Scrollers, where do you sign your work?

[cskipper]

Where do you sign your work (front, back, bottom, side...?) I figure if I frame it, I'd sign whatever I use for the backing. But what about pieces that are not framed?

What do you use to sign with? A pen, branding iron, label...? I read a suggestion to sign after the first coat of finish so the ink wouldn't bleed into the wood, and then apply the rest of the finish. But where on the project do you sign.

My only other works I'd at least initial and date were cross-stitch and you sign on the front, kind of at the edge of the pattern. I don't think that fits here - especially if the edge of the pattern is really the edge of the piece if it's something you don't frame.

 

[rickc]

I generally sign on the back. I also sign after I put the finish on. I learned the hard way about "bleeding". I have tried using a wood burning pencil without much luck. Not because it did not work, but because I ended up with very block like letters and inconsistent pressure caused varying degree of burning. I have thought about getting one of the branding irons made up, but have not come to grips with paying for the electric one yet!

 

[ScottM]

It really depends on the piece but the norm is the back. The only real exception is a picture where I sign in a bottom corner. I also do not sign my full name. I only put my initials and the year. I use a ultra fine point sharpie after the piece is finished but then I like to spray a clear coat over it.

The other thing I do is I made up my own business card which basically has my name, email and phone number. If the piece is large enough I will spray it with M77 and attach the card to the back.

 

[cskipper]

It really depends on the piece but the norm is the back. The only real exception is a picture where I sign in a bottom corner. I also do not sign my full name. I only put my initials and the year. I use a ultra fine point sharpie after the piece is finished but then I like to spray a clear coat over it.

The other thing I do is I made up my own business card which basically has my name, email and phone number. If the piece is large enough I will spray it with M77 and attach the card to the back.

Do you include information about the pattern designer (obviously it you aren't the designer)?

 

[ScottM]

I do when I remember to. It is one of the things I am trying to do better. Heck lost of times I even forget to sign my work or even take a picture. Too many senior moments. :wsmile:

 

[DaveO]

Where do you sign your work (front, back, bottom, side...?) .

Cathy I don't scroll, so my advice is worth very little. But seeing your work and how much wood is actually left I would say sign it where ever you can fit it.
On the back.... until your signature becomes part of the piece. When you're famous and folks are going crazy for an original cskipper piece, your signature on the front will be a must.
MTCW,
Dave

 

[striker]

Cathy,

Further to what Dave suggested. I think you need to design your own signature to cleverly scroll into your work. Something like the "Wheres Waldo" approach. So when they are holding it up on the "Antiques Roadshow" a hundred years from know they can say " see there's the original hidden signature".

Stephen

 

[sawduster]

I always sign the front on my portraits , well just my initials that I have worked into a kind of logo. I also have a " handcrafted in Youngsville NC by ...blah blah " label that I put on the back
I sign between coats of finish with a sharpie
I sign the back or bottom of other work and " dust collectors " , often putting a personal note if it is a gift for friend or family member

 

[cskipper]

Cathy,

Further to what Dave suggested. I think you need to design your own signature to cleverly scroll into your work. Something like the "Wheres Waldo" approach. So when they are holding it up on the "Antiques Roadshow" a hundred years from know they can say " see there's the original hidden signature".

Stephen

That would be kind of cool (not the Antiques Roadshow part- but that would be cool too).

Dave - the small quantity of wood left is one of the things that made me ask the question.

 

[rita541]

i usually don't sign my fret work. But my intarsia I sign on the back.I paint my backs black and sign in white paint. I never put a date on any of my work, even paintings because if I give it to someone a few yrs down the road I don't want them that I gave an old piece.
rita

 

[PChristy]

With me it really depends on what I am doing - With my Fret work that I frame I sign in the lower right hand corner and also make a Certificat of Orgin with the designers name and location if it is not my design - I put the name of the piece and I also put my small company name and location and also sign and date the Certificate - with the none framed work I put the Certificate on the back if possible if not then I just sign and date it - and put the designers name on it also

Phillip

 

[JackLeg]

:icon_thum Like DaveO, I'm not a scroller. BUT, I figure I sign every piece I make!

Just look a little closer and you'll find some kind of screw-up that says' "hand crafted/made/er, butchered by JackLeg!"

:rotflm::rotflm::rotflm: