Visit any coastal village and you will see numerous hand carved sign boards identifying a business, a home’s owner, or a street address. These handsomely carved and gilded “nameboards” were originally made to identify sailing vessels and have specific names according to where they are placed on a ship. Trail boards, as the name indicates, trail aft from the figurehead on either side of the bow. Quarter boards are alongside the ship’s quarters. A stern board goes across the stern, sometimes being cut by the ship’s rudder post. Years after the American Revolution, most sailing ships only had trail boards. With the expansion of the merchant trade along the east coast of the United States in the early nineteenth century, congress passed a law in 1812, that the vessels name should be displayed on both the bow of the ship and the stern. This requirement resulted in the making of beautiful boards, examples of which have been an inspiration to generations of woodcarvers. 
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"Deep River" carved on Connecticut River driftwood

Introduction to Sign Carving

​​​​​​Introduction to Sign Carving
Saturday
June 24th
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​9:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Tuition: $125
Materials: $10​
​Class is filled.
Ask about our waitlist.
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​​​This introductory class is designed for those wishing to carve a nameboard for their home or boat. In this one day class, will learn how to sharpen carving tools, carve incised letters and how to finish off the ends of your nameboard with a scallop shell, fan or star. 

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Nameboards - Sign Carving

​​​​​​Nameboards - Sign Carving
Saturday & Sunday
July 15th & July 16th
​​9:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Tuition: $250
Materials: $40
Click on the photo to register.
Prerequisite - "Introduction to Sign Carving", or two hours of private letter carving instruction.

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Come to our workshop and carve your own personal nameboard! ​Building on the skills you learned in our "Introduction to Sign Carving" class, you will design, layout and carve a nameboard of your own choosing. If time permits, we will explore finishing options. By the end of this weekend class you will have the necessary skills to complete any additional carving and finish your nameboard at home.
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Nameboard with scallop shell with ends