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 hand carved wooden signs & 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:
"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 Business with a custom hand-crafted wooden sign
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.
"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
Our hand carved wooden signs are 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.
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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Frequently asked questions
We use high-quality, durable woods such as oak, cedar, and mahogany for our hand carved signs. These woods are chosen for their beauty, durability, and ability to withstand outdoor conditions.
The creation time for a custom wooden sign varies depending on the complexity of the design and our current workload. Typically, it takes between 2 to 4 weeks from design approval to completion.
Absolutely! We work closely with you to create a design that meets your specific needs and preferences. You can provide your own design or collaborate with our artist, Ivan Hunter, to develop a custom design.
Yes, our outdoor signs are treated to withstand harsh outdoor elements. We use weather-resistant finishes and high-quality wood to ensure longevity and durability, even in extreme conditions.
If your sign is intended for outdoor use, please let us know.
Maintenance is simple. Clean your sign with a soft cloth and mild soap solution to remove dirt and dust.
Periodically, you may want to apply a fresh coat of sealant to maintain its protective finish and keep it looking vibrant.
Yes, we can create signs in a variety of sizes to suit your needs, whether you need a small plaque or a large outdoor sign.
Just let us know your specifications, or ask us to advise you on the best design and specifications.
Yes, we offer international shipping. We carefully package each sign to ensure it arrives safely, and we provide fumigation certificates for smooth customs clearance when necessary.
Our hand carved wooden signs are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, giving them a unique character and charm that machine-made signs cannot replicate. Each sign is a one-of-a-kind piece of art, made with passion and skill by our experienced artisan, Ivan Hunter.
To place an order, simply contact us with your design ideas and specifications. Or we can advise you on the best signage for your needs.
We will provide a detailed quote and work with you throughout the design and creation process to ensure you receive a sign that meets your expectations.
Yes, we are currently taking new orders. Please order your hand carved wooden sign or coat of arms soon to avoid disappointment.
To place an order, simply contact us with your design ideas and specifications. Or we can advise you on the best signage for your needs.
We will provide a detailed quote and work with you throughout the design and creation process to ensure you receive a sign that meets your expectations.
