards of summer marketing are incredible and the ROI for promotional items, when chosen correctly, are the highest in the advertising industry.
Stop by our physical location when you have a chance. Take a look around and feel free to ask for some advice. We would love to help you out!
]]>2) Watch the Supply Ads- For office supply companies, like Staples, back to school season actually starts in July. If you pay attention to the ads, you can find crazy deals. I still have a closet full of nickel folders, crayons, paper, and pencils. Even if you don't know EXACTLY what is going to be on the list, getting some of the essentials in advance for pennies on the dollar will make the last minute purchases that much quicker and less complicated.
3) Mark Their Stuff- Kids lose more things at school than anywhere else. Mark their stuff with a sharpie or order a special stamp or two to make it easier throughout the year. We special order stamps that permanently mark on clothing and offer them during back to school. It's a little more than a sharpie, but it's legible, easy, and the ink lasts just as long or longer. Watch for our back to school engraving specials, we often do a day or two of free engraving for certain objects to make it cheaper on parents. Get a luggage tag for their backpack, it will save a TON of trouble and searching. Have the back of their cell phone engraved with a name and alternate number. If they take their 3ds to school, get that engraved as well. With a little labeling, you would be amazed at how much money you can save through the year.
I hope some of these ideas helped out a little bit. We'll talk more about other things and announce our back to school specials as it gets closer to that time. Until then, get the little things done so it's less stress on you and the kids when it is suddenly here.
]]>Metals: We can not literally engrave into metal with a CO2 laser. It has nothing to do with the power, it's the frequency of the light that causes this limitation. However, we can mark anodized aluminum with permanent white markings and laser the coating off of coated metals to reveal the surface below. We can mark on brushed stainless using a ceran based chemical that bonds to metal under the right level of heat, leaving bold, black markings.
To actually engrave into metal, we have a few options available. Our mechanical engraver can scratch into metal creating a traditional engraved look. It is a fantastic option for lettering on items that require a classic look. For a more modern, more solid look, we also have a fiber laser which can engrave and mark almost any metal and most fabricated materials.
Glass: Our laser creates micro-fissures in glass. This means the heat causes super small cracks that alone, would be invisible to the naked eye. The end results creates a frosted glass look. No material is really being removed, just broken up. To remove material from glass, we recommend finding a sandblasting service. Sandblasting is the only reliable way to create deep etchings with high detail into glass. We can not cut glass with our laser.
Wood: Our machine vaporizes wood, removing it cleanly and efficiently. Other systems leave residual pieces behind, but a CO2 laser makes a perfect indentation. Whether or not the engraving has a dark, burned in appearance depends on the type of wood used. The best woods for solid, dark markings are beech, alder, mahogany, and baltic birch. This is why we only do engraved wood photos using those woods. We can cut wood or MDF with our laser up to 1/4" thick efficiently.
For thicker wood cutting or carving, we use a CNC router. Using our CnC, we can cut wood up to 2" thick, cut out perfect shapes, do prototyping, and even intricate carving. Typically, our CnC router is reserved for creating products we well in our store, though we will use it for wood engraving from time to time as is needed.
Other materials vary, depending on how the material is made, it's tolerance to the frequency of the laser, and what the goal is with the final image. I am always happy to answer any questions about different engraving methods so you can be sure to use the right process for the job. Feel free to ask me a question any time.
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