The Sign Carver

EST 1994
The Sign carver

The Sign Carver specialises in professionally hand carved wooden signs, coats of arms & sculpture

Welcome to the Sign Carver

The Sign Carver specialises in hand carved wooden signs, coats of arms, sculpture and much more.

With years of experience in sculpture and signage, Ivan Hunter’s passion and dedication shine through in every piece he creates. From unique custom sculptures to personalized signage, each work carries a sense of history and tells a compelling story.

With 30 years of industry expertise, Ivan has earned a reputation for crafting stunning custom sculptures and beautiful hand-carved signage. His love for the medium and genuine pleasure in his work make him a talented and committed artist.

Whether you’re seeking distinctive art for your home or business or interested in learning stone-carving yourself, Ivan’s workshop is the perfect place to discover the joy and beauty of hand-carved artistry.

Explore this world of creativity and experience the magic of a truly gifted artist.

Let yourself be transported back in time as you hear the sound of chisels against freshly-cut timber, as raw material is transformed into something beautiful.

What we offer

The Sign Carver, with 30 years of artisanal expertise, specializes in crafting exquisite Coats of Arms that adorn wine farms, university residences, schools, and cherished family homes.

Coats of Arms

Wooden Signage

Sculpture

Architectural Elements

Carving Classes

Our meticulously hand-carved wooden creations, or alternatively cast in cement, resin, or bronze, embody the essence of quality, craftsmanship, and charm.

A Durable Finish

Putting our wooden sign to the ultimate test... Antarctica!

We only work with quality wood and our outdoor signs are treated to withstand even the harshest elements and age gracefully, unlike other signs that fade and crumble over time.
Recently we reached out to Luke Brauteseth, Head of Runway Operations at White Desert in Antarctica, to check on the condition of our sign after years of exposure to the extreme Antarctic conditions:
Wendy E. Simmons, photographer
"We are happy to share that our beautiful Whichaway Camp signpost is holding up well and still looking good. Our sign has managed to remain in great condition, despite enduring extreme winds, snow and below zero temperatures. It also makes for an instagram selfie moment that our guests and staff just love."
Luke Brauteseth
White Desert, Antarctica
The Sign carver

A quality wooden sign never gets old
- it simply matures with time -

- Since 1994 -

Coats of Arms

Celebrate your family's heritage with a stunning coat of arms, that reflects the rich history & traditions of your ancestry.

A Coat of Arms is a symbol of history and honour, and hand carved, becomes a precious family heirloom to be treasured & handed down to future generations.

An ideal gift, it represents the importance of family and tradition: This workmanship is becoming ever rarer in our fast paced world.

The Sign Carver has made Coats of Arms of all sizes for Wine farms, University residences, Schools & families.

You can choose to have your Coat of Arms carved in wood or cast in cement, resin or bronze.

Hand Carved Wooden Signs

Elevate Your Family or Business with a custom hand-crafted Shield

Our hand carved wooden signs have a timeless charm that never goes out of style.
Whether you have a taste for simple elegance or decadent detail, the Sign Carver beautifully crafts each wooden sign with care & precision, delivering a high quality product that will stand the test of time.

Sculpture

The Sign Carver takes on a wide variety of projects, great & small, and approaches each new project with passion & the utmost attention to detail.

Sculpture is the main passion and driving force behind the Sign Carver, who can often be found ankle-deep in woodchips, trying to find that wonderful third dimension in a chunk of wood or stone. In addition, the Sign Carver has extensive experience with casting of sculptures in bronze, cement and resin and collaborates with mould makers and foundries. Not sure which material to choose? We will happily advise you on the best application to suit your particular project.

Architectural Elements

Celebrate your family's heritage with a stunning coat of arms, that reflects the rich history & traditions of your ancestry.

For the ultimate personal touch, you can introduce hand carved wooden design elements right into the features of your home.
The Sign carver occasionally collaborates with Interior decorators when a project requires a touch of subtle sophistication that only true craftsmanship can deliver. Interior designers enjoy the freedom of being able to choose any pattern under the sun and the warm scent of hand carved wood simply oozes luxury into a home.

SEe our work

"There is an unmistakabe authentic feel as everything we make is custom crafted with hand held tools"

Our Process

1. Consultation

Contact us to discuss your coat of arms requirements, including design preferences, materials, and any customizations you may desire.

2. Quote & Payment

We will provide you with a detailed quote based on your specifications. Once you approve the quote, a deposit will be required to initiate the order process.

3. Design & Carving

Our skilled artisan, Ivan Hunter, will hand-carve your coat of arms according to your approved design.

This process involves meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship, ensuring a high-quality result.

4. Finishing

Once the carving is complete, your coat of arms will go through a finishing process, which may include staining, sealing, and other treatments to enhance its durability and appearance.

A thorough quality check is performed to ensure that it meets our high standards.

5. Final Payment & Shipping

Upon completion, we will notify you of the final payment due. Once the payment is received, your coat of arms will be carefully packaged and shipped to your designated address.

If your coat of arms is being shipped Internationally, we will arrange for a fumigation certificate, allowing for peace of mind and a smooth customs clearance & delivery.

6. Delivery & Enjoyment

Once you receive your coat of arms, you can proudly display it in your desired location, whether it’s at home, in your office, or as a gift to a loved one. Your coat of arms will be a cherished piece of art that represents your family’s heritage and traditions for years to come.

Please note that the specific process may vary depending on the customization, materials, and shipping location, and we will provide you with detailed information and updates throughout the process to ensure a smooth and satisfying experience.

Meet Ivan Hunter

Each coat of arms is hand-carved by Ivan Hunter, who brings his expertise & passion to every detail of the carving process.

hand carved Craftsmanship
- Since 1994 -

What our clients say

We came across this beautiful sign when we bought our guest lodge in 2013. It turns out that the sign was put up in 2008 - back when Tom & Enid Knight were the owners.

The Sign Carver did an outstanding job. The sign is amazing in that it has not aged or needed maintenance, even after all these years. There's joy in seeing real craftsmanship outshine the pretenders of today.
Johan & Jenny
Knightsbury Luxury Guest Lodge
Ivan has created a beautifully crafted sign and we have enjoyed using it at Stellenberg over the years, and the woodwork has weathered well.
Stellenberg Gardens
Cape Town
We adore our new Rocketbar & Tree House Eatery signs. Thank you so much – they really are stunning!
Silvermist Mountain Lodge & Organic Wine Estate
Cape Town
The craftsmanship, quality and style is excellent and they really do add interest to the character of Annies House Romantic Getaway. The delivery was made on time, exactly as promised. I recommend your service and expertise to anyone who is looking for a professional to create bespoke signs without hesitation.
Maryanne
Annie’s House Romantic Getaway, Hartebeespoort
"We are happy to share that our beautiful Whichaway Camp signpost is holding up well and still looking good. Our sign has managed to remain in great condition, despite enduring extreme winds, snow and below zero temperatures - it’s makes for an instagram selfie moment that our guests and staff just love."
Luke Brauteseth
Whichaway Camp, White Desert, Antarctica

WHy choose us

The Sign Carver specialises in professionally hand carved wooden signs, coats of arms & sculpture.

Hand Carved

Each item is lovingly crafted with hand held tools, achieving a finish that machine cut materials simply cannot match.

Custom Made

Everything we make is custom designed & original, made according to the client’s specific style & preferences.

Durable Finish

Our outdoor signs are durable enough to mature gracefully while other signs are fading & crumbling in the harsh African sun.

30 Years of Experience

The Sign Carver has been carving professionally since 1994. Not sure which material to choose? We will happily advise you on the best application to suit your particular project.

Make an enquiry

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Or email your enquiry to:  [email protected]

Frequently asked questions

I offer different sizes and materials including hand carved in wood, cast resin, cement or bronze. I can even carve in stone for a more traditional and enduring option.

Choosing to have a coat of arms cast in cement can be beneficial if you’d like to have multiple casts made.

The creation of each coat of arms is a meticulous process, as everything is individually handcrafted with attention to detail. While the usual delivery time is up to 25 days, please note that a specific time estimate will be indicated on the quote provided for your custom coat of arms.

We ensure timely delivery while maintaining the highest quality craftsmanship for your unique piece of art.

Each coat of arms is uniquely designed and hand-carved or crafted to meet the specific requirements and preferences of clients.

Whether you have a specific design in mind or need assistance in creating a new coat of arms from scratch, The Sign Carver can work with you to bring your vision to life.

From selecting the right elements and symbols to designing the layout and overall aesthetic, The Sign Carver will work closely with you to ensure that your custom coat of arms is a meaningful and cherished representation.

A hand carved effect gives a feeling of history that suits the subject more than a precise machine made item.

Shields are usually from oak unless you have a particular preference.  The detail carving is basswood which is the most suitable timber for this.

Barrel head carvings are carved into used oak barrel heads. These could also be used as a backing instead of a shield.

A coat of arms hand-carved in wood is designed to be durable and long-lasting for indoor use. However, if you require the item to be placed outside permanently, it’s important to choose the best wood for outdoor durability.

Alternatively cast resin, cement, bronze, or carved stone are also suitable for outside use. These materials are known for their ability to withstand exposure to the elements and provide greater durability for outdoor installations.

When discussing your custom coat of arms with The Sign Carver, feel free to mention your specific placement requirements, and suitable materials can be recommended based on your needs.

The Sign Carver takes pride in creating high-quality, durable coat of arms that will stand the test of time, regardless of whether they are displayed indoors or outdoors.

Occasional dusting with a clean paintbrush 2” inches (5 cm) wide should suffice. The corner of a damp cloth should be sufficient to remove specks or droppings.

Yes, we do!

Delivery within in South Africa is via Postnet or a freight company. Overseas deliveries are via DHL and include a fumigation certificate.

Yes, we do!

A fumigation certificate is a document that certifies that a shipment has been treated with approved fumigation methods to eliminate or prevent the spread of pests or insects. It is often required by customs and quarantine authorities in various countries to prevent the introduction of harmful pests or diseases. Having a fumigation certificate ensures that your Coat of Arms meets the import requirements of the destination country, allowing for smooth customs clearance and delivery.