Here is an example of a pushthrough sign:

These signs are classy when lit from behind with either fluorescent or LED lighting. Here’s a pic of the pieces:

In small sizes these signs can be made very inexpensively using scrap aluminum and acrylic from local fabricators. This one is about 4 by 12 inches, and was made from scrap material. The “mask” part is made from aluminum sanded to a straight line texture, although it could just as easily have a swirl finish. Anodized colors are possible, as well as colored acrylic.

Here it is illuminated with my trusty streamlight: