posted
I'm promised to Maritimes Laura. But I am SO HONORED that Kevin has asked me to paint the registration banner. I want it to be the opus of my career. If I can swing it, I might go, but it would be a really last-minute thing. I have gone to so many meets this year that I feel I am neglecting my family. It is the "first day of school" week too. Love...Jill
-------------------- That is like a Mr. Potato Head with all the pieces in the wrong place. -Russ McMullin Posts: 8834 | From: Butler, PA, USA | Registered: Jan 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
Barb and I will be coming to Detroit. From where I sit, this meet is really starting to look good. Lots of oldtimers attending. I hear names like Al Grand, Ken Millar, Keith Kneitch and Bob Behounek to name a few. Just to see Wild Bill Betz after all these years will be a big thrill.
It's good to see my old friend Doug Bernhardt back in Letterville. I've searched through all the posts and I just can't find any discouraging remarks about Noel, Mark or any of the original Letterheads. What did I miss Doug?
To my knowledge, both Noel and Mark are good friends of Letterville. Both contacted us the day Rick Glawson passed because they wanted to express their own sence of loss with the rest of us on this BB. I can assure all that there is no way I would knowingly tolerate any negative remarks directed towards any of these guys.
Letterville is devoted to ALL Letterhead and PinHead Meets. Each host has the right to organize their meet in whatever manner they deserve. Kevin may have been a little slow getting out of the starting blocks, but he's in full stride now.
Detroit is centrally located. An easy drive for many. We're looking forward to seeing lots of Letterheads, both old and new. Bring your guitars!
[ May 17, 2004, 11:44 PM: Message edited by: Steve Shortreed ]
-------------------- Steve Shortreed 144 Hill St., E. Fergus, Ontario Canada N1M 1G9 519-787-2673
posted
Here is another update: We will be doing a Theater Back Drop during the meet. I would like to send a big Thank You to Mark Casey for stepping up to be the project leader. I believe this is going to be a great piece, as well as a large one. If anyone has ideas, comments, suggestions, etc. please feel free to post. All the information we gather will help in making this a wonderful learning experience. Thanks
-------------------- Kevin Betz KB Sign Company 21321 Ulrich Clinton Township, MI 48036 kbsigncompany@att.net Posts: 229 | From: Detroit, MI | Registered: Sep 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
This is Judi -- not Kent. Kent is still too busy to help me set this up to use in my own name. (Although I spend all day, every day, on computers ... I am still a novice when it comes to bulletin boards and chat rooms. And, I am not supposed to get "too involved" because I have a tendency to allow that type of addiction to absorb too much time.)
Anyway -- Kevin, your theatrical backdrop idea sounds like both fun AND profit. We have been doing theatre for years. My Dad was a scenic artist and tech director, so I grew up "back stage". I met Kent 39 years ago when I needed someone to do design some stage lighting for a performance. Since Kent (as Tech Director) and I were among the founders of the local community theatre, our kids also grew up backstage -- hence Cassi's career. (For those who do not know, our daughter is a professional choreographer and show manager.)
Someone (?) way back on page one of all these "lines" asked how this meet could possibly increase profit. There are specific scenic skills that apply well to what we do ... such as an old method of painting a brick wall with a sponge that Kent used extensively at Jay Allen's meet. AND ... with the right training, the skills we already posess can apply to the stage and decorating industry and can open a whole new lateral market.
-------------------- Kent Smith Smith Sign Studio P.O.Box 2385, Estes Park, CO 80517-2385 kent@smithsignstudio.com Posts: 1025 | From: Estes Park, CO | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
posted
Has anyone cut a sheet of glass with scissors? If not, come on over to the Meet and we will show you how. It is a fairly easy task to perform, and you can attain a decent edge.
-------------------- Kevin Betz KB Sign Company 21321 Ulrich Clinton Township, MI 48036 kbsigncompany@att.net Posts: 229 | From: Detroit, MI | Registered: Sep 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
Kevin did you also know that not only can you cut glass with scissors (by placing the glass underwater) that you can also cut it into complex shapes by using a heated up wire formed to the shape you wish to cut the glass to and then submersing the glass in water and giving it a nice firm but not shattering little hit? Very nice for cutting circles, animals, whatever.....
-------------------- Dan Streicher Slidell, LA Posts: 445 | From: Slidell, LA | Registered: Feb 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
Hi Dan, I think maybe you should come to the meet and show me. That is one trick I have not heard. Very interesting.
-------------------- Kevin Betz KB Sign Company 21321 Ulrich Clinton Township, MI 48036 kbsigncompany@att.net Posts: 229 | From: Detroit, MI | Registered: Sep 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
Kevin first of all I would have scheduled my time to allow me to attend your meet if information was made available earlier...it wasn't and I took your meet off of my schedule, I hope it is a success for you. But here is how I cut glass with scissors: First of all I place the glass under water completely (the entire piece so you will have to find a tub or something that will allow you to do this), then with regular scissors, cut the glass justlike it was fabric or paper. It will work but is not the best way for my applications, I will describe another way in a moment that gives a smoother edge. But for just cutting glass down to size without a glass cutter this will work. For more smooother edges this is what I do.... exactly where you want the glass to breakp scratch the glass with the corner of a file or a sharp tool. If this piece of glass is going to be a shape other than just straight lines bend a piece of wire (I use a thin type of bailing wire and after scatching the glass with the sharp object I "trace" that etch with the wire) Heat the wire until it is red hot(I use a little butane torch that came with the startup doming kit) and lay it over the etch I previously made. Place the glass in cold water just deep enough to come to a level with the wire, but not covering it. The glass breaks cleanly. This method rarely fails to break the glass cleanly, right where you want it broken. SO here are my "secret" tricks given out freely....so have fun with them and practice before you try these for a job with the only piece of glass that you have as there is a little finesse needed....but not much. Mr.C (I mean Dan) (that one was for you Doug, and in fun...honestly) But I really am pretty creative....lol
-------------------- Dan Streicher Slidell, LA Posts: 445 | From: Slidell, LA | Registered: Feb 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
Dan, could I cut 1/4" thick glass using the methods you described?
I've been thinking about playing around with some glass fusing and slumping.. I've got a couple kilns (for pottery) and glass just laying around everywhere, so why not?
Edit: I also wanted to mention for anyone going to the meet, if you can arrange for an extra day or two in Detroit, you might want to check out the Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village. I went to Detroit in February and went to the Museum with a buddy. We spent an entire day, a very long day, in the museum checking everything out and ended up not having time to check out Greenfield Village. The museum is very cool, of course it has a whole bunch of cars and really shows the history of the automobile (including a "greasy spoon" diner from the 50's), but it also has things like locomotives, stage coaches, airplanes, etc in the transportation area. They show the evolution of industrial equipment like power generators and old tools, including one of the actual power generators from one of Ford's factories - this thing is a GIANT. They even have an area where they have antique farming/agricultural equipment on display, and even furniture and old home appliances. It's just really cool to check out. One of my favorite exhibits is the Dymaxion House designed by Buckminster Fuller - dude was a genius - if there were more people like him around our houses today would probably be perched way above the ground on pillars like they were in the Jetsons cartoons and not to mention earthquake, tornado and hurricane proof because of their structures.
[ May 19, 2004, 01:38 PM: Message edited by: Mike Pipes ]
-------------------- "If I share all my wisdom I won't have any left for myself."
Mike Pipes stickerpimp.com Lake Havasu, AZ mike@stickerpimp.com Posts: 8746 | From: Lake Havasu, AZ USA | Registered: Jun 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
you bet you can, I however do not care for the scissor technique and use the etch and wire deal, but we do some strange things around here, if you want to pick my brain as or before you jump into that feel free to email me and I will give you some last minute tips, and I even have another method that I use for ReALLY complex shapes....and you get to use FIRE.....being the nutty MR.C artist I am you throw in fire into my working day and I am one HAPPY guy....you can't take the boy out of the man
-------------------- Dan Streicher Slidell, LA Posts: 445 | From: Slidell, LA | Registered: Feb 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
Dan, I have tried and tried to cut glass over the years and have never been able to do it right. YOu gotta come to Detroit and show all of us this trick. You might learn a new trick or two yourself.
-------------------- Laura Butler Vision Graphics & Sign 4479 Welch Rd Attica, Mi 48412 Posts: 2855 | From: Attica, Mi, USA | Registered: Nov 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
Laura, I know I should try to make it to Detroit and have talked with Kevin about it as well, but I had to schedule around it...bummer for me, bummer I can't share in real life...but I will do whatever I can to teach anyone my little "tricks" you can always give me a ring before jumping into such a project and I will do what i can to help, I had a little chat with Kevin today and I think the two of us could baffle each other with tricks for ever....lol...(and for those just learning about the internet...Kevin....lol...is laughing on line) it is funny to me all that we take for granted that others don't know, I worked side by side with another longtime sign maker today and we were both looking at each other going WOW what a different way of doing things.....) but carving and crazy things with glass, look me up, I'm willing to help if help is needed....striker
-------------------- Dan Streicher Slidell, LA Posts: 445 | From: Slidell, LA | Registered: Feb 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
Pipes dammit be a man and cut that glass with a plasma cutter
-------------------- Gavin Chachere Plotter in the garage,New Orleans La.
"Sgts Shugart and Gordon again request permission to rope down to crash site two" Posts: 1223 | From: new orleans.la. | Registered: Mar 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
Hi Gavin. It sounds like you might know someone that can do this. Is there a way I might get some information on cost. I would like to see if they can cut letters and design's, what kind of software do they need from me, what sizes, etc. and if its not too expensive. This gives me an idea for a glass project. Thank's
krazy kevin
-------------------- Kevin Betz KB Sign Company 21321 Ulrich Clinton Township, MI 48036 kbsigncompany@att.net Posts: 229 | From: Detroit, MI | Registered: Sep 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
My Banner came yesterday! (already) I best get working on it. I want it to be good and dry before I roll it up to ship to the Motor City! Love...Jill
-------------------- That is like a Mr. Potato Head with all the pieces in the wrong place. -Russ McMullin Posts: 8834 | From: Butler, PA, USA | Registered: Jan 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
apparently everyone doesn't know about these little glass tricks....it is amazing what we all take forr granted as Kevin and I discussed, things we do everyday others have never seen, I will do a step by step but it will be a while (at least a month) until I have time to plan something out other than calming myself down and remembering to breathe as life is HECTIC as can be, let me know which techniques you'd like to see and I will do it...and maybe Steve could give me some max file size and I can edit it all together in motion and not just still photos....Kevin I am wondering if you were just to etch the glass on your Father's router table and then used my technique with FIRE (mans best friend) if you might get a clean break of glass letters...worth a shot, let me know if I can help striker
-------------------- Dan Streicher Slidell, LA Posts: 445 | From: Slidell, LA | Registered: Feb 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
Cheez-n-Crackers Batman! Next thing ya know, someone will bring up the subject of HOCKEY on this thread.... j.
-------------------- That is like a Mr. Potato Head with all the pieces in the wrong place. -Russ McMullin Posts: 8834 | From: Butler, PA, USA | Registered: Jan 2001
| IP: Logged |
-------------------- Jon Aston MARKETING PARTNERS "Strategy, Marketing and Business Development" Tel 705-719-9209 Posts: 1724 | From: Barrie, ON, CANADA | Registered: Sep 2000
| IP: Logged |
quote:Originally posted by Jillbeans: Cheez-n-Crackers Batman! Next thing ya know, someone will bring up the subject of HOCKEY on this thread.... j.
The last hockey game I went to was while I was living in St Louis, it was the Blues vs. Redwings. Those fans from Detroit take their hockey a little too seriously, I thought I had stepped into the middle of a Jerry Springer show.
-------------------- "If I share all my wisdom I won't have any left for myself."
Mike Pipes stickerpimp.com Lake Havasu, AZ mike@stickerpimp.com Posts: 8746 | From: Lake Havasu, AZ USA | Registered: Jun 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
Now you know how I feel. The Sign business has changed so much in the past 20 years. I like the Red Wings, but I love Signs more. Maybe that is why I come across the wrong way sometimes; I take my Art serious. We want to put on a great meet for everyone involved. I think on my end, I should relax a little and enjoy the unfolding of this meet, not take things to seriously, but enjoy the spirit of Letterheads.
It seems like this Internet has put me on the stage to respond to questions about intentions and character. I too want to win the Stanley cup, but for me that would be for Us hosting a gathering with fellow Letterheads to share, discuss, show, and just plain have fun learning. So wish us luck as we enter the arena of education: Detroit Int. 2004. Be a Team Player... Have fun... Kevin
-------------------- Kevin Betz KB Sign Company 21321 Ulrich Clinton Township, MI 48036 kbsigncompany@att.net Posts: 229 | From: Detroit, MI | Registered: Sep 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
Kevin I just want to say "GOOD LUCK" and I also want to tell everyone that I had a "real" conversation with Kevin and often in the internet world it is hard for some of us to communicate you can not see the other guys or gals eyes, the tone of voice, body language etc., I apologized to Kevin personally for my initial feelings about his meet and now I am also apologizing publically for my statements as well, I can tell all of you that after my discussion with Kevin his intentions are only to host a world class meet, and share his tricks and do everything to ensure that the "secrets" of our craft are not lost....after our conversation I am confident that I have a new friend and should we ever land in each others towns I know we will look the other up for a cold one and a afternoon of showing off our work, So give the guy a chance he's not a bad guy, just new to this world of the internet..
-------------------- Dan Streicher Slidell, LA Posts: 445 | From: Slidell, LA | Registered: Feb 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
Well Folks, I'm not too good at this intenet thing which is why I have only just looked at this thread. But I am so glad that all seems to be working out and everyone is friendly again. Ah what a lovely world this is. Personally, I can't wait for this meet. It will be my first and it's costing me a good few bucks coming from the UK. But I KNOW it's going to be worth it. See you all there. Barb x
-------------------- Barbara Murrell 4 Elements (Global)Ltd Ware Herts England barbara@4elementsglobal.com Posts: 87 | From: England | Registered: May 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
Laura, I want to learn and see as much as possible about traditional sign painting. I just can't wait to see you all, even if I am a little nervous about it!! Barb
-------------------- Barbara Murrell 4 Elements (Global)Ltd Ware Herts England barbara@4elementsglobal.com Posts: 87 | From: England | Registered: May 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
We had our another meeting today and will meet again in two weeks. We each have our own responsilibities and are trying to put together things that will make this meet unique, helpful, and hoping to give each participant something new that they can take home and think about/work on.
Other committe members will be posting more of whats coming up.
Please bear with us as our area of Michigan is having tremendous thunderstorm and tornado warnings. In my area, this has been going on for over a week and its hard to justify getting online during these electrical storms.
-------------------- Laura Butler Vision Graphics & Sign 4479 Welch Rd Attica, Mi 48412 Posts: 2855 | From: Attica, Mi, USA | Registered: Nov 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
Just talked with Judi Smith last night. She is going to be setting up a Business Room to do seminars on all different segments of business that pertain to us. During the course of our conversation she told me that Kent knows how to make ashphaltum (sp). So now I will be working on Kent to teach us how to do this. Anyone else want to know how?
[ May 29, 2004, 11:09 AM: Message edited by: Laura Butler ]
-------------------- Laura Butler Vision Graphics & Sign 4479 Welch Rd Attica, Mi 48412 Posts: 2855 | From: Attica, Mi, USA | Registered: Nov 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
I additionally would like to know specifics of what anyone would like to know about sign paints and varnishes. If I know ahead, I can be sure to get the raw materials there for demonstrating. I won't promise to do them all but I will try to get close. I am also interested in good clear digital close up photos of old containers of paint, varnishes, pigments and powders that I may not already have. I am putting together a nostalgia book of same.
Any help would be appreciated.
-------------------- Kent Smith Smith Sign Studio P.O.Box 2385, Estes Park, CO 80517-2385 kent@smithsignstudio.com Posts: 1025 | From: Estes Park, CO | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
posted
OK -- First attempt to post under my OWN name instead of my husband's.
I promised the Detroit Committee I would coordinate a room where people interested in pricing, marketing, and accounting could come with questions, suggestions, etc. It gives spouses (like me) and other less graphic members of sign shops something beneficial to their part of the shop operation. Subject matter will be determined by interest. We can cover such subjects as "How to write a business plan" "What the loan officer wants to know" "Are you pricing for FUN or PROFIT?" "What are you PAYING to operate your shop?" and other forms of business management.
Anyone interested in attending OR teaching classes please let me know (either by post or by email) what specific subjects interest YOU.
-------------------- Judi Smith Smith Sign Studio (& Quikprice) PO Box 66, Greeley, CO 80632 judi@quikprice.com Posts: 3 | From: Greeley, CO | Registered: May 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
Hello. I will be going to the Masonic tonight for more work, and will have more updates later. Kent I will have everything for you later tonight as well as for Judi. I think inter-mixing the Art end with the Business end is a good way for a better understanding of the prices we charge.
Kevin
-------------------- Kevin Betz KB Sign Company 21321 Ulrich Clinton Township, MI 48036 kbsigncompany@att.net Posts: 229 | From: Detroit, MI | Registered: Sep 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
Hi All, Just a thought, but this is an International meet and maybe some of the business pricing stuff may not be relevant for those of us from overseas.
By the way Kevin, I have emailed you, but I am finding it hard to get the money to you for this meet as there is no easy way to buy dollars in cheque form (and in this technological age!!)What's the easiest way of doing this? Any suggestions ? looking forward to seeing you all. Barb
-------------------- Barbara Murrell 4 Elements (Global)Ltd Ware Herts England barbara@4elementsglobal.com Posts: 87 | From: England | Registered: May 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
Barbara, You can get an International Money order at some places. But I would suggest to you what I did when attending the Cork meet last year: Bring the Pound/Euro equivalent of US $$ with you when you fly over. At the airport are money-changing facilities....it was just easier for me that way. You'll be surprised to find out how valuable your money is! Just send Kevin your registration so that you can be counted, then pay at the door. (If it's OK with Kevin! ) love...jill
-------------------- That is like a Mr. Potato Head with all the pieces in the wrong place. -Russ McMullin Posts: 8834 | From: Butler, PA, USA | Registered: Jan 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
Kent, I have always been curious as to the difference between Window Spar Varnish, Quick Rubbing Varnish, and Fibroseal. I would love to see their chemical differences, common uses for each, and physical properties (drying times, toughness, mixability, acceptable surfaces, etc.).
What is Res-n-gel and Damar Varnish? I have both of these left over from a gold leaf workshop at Wild Bill's. I think the Damar was for making "embossed" patterns for burnished gilds reversed on glass, but I don't recall what Res-n-gel was used for.
It'd probably take a seminar to answer these questions, huh? That's OK, I can wait for the meet.
-------------------- Mark Casey Casey Sign Co., Inc. Berkley, MI Posts: 76 | From: Berkley, MI, USA | Registered: Mar 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
Just got back from another committe meeting. Registrations are coming in...even got a bunch from overseas already.
After the meeting. Kevin took us over to one of (one of four I believe)the resturants owned by the caterer. We had lunch and I have to say that the lasgna that I had was probably the best that I have ever had. The rolls were to die for too. Everyone else all said that their meals were very good.
I can't wait. We are also going to have a contest that involves our T-Shirts that come in our packets. I don't think that I can say anymore except to say the contest has nothing to do with water. The contest is going to be soooo cool and there will be alot of laughter....not just for the winner.
-------------------- Laura Butler Vision Graphics & Sign 4479 Welch Rd Attica, Mi 48412 Posts: 2855 | From: Attica, Mi, USA | Registered: Nov 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
Mark, probably take longer than the seminar time to really get into it but I will make sure I bring what I need for the topics.
-------------------- Kent Smith Smith Sign Studio P.O.Box 2385, Estes Park, CO 80517-2385 kent@smithsignstudio.com Posts: 1025 | From: Estes Park, CO | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
(that one was for you Doug, and in fun...honestly) But I really am pretty creative....lol![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Roll Eyes]](rolleyes.gif)
![[Dunno]](graemlins/dunno.gif)
?
Printer-friendly view of this topic