PlaqueMaker Blog

The earliest plaques are found in the 12th century throughout the Benin Empire in present-day Nigeria. Bronze and brass placards herald warriors and key battles fought on behalf of the kingdom. These are not unlike plaques we see today, paying homage to soldiers who died in the service of their country. Plaques are not just memorials but informational signs. For over 150 years, the blue plaques of London point out historical locations and the people who lived there. In the U.S., the National Trust for Historical Preservation bestows markers to buildings and places that gain National Registry status.

Does your charity want to show appreciation for the community’s first responders? Is there a volunteer organization or civic group that has gone unnoticed for far too long? Do you know someone who selflessly gives their time and energy to others?

What’s the best way to make any day a celebration? Mark it with a personalized custom engraved plaque you design yourself at PlaqueMaker.com.

Mobile Inventory Management is the process of scanning QR codes or barcodes with a mobile device to track inventory, shipments and retail transactions. It gives you the data your company needs on your phone or tablet, simplifying asset management. Staff workers can take inventory quicker, know what stock is ready to ship immediately and determine which items need re-ordering.

Since ancient times, the great artisans of Egypt, Assyria and Italy have been inspired by the special properties of glass to create attractive works of art. Glass can allow light to pass through it, giving it the ability to transform color and sparkle, bringing joy and happiness with just a gaze into its brightness.

Tracing your family tree is not only fun, it can turn up some exciting surprises. What if you have a Duke, Duchess or even a Queen in your lineage – how cool would that be? All your research efforts could also reveal a family crest or coat of arms. Displaying your family crest is a unique way to pay tribute to your heritage or, dare we say, to show off your ancestral roots. Giving the gift of a family crest or coats of arms custom engraved or full-folor printed on ornaments, picture frames or paperweights to relatives at your next reunion would probably be a much appreciated memento, too.

Natural stone is quarried all over the Earth. No two pieces are identical due to the unique forces of nature. One of the most attractive qualities of natural stone like granite and marble, variances include differences in color, shading, irregular markings, voids, pitting, veins and fissures.

Stencils date back 37,000 years when Neanderthals use them to apply hand prints on cave walls in Spain. In 105 A.D., the Chinese employ stencils to add color to paper as a new printing technique. In a method called Katazome, the Japanese apply rice paste to them to block the saturation of dyes onto fabric. Paper, fabric and wood become art with the use of stencils.

Buying a gift for someone is an undertaking worthy of much consideration and this includes the choosing of a pen. Some say a writing instrument is an extension of the writer’s mind. Others think of pens as a necessary accessory that adds to their personal sense of style. Either way, let the person’s preferences be your guide to get it right.

If you know someone who is about to retire, choosing the right gift can be a brain teaser. You want the present to acknowledge their years of service as well as reflect their personality. You want to keep their work achievements in mind while showing you know them beyond the job. What are their interests? How are they planning to enjoy the rest of their days? These 10 gift ideas will help congratulate a new retiree on a job well done and send them on their way.

1. Have Everything Ready Before Grilling Starts – an essential part of successful grilling includes a clean grill and plenty of fuel; all the food prepped for cooking; salt, pepper and any seasonings on hand; essential BBQ grilling tools; serving platters; and a table set with plates, silverware, napkins, glasses and beverages, so your guests can dig in as soon as the feast comes off the flames.

Do you know a local hero who should be honored with a shield plaque? The shield has long been a symbol of honor that recognizes people who work for the good of others, like police officers, firefighters and other emergency responders, although its appeal extends far beyond these community standouts.

Your company achieves a milestone and the media is writing about it. Your child’s team makes sports page news. Your blog just gains an incredible number of followers. These are perfect opportunities to immortalize the moment with a personalized memento.

Inventions reshape our world, changing the way we view business, manufacturing, science, technology, communications and much more. When someone secures a patent for an invention, their achievement can energize a new product, a new company or an entire industry.

When a judge bangs the gavel, that’s it. The final word on a case is spoken and court is adjourned. It is the gavel that is the ultimate symbol of authority in the complex hierarchy of a courtroom.

In the era of cell phones, people are debating the demise of old-fashioned etiquette. “Eyes-on-the-phone” has replaced eye contact. Rather than in-person connection, we communicate through social media posts, likes, and emojis.

If you feel embarrassed about receiving compliments, you’re not alone. While 88% of people associate praise with being valued, 70% of them also associate it with feelings of discomfort.

If you’ve never organized a golf tournament, here’s the first thing to know: Golfers love tournaments. Golf Digest magazine ranks them among the three most-beloved aspects of golf, alongside watching pro golfers and receiving fabulous golf-related gifts.