All the glass and beads on the website
are handmade by me. Some of the time, I make a multi-layered
panel, that I fire - usually once, and sometimes twice. This
is then cut up into beads and pendants - each is shaped and
smoothed on a grinder, then goes back into the kiln for a
final firepolishing. (Translation: there is a lot of work
and thought involved in producing these components to have
the depth, complexity & beauty that you guys expect in a final
piece). This gives me several pieces that are each unique,
but go together (did you ever see anyone try on a necklace
without first looking for the matching earrings?) I have tried
to remake certain items - IT NEVER WORKS! Don’t know why --
but, it doesn't. Somehow…I don’t have a repeat button in my
head, must be broke, it just doesn't come out the same way
twice. So...if you see something you want - just buy it. That
way you won't be kicking yourself and I won't feel guilty
for not being able to make another one just like it for you.
This doesn't mean that I won't redo that particular color
scheme again. Now, this won't necessarily be the case when
I get the same new, upcoming pattern bar sets… ya'll can order
those to your heart's content…ok…maybe not until your heart’s
content…but, there will be more than one of each set available…IF
it turns out as planned…but, we know how that goes…just when
I get used to doing things one way and using a particular
kind of glass…the manufacturer discontinues it or changes
it somehow and it is never the same…but, that’s another story…soooo…on
to other things…
About Ordering...
Order from us just like you do the
'Big Boys'. We have a secure credit card/shopping cart system,
through PayPal…have never had a problem with them and unfortunately…that
is the only means of paying for your purchases right now…
Please do not send your credit card information via email
- use our secure server. If there are issues with this method
of payment…email me (shirley@hand-madejewelry.com)
and I will walk you through this…or find someone who can…
Gotta be fair...
I had hoped to get some feature that
would automatically mark items as they sell, but we haven't
figured that out yet - so we'll stick with the old system,
and if the same bead is ordered by more than one person then
we'll just have to start an auction - NOT! The order emails
are date and time stamped, so whoever orders first, gets it.
Speaking of auctions…there IS that
wonderful place called…EBAY...
(click
the button to view my current eBay offerings)
I do not necessarily save the choicest
pieces for eBay (but, then again, sometimes I do, after all…they
are ALL equally lovely.) I mean, I’m hoping that you guys
are becoming regular customers, and it would seem a bit -
stingy - to not offer the best pieces at my regular retail
prices to the folks who are being so supportive of me. That
said, usually I try to pick something for eBay that I feel
represents my work well, or is something that isn't part of
a set, or is an idea that I've been playing around with &
want to use eBay as my 'test market'. There are some things
I have sold only on eBay - like my Wall Crosses - and I may
or may not continue to do this, depending on how I feel when
I get out of the bed.
About Shipping...
I will ship your order no later than
the next business day after receipt of payment. The only exception
to this is if the sun is shining, or if the sun is not shining,
and I don't get to the post office before they close - if
that is the case, then I will feel guilty & make sure it gets
out the following day. Actually, I do my best to ship the
same day you order, and if that doesn't happen I feel guilty
anyway. If I understand web-wizard Neva - the shipping charges
are calculated when you place your order. We'll see. But,
I do trust her…I'll always adjust your shipping charges down
- never up - unless the discrepancy is just way to much for
me to absorb (and in this case, I will advise you first.)
I ship most things via the good ole USPS, unless you request
that your order be shipped another way, or if the total value
of your shipment is high enough that it costs less to go UPS
(insurance through the PO can get pretty expensive), or, if
you are in a really big hurry. As a general rule of thumb:
First class shipping/handling is $3.50 for the first item
and $0.50 for each additional item. Priority shipping/handling
is $5.25 for all packages up to 1 lb. in weight. Both rates
include $1.310 for $100 insurance. Additional insurance is
at current USPS rates. I insure everything. If you have a
major issue with that, let me know & we can talk.
Returns/Exchange...
If you are not satisfied with your
purchase, or if your pendant or bead gives you any backtalk
you may exchange it or return it for another similar item.
Or, you can just email me or call me to say you are going
to send something back, and never get around to it, or hang
on to it long enough that it starts to grow on you anyway,
or show it to one of your friends and they like it so much
that you give it to them. That's all right, too. All I ask
is that it goes to a good home. In any event, return the offending
piece within 10 days from the date on your invoice. I will
make an exchange. (Sorry, you are responsible for shipping
costs…both ways.)
Discount and Wholesale Info...
We offer a two level discount structure:
15% discount on a retail total of $250.00 or more ($250.00
retail nets 15% discount of $37.50, resulting in a discounted
total of $212.50); 30% wholesale discount on retail orders
over $500.00 ($500.00 retail nets 30% wholesale discount of
$150.00, discounted total = $350.00). Confusing? Hopefully
not -- but please email (shirley@hand-madejewelry.com)
with any questions. Sometimes it takes a week or two to accumulate
enough for a wholesale order, so if you are interested in
something like this - let us know a little ahead of time.
