FAQ

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO MAKE A PIECE? 

Each piece varies in regards to the time it takes to not only construct the piece but also gather materials for the construction. As with anything the larger and more detailed the piece the longer it will take! Depending on size and how much detail is involved a single insect piece can take up to 1-4 weeks to complete construction and the pieces featuring multiple bugs will take much longer, sometimes several months depending in the design. For example, the circle of eight bugs piece was constructed over the course of 3-4 months and took about 140 hours in total to complete whereas a large beetle design takes about 20-25 hours to complete and can usually be done within a 1-4 week timeframe. So the making of these little guys is not exactly something you can knock out in an afternoon!

 

HOW DO YOU MAKE YOUR PIECES?  

With a whole lot of time, patience and love! Every little critter is an original, individual and lovingly handmade with no two being exactly the same - due to the handmade nature of these works slight ‘imperfections’ may be present. And I like that! Handmade goods, by their very definition, suggests an element of imperfection and reminds you of the hands that made them. Any ‘imperfections’ are a part of the artwork and contribute to the quality and enhance the beauty of the piece. These contribute to the uniqueness and beauty of the forms and are part of the character of each individual and unique piece.

All pieces are hand embroidered and no machines have been used in the creation process. As a result each piece is one of a kind. There may be another one like it but no two pieces will ever be exactly the same. Something made of the hand is so special, it inherently adds soul and dimension within a space. Please note that that as I embroider each piece by hand, it will never look like machine embroidery. Please keep this in mind when placing an order.

As a result of the individual handcrafted creation process no two pieces are exactly the same and due to the handmade nature of these works slight ‘imperfections’ may be present. And I like that! Handmade goods, by their very definition, suggests an element of imperfection and reminds you of the hands that made them. Any ‘imperfections’ are a part of the artwork and contribute to the quality and enhance the beauty of the piece. These contribute to the uniqueness and beauty of the forms and are part of the character of each individual and unique piece.

All efforts are made to accurately show and describe each piece but if you have any questions you are more than welcome to get in contact with me and I shall do my best to answer them!

 

WHAT MATERIALS DO YOU USE TO MAKE YOUR PIECES? 

These little critters are comprised of Calico Fabric, Felt Fabric, Velvet Fabric, DMC Cotton Thread, Miyuki Beads, High quality Crystal Montees and Beads, Faux Leatherette, Goldwork/Metal Threads and Wire. 

Each creation is mounted in a 6cm deep Tasmanian Oak shadow box frame with Artglass AR70 anti-reflective glass.

Each frame has been made specifically for each individual piece. All materials used in the mounting of each piece are of conservation/archival quality to aid in the preservation of the piece. Each creation is framed with a Alpharag ARTCARE Archival Matboard and is laced onto museum quality preservation Alpharag ARTCARE Archival Foamboard along with having a solid Alpharag ARTCARE Archival Matboard/NAA tested and approved corrugated board. These contents are secured into the frame with points/turn points before being finished off with Lineco Archival Quality Frame Backing Paper, Archival Quality Frame Sealing Tape, a hanging wire and bumpers.

 

I LIKED A PIECE THAT WAS ONLINE/ON YOUR INSTAGRAM BUT HAS SINCE BEEN SOLD. DO YOU HAVE ANOTHER ONE THE SAME THAT I CAN BUY?

As each piece is handmade and crafted from an individual design it is therefore unique! There may be another one like it but no two pieces will ever be exactly the same. If you really have your heart set on a colour scheme or design you can contact me and I can see what I can do - sometimes I have left over materials from pieces which I tuck away for future projects so you never know what can come out of it!

 

HOW SHOULD I LOOK AFTER MY PIECE?  

The delicate stumpwork/embroidery insects should not be removed from the display frame. Everything has been carefully placed and sealed in the frame in a specific manner so to undo it all is to damage the conservation/archival quality of the framing.

Artglass AR70 is scratch resistant and easy to clean with a microfibre cloth and glass cleaner by Groglass. However wiping down with a soft microfibre cloth should suffice. To protect the frame and the artwork, do not spray any liquids directly onto glass.

Early Stitch and Bone Artworks (Perspex/Acrylic Glass)

When cleaning acrylic surfaces, it is recommended to use a soft microfibre cloth as more abrasive cleaning cloths can leave scratches. Microfibre is great at picking up dust and dirt without the use of water. In many cases a quick wipe down of the glass will be enough to keep it looking great however if you need to it is best to use mild soap and water or a product designed for cleaning plastics. Regular glass cleaner is not recommended - avoid cleaning solutions, especially if they contain ammonia. Paper towels also can be a little abrasive, soft cotton or micro-fiber cloth is recommended. If you should find a little scratch in your acrylic, we suggest the Novus brand of products that can be used to buff out minor scratches. #3 for a deep scratch, #2 for an artificial scratch and #1 for an all-purpose every day polish and shine.

Please, handle with care when hanging/placing/storing your artwork, avoiding exposure to direct sunlight, excessive heat, humidity and water. These pieces are happiest out of direct sunlight. High quality materials, acid free paper and adhesives and UV resistant glass have been used in the creating and framing of this piece however fading may occur and materials compromised in direct light. Also avoid hanging, placing or storing the artwork in in areas of high humidity, where water damage may occur or above open fireplaces or places in direct proximity to heating as damage from smoke and excess heat may occur.

Please note that this is not a toy. It is not suitable for children. 

I will not be held responsible for or obligated to fix any damage incurred by the owner or any damage induced through wear and tear.

 

DO YOU SHIP INTERNATIONALLY?

Yes! If you cannot see or are unable to select your country at checkout please contact me through either the contact form below or email me at hello.stitchandbone@outlook.com.

 

DO YOU ACCEPT CUSTOM/BESPOKE ORDERS?

Yes! I am more than happy to answer any questions and discuss any ideas you may have and see if I am able to accomodate your vision! A custom order can take anywhere from 4 weeks to several months depending on the size and details as well as the time of year and current workload - some times of the year are much busier than others so it is always best to get in contact with me in advance so there is enough time to make sure that all the details are spot on and all materials needed can be ordered such as the fabrics, beads, crystals and custom frame.