[Woodcarver] Requesting advice for a carved residential sign

[Susan Alexander]

Hello to all, 

The CEO of the company where I work has a home in Michigan, and has asked me to carve an outside sign for their summer home. It will be attached to the siding, next to the front door, outside but under roof. They will attach it themselves, but I have a drill press and can put holes into the corners of the wood (not to close to the edges - I would assume). 

I have a 2" deep piece of butternut about 6 feet long (I can cut it down) and 18 wide. But I don't think it is appropriate for outside use. But maybe it is ...if I used a good outside finish? Except for deepening some shadows (using an oil paint - thanks Joe), I don't expect to apply any paint to it. 

If you could tell me: 

1. Can I use the butternut? If not, what wood do you suggest? 
2. They want the carving to have their house in the background, pier, lake and then a fish jumping out of the water, along with "Welcome to our summer home" on the bottom. What size do you think I should make the sign? 
3. What outside finish would you suggest? 
4. How many coats? 
5. Can you give me some idea on what I should charge them? It sure can't be the time it is going to take me. 

I have done relief carving in the past, but nothing that would ever stay outside, and not a sign, and never any words. So this should be a fun adventure. I'm really looking forward to learning a lot of new carving methods. I have until Spring to complete it (working on it in the evenings and weekends.) 

Right now, I'm gathering my forces, doing research, collecting pictures, viewing the educational DVDs that are on my shelf, putting sticky notes in all the important places in my carving books, regularly drooling over Mr. Ramsey's website, and asking for advice from you, my carving web friends, which I will print out and put in a folder marked (optimistically) " First Carved Residential Sign." 

Thank you in advance for any advice you can offer. 
Sincerely, 
Susan 


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