where can I buy a ceramic villa sign?

paulandtracie · Post by **paulandtracie** » Fri Aug 17, 2012 8:20 am

Hi--I love the colorful ceramic tile signs that we see on so many of the villas on St. John. We just bought our first little vacation home and I would love to have one of these signs at the entrance to remind me of STJ. I have found similar ones online but can't find anything like the ones I see all over STJ. Any ideas where I can order one?
Thanks!

Xislandgirl · Post by **Xislandgirl** » Fri Aug 17, 2012 8:34 am

Donald Schnell Studio, but be prepared to pay dearly for it

Pia · Post by **Pia** » Fri Aug 17, 2012 9:07 am

Yes X is correct - the villas on STJ have them hand made by Donald Schnell - he will custom make yours you just need to call him and discuss price and details. As X said not cheap.

Pia

http://www.donaldschnell.com/studio/signs/

Post by **Anthony** » Fri Aug 17, 2012 10:26 am

Pia wrote:As X said not cheap.

No they are not "cheap" - they are hand made (by a several step process that can take weeks), unique pieces of art, that can last a life time, made by a local artisan and his staff - and made to order.

(Sorry but as an artist that kind of wording gets to me!).

Pia · Post by **Pia** » Fri Aug 17, 2012 10:41 am

Didn't mean to offend you Anthony maybe I should have used the word inexpensive? I agree they are totally worth it and unique one of a kind pieces and have one myself I just didn't want anyone to think they are around $100 or so .

Pia

stjchica · Post by **stjchica** » Fri Aug 17, 2012 3:00 pm

Can you give us a ballpark price? $250? $500? More?

needmesomesun · Post by **needmesomesun** » Fri Aug 17, 2012 7:14 pm

I think they just meant expensive (and worth it), not *cheap*

Jan&MikeVa · Post by **Jan&MikeVa** » Fri Aug 17, 2012 9:25 pm

We paid about 50-60 for our street number of "107" about 6 years ago. Give them a call, they are wonderful people. We always rent our jeep from them and have rented one of their villas. Or wait until your next visit and visit the studio!!

needmesomesun · Post by **needmesomesun** » Sat Aug 18, 2012 8:48 am

That really isn't that bad price wise! Maybe they get really expensive when you have to spell out a long villa name...

Pia · Post by **Pia** » Sat Aug 18, 2012 11:00 am

I believe our sign "On A Whim" was about $450.00 to $500.00 (+/-) 7 years ago.

Pia

Capn Dan and Ruby · Post by **Capn Dan and Ruby** » Sat Aug 18, 2012 12:01 pm

Anthony wrote:
Pia wrote:As X said not cheap.
No they are not "cheap" - they are hand made (by a several step process that can take weeks), unique pieces of art, that can last a life time, made by a local artisan and his staff - and made to order.

(Sorry but as an artist that kind of wording gets to me!).

I know that X and Pia ment no harm, but I agree Anthony! I am a artist as well. What is your medium?

Exit Zero · Post by **Exit Zero** » Sat Aug 18, 2012 1:37 pm

The Schnell style is certainly a STJ icon - immediately recognizable and they will remind anyone who is familiar with it of the Island.
You might want to look around in your local area for ceramic classes, often Senior Centers have one as a great resource, and see if you can enroll in one - creating your own ceramic piece may be just as satisfying as a purchased sign and you can proudly display your art at your new vacation home - assembling it out of smaller tile sized pieces that you craft from your own design is the easiest process and it will certainly be unique and become a family keepsake forever.
I love the Schnell artwork! - only suggesting an alternative possibility.

Pia · Post by **Pia** » Sun Aug 19, 2012 9:30 am

I think I should change my post to read "they are expensive" (which I think is the opposite to "they are not cheap" but what do I know) which I think is preferred

Pia

Jan&MikeVa · Post by **Jan&MikeVa** » Sun Aug 19, 2012 9:36 am

Whoops! I must add a CORRECTION to my post. Mike informed me that our 3 number sign was $140. So sorry, tells you how much I pay attention to pricing when I find something I really want.

Post by **Anthony** » Mon Aug 20, 2012 5:24 pm

Capn Dan and Ruby wrote:What is your medium?

I paint mostly now - oil and acrylic. I have a couple of things here:

http://www.saatchionline.com/finta

usvi-on-line