PlaqueMaker Blog

Here at PlaqueMaker, you have a wide range of creative choices available when it comes to designing a plaque or gift – after all, everything we make is personalized just for you! From photos to artwork, pictures to graphic elements such as a logo or clipart, an equally wide range of design factors influences the beauty of the end product. Even though lots of folks think Photoshop can magically transform any image into a work of art, this is simply not the case.

The original photo is roughly 14″ x 9.5″ at 300 dpi, straight from the camera and unaltered. There is some light/dark contrast and no one extreme area. The line art example on black granite has a lot of visible fur texture. Line art is used on photos less than 4 inches. The halftone example on black granite looks more like a photo than the line art, with more contrast and feature definition. Halftone filters can only be used on photos at least 4 inches.

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese practice of creating harmonious surroundings that enhance the balance of yin and yang. Used primarily in architectural and interior design, the principles of Feng Shui determine the placement of furniture and accessories, a room, an entire building –even a grave to maximize the flow of energy (qi) and that of the person or people who occupy the place, in an effort to bring good fortune.

“National Garden Month is an opportunity to learn more about USDA’s People’s Garden Initiative begun in 2009,” U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said recently. “Today, 2,116 People’s Gardens thrive on public and private lands across the United States and its territories and in 12 foreign countries. These People’s Gardens serve as models for uniting individuals, groups and neighborhoods in a common effort to benefit communities, promote food security, utilize sustainable practices, help mitigate pollinator habitat loss, and address environmental issues.”

QR codes are those square pixelated boxes seen on products, advertising and other places that are only readable by digital scanners. Often referred to as two-dimensional barcodes, QR codes are originally designed by Denso Wave, a Toyota subsidiary, as a tracking mechanism that can hold about 100 times more information than a barcode. The “QR” stands for Quick Response and since the 1990’s, they are one of the most efficient ways to track parts through the manufacturing process.

Fundraising with engraved bricks is a very popular way to raise funds for your cause because you’ll be so proud of the result that you can’t wait to show it off to your supporters.

Whether you own a small business or a run a large franchise, you can create custom signs for both indoor and outdoor use at PlaqueMaker, to match any budget. Personalize them with your company logo, artwork, special message and more. On some sign styles, we can also print your text and artwork in vivid, full color that’s UV-resistant. Choose from a variety of materials and sizes:

Every time you visit PlaqueMaker.com, you’re treated to a short list of featured items right on the home page. These eight selections are some of PlaqueMaker’s most popular and requested, so we make it super easy for you to find them.

Our custom engraved granite awards are a PlaqueMaker original! They will look fantastic at your next event, whether it’s a corporate gala, a loved one’s birthday, a living tribute for a family pet or simply for a promotion.

Whether it’s for the happy couple, the bridal party or the wedding guests, custom gifts make unique and cherished favors and keepsakes.

Choose from full-color printed plaques or a variety of laser-engraved plaque styles. We also have Easy Design styles that are just as personal, yet fast and easy to order.

Gifts can be personalized with names, monograms, dates, quotes, scripture and dedications, as well as a photo or art such as wedding clip art.

Crystal picture frame plaques are very popular – a gold or silver plastic frame holds a photo, or choose to the image engraved directly on the glass. Includes a black metal base for freestanding display.

Customizable Wedding Guest Book Signs are a perfect gift for the bride and the groom, groomsmen, bridesmaids, parents, relatives and friends. Display sign during the wedding and have each guest sign it for a truly unique decoration that will memorialize everyone who came to celebrate love.

They can be used in landscape or portrait orientation and fit document sizes of 3.5-inch by 5-inch, 5-inch by 7-inch, 6-inch by 8-inch, 8-inch by 10-inch, 8.5-inch by 11-inch or 11-inch by 14-inch. Purchasing certificate presentation kits, frames and folders in bulk is also an excellent way to save time and more importantly—money.

Everyone knows that titanium is strong, but did you know that it is also corrosion-resistant as well? While titanium is nearly as strong as high-strength steel, it is 40 - 45% lighter than steel. Due to its high strength, corrosion resistance, and low weight properties; titanium is trusted for some of the most demanding disciplines, such as aerospace engineering, airline production, dentistry, and biomedical for medical implants. There are even many parts composed of titanium that make up The International Space Station (ISS).

What’s the number one interior design trick of all time? The reflective aspect of light. Light makes a room feel larger and more comfortable, not to mention, brighter.

Now’s about the time you’re probably hard at work creating unique and specially made holiday gifts for your family and friends, right? Make sure to design a gift presentation that is equally as awesome.

PlaqueMaker uses four processes for laser engraving, depending on the material you choose for your personalized plaque:

-Michael S Tarsi via Facebook

Drink coasters are those (usually) square items placed under beverages. Also called a coaster, beverage coaster or beermat, they protect the furniture’s surface from moisture that could ruin the finish.

Modern headstones not only pay tribute with beautiful verse or words, they can create a lasting memory of loved ones and cherished pets with photographic engravings. Picture images help to personalize a memorial design.