Signage

Various neighbourhood posts should have clear signage for establishing their purposes, to messengers, newcomers, councillors and residents.


8:b:i) USEFUL RESIDENTIAL AND COMMUNITY SIGNS

The following establishments and systems should have signs:

RESIDENTIAL
- family names on each household
- compost piles by date
- outbuildings

COMMUNITY
- communication center
- health clinic
- supply storage
- food storage
- water storage
- farming equipment storage
- garden nursery / seed depot


8:b:ii) MATERIALS FOR OUTDOOR SIGN MAKING

The main issues with making signage for outdoor structures are materials and protection from the elements. Generally, signs will simply need to be re-painted regularly, but limited resources require the materials to be reused scrap.

Whenever possible, signs should be painted directly on the structure (house, building, containers, etc). Otherwise, flat wood boards or metal surfaces that are not usable for more important work can be made into signs. Paint itself is to be used from every possible resource from defunct paint stores, hardware shops and art supply stores, plus personal stashes of half-empty cans. If unavailable, letters can be formed from found materials or scrap wood and metal. Least durable but still an option is to use concentrated tinctures from plant materials, such as red beets. In these cases, signs must be painted on light-coloured wood surfaces or paper, and sealed in with a rubbing of oil and/or beeswax.


8:b:iii) WRITING INSTRUMENTS

Communication includes note and letter writing, as well as all local government paperwork and education. Our short supply of pencils, pens, etc, will soon run out and the most practical replacement is to rely on existing fountain pens, to be refilled with inks made from natural available materials.

BERRY INK
Use 1/2 cup fresh berries; push them through a strainer to remove pulp; discard pulp. To the juice, add 1/2 teaspoon of vinegar (to hold color) and 1/2 teaspoon salt (as a preservative) and mix well. Use small glass jars with lids to contain.

WALNUT INK
Crush the shells of 12 walnuts by putting them in a sock and hammering them lightly. Pour the shells into a saucepan and cover them with water, then let them simmer for 30 minutes. After that, remove them from heat and let them soak overnight. Strain, and add 1/4 teaspoon of vinegar to help preserve the color. Store in small glass jars with lids.


8:b:iii) MAKING PAPER

Several artists and artisans in the city will be versed in paper making. They should collectivize and produce paper in large quantities, using the following available materials instead of wood pulp:

- old paper
- old fabrics and clothing
- dried vegetables including arugula, carrot greens, dandelion greens, mint, wheat straw, yucca, weeds
- grass
- hemp
- cotton

Generally the paper making process is as follows:

1) build a wooden frame the size of the paper, with a mesh screen as the base
2) grind the dry plant material in water, soda ash or washing soda for one to two days, then strain and mash with a mortar and pestle until homogenized into a paste
3) place in a container large enough to hold the screen, and add water, dissolving the pulp evenly
4) immerse the frame into the container and slowly remove the frame, making sure the pulp is evenly distributed
5) allow the water to drain (can press out excess with a sponge) and carefully remove the paper.
6) allow to dry in fresh air.

-- END OF HOW-TO GUIDE --