Workman & Son Woodworking - NEW KIT!!!

[Mike Engler]

I recently spent quite a bit of time searching for software that would allow me to make my own signs. I almost never use the signs that come with kits. My criteria were these:


1) Free, or already on my MacBook
2) Little or no learning curve- really dumbed down, in other words
3) Versatility as well as ease of use- many fonts, able to incorporate photos, etc.


From a tip from my friend Paul St. Martin, PaulS on this group, I tried "Keynote' and/or MS "PowerPoint".  Signs are as easy as making a slide for a presentation. Fast, versatile- try it, you'll like it. If I can do it, anybody can.

[Dave K.]

Well heck, Mike. I use PowerPoint every day at school. Do you just shrink down a slide and print the single slide on paper?

[PaulS]

Hey folks,
What a cool looking structure from Jeff and nice to see these builds coming along with variations from each of the Artists !!


I don't want to hijack this thread but seeing as it has come up here is some info regarding making your own signs ...



With regards to using PowerPoint for signs, I usually figure out roughly what size sign I will need and using the ruler within PP I make a text box that size.  From there you can outline the box, use background colors within the box, and of course develop your sign using many of the fonts available within PP or from the Web for download.


From there you can also make multiple copies of these with subtle changes on one page so if you mess one up you have another ready to go, etc...


Here is an example of one I made up from our dear friend Hal (halrey) ...


[Insert Photo Here] - okay this is embarrassing, looks like I have to go figure out how best to post a file or photo ...  Give me a little bit


Until then, back to your regularly scheduled build thread,
Thanks,
--Paul

[Dave K.]

Great to have you join in, Paul. It's become a kit thread with many strands. I don't think Jeff will mind!

I've wanted to make my own decent signs for a long time. To think I could have been doing it all this time in a program I'm already comfortable with.

Staying tuned... 

[gnatshop]

I don't think Li'l Groovy will mind - it's just another example of modelers sharin' information!

Besides, it should bring more attention to his New Kit thread -
"Take that, Jimmy - I've got all these folks growin' my thread and addin' to the promotion!" 
"Just glad I didn't use 'DeBlasi' in the kit name!"

[PaulS]

Okay, let's give this another try ...


Not having any luck actually uploading the PP file but here is H Reynolds Lithographers with the custom sign from PP which will give you an idea ...






Happy Modeling,
--Paul

[Dave K.]

Nice...THAT'S the type of signage I'd like to create. Gonna give it a whirl. Thanks again, Mike and Paul.

[PaulS]

Nice...THAT'S the type of signage I'd like to create. Gonna give it a whirl. Thanks again, Mike and Paul.

Dave sent you an email ...

[Dave K.]

Thanks, Paul. I'll watch for it.

[PaulS]

Dave, for whatever reason doesn't appear that my email made it to the other end...


Anyway, if you want to email me at  paul dot stmartin at gmail dot com , I will send along the PP file which will give you a better idea and also a jumping off point to get you started ...


Thanks,
--Paul

[Dave K.]

Thank you, Paul!    Jeff, your thread has been hijacked to heck 'n' gone. Hope you don't mind!

[jlgrove]

Thank you, Paul!    Jeff, your thread has been hijacked to heck 'n' gone. Hope you don't mind!

..not at all...I'm enjoying the info on signs.....and everyone seems to be having fun...which is why we do this stuff....so have at it....I'm messing with other kits anyway......(and cutting Workman's...)

[Dave K.]

Finishing up the roof with my morning Joe. Pix to follow. Paul...got the email. I'll take a break this morning and give 'er a whirl. Love the willingness to share among the Forumites.

[bparrish]

Paul....................

Great stuff

Thanx
Bob

[PaulS]

Paul....................

Great stuff

Thanx
Bob

Thanks Bob much appreciated, and I've been following along with your Falk locomotive build thread ...  Very impressive to say the least!!


Okay, back to the Workman & Son build thread ...
--Paul