What’s Your Sign in FW Issue #193 shows many ways to sign your work. I plan to use the method of making my mark on paper and then gluing the paper to the wood. I would like future generations to be able to read the inscription clearly. So with a focus on preservation:
What glue should be used that would not cause deterioration of the paper?
Is there a coating or finish that can be applied over the paper to help preserve it?
Replies
ID
If I were to go your route, I would use acid free paper, archival india ink or pencil, hide glue and shellac. Modern inks without any iron in them fade over time.
Preema,
I wouldn't take "signing" your work too seriously. Have a bit of fun with it. I usually woodburn it. Since most of what I do is for a family member, I often woodburn a sentence in the bottom or the back which personalizes the gift from me to my relative or friend.
Something like --- "a wedding gift for Bill and Nancy, 11-2-2009" then I put my name.
If you sign your work with a mysterious "P.T." or something like that, it won't take long before no one will know who PT is. It is like old photographs. If the names aren't on the photo, ....... well, you know.
The chances of you or me becoming as famous as Louis Comfort Tiffany are slim, so the signature is not going to add monetary value. But if you make something for your granddaughter, and then sign it "I made this cabinet for my darling granddaughter, Matilda, for her second birthday. 10-2-2010. Your loving grandpa, Ralph", then your granddaughter can use it and then give it to her kid, and maybe it can go on for a few more generations, and there will be the memory that you made it for for Matilda. Maybe Matilda will then woodburn the fact that she gave it to her daughter, Irma.
I like the signature for making the gift personalized, not for my own grandeur, or for increasing its monetary value.
In any case, those are my ideas. Like all of woodwork, everybody does everything differently. And that is a good thing.
Have fun.
Mel
What about a hidden drawer to hide the paper in? I understand a sheep skin can last for many hundreds of years. Not sure if modern ink will last as long..
I mostly make things for family and friends so my 'mark' is not that importment. In 100 years, my work may be seen on PBS and some dealer will tell my kin that my work is worth $20.00 and that wood cost me about $500.00 before cutting it!
I never mark my work in any manner. I never thought it was that important. Like my life.. I just love my family and most every folk I have encountered over the years.
I do make nice things? From spoken toughts from family and friends.... I could care less if others like my work.
And then there is/are branding irons!
All,
Is it more important that your name be preserved, or that the work itself be of lasting value? Just asking.
Read this inscription from a needlework sampler worked in the 1800's- so the desire for personal remembrance may be universal :
"This work in hand my friends may have
When I am dead and in my grave.
And when these words of mine you see,
With fond remembrance, think of me."
Sadly, perhaps tragically, I made note enough of the emotion expressed to memorise it, but not the name of the author.
Ray
I like the idea of personalizing work - with the full names of both the recipient and the maker, along with the date. Ya just never know when someone will become famous (or, infamous), giving the inscription some historical value. Even with items that may be intended to become family heirlooms, using full (first and last) names can be important to future generations.
Rather than slips of paper that can be lost or destroyed, however, I prefer carving the info into the bottom panel or some other area that is not subject to normal wear.
Some have replied that your work should stand, not your name. I understand the sentiment, but if there is any hope that someone in your family will appreciate something one of their ancestors did, then put your name on it. Whatever is one of the "correct" preservation methods, but put it on there. Not as a matter of saying "Look what I did, na na na na na na!, but so that a future great or great great grand child will be able to have something made by an ancestor.
And, who knows, given this economy, more and more things may get passed down, because junk furniture won't be around and no one can afford it.
Make it and sign it!
Alan - planesaw.
PS -- Yes, I have several things that were made and or belonged to grandparents and even 4xgreat grandparents (a table made by a 4x great grandfather. Adds to the sentimental value. My soul is more valuable than the table, but it is neat to know who made it.
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled