We re-wrapped our van. Used a completely different design and colors. Makes the old girl look new again. Wraps are digitally printed on a vinyl decal and applied to the vehicle as a skin. All design, printing, laminating and application was done by our certified staff. New wheels will be added too. A real make over for an old van.

art

From time to time I enjoy dabbling in the fine art rather than my usual commercial art.

Another unique project finished this week. 12' diameter center court decal, 3ft.x50ft end zone decals and two 3 ft x 11 ft sideline decals all designed, printed and applied. The 12 ft. decal was produced in three sections and tiled together. The end zone graphics needed to match the special Vegas gold color that was used on the rest of the graphics. We digitally printed the vinyl and used our cad cutting equipment to render the lettering. To save material and keep cost down the letters were squeezed close together then applied individually with the kerning done manually.

IMG00052-20090524-0900.jpg

IMG00052-20090524-0900.jpg, originally uploaded by de4570.

Hundreds of these little fighters. Great fun on a 3wt. Fly rod.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Morel mushrooms have arrived.

After a very long hard week and a two hour drive, it's time to do the Sage thing. Life is good.

Less ice

Friday April 10, 2009, Good Friday. The ice is slowly melting away. Soon the docks will go in and boats will once again grace the mighty Sage Lake. There are a few bait fish hugging the shore. May be the big ones are flushing them to water's edge.

ice is going

ice is goining, originally uploaded by de4570.

Palm Sunday ice at Sage Lake. The dock project is not far off.

The Largest Railroading Event in America is Coming to Michigan in 2009
Owosso, Mi- (8/8/08) – Coming July 24-26, 2009, the sounds of steam whistles, the clicky-clack of steel wheels on rails, the smell of coal smoke and excitement of children of all ages will take over the Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso, Michigan. This quaint American Town is located in the central region of Michigan just outside of Lansing. All the charm of Owosso will welcome tens of thousands of visitors from all over North America and other regions of the world to TrainFestival 2009. The theme of the weekend will be Trains, Trains, Trains!
The Steam Railroading Institute has an award winning collection of railroad equipment and railroad artifacts. The museum is an interpretive experience for visitors of all ages. During the weekend of July 24-27, 2009, visitors to the museum will experience an even greater museum. Steam and Diesel Locomotives from around the country will be on display for visitors to tour the cabs, take photos, watch demonstrations and much more. Huge model train layouts will be on display including a massive all-Lego model train. Railroad vendors from around the globe will have unique items for purchase that you won’t find any where else. Families will be able to take an all day excursion or shorter one-hour train ride behind various vintage locomotives. For the thrill seeking visitor, you will even be able to pull the throttle and blow the whistle on one of these steam locomotives. Scaled down miniature trains will be hauling passengers around the grounds of the event as well.
TrainFestival 2009 will allow visitors of all ages to experience railroading at its best. With an expected attendance of 30,000+ for the three day festival, the Steam Railroading Institute will be buzzing with railroad excitement.
Railroad equipment is currently being arranged. As soon as a final list of equipment attending the event and a schedule is finalized, it will be posted on the event website at www.trainfestival2009.com. The website will be interactive including a web blog, forums, video and much more.
For more information contact:
Steam Railroading Institute405 South Washington StreetOwosso, MI 48867(989) 725-9464http://www.michigansteamtrain.com/

Alwards Meat Market Hale MI

Alwards Meat Market Hale MI, originally uploaded by de4570.

We picked up two choice New York strips to grill out tonight.

If you ever get near Hale, MI check out Alward's. Their bacon is homecured on site and is simply the best bacon you will ever have. In these times of pre-packaged mass produced meat products, it is sure nice to visit a real butcher shop where the meat is fresh and locally grown and the butchers are artists at their craft.

snowy day at the lake

snowy day at the lake, originally uploaded by de4570.

Re doing an old safe

The Shiawassee County Courthouse in Corunnna, MI is undergoung a renovation. Perrin Construction contracted my company to referbish two safes. I first took measuremants and photographs. Then created a pattern and produced 24kt. gold screen printed water slide decals for the names and flourshes. This is the same way it was originally produced. The rest of the process is done with "old school" brushes and leaf gold.

shanty up

shanty up, originally uploaded by de4570.

shanty up, holes drilled, cigar lit

new family

new family, originally uploaded by de4570.

X-C Ski'n

X-C Ski'n, originally uploaded by de4570.

Jan 19, 2009 on the lake. I took the skis out for a two mile trip. Whew, I'm not as young as I use to be. I talked to a couple ice fisherman, one from California. He was vacationing here by pulling pike from a hole in the ice. A beautful day. Bright sunlight, new fresh powdery snow. Got to love it.

DSC_2468

DSC_2468, originally uploaded by de4570.

1 January 2009 Ice fishing on Sage Lake

New Year's Eve '08

New Year's Eve '08, originally uploaded by de4570.

Arriving at Sage Lake New Year's Eve '08