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About the Axe Lady
Over the past 16 years, I have been privileged to design and paint hundreds of these creative, durable, heirloom-quality works of folk art. The pick-head regulation fire-axe serves as a dramatic silhouette, and each axe is a meaningful, unique commemorative gift for anyone in the firefighting industry. Any aspect of firefighting or rescue can be depicted, showing the appropriate tools and turn-out gear for any urban, suburban, rural, or forest environment.
My original axe design will have the fire/rescue scene painted in realistic detail on the axe head, flowing down the handle. As the long handle continues to its end, there is plenty of room to paint in a rig, vehicle, logo, symbols, and/or add an engraved brass plate,...all designed into one painted scene.
Many of my customers re-order whenever they need to honor a firefighter with a special and fully customized gift axe, whether it is being given to commemorate a person's years of service, heroism, retirement, or a birthday/holiday.
The most notable axe that I was commissioned to create was presented at "The Pride of Manhattan" after 15 firefighters were lost during the 9-11-2001 disaster. My hand-painted axe is displayed on the wall in that fire station in memory of all who served in the rescue efforts on that fateful day. My hand-painted axe tells the dramatic tale of the events of September 11, 2001, honoring the fallen, yet representing a portrayal of the heroism, hope, and honor demonstrated by all who participated in the response to that disaster.
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The Process
I use a new American-made regulation pick-head fire axe, with a hand-turned hickory handle, and a 9# cast iron head. I create and paint the detailed, dramatic customized design on one full side of the axe, so that the axe itself becomes the painting.
When you order your axe, please specify the type and color of the turn-out gear that you want on the firefighters in the scene. When you fill out the order form provided in the "order an axe" section, you will have the opportunity to describe these details, along with other aspects of the fire scene that you want me to paint on your axe. If you wish to incorporate your fire department logo or patch, or to add a rig (or other vehicle) in to the design, you may send me the patch or a clear photograph. (These will be returned to you when the axe is shipped.) If you wish to add a Maltese Cross or a Paramedic logo symbol on the handle, it is not necessary to mail me a photo of those.
After you place your order on the TheAxeLady.com site, I will contact you by email or phone to finalize your order. I prefer payment by check, and must receive payment before I send out the finished axe. If you are adding a rig, vehicle, or a logo to the design, please mail me the photos or the patch along with your check. For Illinois residents, tax will be added unless you send me proof that you are a non-taxable organization.
After finishing the painting, I apply coats of polyurethane to the painted axe surface to ensure the permanence of the image, and to transform it into a polished showpiece.
All axes will be shipped by FedEx, and will require a "Ship To" address where a signature can be obtained on delivery. Average shipping cost: $28.00. The turn-around time for delivery of the finished axe is typically 3-4 weeks; 4-5 weeks in November/December.
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