Instructions for Making Your Own Award Plaques
A handshake's great. Kudos are terrific. But a plaque that hangs on a wall as a reminder of having done something out-of-the-ordinary or accomplishing something hard---well, that's an everlasting token of recognition. If you or your group love the idea of saluting others but you've got more good intentions than available cash, consider making your own award plaques. You'll need some woodworking equipment to do the job, but when you consider the fact that your handiwork will occupy a place of honor for decades, your effort will be well worth the time you spend.
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Things You'll Need
- 12- by 14-inch (by 3/4-inch thick) hardwood
- Band saw, scroll saw or jigsaw
- Template
- Sandpaper
- Computer
- Glue
- Stain
- Polyurethane sealer
- Wood burning pen
- Etched metal or plastic plate
Instructions
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Use a pencil and paper to sketch out a plaque pattern using traditional shapes employed by trophy and plaque manufacturers: Square, oval, shield, rectangle or a specialized shape that's unique to your organization or company. Alternately, locate a common plaque shape, scan and import it to your computer desktop. Enlarge or reduce the shape to fit the wood, print it out and use it as your template.
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Trace the outline of the award plaque from your pattern. Use your choice of saws to cut the shape out. Sand the edges and surface of the wood. Stain the hardwood plaque a neutral color.
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3
Choose wording for the face of the award plaque. If you feel the need, consult online or catalog sources for commonly used sample phrases and sentiments on awards or combine words to come up with a short, appropriate salute to those being honored for their achievements.
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Consider these options for crafting your message: 1) burnish the sentiment into the plaque with a wood-burning pen, 2) engrave or have engraved a small metal or plastic plate etchedd with your message (have it drilled for mounting and ask for decorative screws) or 3) set type on your computer and print out the text on high-quality paper stock. Generally it's most effective to center the text and make the award recipient's name larger than the other copy.
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Attach the plastic or metal plate to the wood using decorative screws if you've chosen this option. Alternately, trim your computer output, center it on the wood base so the grain acts as a frame and use glue that works on both wood and glue to seal the paper to the wood. Gently rub down the paper with the edge of a ruler to strengthen the contact.
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Attach hanging hardware to the back of your award plaque. Seal the front with a polyurethane product to protect the award from sun and damage. Provide those receiving award plaques a nail with each so there's no excuse not to hang the award immediately after receipt.
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Tips & Warnings
Always double check the spelling of the honoree's name(s) before you print and glue the text, order the engraving or incise the wood.
