How long do they take?
For Name Signs, allow four to six weeks because there is often a back log. However, if you need the sign for a special occasion such as a birthday or family visit, I can usually give your order priority. The turnaround time for Initials is about two weeks.
Can you do other animals?
Sorry, the answer is no. The eight choices that I offer–bears, cats, dogs, elephants, mice, monkeys, penguins and rabbits–have relatively simple forms and are easy to pose. Ducks, giraffes, tigers, ladybugs, horses, whales and other creatures present challenges that I prefer not to undertake. Most importantly, I love what I do. If I didn’t enjoy making an elephant strumming a guitar with his trunk or a monkey looking a mirror, I’d have the wrong job.
How big are they?
Small initials are 6″ x 6″, large initials are 8″ x 8″, short name (3 – 4 letters) are 8″ x 14″, medium names (4 – 6 letters) are 8″ x 19″, long names (7 letters +) are 8″ x 24″. First and middle names, such as KEVIN ALEXANDER depend on the size of the frame.
How do you make them?
For the solid colors, I use Canson Mi-Tientes or another fade-resistant art paper. I print the patterns for the animals’ clothing on lightweight cardstock, using my own designs or patterns from the large library of my Silhouette Cameo cutting machine.I also use the Silhouette to cut out the animals, the letters, and the accessories. It’s a wonderful invention that allows me to work with much greater precision than was possible with scissors or craft punches.
What gave you the idea for Alphabet Animals?
As a child, I loved to draw and luckily my mother always kept me well supplied with crayons. As an adult, inspired by the artistic talents of my own two daughters, I took courses in drawing and painting at the Cambridge Center for Adult Education and the DeCordova Museum. When I took a class in children’s book illustration, the teacher Ilse Plume suggested that I try collage. Soon I was in love with the medium. Among my creations was a mouse alphabet which inspired me to maake the name signs for children.