For Sandy Doehling, of Sandy’s Signature Signs, creating art is more than just a hobby. It’s a way for her to express care and her giving spirit to others. The Messenger recently reached out to Doehling and learned more about her art journey. Here is what she shared:
Creating art became a growing passion in my early childhood when I handcrafted elaborate greeting cards and dreamed of designing for Hallmark one day.
In high school, I especially looked forward to my elective art classes, experimenting with multiple media, and was honored to be published in the school calendar with my first-ever charcoal drawing at 16 years old.
Exploring with acrylic paints as a homemaker raising our young family provided gift-giving opportunities that developed into commissioned orders and invitations to sell my brushwork at local craft fairs, festivals, and church bazaars.
My greatest honor to date is decorating my sister and brother-in-law's restaurant located in Cannon Falls with an array of signage, including a 4' x 8' image of their original logo designed by their friend, Greg Hepola. This enormous project was my first piece completed 4 months following a craniotomy to repair a brain aneurysm in 2017. I praise God for His mercy and for the gift of a steady hand to continue creating works of art that bring joy to others.
The process begins in my workspace in the barn, where I've gathered salvaged barnwood, fence panels, pallets, crates, cupboard doors, and other raw materials from various sources. Each reclaimed treasure is thoughtfully selected, precision cut to size, sanded smooth, and air pressure treated. The brushwork takes place in a quaint little room in the house, using a variety of designs and sayings with assorted fonts and hues, then sealed with a polyurethane brush finish and prepared for display.
A whimsical collection of wooden coasters and refrigerator magnets is crafted from scrap cuts, decoupaged with magazine or calendar images, and is a favorite market item for all ages.
I enjoy connecting with my fellow vendors who inspire me, and the community of followers that encourages me. I wish to express my humble gratitude to my dear family for believing in me and supporting my endeavor of Sandy's Signature Signs.
For your custom sign needs, contact Sandy’s Signature Signs at sndydhlng@aol.com or call 507-202-4839. Please allow up to 4 weeks for custom orders.
