Impress your clients with a customized metal sign featuring their family name or address. These durable signs are not only a thoughtful gift, but a work of art that will complement their new home. With a variety of designs and finishes to choose from, you can find the perfect match for any style.
Help your clients make a statement with a personalized address sign for their home. These signs add a touch of elegance to their new property. Choose from different sizes, fonts, and colors to create a unique and memorable gift.
Give the gift of time with a personalized clock for your clients' new home. Our clock options range from classic to modern designs, ensuring there is something for everyone. A customized clock is a practical and stylish gift that will remind your clients of the great service you provided.
By choosing one of our personalized metal signs, address signs or clock options, you can leave a lasting impression on your clients and show them how much you value their business. Make the closing process even more special with a thoughtful and unique gift that they will appreciate for years to come.
]]>Many signs now have a Raw Steel (no coating) option which will naturally patina rather quickly. For the powder coat color options, we offer Matte Black, Gloss Red, Gloss White, Metallic Silver and Metallic Bronze on most signs. Certain signs may have alternative colors or limited options.
]]>The sawtooth hangers that we install on our signs allow for simple hanging. When possible, we install just one hanger on the back of a sign. This is true for sign versions that are somewhat symmetrical, but we have some exceptions that require two sawtooth hangers. A few of our signs have a smaller, single hole style mount when space won't allow for a sawtooth style hanger.
A couple exceptions to signs with rear-mounted hangers are our staked signs (those meant to be staked into the ground), our bird signs (that get hammered into a tree), our clocks (the mechanism has a hanger built into it) and a couple of signs with screw holes to be mounted on posts, etc. If you are in need of a specific application please feel free to reach out so that we can make sure your sign has the perfect mounting provisions for where you want to put it.
]]>So get those orders in and we will provide you a tracking number by the following day. Keep in mind that the shipping company (UPS, FedEx or USPS) will take anywhere from 1-5 business days to get your package to you once it is in their possession depending on your shipping address compared with our Exton, PA location.
]]>We are working overtime, day and night, to get our new machine fully set up since this machine is replacing our previous metal cutter. We are trying to minimize any downtime in our production. It is no small task, but we have a great team that is getting this accomplished.
**UPDATE** As of 1/18/23 we are cutting! Our new laser cutter is up and running and cutting beautifully. We were able to get all existing orders cut by 1/19/23 and many through powder coat process. As of 1/23/23 we have all existing orders completed and either shipped or queued for shipping. We appreciate all of our customers' patience in receiving orders. We are really excited to have this machine cutting.
Stay tuned for our next update and surely some cutting videos!
]]>Names can be pluralized like regular words by adding "s" to the last name. Of course there are always exceptions. In the case of a last name ending in "s" or "z", then add "es". Different from regular words, names that end in "y" will simply have an "s" added to make it plural. In all of these situations, no apostrophe is used. For example:
When indicating the possessive of a name, the apostrophe is used like in regular words. If the possession is that of one person the apostrophe comes before the "s". If there is more than one owner, then add the apostrophe to the plural. If the last name ends in "s" it is grammatically correct to place the apostrophe after the existing "s" or to add and additional "s" with apostrophe before it. For example:
Ok, got it? If you are placing an order and are unsure just shoot us a quick message and we can make our recommendation. We often reach out to customers that have purchased already purchased a sign but may have made a grammatical error. However, it is smoothest to place the order with the correct grammar to avoid any isssues. If you have a question or example that may help others, feel free to comment!
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In every NMD clock purchase I include printed directions, with a picture for a visual. I know that I love a visual and so I hope it helps you as well. Did you lose your clock instructions? Maybe you threw it away because you were so excited to open your NMD box to see your new clock and tossed it with the packaging paper? Well have no fear, I have added the same instructions here.
We know you're excited to get started but before you jump in, know that your clock hands are very delicate. Please handle with care. You will also notice that there is a plastic film over each hand to protect the finish. Don't forget to pull that film off, or leave it, your preference. Leaving this film on or taking it off, does not affect the performance of the clock that we have noticed.
STEP 1 - Place the rubber washer over the center shaft.
STEP 2 - Insert the center shaft of the mechanism through the center hole of the clock face. Your battery compartment should be at the bottom.
STEP 3 - Place the brass washer over the center hand shaft.
STEP 4 - Hand tighten the mounting nut onto the shaft. Do not over-tighten. It should be hand tight plus a quarter turn.
STEP 5 - Push the shorter (hour) hand onto the shaft.
STEP 6 - Mount the longer (minute) hand on the shaft.
Please note: Our minute hands are push-on hands and do not require an open nut to secure the hand.
STEP 7 - Gently push the second hand onto the shaft. Make sure your hands are not touching your clock face or obstructing one another. This will keep your hands from moving freely and smoothly.
STEP 8 - Add your battery.
STEP 9 - CONGRATS! Now you can hang your clock for all to see. Don't forget to take a quick pic of your masterpiece and send it on over to us. We love seeing our signs/clocks "in action".
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Our customer told me about the recent loss of her eldest daughter and the message that she had written on a mirror before her passing to her little sister. This sign was written in red lipstick on a vanity mirror and is something that means the world to her daughter today. They were both worried about the lipstick fading, or the mirror getting broken for the original memento, so we were able to design this piece that will last a lifetime to commemorate such a touching gesture.
We discussed the size for the sign and she sent me a picture of the mirror and its dimensions. We wanted to make it as close to scale as possible and to also mimic the handwriting as closely as possible. We were very happy with the end result and even happier to hear back about how much she and her daughter loved the sign. They now have something that will last a very long time without all of the worry over the mirror.
We were happy to be a part of making such a heartwarming gift and memory.
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Within a week of hanging the feeder, we welcomed our first visitor. I would sit at my kitchen counter a few days each week while working from home and get so many visits every day from the same hummingbird. I did my research and found out that it was a female. Then, within a few weeks I realized that I was being visited by yet another hummingbird, this one was male. I was truly in awe over these birds. They brought such peace to me with their daily visits.
I looked forward to seeing them daily throughout the spring and summer seasons. Of course we had to create our metal Hummingbird to share with our customers, which in turn, led to the start of our Bird Collection. Our Bird Collection is continually growing as we come to appreciate each one for it's unique characteristics.
Have a story about your favorite bird? We would love to hear it. Please share in the comment box below.
]]>Our love for camping started 10 years ago when I took my girls to Knoebel's Family Amusement Park for 3 days of rides, swimming, water slides and camping out under the stars. Our first 5 years we camped in a tent. One year it rained, poured buckets really. We all woke up soaked, cold and miserable. That was the last year of camping in a tent for this family. Within weeks I had purchased a Skamper Pop Up Camper. It was quite the mess, but I knew I could renovate it into the perfect camper for us; and I did.
Anyone who knows about a Pop Up Camper, knows there is a lot of cranking, leveling, pushing and pulling associated with the set up. We loved this camper, and used it for 2 years until I decided we needed something bigger, with more storage and a bathroom. Waking up in the middle of a cold rainy night, in the woods to take a walk to the bathroom is NO fun. That's when I found the perfect 22ft Travel Trailer. I renovated this one too and made it into the perfect camper for my family and me. Just pull this guy to our spot, back it in (100 times if I am the one backing it up) and start up the campfire for some good old fashioned Smores. This year, our 10th year of camping, we will be adding a new family member to our camping trips, our rescue dog, Macie. Wish us luck!
Now when we go camping we have our personalized sign at our site. It turns many heads and helps us meet our campsite neighbors. We are making a variety of camper signs currently. Some to be staked into the ground at your site, some to hang in your camper, and we even have a Glamper license plate frame! The ideas are endless for camping signs and sayings. If you are a camper, or know someone who loves to camp, let us make something special for you. Check out our existing Camping Signs.
]]>As I often do, I was shopping, just window shopping really, and saw a great sign made from metal that I wanted for our home. Before purchasing it, I mentioned my interest to my husband. He had a few questions... "Where is it made? What material is it made from? What is the thickness of the metal? What does it cost?" After answering all of his questions he had a simple answer. "Why would we buy that if we can make it?" What? I had no idea we could make something like this.
If we back up just a bit, my husband Steve owns a motorcycle fabrication and parts business, Rullo Custom Cycles. His shop has all kinds of metal working machines and tools. Apparently, the machinery he has at his shop can also create the type of sign I was looking to purchase. Wow! Fast forward to my window shopping......
After being told that we could create and customize my own sign for our home we went to work. I spoke to our Artist about the idea, he put the idea into a drawing which was pushed to our CNC machinery and VOILA, my sign was made. We then powder coated it (we have another blog article about the powder coating process). When I saw the finished product I was amazed! It was perfect! We showed friends and family. Instantly they wanted signs made.
As more and more people showed interest in our signs and the quality of the work, we decided that we could really take this somewhere. In no time at all, we started on a website, I started signing myself up for vendor events and shows to get our name out there, and before you know it we were Nightingale Metal Design!
]]>I emailed one of my long-time sales reps, Joe, for a particular item I needed for business early in May of 2019. I was surprised when a response came back from one of his co-workers saying that Joe was no longer my contact. A follow up phone conversation led to the explanation that Joe wasn't feeling well at work about 2 weeks prior. He went home early and visited the doctor. After testing, it turned out that he needed quadruple bypass surgery (at only 51 years old).
My friend Joe had surgery and was in recovery. He developed a post surgery infection and was put on a medication to combat the infection. Unknowingly, he had an allergic reaction to this medication and passed away. Rest in peace, Joe.
For me this horrible misfortune became inspiration to take my health more seriously. About a week after I heard of Joe's passing, I laid awake in bed thinking that I needed a goal to focus on for my health. At that point, I decided to run a marathon. I told everyone I am close with, and put it on social media, so that I had no way to back out of the commitment.
I hadn't run consistently in 20 plus years, but I made running part of my life again at that point. I trained for about 6 months. In November of 2019, I completed my first marathon. It was an amazing experience for me. Completing the race was gratifying, but really the training is what mattered most.
Running has become part of my life again for the first time since I was in school. Anyone that is into distance running can relate to that feeling of commitment and accomplishment that we feel when we set a goal and achieve it. I needed a way to display what I worked so hard to complete as a runner.
We designed our Runner Medal Hangers as a simple and effective way to display and organize medals that we earn in these races. I'd like to hear what has inspired others to run.
Comment below with your inspiration for running.
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As a child, I spent a lot of time with my grandparents: vacations, summer breaks, after school until Mom came home from work, etc. My grandparents meant the world to me and were a tremendous part of my life as a child and into my adulthood. Years back I lost my Grandfather and just last year, 2019, my grandmother passed away.
With my grandmother's passing, we had to empty and sell her home that I had so many memories in. This house was on Nightingale Lane. The memories I will always have, but the name I knew I didn't want to let go. This is where the Nightingale Metal Design name was derived. The name pays tribute to my late grandparents and the influence that they had on my life.
]]>Our oldest daughter has always loved animals. Whether it's dogs, horses or really any living thing, she truly empathizes. Her love for animals and especially our first family dog inspired us to design this sign. Our rescue dog, Macie, is a wonderful addition to our family and immediately made her presence known. Our intention was to display the love that we have for our Macie and remind us every day of the love that she has brought to our family. She has been able to convert our younger daughter from being deathly afraid of dogs to being the one that may love Macie the most.
Whether you adopt a puppy, rescue an adult dog who had a tough start, or decide to take home an elderly dog, they are sweet to the core. Our sign will remind you of the feeling that your dog gives or gave you.
Take a closer look at our "Dog Love Heart Metal Sign" on its product page. As always please feel free to Contact Us with any other metal sign or decor questions.
]]>Take a look at what your personalized "Antler Rustic Family Name Metal Sign" will look like on the product page. We have an amazing personalization tool for you to see a rendering of what your sign will look like live right on our site. This sign comes in multiple different sizes to best suit the space you intend to use it. Please Contact Us with any other metal sign or décor question you may have.
]]>We have many years of experience in the metal fabrication industry and find that sometimes we take if for granted that our customers know what we are talking about when we use industry jargon. Powder coating is one of the industry processes for which we speak about like it is second nature to everyone.
Like any specialty field, there are processes and terms that are metal specific. If you're not familiar with the metal fabrication industry it may seem a bit daunting, but you don't have to be a metallurgist to know enough to follow along and make some good decisions!
A question that we have customers asking for some clarification about is powder coating. We are happy to shed a bit of light on this topic. We'll keep it simple as our goal is to inform our customers regarding powder coating as it applies to our metal signs and decor, and not to make this an in depth lesson.
We choose powder coating as our means of painting our signs and décor for multiple reasons. Most of our signs are made of steel. As you may know, steel will nearly immediately begin to oxidize (rust) when left exposed to air, moisture and other elements. We need to protect that steel. We do so with paint, but we want to use the most durable paint application that is also cost effective. Hence, powder coat paint is applied providing a protective layer from the elements. It also offers a stylish accent with the many colors that are now available as powder coating becomes more and more popular.
Powder coat paint is applied in a dry, powder form to the steel signs. The trick is to get the powder to "adhere" to the metal and this is done so using the proper powder coat application gun. This equipment provides an electrical charge to the metal sign that makes the powder "stick" to the part being painted. The coated sign is then placed in an oven and the sign is heated to a temperature that cures the powder, causing it to become a liquid and then bake to a solid again. This temperature can vary a bit between manufacturers, but is around 425 degrees or so. Once the temperature is reached for a specified length of time, the signs are air cooled and the process is complete.
This baked-on process yields a durable finish superior to other paints. It is also a relatively clean process environmentally speaking, especially compared with other wet-applied applications. For our purpose, it offers our customers a great finish for our metal signs. We believe it provides our customers the best quality which is our goal every step along the way from taking a sign from idea to finished product.
Shop our variety of metal signs and decor today. As always please Contact Us to let us know if we can help!
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We are often asked the thickness of the sheet metal that we use for our metal signs. This can get a little tricky when researching different options so we are happy to shed a little light on the subject.
We list the thickness of the material that we use in each separate sign detail page on nightingalemetal.com because each particular product can warrant different thickness material depending on its design and function. For instance, a small tree ornament will not need the gauge thickness of an outdoor sign meant to be staked in the ground. In fact, the former would do better to be thin so that it is lighter weight. You will see in our product information the gauge thickness of the sheet metal that we use. If you have a question about a particular sign just shoot us a quick message on our Contact Us page.
We list gauge thickness of our signs as this is the common measurement unit for sheet metals. We don't want to get too technical here, just to provide some important basic information. Most of our signs are made from 16 gauge, 14 gauge, or 11 gauge carbon steel. There are a few signs that we use stainless steel rather than carbon steel. Generally, the higher the number the thinner the material when speaking of gauge thickness. 16 gauge carbon steel is .0598" thick or 1.518 mm, 14 gauge is .0747" or 1.897 mm, and 11 gauge is .1196" or 3.038 mm. If other materials are used we list it in the product detail pages.
The answer is, there is no single material that is best for all signs. Rather, the thickness should be chosen for each particular sign. Depending upon the sturdiness necessary and the overall weight of the sign, the ideal thickness will vary. We choose the material that provides the best product for you so that you don't have to be an engineer to make a decision on a metal sign!
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We would like to welcome you to our store and tell you a little about our company. Nightingale Metal Design is a small, family owned company located in Exton, Pennsylvania. We began making metal signs out of the love of design and metal fabrication. We made signs for ourselves and for friends, and quickly realized how much we enjoyed it, and how ecstatic our friends were to receive their metal signs. Designing and physically making the signs is really fun for us. Seeing the reaction of someone receiving our products might be even better.
We have an ever-expanding variety of different metal signs and décor, all of which have been made right in our shop in PA. We have signs readily available for customers (click this link for our Stock Collection), but many are made to order because we personalize them (click this link for our Personalized Collection). Many of the ideas for signs come from our awesome customers, so if you do have an idea in mind that we don't currently have on our site, just email us at amyr@nightingalemetal.com (or click this link to access our Custom Product Inquiry Form). In this case we will design a custom sign using your idea or even a photo to work up our spin on your vision.
We use all USA manufactured raw materials, USA made CNC equipment and the latest CAD software to deliver the best possible metal signs for you. All signs are made right here in our shop in Exton, PA.
We thank you for taking a minute to read a little about our company and welcome any questions or suggestions that you may have. We are always adding new products and love to hear from our customers and fans. Visit our site nightingalemetal.com for more info! Feel free to Contact Us with any other metal sign or décor questions that you may have.
]]>We offer a large variety of metal signs, but we don't want it to be a daunting task to sift through them to find the perfect one for you. Each of our signs can be categorized into one of the three following groups: Stock Collection, Personalized Collection or Custom Category.
Our stock collection is defined as signs we keep in stock. That's it. Pretty simple. These signs vary in style, but ultimately these are the signs that you can browse and choose your favorite to buy. We typically ship these within a day or so of an order so you'll get these FAST! You can view our Stock Collection on our site. If you see one of our stock signs that you want to personalize please reach out to us so we can make it happen.
Our personalized collection consists of a variety of signs that have initials, names, dates, address numbers or other characters that allow you to use our designs to make a unique sign of your own. The best part of the personalized category is that we make it simple to design your personalized sign right on our site. Personalized signs have a production time of 1 business day now as well! So get that personalized sign or gift super fast. You can view our Personalized Collection on our site.
Our custom category is reserved for customers that have a unique idea for a metal sign that we do not currently make. We have made custom signs from photos in the likeness of customers' pets, from beloved automobiles, from family logos, etc. We make company logo signs and other business related signs. The best part of the custom category is that your imagination is the limit of what we can make. We custom design these signs based on your preference. Cost and production time is based on each individual custom sign and our current work queue. Please submit a contact request for Custom metal signs: Custom Sign Inquiry
Any other Categories you see on our site are really just subdivisions of what is above and designed to make finding your sign a streamlined process. As always, we love to hear from our customers so Contact Us if you have any questions.
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