From $19.9
Curio and Keepsake a gift shop in Savannah historic district needed a sign that felt as warm and welcoming as the owner herself. Hand-painted terracotta and cream signage with decorative flourishes — the kind of sign that makes tourists reach for their cameras.
Project Background
Curio and Keepsake opened on Savannah historic Bull Street lined with 19th-century townhouses and Spanish moss-draped oaks. The owner a former museum curator wanted to stand apart from generic souvenir stores. The space had a charming original terracotta brick facade.
Design Concept and Branding
Hand-painted directly on the original terracotta brick facade — cream lettering on warm terracotta-toned brick serving as its own background. A small gift box illustration with ribbon accompanies the text. String lights add evening warmth. No backlighting, no acrylic — just expert brushwork on historic brick.
Material Selection and Fabrication
1-Shot lettering enamel applied directly to clean brick surface. Cream color custom-mixed to complement existing trim. UV-stabilized for Savannah intense sun. String lights are vintage-style Edison bulbs on weatherproof wire with automatic dusk timer.
Installation Process
Brick surface gently cleaned with mild detergent — no pressure washing to protect historic brick. Each letter hand-painted by a sign artist using a brush for authentic variation. String lights installed along concealed track above window frame. Total: three days on-site.
Results and Impact
First tourist season revenue exceeded projections by 40 percent. The sign drives foot traffic from both walking tourists and carriage tours. A local preservation group commended the project for historic integration.
| Client | Curio and Keepsake Gift Shop |
|---|---|
| Location | Historic District, Savannah, GA |
| Dimensions | 6 ft (W) x 2 ft (H) on brick plus window lettering |
| Materials | Hand-painted 1-Shot enamel on historic brick, Edison string lights |
| Installation | Direct-to-brick painting, interior-surface window lettering |
| Timeline | 2.5 weeks plus 3 days on-site |
| Budget | $3,200 |
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