Frequently asked questions
How much art should I send?
Send everything you saved. The wider the range, the more options for the composition. Anything we don't use comes back with the finished piece.
How long does it take?
Most pieces are finished within 31 days of art arrival, depending on current commissions. We'll confirm an estimated date as soon as your materials are in the studio. The holiday window (October through December) can run longer.
What if I want it for Mother's Day, a birthday, or Christmas?
Plan about nine weeks ahead of the date. Two weeks of mailing time on each side, plus about four and a half weeks in the studio, gets you there comfortably.
We share the studio address and you ship the art in your own packaging. The smallest box that fits it snugly, padded.
Tight on time? Tell us. We'll try to work it out.
Where do I ship the art?
You'll get the studio address the moment we kick off the project. The smallest box or padded envelope that fits the work snugly is best. Wrinkles are fine.
How much does shipping cost?
Calculated by location and the final size of your piece. We quote it when your piece is finished and add it to your final balance.
Do you require a deposit?
Yes. $150 to begin, whatever size you pick. That's what checkout charges on a collage commission. The balance is due before we ship the finished piece, and you'll get an emailed payment link from the studio. No surprise charges after the fact.
Where should I hang it?
Anywhere out of direct sunlight. The piece is finished with an archival UV protecting sealant and varnish, but long-term direct sun fades anything. Indirect or artificial light is best.
Can I request specific colors or themes?
Yes. After the deposit, we'll book a 15-minute kickoff call to talk through color, orientation, must-haves, and any specific pieces you want highlighted. And before anything is adhered to the panel, we'll send you a photo of the composition for approval. Change anything you want.
Can I combine artwork from more than one kid?
Absolutely! Some of our favorite collages include artwork from multiple kiddos. It's a fun way to show off sibling artwork.
Will I get the unused artwork back?
Yes. Unused pieces come back with your finished collage. Used pieces are part of the work and don't come out again.
What if the art is lost or damaged in shipping?
Use tracked, insured shipping to send it our way. We treat every piece in the studio with care. We can't take responsibility for what happens in transit to us or on its way back to you.
What materials do you use?
A 1.5-inch deep cradled basswood panel. Matte medium and acid-free archival adhesive. Cardstock, mixed media (acrylic, pencil, occasional ink) used to build the composition around your kid's original paper. The whole surface is finished with an archival UV protecting sealant and varnish.
Are these prints or originals?
Originals. One-of-one. We don't make prints. We don't reproduce a piece. Your kid's paper is in the work.
Do I see the composition before it's committed?
Yes. Before anything is adhered to the panel, we send you a photo of the composition for approval. Move a piece, swap a color, ask for a different orientation. Nothing is committed until you sign off.
How do I clean it?
Soft cotton or microfiber cloth. No sprays, no water, no cleaning products.