About Our Ceramic Signature Series Address Plaques

At Classy Plaques our Ceramic Signature Series House Plaques and House Number Signs are still made the old-fashioned way. Each address plaque and welcome sign in this series is hand crafted from beginning to end using methods and formulas that are generations old. That means no decals and no assembly lines.

In  the beginning, back in 2006, we searched for ceramic bisque and products available from large ceramic bisque manufacturers. We ordered and tried numerous plaques but found that the ceramics available were not made with the quality we knew we wanted to offer for our Signature Address Signs. Surprisingly, we also discovered that the shapes and sizes available were not what we believed our customers would want either.

As the wise saying goes, "if you want something to last make sure you build it on a strong foundation". So we designed our first template and, after some searching, we found skilled northwest craftsmen to create our first custom-designed mold. Made to our specifications by experienced artisans who are educated in their craft and understand the content and quality of the raw materials used in their work, the result has been an exclusive ceramic house plaque design that is both unique and beautiful. The clay and materials used, along with the firing process have been specially formulated to create a finished bisque that is durable and weather resistant. And to our delight, these original custom designs have been well received by our customers!

"I received the Tuscany Classy Plaques last evening. I think they are spectacular. (They are) just what I have been looking for. Your plaques will be mounted on the posts of my front gates and will be a contant reminder of all the fond memories of times spent in Tuscany. I will certainly recommend your plaques. Thanks for a wonderful unusual product."  

Trish. West Palm Beach, Florida

With custom molds and quality bisque as the foundation, each plaque begins its journey by being poured or 'hand cast' in our specially crafted molds. It is then placed on racks and allowed to dry in a controlled environment for up to 5 days. Oh-so-cautiously removed from the mold, your address plaque is then placed in a kiln and slow-fired at carefully monitored temperatures for approximately 18 hours. After this firing process is finished, the plaques are cooled and then inspected for defects. We are also looking for those subtle characteristics that will make each plaque unique. Any that do not pass our inspection are thrown out.

Now we go to the artist's studio where your house number plaque is gently hand-sanded, washed and dried. It is then individually hand painted by one of our experienced artists who carefully follow the design, colors, and style you've chosen ... ensuring every plaque is a distinctive, authentic, truly personalized work of art.

In the final stage of the process the glaze is prepared and your plaque is dipped and dried overnight. A last minute inspection and it is prepared for one final trip to the kiln where it is kiln-fired a second time to ensure durability and a warm, colorful, lustrous finish.

There is a remarkable nostalgia in making personalized address plaques this way and we like that. We're thrilled to carry on a splendid heritage of artistic tradition and dedication to quality, passed on from mother to daughter and father to son by generations before us. We are passionate about what we do and our mission is to exceed your expectations and surprise you with an address plaque or house number sign that you'll absolutely love and enjoy.

     "I received my house plaque and it exceeds my wildest hopes. It is so perfect I can't believe my good fortune in finding you. Thank you for your beautiful work and for having exactly what I was looking for. It will be loved for many years. Ann, Las Vegas, NV 

Thank you for choosing Classy Plaques!