While redoing the background, I thought I'd try a cracked stone wall effect instead, and here's the result:



and then I tried the same on logo 2:




So how do these look?

I think I'm going to have to start the poll all over again with these new logos ...

And another test, I've yet to put the Caslon Antique font onto this rust effect background though.

Two more

And now another one, the same as the first in the previous post but with the addition of rust/water stains dripping from the letters.



This is the one I'm happiest with so far. I may well go with this as the basis for a complete site theme redesign, although the colours might need toning down on the background.

Here's the other rusty font with the same effect:

I have no more design ideas now, so I'm going to close this topic and start a new one with a poll on all the designs pulled together so far.