shop policies & more info

  • I thought you were doing JUST watercolor portraits? Why wooden toys?

    As anyone knows, parenthood can shift things around. I noticed that lots of home decor is easily damaged or broken by curious little toddlers. Having kids gave me the idea to have sturdy, safe home decor that kids can interact with but also look cute in your home.

    I started painting wooden toys for my kids because their interests change on a whim, and they love watching me create. I think it is important for kids to see us enjoying the things we like to do.

    Now, I paint in our kitchen and package in (what is supposed to be) our formal dining room area. When painting on wood, once it is cured with poly my kids can pick them up and knock them around and it doesn’t damage anyone’s products.

    I am excited to offer the addition of wooden products to my shop!

    Are these wooden items safe for children?

    Each of these items I paint have been carefully coated with 3 layers of water-based polyurethane, and this protects the non-toxic acrylic paint that I use. This keeps the paint from chipping and will last a LONG time! The great thing about this type of fun décor is that they aren’t easily broken by children. All of the items I list on the site are safe for children to play with.

    With that said, there are small pieces to some sets that are potentially unsafe for children under 3 to play with as they may be a choking hazard.

    It is up to you if you’d like your children to play with these! I understand due to the prices of some of the items that you may treat them as collectibles and not toys. Just be mindful of these around teething babies and toddlers.

    Why are the prices higher than I expected? Why are they all different?

    At first glance, it can seem like a little wooden toy shouldn’t be priced like there are here. A quick google search can tell you it isn’t just here! Hand-painted wooden items do seem pricey. If you use the formula that many makers do, it will make a lot more sense! Let me explain:

    time spent making item + materials = cost to make item

    cost x 2 = wholesale price

    wholesale x 2 = retail price

    Sets like the nativity I have done take well over 4 hours to paint the detail that makes these so pleasing to look at. That doesn’t include the time I spend on social media, marketing emails (like on mailchimp), and building the listings and website.

    Some sets that have 10 dolls are less total than a set of 4. That is also confusing. This all has to do with the time and detail, like above.

    I do run deals for short bursts of time (but pretty often), and email alerts are a good way to know when those are happening.

    Also, I am an artist that enjoys making art. It makes me feel inspired and alive. With that said, it is still time away from my small children and time I have to set aside from my family. Artists should be compensated for their original work that is one of a kind.

    How do the personalized/custom items work?

    There will be a process listed on each custom product, usually with a form to fill out that will be directly emailed to me. This form will need to be filled out before you can checkout. Read more in the “Custom Order Process + Information” section of my Shop Policies.

    If you’re painting an item to order currently, why does it say sold out? Can’t you just paint more?

    When I am at capacity, that section will show as “sold out”. I have limited windows of time to paint and create, so as long as you submit what I need in a timely fashion I can get your items to you promptly! I take pride in delivering these items to you that are up to my standard of quality, while also in a time frame that you need. If I end up having an inventory, shipping turnaround times will be faster (like 2-3 days to ship out instead of weeks).

  • CUSTOM WORK GUIDELINES

    :: There will be a specific process listed on each custom, made to order product, usually with a form to fill out that will be directly emailed to me. This form will need to be filled out before you can checkout. It gathers all of the information I need to start your order without a lot of back and forth communication, which can be challenging considering everyone’s busy schedules. The point of having this website is for you to have access to all the information you need to make the purchase of your choice at your leisure.

    :: If pictures are needed, there should be a disclaimer on the form that you agree to send me those within 24 hours of the purchase. If this is not done, your order could be canceled without a refund.

    :: This may seem intense, but like any other policy it is in place because of a reason. I learned the hard way a long time ago that if pictures are not received almost immediately, it can be very difficult for me to ensure orders are done within the turnaround time that I take VERY seriously. And yes, that is ORDERS and not just order. The tardiness of photos can effect other people’s orders. Therefore, the policy stands and I will enforce it, if necessary.

    :: If there is an issue with this or you are unsure, please contact me before you purchase and we can work something out.

    :: All custom orders take on average 2-3 weeks to create, but note that there is not a guarantee in the event of illness or family emergency. My family will always come before this business. If there is a specific time that you need your item, there is a rush order fee available that does ensure your item is received by a specific date. That is the only way to guarantee your item by a specific date.

    :: Please limit 5 photos to each email to avoid returned emails

    Photos for homes:

    • need to be in the daylight, good resolution, and straight on

    • I do not accept realtor site photos or photos from google maps (this can effect color accuracy and dimensions of home)

    • Does not have to be “in-season” as I can add landscaping easily

    • If there are any trees/plants or features of the home you want to ensure are in the portrait, they need to be listed in the details section of the form. If they are not, then it is not a guarantee they will make it in the portrait due to composition of the portrait being priority.

    Photos of humans/pets:

    • Need to be in the daylight, high resolution, and forward-facing

    • Pets will need to be full body with tails showing

    • Humans will need to have hair and faces showing, but do not need to be group photos

    • If there are specific outfits, please include photos of it

    INVOICES FOR CUSTOM WORK

    I will send an invoice within 24-48 hours of our messages. This MUST be paid before I start working on your item. If it is not paid within 5 business days, I will cancel the invoice and the process may have to be started again to complete your order.

    If your question wasn’t answered here, please message me.

  • There is a great graphic on my instagram and Facebook accounts that explain the differences, but in a nutshell:

    • STANDARD COLLECTIONS will be items (anywhere between 6-10) that will almost always be available to purchase in the shop

    • FEATURED COLLECTIONS will be basically a one-time only set/item that I’ve already made (unless they are a pre-order)

    Featured Collections will have a specific date and time that they become available on my website. One of the big reasons I wanted my own website was for this “schedule” feature on posting items (that and being able to use multiple payment options like Afterpay)

    I will NOT post on social media (FB or Instagram) nor the website that date and time. That is for my email subscribers that will receive a special newsletter with upcoming products, specific dates and times of items becoming available to purchase, and an exclusive free item/discount each issue.

    The important thing that having the Etsy shop taught me about making handmade items for people was control of inventory. I got very overwhelmed making everything to order. It was taking time away from my kids, and I felt disorganized and scattered. This system will allow me to be in more control of my workflow AND honoring the people most interested in me making quality treasures for them!

    I LOVE bringing people joy with my ideas and work, and I want to continue doing that. There’s a lot to be stressed about these days, and if I can brighten that up (even just for a little bit)…I’m going to do it.

    As always, message me with questions! Check out the link in my bio to sign up for the email subscription (no cost to you!)

  • What is the Family Reflections Collection?

    The Family Reflections Collection is a whimsical and modern spin on the traditional family portrait. The portrait includes a hand-painted, customized family of peg dolls in themed outfits, a wooden shadow box frame, and an original watercolor background that is coordinated with the family pegs.

    I wrestled with what to call this series, and after much deliberation I landed on Family Reflections. I liked the name because every family has different values, interests, and “vibes”. I wanted to do a fun project that celebrates how every family is unique. Some themes will be more for the adults in the home, and others will be more for the kiddos. In fact, I often think about how children see our families, and this was the inspiration for this series! I have SO many ideas about what I want to do for themes (like a fairy family, astronaut family, etc), and my hope is that one of them will make you feel like you see your family reflected in it.

    If you have an idea for your own Family Reflection, let me know and I will happily make it for you!

  • What are all of the different sized pegs in the family pegs?

    There is a reference photo at the bottom of this page, but here are the sizes of pegs and their coordinating “age”:

    ADULT - 3 inches tall

    TEEN -2.7 inches tall

    CHILD - 2 inches tall

    TODDLER - 1.7 inches tall

    BABY - 1.3 inches tall

    Of course, you do not have to get the size peg that I’ve assigned an age. You can do whatever you think looks best for your set! This is just a naming system I have created.

    Are these wooden items safe for children?

    Each of these items I paint have been carefully coated with 3 layers of water-based polyurethane, and this protects the non-toxic acrylic paint that I use. This keeps the paint from chipping and will last a LONG time! The great thing about this type of fun décor is that they aren’t easily broken by children. All of the items I list on the site are safe for children to play with.

    With that said, there are small pieces to some sets that are potentially unsafe for children under 3 to play with as they may be a choking hazard.

    It is up to you if you’d like your children to play with these! I understand due to the prices of some of the items that you may treat them as collectibles and not toys. Just be mindful of these around teething babies and toddlers.

    WOODEN TOYS

    Some items on the shop are customized or personalized. These are my most detailed pegs and I like to give them the attention they deserve!

    These items typically take a little longer to complete and ship out, but they are totally worth it! They will be keepsakes that you will cherish, I guarantee. Also, I would love to be tagged on social media if you post them! I love to see my hard work that I spend time on and put lots of love into in their natural habitat.

    Thank you for trusting me with your ideas! If you have an idea for something you would like that is not on the site, I would love to know about it!

    Reach out to me

  • What is a Tonie®?

    The Toniebox is an audio system for children made by tonies®

    This innovative toy uses audio storytelling to introduce pre-readers and developing readers to the wonders of narrative. The music and stories that come with each Tonie make a great supplement to playtime.

    What is a Creative Tonie®?

    Product listed here

    Unlike content Tonies, which contain stories and songs, Creative-Tonies have space for up to 90 minutes of custom content. Record and upload favorite stories, songs, or messages for loved ones.

    Learn more here

    Why do you sell these Creative Tonies painted?

    Great question. They are neither wood nor watercolor. While I took the last couple of years away to focus on my mental health and my family, we were gifted a TonieBox by my mother-in-law. The kids fell in love with this, and their favorite was the creative tonie. As they started to pile up, it was hard to tell the difference between all of the different plain tonies. Painting them was a good way to differentiate all of the different content on them.

    I wanted to keep them as an item in the shop because painting them for other families and trading on social media was a way I kept my creativity afloat in a rather trying and depressing time for me. I was thankful for the creative outlet that helped me bridge that gap.

    I do not know how long I will keep doing them, but they are here for the time being.

    Can you do any design?

    If you’re looking for a specific painted Creative Tonie, I can do that for you! I may not have it listed as one of my best-selling designs, but I’ve done over 200 painted Tonies at this point. There is an option in the dropdown menu of the Creative Tonie listing.

  • Can you use more than one coupon code?

    Yes, you can. As long as what is in your cart is eligible for the deal attached to the code.

    What types of payments can I use?

    Debit/Credit Card, Paypal, Apple Pay, and Afterpay

    It was really important to me to offer Afterpay because I want to make these items as accessible as possible without me charging less than I should for my efforts and hard work.

    What if I want an item, but it is too expensive for me currently?

    As stated above, I have afterpay as an option in my shop. Also, I LOVE TRADES! Contact me if you’d like to trade one of your small business items for one of mine. I’d also love to give you a shout out on social media to promote your business. Small businesses unite!

    If I know you personally, can I just Venmo you?

    Right now, most of my customers are people I know personally in some way. A few have asked if they can venmo me for these items I am painting. Please, do not take this personally!

    Currently, I am not using my personal accounts (like Venmo or my own PayPal) mainly for business/tax tracking purposes.

    Also, I want to be respectful of the loyalty I have from my customers who I do not know personally. They deserve just as much respect as my supportive friends and family. That is why I created this email alert system! Keeps things fair.

    And I am a libra. I like things to be fair.

    I am able to invoice you through the site, so you can always message me to get that process going. And yes, you can text me about that if you already have my number.

    What if I have issues on the site checking out?

    This is new to me, too. Please message me and I will guide you through whatever issues you’re having.

  • Why are some of the items almost a month to ship out?

    Currently, I am working on getting an inventory going. I would LOVE to have things painted and ready to go beforehand, and that will be soon. I am just starting up, so I will be putting in the description area if items are ready to ship. Items that I always offer will be made to order as of now.

    Also, limited time sets will be painted and ready to ship out. If there is a pre-order, you may only purchase for a limited time BUT they will all ship out at the same time.

    Why do I have to pay for shipping?

    Because I do. Some of these items are bulky, and between the packaging and shipping costs, I don’t want to make the items more expensive than they should be. That is one of the reasons I wanted to build my site instead of selling on Etsy. They told us to offer free shipping and bump up our costs, and I feel like that isn’t transparent.

    That being said, if you are local to Knoxville: I DO PICKUPS AND DROP-OFFS!

    If you are local to Knoxville, I am providing these options to anyone that is one of my email subscribers:

    • meet you out (limited times, dates, and locations)

    • pick up at my house off of the porch (more times and dates available)

    Use code LOCALPICKUP to take away the shipping fee

    If you want to use this option, you will need to arrange and agree to one of these options with me within 3 business days of your purchase. I will hold your item for 3 weeks, and if you cancel or do not pick up your item, you are ineligible for a refund and I will resell your purchase.

  • How does the return process work?

    You have 12 calendar days from our acknowledgement of you wishing to cancel your order to return an item. To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. Your item must be in the original packaging.

    Customized/Personalized items are not eligible for returns or refunds.

    What if my item is damaged?

    We hope that you love your new peg dolls, but understand that sometimes things can go wrong. If you are not entirely satisfied with your purchase, we’re here to help.

    Please contact me and attach pictures of the item that is damaged, and we will discuss the options you have.