Next to last project here, I think!

I am trying to figure out how to attach a post to a post (for additional height) and then shape an arc type sign that reads "Mimi's Giant Toothpick Garden Playground", which is what the grand daughter calls the deck. I kinda of need to do this before my wife can figure out what I am doing - not being sneaky but having lived with her long enough to know what the initial reaction would be. Probably a lot like J's is going to be.

On the 'splicing' project, would steel strips and then using decking board be sturdy enough and not so unattractive that I would be embarrassed?

Or what if I grooved the posts to fit like an old fashion

buffet draw would be put together - whatever that is called?

Or, what if drilled a 1.5 or 2" hole(s) into both pieces and used a 'screw' to dowel them together? And then framed it with 6" decking boards from top to bottom - all four sides?

The last part of this project is how and where to get the sign made and out of what material. I don't want it to look like an Golden Coral when it is done and this deck is in a sort of wind tunnel!

Here is a link that might be useful: Sign for Deck?