How do I clean and maintain my polymer clay earrings? Wipe gently with a microfibre cloth, do not use harsh chemicals, you can use a warm bath with dish-washing liquid. Polymer clay is delicate so please be gentle.
Do you ship internationally? Yes, though sometimes there may be a couple days delay compared with local courier dispatch.
Who runs the shop? This is a store by a 9 year old, I like to make stuff, I like to sell on behalf of others, and I like to recycle and sell some second hand things too. My mum helps me, and I also get advice from some of her friends that also run their own businesses. My dad also gives me advice and takes me to markets sometimes to sell things.
How long have you been making earrings?
I have been working with polymer clay for 3 years, making pendants, earrings, fridge magnets. I have recently started making things with resin as well. I have been painting for longer, with watercolors and acrylics. I have also been learning to sew and crochet though I am not ready to sell those items yet.
What is your return policy? I do not accept returns for change of mind. I will repair breakages if I can, or offer a store credit. Please understand that polymer clay is fragile and needs to be treated gently. Please email me pictures and describe what's happened and I will do my best to make you happy. If, upon arrival, you feel something is very different to the description please contact us asap.
Is everything handmade? So far, everything has been handmade, but in the future I would like to add stock stock for sale that I think is cute, worth recycling, or on behalf of someone else.
Can I see your products in person before buying? I have stock at the Lavender Farm Kihikihi (shop) and the Cambridge iSite (shop) and I occasionally come to the Council Carpark market in Te Awamutu. If you are local to, or visiting Waikato, you can visit any of these locations to view.
You're a kid, what do you spend your money on? You're an adult, what do you spend your money on? Honestly, I spend it on...stuff... I buy snacks, I save for large buys, I donate to charitable organizations, I buy more craft and art supplies, I buy toys, I buy gifts, and did I mention snacks... As a kid, I don't have to pay rent or groceries, and I don't have to buy my own school supplies or clothes, but sometimes I do (my parents refused to pay for my crocs or any jibbits). My parents do help me figure out how much to put aside for website hosting, tax, supplies and they try to encourage me to save. But I like shopping.
How long does shipping take? Generally within New Zealand, dispatch is next-working-day and the couriers deliver to your door within a couple of working days. Please allow up to a week just in case of minor delays.
What metals do you use? I do not use real gold or silver but I do my best to source high quality findings that wont tarnish or cause allergic reactions, however I cannot guarantee how you will react to any of the metals and I recommend gentleness and common sense if you have any known allergies. I like to use plastic posts where I can to minimize the risk of reactions.
Do you do custom orders? I certainly can. Send me an email to inquire. I have made custom name badges, and earrings when someone likes a particular design but wants it in a different color, and custom cards depending on the recipients favorite colors etc.
How long does it take you? This is a tricky question that I get asked a lot, to be honest there is no set expected time... Sometimes I will sit for hours listening to an audio-book blending different polymer clays to create colors, and slabs or beads. I cut out shapes, add details, texture. Bake the clay. Sometimes after baking I use resin to add gloss and strength, sometimes I use a dremel tool to sand, polish or drill holes. I also spend time shopping for fixings, beads, and other design elements. I watch online tutorials for inspiration and ideas. Sometimes I sit and create pendants and beads and other times I will make charm bracelets or dangly magnets out of a mixture of bought and created pendants. Forming vases, dishes, sculptures or wallhangings and decorating clay with paint and glazes often takes weeks as we only go to the pottery studio once a week or so. Then factor in the time it takes to package items, photograph and edit my website. It's a job I enjoy, borne of my favorite hobbys.