Handmade Signs & Gold Leaf
We make carved quarterboards, gold leaf boat names, custom life rings, and dimensional signs and letters.
We also hand-gild house numbers and transom windows on historic homes in Annapolis, Baltimore and Washington, DC.
What We Do
We make handmade signs that last for generations: carved quarterboards, gold leaf boat names, custom life rings, dimensional signs and letters, and gold leaf house numbers.
Every sign is designed, built and finished in our Edgewater, Maryland shop, then installed or shipped wherever it needs to go.
Design
We draw up a custom design and refine it with you until it’s right.
Manufacture
We carve, paint and gild every sign by hand in our shop..
Install
We install locally or ship your finished sign, ready to hang.
Our History
Designs & Signs was founded in 1976 by Brendon J. Brandon, whose sign making career has taken him across Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain and the United States. He is a past President of the International Society of Gilders and spent six years as head editor of its magazine, “The Gilder’s Tip.” He has taught gilding and sign making for the Smithsonian Institution, the Fashion Institute of Technology and other organizations. Today, his son Travis Brandon, also a master gilder, runs the shop in Edgewater, Maryland, carrying on the same traditional craft.
From The Portfolio
Follow us while we work.
Carved Stone Lettering at the World War II Memorial in DC
Carved stone lettering at the World War II Memorial in Washington, DC, sandblasted on site by our stone carver Kevin Nick.
Gold Leaf Lettering for Boats: How We Gild a Boat Name
Discover the beauty of gold leaf lettering for boats. Customized designs deliver elegance and detail for every boat owner.
Architectural Mural on Brick: Bond Street Wharf, Baltimore
Explore the stunning architectural mural at Bond Street Wharf, a monumental artwork that showcases our passion for painting.
Community Entrance Sign: Brushed Metal Letters on Marine Pilings
Learn about the elegant Mariners Cove Community Entrance Sign, designed with marine materials and durable construction.
Gold Leaf Yacht Lettering: Audrey’s Hand-Rendered Boat Name
Experience the meticulous process of gold leaf yacht lettering. Our dedication guarantees beautiful results for your boat.
Teak Name Boards: Hand-Carved Gold Leaf Quarterboards
Teak boat name boards hand-carved and gilded in 23 karat gold leaf by Designs & Signs. See the Mallard quarterboards and why teak lasts.
Glass Gilding in Baltimore: Mt. Washington Tavern
Discover glass gilding techniques applied at The Mt. Washington Tavern. See how we create beautiful gold leaf designs.
Historic Building Mural: EJ Codd Co. in Baltimore
The E.J. Codd building showcases an Architectural Mural that captures the essence of classic factory painted signs.
Architectural Gilding at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium
Architectural gilding on carved monument letters at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, MD.
Mahogany Quarterboard: Chelsea, Carved and Gilded in Gold Leaf
We made Chelsea, a traditional mahogany quarterboard, in our Edgewater shop and shipped it to the Burgee Bar. The board is 47 inches long and 13 inches tall. Notched corners and tall, narrow letters give the name a classic nautical look. We carved the letters into the...
Marine Clear Coat: Awlcraft 3000 on Quarterboards
Marine clear coat for quarterboards: we spray Awlcraft 3000 Clear over varnish and gold leaf. Designs & Signs, Edgewater, MD.
Carved Teak Nameboard: Gold Leaf Letters Outlined by Hand
Explore the art of creating a carved teak nameboard, from outlining letters to applying gold leaf for stunning effects.
Gilded Transom Numbers: Real Gold Leaf on Glass for No. 1312
Gilded transom numbers make your home easy to find and add a touch of charm, thanks to real gold leaf craftsmanship.
Hand Gilded House Numbers: See Our 5328 Gold Leaf Sample
Discover the elegance of Hand Gilded House Numbers, featuring real gold leaf that shines beautifully on glass.
Tugboat Quarterboards: Mahogany and Gold Leaf for McAllister
Tugboat quarterboards for the Robert E. McAllister: 10-foot carved mahogany boards with 23-karat gold leaf, made in our shop.
Get in touch to stand out!
Contact us today for a quote and get ready to stand out!
We look forward to working for you!