| Custom Design Ordering FAQ's |
How do I order a custom designed ornament?
Step 1 - Contact me to discuss the design you have in mind.
- Email me , tell me your idea, give me as much detail as you can to convey your vision.
- I will let you know if it is a design I can do, and will give you an estimate of the time involved and price for the work.
Step 2 - The design process - it all starts with a sketch.
- After a design concept is agreed upon and you decide to proceed, a non-refundable design fee of $10.00 is required before working on your custom design.
- I will send you a PayPal invoice for the design fee. This fee will be applied towards your order total if you order the ornament.
- I will create a color sketch of the design and email it to you for your approval. Please keep in mind that the sketch will only give you an idea of how the finished item will look - colors, object placement etc. The final painted design is always more vibrant!
- After you approve the sketched design - payment of the order balance, including USPS Priority Mail shipping, insurance and NYS sales tax (if applicable), must be received before work on the ornament is begun.
- I will let you know when your ornament is done and ready to ship!
How long will it take to get my custom ornament?
- A custom design averages 4-6 weeks to complete, this includes consultation, design time and creating the finished ornament. Please keep in mind that this is a general time estimate!
- If you are ordering multiple items for a special event, order at least 12 weeks in advance!
- Actual completion time varies depending on the following factors –
- Size of your order – Multiples of a design or a set will take longer than a single ornament.
- Complexity of your design – Portraits take more time than simple designs!
- My current workload at the time I receive your order also determines how long it may take to get.
- I try to be as accurate as possible when giving you a delivery estimate.
Seasonal demands may limit availability!
Plan ahead!
- If you are ordering multiple items for a special event, order at least 12 weeks in advance!
- Orders for custom work may not be available during the peak holiday season of Oct-Dec.
- To ensure delivery by Christmas – I have a cutoff date of November 30th for custom orders.
- The custom order cutoff date is subject to change due to my workload.
What materials do you use for ornaments?
Ornaments can be wood or glass.
- Wood Ornaments are made from either 1/8” or 1/4” thick wood. The design is painted on the front and the backs are painted a solid dark green. They are signed, dated and finished with several coats of a protective water based varnish.
- Glass Ornaments –
- Round glass balls the standard size is 2 5/8” in diameter – the large size is 3 1/4” in diameter.
- I keep a variety of colors and sizes in stock, but if you need a particular color or size, it may need to be ordered from the supplier first – so please plan ahead!
- Paints – I use artist quality acrylic paints and water-based varnishes for my work.
- Finishing Touches – Coordinated ribbons for hanging are included. Glass ornaments come packaged in a gift box that can be used to store the ornament in. Wood ornaments are packaged in a resealable plastic bag with backing paper in it, this can be used to store the ornament when not in use. It is then wrapped in an attractive flat gift bag.
Do you only make custom ornaments?
- In addition to my custom ornaments, I create custom hand painted pieces for the home and gift giving. Frames, boxes, mirrors, journals....pretty much anything can be painted!
- The design and ordering process is the same as for a custom ornament. The cost of the surface will be figured into the price estimate.
Custom Order Policy
- My custom work is created just for you! I cannot accept returns or issue refunds on custom orders.
Shortcut to my other FAQ pages!
General Ordering & Payment Info -- Custom Design Ordering Info -- Shipping FAQs