Shamom carved gold-leaf sign

Mar 6, 2025 | Gold Leaf Hand Carved Hand Painted Signs

Like most signs, the Shamom carved gold-leaf sign has a story behind it. It was commissioned as a surprise for the wife of a retired CSU professor. He wanted a sign that had flair and elegance. Specifically, he wanted a dimensional sign that highlighted his wife’s long-time yoga instruction and her reverence for the four earth signs: earth, air, fire, and water. Additionally, he wanted gold leaf lettering, as well as the look and feel of authentic wood. We incorporated all of his considerations into our sign design shown above.

Simple is usually better

The finished 10.5″ x 20″ hand-carved, gold-leafed, black walnut sign.

Gold leaf creates an elegant cachet. No doubt, some of the world’s most exquisite works of art were created using gold leaf. Sign-wise, it is particularly effective when used as a graphic focus. This is how we designed the Shamom sign. It is simple in design and highlights the subject’s name in gold. Additionally, the four hand-carved earth signs are simple, as well as the traditional yoga symbol that sits above the name, “Shamom.”

A word on gold leaf…

Gold leaf is gossamer-thin, 23K gold foil that requires an experienced hand to apply it. Surprisingly, gold leaf lasts up to 20 years. It’s more durable than digital prints and paint that last from 5 to 10 years, respectively. And, gold leaf always looks amazing!

Below are photos of the hand-carving process, before staining, gold-leafing and painting.