Wood Plaques
These hand planed American hardwood laser engraved plaques make wonderful and inexpensive
gifts. Choose from my inspirational wall art with meaningful quotes and sayings, or let me
custom create a personalized plaque
for you. View my gallery of personalized plaques
I’ve crafted for many happy customers.
A Little Bit More About My Wood Plaques
Every wooden plaque you will find here at Fishers Laser Carvers is hand planed and laser engraved by me in my Fishers, Indiana woodshop. I take
extra time carefully choosing each piece of wood from my collection of reclaimed American hardwoods. Often the grain or markings in the woods
suggest a quote or saying which strikes me as a good match. For example, you may notice the smoky ripples in the Edward Kennedy quote plaque, or
the cloud-like grain of the wood above the prairie grasses in the Laura Ingalls Wilder quote plaque. Unlike the mass-produced inspirational wall
art you may find elsewhere, my pieces are made one at a time with thoughtful care. You will be able to see and feel the difference it makes when
wood is worked by a craftsman when you hold my wood plaques in your own two hands.
I am showing several plaques with a suggested 3d graphics or laser carvings. Of course, one could add
a 3d graphic to any plaque – a Mother Teresa plaque with a carved rose or The Seal of the United States
on the Preamble plaque. The possibilities are almost endless. Personal customization is what makes them
unique.
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I have made this familiar traditional Irish blessing many times in English and in Irish
(Gaelic). It is a wonderful gift for a house warming or Saint Patrick’s Day or just to celebrate
a bit of the green. A little celtic tree of life adorns the plaque.
Plaque Quote Reads:
“May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.” |
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Mark Twain is the most often quoted American author. His wit, wisdom and humor is timeless.
This has always been one of my favorites. This is marvelous gift to a son or to a father.
This is my version.
Plaque Quote Reads:
“When I was a boy of 14,
my father was so ignorant
I could hardly stand to
have the old man around.
But when I got to be 21,
I was astonished
at how much the old man
had learned in seven years.”
Mark Twain |
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The word Ebenezer is from 1 Samuel and means, “Thus far the Lord has helped us”. This name was
given to a rock used by Samuel to marked the spot of God’s victory over the Philistines. This
is another ancient word that has become an iconic symbol of faith. It has become a symbol of
standing one’s ground. This was also popular during the early 19th century such as its mention
in the hymn Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing (“I will raise my Ebenezer”). This plaque shows
the word in English and in Hebrew. |
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A fellow history lover and client asked me to make this plaque for him. He did not want the size
of the full declaration, just the words he considers the most important words ever written.
I agree. I used the header from the actual Declaration of Independence and the font is the
Declaration Script. A little quill graphic decorates the plaque. The flourish is a combination
drawn by me and is a taken from the flourished signatures of John Hancock and Benjamin Franklin.
This is a lovely and historical piece.
Plaque Quote Reads:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal,
that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights,
that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” |
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This is wonderful prayer and a wonderful gift. It can and should be personalized for the medical
professional if intended as a gift. I make this on maple.
Plaque Quote Reads:
“Lord, Thou Great Physician,
I kneel before Thee.
Since every good and perfect gift
must come from Thee: I Pray
Give skill to my hand,
clear vision to my mind,
kindness and sympathy to my heart.
Give me singleness of purpose,
strength to lift at least part of the burden
of my suffering fellow men,
and a true realization
of the rare privilege that is mine.
Take from my heart all guile and worldliness,
that with the simple faith of a child
I may rely on Thee.
Amen.” |
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One of my favorite quotes from the Irish philosopher Edmund Burke. This quote regained popularity
following World War II as it seemed prophetic.
Plaque Quote Reads:
“All that is necessary for the triumph
of evil is that good men do nothing.”
Edmund Burke |
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This wood plaque is the first in my new Mark Twain Series. This quote is one of my favorite “Twainisms” and
like most of his words, true. Mark Twain is an American treasure and by immortalizing his words on a
beautiful piece of American hardwood, something of national interest and value will be added to your
space.
Plaque Quote Reads:
“If you tell the truth,
you don’t have to
remember anything.”
Mark Twain |
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I think this is one of the most touching and personally moving plaques I have had the privilege
to make. I like to tell stories with silhouettes and this is a prime example. The plaque is
very customizable using this technique. For example I have made this with 3 children and
4 and even 6! It can and should be made to reflect you and yours. There is no charge for
this customization. This is a quote from Clara Ortega.
Plaque Quote Reads:
“To the outside world we all grow old.
But not to brothers and sisters.
We know each other as we always were.
We know each other’s hearts.
We share private family jokes.
We remember family feuds and secrets,
family griefs and joys.
We live outside the touch of time.” |
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Mother Teresa’s “anyway” quote is my most popular plaque. My original version was done in
bird’s eye maple, which is lovely but light in color. Bird’s eye maple is the result of
a condition in the tree and not a species. It is therefore sometimes hard to obtain.
The plaque is actually prettier in cherry. After having offered this has a substitute,
my customers actually prefer this newer version.
Plaque Quote Reads:
“People are often unreasonable and self-centered.
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.
If you are honest, people may cheat you.
Be honest anyway.
If you find happiness, people may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough.
Give your best anyway.
For you see, in the end, it is between you and God.
It was never between you and them anyway.”
Mother Teresa |
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This birds eye maple plaque goes wonderfully in a child’s room. It makes and
excellent first communion or baptism gift, too. These are great words from a great
person, Mother Teresa.
Plaque Quote Reads:
“People are often unreasonable and self-centered.
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.
If you are honest, people may cheat you.
Be honest anyway.
If you find happiness, people may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough.
Give your best anyway.
For you see, in the end, it is between you and God.
It was never between you and them anyway.”
Mother Teresa |
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“Invictus” is a short Victorian poem by the English poet William Ernest Henley
(1849-1903). The poem came to recent prominence when Nelson Mandela, while incarcerated
in prison, often recited it to other prisoners. He was inspired by its message of
self-mastery. This was portrayed in the recent Clint Eastwood movie of the same name.
Plaque Quote Reads:
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul. |
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My nephew Tim is in his last year of Law School at Indiana University. I was
making Christmas presents and pondering what to make for a prospective new lawyer.
I thought of three words I hope he never forgets “We the people”. I was able to
find a “constitutional” font and so, here is the preamble to United States
Constitution. This is done on Curly Cherry. I was taught to memorize this back
when I was in school and I still remember the schoolhouse rock song to this.
Great words for the world and certainly for every American as we continue the
conversation on the meaning of general welfare and domestic tranquility.
Plaque Quote Reads:
“We the People
Of the United States
In order to form a more perfect Union,
establish Justice
insure domestic Tranquility
provide for the common defense,
promote the general Welfare,
and secure the Blessings of Liberty
to ourselves and our Posterity,
Do ordain and establish this Constitution
For the United States of America. |
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The Britton Fisherman’s prayer is a poem of unknown origin. It has many variations.
The original poem reads “My boat is so small and your sea is so wide. Protect me Oh Lord”.
This became popular in American Lore when Vice Admiral Hyman Rickover (the father of the
Modern Nuclear Navy) presented President Kennedy with a bronze version of this prayer mounted
on a wood desk plaque. The Admiral gave these to new submarine commanders and it was greatly
admired by the president.
This version has been requested by many customers who admired my vast sea plaque but wanted
the JFK desk version.
* The 3D Graphic option shown above can be included on your plaque for an additional fee of $15.00. |
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This is my original “Vast Sea plaque”. It was one of the first plaques I ever created and
remains my favorite. You might notice that the little sailboat is also my logo. A client
informed me that this is the version used in the West Wing television series. I have made
this plaque in many ways. It is equally powerful with a compass or a 3d graphic or a Navy Seal.
One of the things I strive to accomplish in this work is to make the version that holds the
most meaning for my customers.
* The 3D Graphic option shown above can be included on your plaque for an additional fee of $15.00. |
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When I celebrated 25 years with my former employer, I received many congratulatory
letters. A division president included this Emerson quote. That moved me, and
I hope you will enjoy the saying on this wooden plaque as much as I do.
Plaque Quote Reads:
“What lies behind us
and what lies before us
are tiny matters
compared to what lies within us.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson |
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I really like the Navy Plaque featured on the web site. It is one of my favorites.
* The 3D Graphic option shown above can be included on your plaque for an additional fee of $15.00. |
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On the Banks of the Wabash was written by Paul Dresser in 1897. It was
adopted as the official state song by the Indiana General Assembly on March 14,
1913 – the state’s first state symbol. The song reminisces about growing up along
the Wabash River in the farmlands of Indiana. I must admit, I thought Indiana
a boring, flat place while growing up, but when I started travelling constantly,
I began to wish my plane could land over the familiar sycamores lining the fields
of gold. This plaque is engraved on a piece of genuine sycamore from the banks
of the Wabash.
* The 3D Graphic option shown above can be included on your plaque for an additional fee of $15.00. |
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Since 1946, Back Home Again in Indiana has been sung immediately after the
Star-Spangled Banner at the start of the Indianapolis 500 automobile race,
which is held every year on Memorial Day. Since 1972, the anthem has been performed
by Jim Nabors and accompanied by the Purdue University Marching Band. If you’ve seen
the movie Breaking Away, then you are familiar with the Little 500 bicycle
race held in Bloomington, Indiana, which opens every year with the singing of
Back Home Again in Indiana. Many people think it is the state song of Indiana
instead of the very similar Banks of the Wabash. Both songs are familiar to
Hoosiers. This Indiana wood plaque is made of genuine Indiana sycamore. The gold
tones surrounded by lighter wood look like fields of new-mown hay. The little
tree silhouettes are the outlines of the mighty sycamore tree. You can even see
cattails like the ones my mother used to pick in Indiana.
Plaque Quote Reads:
“Back Home again in Indiana,
and seems that I can see
the gleaming candlelight, still shining bright
through the sycamores for me.
The new mown hay send all its fragrance
From the fields I used to roam.
When I dream about the moonlight on the Wabash,
Then I long for my Indiana home.”
Back Home in Indiana by
Ballard MacDonald and James F. Hanely |
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If you watched Ken Burns’ documentary on The National Parks, you saw a lot about
John Muir, the driving force behind the National Parks movement. This wood plaque
is made from an interesting piece of spalted and birds eye maple. The salvaged piece of wood has
a small knot crack running through it, but I noticed the incredible character in
the wood and was proud to find such a pretty use for it. I think that saving this
precious piece of wood with its unique aging appearance might have pleased Mr. Muir.
* The 3D Graphic option shown above can be included on your plaque for an additional fee of $15.00. |
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I have always loved the Navy Hymn. I still remember hearing it played during the
funeral for John F. Kennedy. The Navy Seal on this piece of wood wall art
is deeply engraved and the unofficial
navy motto “Non sibi sed patriae” (not self but country) is included. There is
space in the lower center for a dedication or personalized brass plaque. This wood
plaque is my tribute to my father and the brave men of the U.S.S. Philippine Sea.
* The 3D Graphic option shown above can be included on your plaque for an additional fee of $15.00. |
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This wooden plaque is the first in my “kanji” series, engraved on birds eye maple –
a very difficult and hard wood to plane. The wood is light and highly figured and appears
delicate and the hand work that goes into planing such a challenging piece of wood
adds to its value in your home. This piece of inspirational wall art will help you
create a quiet and reflective space in your domain.
Plaque Quote Reads:
“Compassion is the basis
of all morality.”
Arthur Schopenhauer |
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This wooden plaque is made from a beautiful piece of birds eye maple. The inspirational saying on this plaque
is from Dr. Wayne Dyer. This wood plaque is the second in my kanji series, and I hope it will help you create
a peaceful, meditative space in your home or office.
Plaque Quote Reads:
“How someone treats you is their Karma.
How you react is yours…”
Dr. Wayne Dyer |
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Remember “Little House on the Prairie”? I loved that show, and the books were even
better. Wilder’s beloved depiction of her American prairie childhood has forever
captured for all of us the ideals and dreams of one of our country’s strongest,
simplest and ablest generations. Here are some wonderful
words from Laura Ingalls Wilder, laser engraved on a lovely cherry wood plaque.
Plaque Quote Reads:
“It is the simple things of life that make living worthwhile,
The sweet fundamental things such as love and duty,
work and rest,
living close to nature.”
Laura Ingalls Wilder |
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One of my favorite sayings of all time and so true. This wooden plaque is great for town hall
meetings, and is made by hand here in the USA.
Plaque Quote Reads:
“You can’t make your candle
burn brighter
by blowing out someone else’s.” |
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This wood plaque is another in the birds eye maple kanji series. There are so
many sayings about peace, a woodworker hardly knows where to begin. Peace is
so often talked about, so rarely achieved, and something we should try to
keep reminders of in our home and work life. I chose this quote from Anton Chekov
and laser engraved it in this exceptional piece of birds eye maple.
Plaque Quote Reads:
“We shall find Peace,
We shall hear angels,
We shall see the sky,
sparkling with Diamonds.”
Anton Chekov |
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Another wonderful quote from Henry David Thoreau is featured on this sturdy,
masculine wood plaque. Fishing is one of the few things where
you can never achieve the goal of catching a fish but still have a wonderful day.
Perhaps it is transcendence or peace we seek.
* The 3D Graphic option shown above can be included on your plaque for an additional fee of $15.00. |
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My favorite James Krenov saying in a smaller size with just a simple grass graphic.
The photo doesn’t do this pretty wood plaque justice. You will truly appreciate
the texture and glow of the cherry wood when you hold it in your own two hands.
Plaque Quote Reads:
“Simplicity is at the heart
of so much that is fine…”
James Krenov |
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This Bible quote should be familiar to folks in Indianapolis as it appears daily on
the front of The Indianapolis Star. Show state pride, or just good taste in inspirational
wall art, by adorning your home or business with this fine wood plaque.
Plaque Quote Reads:
“Where the Spirit of the
Lord is, there is liberty.”
II Corinthians 3:17 |
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In this time of such coarse rhetoric and hateful speech, we would do well to
remember the message captured on this inspirational wall plaque. It is one
of my favorite sayings and one I try to remember every day.
Plaque Quote Reads:
“I am the master of
my thoughts unspoken,
and forever a slave to those
that should have remained so.” |
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Sometimes we need to remember to pursue our dreams. This is a wonderful quote from
Walden author Henry David Thoreau. Take special note of the dreamy,
imaginative grain of this piece of cherry wood.
Plaque Quote Reads:
“Go confidently in the direction
of your dreams,
Live the life you have imagined
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Henry David Thoreau |
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The “beatitudes” of Jesus (from the Latin beatus meaning “blessed” or “happy”) is
the opening of The Sermon on the Mount as recorded by Matthew (chapter 5: 3-12).
Saint Augustine believed that this passage was the best for one to follow in order
to live a Christian Life. I remember this being on the wall of my Sunday school
room when I was a child. I have always felt that these words are amongst the best
words ever spoken, as revolutionary and profound today as 2,000 years ago. This
is the first of our larger 9″ x 12″ plaques. It makes an excellent gift for a
baptism or first communion or as way to add reverence to your home. The
photographs do not do justice to this simply beautiful plaque.
Plaque Quote Reads:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn,
for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure of heart,
for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.”
The Gospel of St. Matthew 5:3-10 |
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The Lord’s Prayer from the Gospel of Matthew (chapter 6:9-13) is the most repeated
prayer in recorded history. It is estimated that on Easter Sunday 2 billion
Catholic, Protestant and Eastern Orthodox Christians read, recite or sing this
prayer in hundreds of languages. These are words that unite and offer solidarity
to the body of believers. This version is in Gaelic and features Celtic Knot vines
and a little Celtic cross. I often imagine that this is how Saint Patrick taught
this prayer. Our large series of plaques are excellent for certificates, awards
and diplomas. This example is a piece of Curly Cherry. I think the wavy grain
pattern of the wood resembles a flag rippling in the breeze. This is a very
beautiful and unique piece.
Plaque Quote Reads:
“Ar n-Athair a tha air neamh,
Gu naomhaichear d’ainm
Thigeadh do rioghachd.
Deanar do thoil air an talamh,
mar a nithear air neamh.
Tabhair dhuinn an-diugh ar n-aran laitheil.
Agus maith dhuinn ar fiachan,
amhail a mhaitheas sinne dar luchd-fiach.
Agus na leig ann am buaireadh sinn;
ach saor sinn o oic;
oir is leatsa an rioghachd,
agus an cumhachd,
agus a’ gloir,
gu siorraidh.
Amen” |
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I have always liked Cowboy wisdom. Sayings like “If you can’t eat it or ride it,
let it be”. These sayings are simple and to the point, wonderfully American and
usually true. In my corporate management life, the saying on this plague hung
on my wall. This plaque is made of spalted maple with a rustic appeal reminiscent
of mesquite. This is a favorite of mine.
Plaque Quote Reads:
“Trust everyone
but brand your cattle.” |
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Edna Saint Vincent Millay was an American playwright and poet and the first woman
to receive a Pulitzer Prize for poetry. Thomas Hardy once said that America has
two great attractions, the sky scraper and the poetry of Edna Saint Vincent
Millay. This quote is from Renascence, my favorite poem. Whenever I fear there is
something that cannot be done, I often turn to these words for encouragement.
Plaque Quote Reads:
“The sky I thought is not so grand,
I could almost touch it with my hand.
and reaching up my hand to try,
I screamed to feel it touch the sky.”
Edna Saint Vincent Millay |
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I had this last little bit of bird’s eye maple. The problem was the board was
badly twisted. It is one thing if a board is warped and another if a board is
cupped. This piece was both! Twisted like it was becoming a bow tie. I tried
everything I could think of to true the board flat. Finally I used a toothed
plane to knock off the corners and get the wood reasonably flat. To make matters
worse, the bird’s eyes want to tear out and there was a hard knot in the center.
After much work, I was able to get the piece flat and smooth. Now what to put
on it? I think this Franklin quote fits and I left the knot showing proudly as
a testament to the effort to create this one-of-a-kind unique plaque.
Plaque Quote Reads:
“Energy and persistence
conquer all things.”
Benjamin Franklin |
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This past year we lost a great American and the “lion of the senate”. I will never
forget him and it’s my hope that “the dream will never die”. Keep the light of
Edward Kennedy burning faithfully in your home with this handsome, hand-planed
cherry wood plaque.
Plaque Quote Reads:
“The Work goes on,
the Cause endures,
the Hope still lives,
and the Dream shall
Never die.”
Senator Edward Kennedy |
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Elbert Green Hubbard was an American writer, publisher and philosopher who greatly
influenced the Arts and Craft movement in our country. The Roycroft Press and the
Roycroft shops provided opportunity for many American craftsman and artist and was
a force behind the mission style. This very simple small plaque is one of the
saying of Elbert Hubbard and makes a wonderful gift for any occasion. This is made
on the last little piece of some very old and aged cherry.
Plaque Quote Reads:
“A friend is one
who knows you
and Loves you,
just the same”
Elbert Hubbard |
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The second in my Dead Poets collection, this reminder that nature is best enjoyed
if left free and natural is from the English Romantic poet William Blake. He was
actually schooled as an engraver, so it seemed fitting and proper to me to engrave
some of his words here. The simple silhouette graphic demonstrates the joy of
participating in all life in lieu of capturing it.
* The 3D Graphic option shown above can be included on your plaque for an additional fee of $15.00. |
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Personalized Plaque
Let me create a custom plaque for you from the perfect piece of wood. A personalized plaque allows you to highlight a quote or saying with a special
meaning, bringing a unique personal touch to your home or business. Please contact me to tell me about your personalized plaque wishes and to receive
a prompt, custom quote.
Wood plaques can be used for signage or awards or memorials or commencements.
The CNN Heroes Award is a block of hard maple laser engraved. Wouldn’t an environmentally
sensitive award make a great presentation piece for your organization?
Let me put my treasure trove of fabulous reclaimed domestic hardwood
to work for you in a wood plaque you will value for years to come.
Personalized plaques only cost $5.00 more than our running line plaques. In other words, a $40 plaque
with a personal quote or change would be $45 and a $55 plaque would be $60. This minimal charge is
to cover the design and set up time. There is no charge to add a personal dedication on the back of
any plaque.
George Beck, Fishers Laser Carvers
Have questions about my wooden plaques? Call me at (317) 845-0500!
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