Clan Banner Question

[HeathBar]

The Tartan Lady does banners of that style. Prices look to be between $250 to $275 so its a little above your budget. Is it a clan banner you are making? She does sell the pieces to make one out of your own tartan.

[Mael Coluim]

I concur with HeathBar. Click here, to go to her web site. Zellna, the Tartan Lady is a member of the forum. She has made two banners for me which I am very pleased with.

[Phogfan86]

They may or may not have your clan, however. I know they don't carry Macduff.

[The Wizard of BC]

You can try Caberdancer Graphic Design. They are friends of Hank, the owner of X Marks, and the ones who came up with the original name X Marks the Scot.

http://caberdancer.com/macbubba/inde...mid=30&catid=3

They are also the folks behind Clan McBubba.

[Deil the Yin]

I concur with HeathBar. Click here, to go to her web site. Zellna, the Tartan Lady is a member of the forum. She has made two banners for me which I am very pleased with.

Holy crap! I didn't realise Zellna was on here? Go figure...

Well, for what it's worth, I've worked "indirectly"- production wise- with Ms Zellna, and have a casual acquaintance with her through the Valdosta St Andrews Society. My impression is that she could readily do custom work (I'm not familiar with the extent of her repertoire of products), and I would vouch for her credibility as an honest business person. I believe she's doing some work for our Clan Gregor Society- a shrewder bunch you'll ne'er meet, that crew o' M'Gregors! Of course when it comes to "custom" stuff, the price tends to jump considerabley, but I think it would be worth your while to look into what Ms Shaw could do for you.

There was an article in SCOTS magazine recently about that Caberdancer fella. While I would certainly vouch for his craftsmanship, my impression is that he would be pretty pricey? It seems also that his designs are produced digitally which might not truck with an "auld world" look? I would also note that he is a designer versus being a printer or having a production shop. Thus being a middleman, so to speak, he would likely add to your cost etc.

Being in the sign and print business myself, mainly as a designer, I can tell you that having your banner printed digitally is probably going to be the least expensive (Screen printing is only cost effective in volume due to the set up charges). Most over sized format printers will print on a canvas or banner material. The cost for this type of digitally printing will run you most likely between $7-10/sqft, depending on what substrate you are printing on.

A really inexpensive way to get your banner produced-if you have more time than money- would be to hand paint it like a "floor cloth" by someone in your group with artistic skill or find a student artist! I've dabbled in painting floor cloths, and they can be very durable, and require really only craft quality materials. I know that you can get floor cloth canvas at places like Michael's or order it online. And I generally use craft quality acrylic paints- about $2/bottle. The canvas is easily sewn to the shape you need, and then slap on a couple coats of clear.... dang, whats that stuff called? Not shilac...? You know what I mean- for weather proofing. Sealant. Yeah, that's what I mean, I think... Anyway. A lot more work for yourself, but more likely to be cost effective and probably more personally gratifying. I would advise that you leave yourself LOTS of time to finish such a product, especially if you have to shrink your canvas etc.

Well, that's more than I thought I had to say on the subject. Hope it is more helpful than confusing.

Cheers.

[Deil the Yin]

I would also note that he is a designer versus being a printer or having a production shop. Thus being a middleman, so to speak, he would likely add to your cost etc.

I just realised that this would also be true of Ms Zellna. The upside is that both Zellna and the Caberdancer are going to understand your vision without stretching their imagination and will be of a complimentary mindset toward your project (thus much easier to work with). If you go to just any ole sign shop or printer, they will likely try and pigeon hole your project into the standard work that they are used to doing. On top of that if you're trying to do it cheaply you're really going to open the door to getting a product you're not happy with because the vendor will cut corners to get the job done and out of his way for more profitable and easier jobs.

I don't mean to poo-poo on the sign industry, but this is just the way it is- it's business. If you go to an artisan- Ms Zellna or Caberdancer- the price will probably be higher, but they will want their "creation" to be reflective of their craftsmanship. Smell what I'm steppin' in?

Just a reflection from an artist who is forced to work in the industry...

[Chas]

Hi LadyGriffin,

I have hesitated in posting this, because I know the motto of this forum is "where are the pictures". My wife, the long suffering Margaret, is hunting high and low as I type for the examples I need. If not found by the time this posting is finished, I will post them tomorrow.
But, if you are talking of a gonfannon which is to be carried (4ft X 6ft max) you could make it yourself far cheaper. It is well within the capabilities of a normal sewing machine and a standard dining room table. I have made many flags, including a 'Union Jack' and I have no more skill on a sewing machine than any other man who is not a professional seamstress. All it takes is good planning beforehand and maybe an assistant to help move the fabric around as you stitch. Polycotton and normal thread are the only materials required. If you don't NEED to pay someone, then why do it?

Regards

Chas

[LadyGriffin]

.
But, if you are talking of a gonfannon which is to be carried (4ft X 6ft max) you could make it yourself far cheaper. It is well within the capabilities of a normal sewing machine and a standard dining room table.

I can easliy make the banner itself, it is the design ON it that taxes my skills.
I could embroider it, but that would take forever. Painting I do not have a steady enough hand.
*sigh*