Creative Arts: Wood Sign Making

Wood Sign Making (For Hobby or Profit)

Have you ever wanted to learn how to create wooden signs? If so, then this course is for you. Even if you have zero drawing or woodworking skills, this course will provide the necessary knowledge you need to get started. It is designed to provide the foundational knowledge needed to effectively grow and create signs that you will love and even sell if you’d like. You may think that you do not have the skills necessary right now, but with proper training and practice, you will be able to create nice signs better that you thought possible. It takes time, perseverance, and a will to learn.

You are taken through the basics first, and you slowly build on what you’ve learned, one step at a time, before moving on. The first few modules actually go over some basic drawing skills. You will navigate through the course with both reading content and videos. The videos are instructor led, meaning that as a particular lesson is taught, you will follow along with the instructor who is reading the lesson aloud and instructing. When it is time for the actual physical part of the lesson, the instructor will show you exactly how to draw or do whatever that lesson is about. You can pause the videos as needed and repeat whatever part you want.

There are no set times to log in. We recommend one module per week to allow for practice and review in between modules, but it is entirely up to you the rate at which you progress through the course.

TUITION: $99 | SIX-MONTH ACCESS TO THIS COURSE

Registration opening soon!

*This course is not intended for children, as some of the tools would need adult supervision to use.

After completing this course, you should be able to:

• Understand a few aspects of the fundamentals of drawing
• Implement those fundamentals into creating wooden signs
• Understand the process of gathering materials
• Be able to effectively turn your wood pieces into works of art through various techniques
• Understand how to paint and stain the wood
• Properly store you wood pieces
• Understand letters and shapes and how they pertain to your wooden sign designs
• Know how to accent your signs
• Learn how to be able to sell your signs online or in local stores

• Know the importance of proper and accurate record keeping

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OUTLINE

Introduction

Module 1: Drawing Fundamentals

• Lesson 1: How to Hold the Pencil
• Lesson 2: Basic Exercises
• Lesson 3: Markers and Pens

Module 2: Wood Gathering and Preparation

• Lesson 1: Introduction to Wood
• Lesson 2: Skid Dismantling
• Lesson 3: Wood Surface
• Lesson 4: Painting and Staining Your Wood
• Lesson 5: Storing Your Wood

Module 3: Creating Your Signs

• Lesson 1: Introduction to Letters
• Lesson 2: Drawing Letters and Images
• Lesson 3: Accenting Your Signs
• Lesson 4: Vinyl and Stenciling

Module 4: Marketing

• Lesson 1: How to Sell Your Signs to Stores
• Lesson 2: Online Platforms
• Lesson 3: Record Keeping

Required/Recommended Materials:

Below are the materials that will suffice for this course if you want to actually do the things described in the course. If you simply want to take the course just to learn and not put anything into practice during the course, no materials are necessary to do just that.

• Wood (skid wood)
• Hand saw*
• Hammer
• Sandpaper (80 grit will suffice)
• Paint (1 quart if plenty) latex or oil paint (any color that you want your signs to be)
• A few rags
• A few Posca paint pens or Sharpie Paint Pens (also called paint markers)
• Regular #2 pencil
• Tape measure
• Utility knife (also known as, and commonly called a razor blade)
• Safety Glasses

*If you have (or can borrow) a Miter saw, it will be easier to make cuts than a hand saw.

Meet Your Instructor

Howard “Pete” Silar has been an artist for more than 45 years. As a young child, he began drawing the world around him, including cartoons and images from magazines and books. In high school, that interest expanded to drawing album covers and animals for friends. Over time, he developed a preference for detailed photographic renderings, including animals, farm scenes, and other subjects. His drawings and wooden signs have been featured in local stores over the years.

His experience and expertise make his teaching especially effective for beginners. His approach is thorough and well planned, guiding students through the basics before moving on to more advanced skills. Howard believes anyone can learn to draw when they are taught with patience, structure, and the proper techniques.