How do I order a custom designed ornament? 

Step 1 - Contact me to discuss the design you have in mind.

• Email me or use my contact form, 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. After a design concept is agreed upon and you decide to proceed.

• Before work on your order begins – A non-refundable design fee of $10.00 is required. This fee will be applied towards your order total if you order the ornament.
• Payment of Design Fee – Credit cards are accepted through Paypal, you will be sent an invoice to pay from. Checks & Money Orders are accepted, but work will not begin until the payment has cleared.
• Design Sketch – I will create a color or graphite pencil 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.
• When the ornament is done I will let you know by email when it is 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 or in time for Christmas – order at least 12 weeks in advance!
• Remember to factor in extra time if you are planning on re-shipping your order to another person in time for Christmas!

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 – It's never too early to order!

• Orders for custom work may not be available during the peak holiday season of Oct-Dec.
• Delivery by Christmas – I have a cutoff date of September 15^th for custom orders.
• If you are ordering multiple items for a Special Event or in time for Christmas – order at least 12 weeks in advance!
• After the Cutoff Date – Custom order requests will be taken, if time permits. However Christmas delivery is not guaranteed.
• 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. Most designs are only painted on the front, the back is painted a solid dark green, signed &: dated. Designs can painted on both sides for an addtional fee.
• Glass Ornaments – are the round glass ball ornaments. The standard size is 2 5/8” in diameter – the large size is 3 1/4” in diameter.
  Colors vary and are limited to the supply on hand. Requests for specific ornament colors can be accomodated for an additional fee if time allows.
• Paints – I use artist quality acrylic paints and water-based varnishes for all of my work. Every ornament is signed and dated.
• 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.
• View Pictures of my Past Custom Design Work – See if my whimsical artistic style fits with the idea you have in mind:
  • Picturetrail Albums
  • Flickr Albums
  • About my Custom Portrait Ornaments.



Shortcut to my other FAQ pages!

General Ordering & Payment Info -- Custom Design Ordering Info -- Shipping FAQs