FAQs
How can I buy your birds?
I make batches of birds and release them for sale through my shop, about once every few months. To find out when the next release will be, please subscribe to my mailing list.
I do also have a few spaces each month for special orders, where I can make a bird specially for you. If you would like to place a special order for a bird, please email me.
Do you sell patterns?
No, I’m sorry but I don’t sell or give out patterns for any of my birds.
How do I redeem a gift voucher?
You can use a gift voucher to make purchases. Simply add the product you want to the basket and go to checkout. Then enter the gift voucher code in the ‘Gift or Discount code’ box, and the voucher value will be deducted from your total. If the voucher value isn’t enough to cover the order total, you will be able to pay the difference using another payment method. Any unused balance will remain on your e-voucher for use the next time you shop. Gift vouchers are valid for one year from date of purchase.
How long will it take for my bird to arrive?
Most of my birds are available for immediate dispatch, and I usually ship within a few days of your order. UK shipping is by Tracked 24 post and usually takes 2-3 days.
International orders are shipped by International Tracked and Signed post and take longer - typically 3-5 working days to Europe and 5-7 working days to USA, Canada and Brazil.
Will my bird look exactly like the picture?
It will look very similar, but as each bird is handmade there may be slight variations in character and expression. I’m happy to send you photographs of your bird before dispatch if you like - just email me.
Are your birds suitable for children?
No. My birds are quite delicate and are designed as art sculptures, not toys. Please do not give them to young children to play with as the small parts could be a choking hazard.
How do I care for my bird art?
A few simple steps will help to keep your textile bird art in good condition:
Avoid strong sunlight - like all natural yarns, the wool keeps its colour better if not exposed to strong sunlight for long periods of time, so please bear this in mind when finding a home for your bird.
Avoid damp or humid environments - wool is more likely to deteriorate in damp air, so try to display your bird art in areas that are not prone to damp.
Cleaning - please don't wash your bird! If it becomes dusty you can try brushing it gently with a soft brush. Alternatively, you can use a hand-held vacuum cleaner or the extension tube of a conventional one, on the lowest power setting. Cover the end with a hosiery pop sock, securing it in place with an elastic band. With the vacuum on its lowest power, hold the bird in your other hand and dab the vacuum over the bird gently.
Moths and insects - I have not found moths or insects to be a problem. The room I make and store them in is regularly treated against moths as a precaution - as is the wool yarn - but in my experience, moths only become a problem for wool left in dark and undisturbed places (which is where moths prefer to lay their eggs). If you display your bird in the daylight (as I hope you will!) and follow the care instructions outlined here, you shouldn't have too much trouble. If you are worried about moths, I use Protector C Insecticide which is a non-marking, environmentally friendly, fine, odour-less spray.
Birds are dispatched with their legs and feet in a standing position. Should they not do so, you can adjust them by gently moving their feet until they stand upright. Their wire legs are not intended to be repeatedly moved into different positions. Doing so may weaken their ability to stand up.
Do you accept commissions?
This varies depending on my other commitments, but I do accept commissions from time to time; do email me with your request.
If I am accepting commissions and think I can make your bird, I will give you an estimated cost for it and let you know how long I think it will take. I usually ask for a 50% deposit to begin designing and will work closely with you to achieve the result you are looking for.
As part of the design process, I may send you photographs of the piece during its making and for your final approval. After final approval by photo, I will bill for the remaining amount and dispatch the item to you. After approval no further changes may be made. Returns and refunds on commissioned pieces (other than for faults or damage) depend on the nature of the piece and whether it is likely to be re-saleable.
Changes to finished pieces/artwork
Fibre art pictures listed in the shop are sold as seen in the photographs. It is not possible to request further changes or additions to pictures after purchase/delivery.
Do you accept returns and cancellations?
Yes, both. If you receive a bird and decide it’s not what you wanted for whatever reason, just email me within 14 days of receiving it and you can return it for a full, no quibble refund. It will need to be in the same condition that I sent it out to you, and preferably returned in the same box. Similarly, if you place an order and wish to cancel, just email me and I can refund your purchase in full if it hasn’t already been dispatched. Full details about returns are in my Shipping and Returns info.
If I subscribe to your mailing list, how often will I get emails?
I usually send out emails about once a month, to let you know of up-coming shop releases before they are made available to everyone. If you no longer want to receive emails, you can unsubscribe at any time by using the link at the bottom of the email.