FAQ's Commissioning a Mosaic for your wedding. 1. How much does it cost? This is the obvious and first thing most need to know. The cost depends on the design, and labor involved, the size, etc. My mosaics start at $650.00 (including traditional black frame) Most designs fit into this $650 cost, but large or custom mosaics can cost more. depending on the design and labor involved. Other questions below will help explain the costs. So let's explore the questions of cost right up front. Read on. Cost to ship is additional, but I keep that as low as possible! 2. Can I get it done cheaper somewhere else? People do ask. Yes I think you can, but my price is competitive with most reputable artists (for these works) charge the same or more, and I try to give my clients the best quality, keep the costs low, and keep it affordable. I am located on the mainland USA and shipping is less costly for those in the US proper. 3. Why does it cost so much? You are commissioning a custom art work from an established and experienced artist, in this art form. Just like a painting or sculpture there is labor, talent, time, materials, involved in producing the finished product which is all done by hand. The artist takes great care (at Origami Designs) to present a piece that is well done, and is quality work. It is an investment, a one of a kind, original artwork. The mosaics take hours and hours from start to finish. The process is weeks of communicating with the client, assisting in design choice, approval of sketches, emails, phone calls. There is the skill and time devoted to managing the layout of 1000 cranes in your artwork, not more, not less, but exactly 1001 cranes. I work to keep the size manageable and affordable for the framing and display. I mount on good quality velvet, which presents problems at times managing the work. It is a labor of love and as an artist I take care to do quality work. 4. Does the cost include cranes or framing? It does include the frame! Cranes cost extra if Origami Designs provides the folded cranes. . Many choose to follow the tradition and fold the cranes. Some fold to save money. Origami Designs charges $500 to fold the 1000 cranes (this includes the cost of the papers) and we need three months notice to fold the cranes. Other artists might insist on folding the cranes to insure quality of folding and they in turn charge more for the finished piece, adding in this cost. I give you the option and reveal the cost breakdown. Origami Designs will frame in tradition shiny black laquer -look. If want a frame with gold in the - it might cost a wee bit more. If you want a simple silver frame (with silver cranes) it is included in the $650. It is difficult and challenging to frame these pieces and not damage or injure the designs. There are 1001 cranes with tiny points that can be damaged or bent changing the entire look of the artwork if not framed properly. Origami Designs stays with the framer and works with the framer to be sure your work is framed correctly! 5. What about the cranes? Do I fold them? Is it bad luck if others fold them? Where do I get the papers? What size papers do I use? What color papers do I fold? Can I have other colors? Do I have to use foil papers? It was tradition that a bride and the family of the bride and groom might fold the cranes, but anyone can fold your cranes. It is not bad luck if the bride does not fold them. You can buy the papers from an online origami paper store, or in local stores that might sell a selection of origami papers. Check Ebay and Amazon or Asian markets and shops in your area. If you need we can purchase the papers for you, and bill you and ship them to you for folding. Please use 3 X 3" or 3 1/2 X 3 1/2" (or smalles) paper squares for folding your cranes. These must be precisely cut and carefully folded. The tradition is a 1001 cranes used in a wedding design, often gold. But you can use gold or silver or red, or a combination of colored foil papers of the same size. Discuss the design and color of papers with the artist if you are not sure what you want or will look best. Foil papers make the most beautiful and stunning mosaics and are traditional. If you are going to fold your own cranes and supply them please confirm the kind, and paper with the artist! 6 When do I need to order my mosaic? I request 120 days notice of intent, and need to have the finished folded cranes 2mos prior to your delivery due date. This is the date you wish to have your finished mosaic. Ideally, I need that two months to dedicate to the design work, and placement, and framing. Frames must be ordered and paid for two weeks in advance of framing. If I can make an exception and you were not able to call 120 in advance I will consider your piece, it depends on the schedule of the artist and other orders that preceed yours. I will not take an order or promise to do a mosaic unless I feel I can devote the time needed to do your work properly. 7. What about rush orders? A rush order is anything ordered and agreed to, less than 3 months in advance of your deliver date needed. Yes, I do some rush orders on mosaics. But this is only after special arrangements with the artist. I will never do a rush order if I think it would jeopardize my ability to do our best quality work on the mosaic. If I cannot do your work properly and deliver on time, I will not do the work. Rush orders are subject to the artist being able to commit to the time to complete your mosaic on time. Rush orders require the same payment of one-half the balance due up front, with an additional $200 Rush Charge. The artist might have to postpone or lose other paying pieces to finish your mosaic. 8. If I don't have a design in mind, where or how do I pick a design for my mosaic? Send an email with your initial inquiry. Let me know you are searching for a suitable, personal and unique design for you as a couple. By phone or email, after a few questions, I can help you find your design. I can recommend sites to visit, ideas to think about, etc. If you want me to sketch something, we'll discuss it and work on it this way. If you have a family crest, special likes, favorite items. I can help you get the right design for you! Origami Designs lists a number of standard and popular designs and idea on the front page of our Mosaic website, accessible from the front page of our website here. See weddings. Fish, Kanji, Cranes, Bird, Zodiac, fans, crests, Animals, Birds and more. We have been given design ideas from greetings card, even cookie cutters. The artist will work with you. A design sketched (es) for you is sent by email after payment of $15 - $45.00.(depends on the complexity of the design requested) I take great care to sketch your designs and alternatives. Once I send the design to you, you can use it or not. Artists need to protect their work. Some clients will take a long worked designed to another artist for work. So I charge for any designs, specifically made for you by Origami Designs. Most clients find pictures and ideas from the many sites we recommend, or choices I send to them that are free. Only about 30% of our clients have really specific and unique custom designs made up for them. 9 We have the cranes folded and we know the design we want, - how do we proceed? An email inquiry or call is all that is needed to talk to the artist and get started. If you have the design picked and the cranes already folded and have communicated with me, then I can let you know the details. Yes I can do your mosaic or in some cases, I am already booked and cannot commit to another. Most of the time if you are ready to go and feel comfortable with me and my process then you put ½ the amount due down on the mosaic, You can send a check on the half due, but I do not start work until the check has cleared and we set a date for that. Or I can send you a request for payment from PayPal and you can pay with credit or debit card. You will get an invoice receipt from PayPal, an acknowledgement from me by email and I will start work on your mosaic. I can even put a PayPal button on the website for convenient payment of the half due, and again the balance before shipment or upon pickup., You send me your cranes, you send an approval of the design by email, make payment and I start work and am committed to your mosaic and delivery on time. I will keep in touch by email as to progress on your mosaic. I will ask about delivery due date, shipping address, how you wish to take possession - through direct pickup, or delivery by USPS, UPS or Fed Exp, etc. 10. What are the shipping costs and or arrangements for my pickup? Shipping cost can be quoted to you with your zipcode, and this cost is added to the final payment of the balance due, made at pickup or prior to shipment. I insure it always. In the USA for a 30X30 inch Artwork, framed and insured (within the US) you can budget for $250 shipping. If it is less I will notify you prior to shipment. California clients often arrange for pickup, themselves or by a local relative etc. I pack it very well for shipment and use plexiglass to keep down the weight and damage potential when shipping. Many clients are choosing plexiglass. International shipments are quoted early in the process before an order commitment is made. 11 Do I own copyright to my mosaic when it is done?. This seems like a strange question but I have been asked it. No Origami Designs submits our design for proper copyright in the US and the client does not own the design copyright. Even if another client likes your design, each one is individual and I try to make them all custom, individual and special for the wedding couple! 12. What if I am not happy with the design after it is finished.? I make every effort to communicate to my clients before and during the process or decision making process. The work is custom and well made, If you don't like your finished design and don't want the mosaic, your initial payment of half the balance is not refundable. An artist spends many hours and much time on the mosaics. 13. Have you ever had someone refuse to take or pay for a finished mosaic, or try to return one? No. With good communication and time to discuss designs, and the process, and the expectations of the finished artwork, this has never been an issue. If a client defaulted or expressed a dislike of the finished work and did not make final payment, they forfeit their initial payment and the work becomes the property of Origami Designs to be kept or sold at will. 14. What if I have questions that aren't answered here? E-Mail me at barbarat@origamidesigns.com . Origami Designs makes every effort to produce a piece that is beautiful and well made. Each artwork is different, No two are exactly alike even if they are the same design. As an artist I take pride in the work on these pieces. They are individual artworks made totally by hand. The full cranes with head and tail does not show always, and often is not actually seen in the design. If you are unsure about what it will look like, please email me for close-ups on how cranes are actually placed. Your first payment on the work is NOT refundable. The artwork is not shipped or delivered until full payment is made. I guarantee my work when ordered with frame and framed prior to shipment. Pieces shipped unframed can be damaged in shipment, in opening, or by your framer and I do not accept responsibility for that event. It is a commissioned artwork and I do everything possible to discuss, get approval of the designs and complete the work as per your design choice. I hope these questions answer most of what you might want to know when making the decisions about your mosaic and artist. You are encouraged and welcome to communicate by email with other questions or for clarification! Barbara Origami Mosaic Artist This page last updated August 2009. |
Frequently Asked Questions Cost, Payment, Process, Size, Framing, Shipping, Ordering... About a Mosaic for my wedding... |
FAQ's Commissioning a Mosaic for your wedding. 1. How much does it cost? This is the obvious and first thing most need to know. The cost depends on the design, and labor involved, the size, etc. My mosaics start at $650.00 (including traditional black frame) Most designs fit into this $650 cost, but large or custom mosaics can cost more. depending on the design and labor involved. Other questions below will help explain the costs. So let's explore the questions of cost right up front. Read on. Cost to ship is additional, but I keep that as low as possible! 2. Can I get it done cheaper somewhere else? People do ask. Yes I think you can, but my price is competitive with most reputable artists (for these works) charge the same or more, and I try to give my clients the best quality, keep the costs low, and keep it affordable. I am located on the mainland USA and shipping is less costly for those in the US proper. 3. Why does it cost so much? You are commissioning a custom art work from an established and experienced artist, in this art form. Just like a painting or sculpture there is labor, talent, time, materials, involved in producing the finished product which is all done by hand. The artist takes great care (at Origami Designs) to present a piece that is well done, and is quality work. It is an investment, a one of a kind, original artwork. The mosaics take hours and hours from start to finish. The process is weeks of communicating with the client, assisting in design choice, approval of sketches, emails, phone calls. There is the skill and time devoted to managing the layout of 1000 cranes in your artwork, not more, not less, but exactly 1001 cranes. I work to keep the size manageable and affordable for the framing and display. I mount on good quality velvet, which presents problems at times managing the work. It is a labor of love and as an artist I take care to do quality work. 4. Does the cost include cranes or framing? It does include the frame! Cranes cost extra if Origami Designs provides the folded cranes. . Many choose to follow the tradition and fold the cranes. Some fold to save money. Origami Designs charges $500 to fold the 1000 cranes (this includes the cost of the papers) and we need three months notice to fold the cranes. Other artists might insist on folding the cranes to insure quality of folding and they in turn charge more for the finished piece, adding in this cost. I give you the option and reveal the cost breakdown. Origami Designs will frame in tradition shiny black laquer -look. If want a frame with gold in the - it might cost a wee bit more. If you want a simple silver frame (with silver cranes) it is included in the $650. It is difficult and challenging to frame these pieces and not damage or injure the designs. There are 1001 cranes with tiny points that can be damaged or bent changing the entire look of the artwork if not framed properly. Origami Designs stays with the framer and works with the framer to be sure your work is framed correctly! 5. What about the cranes? Do I fold them? Is it bad luck if others fold them? Where do I get the papers? What size papers do I use? What color papers do I fold? Can I have other colors? Do I have to use foil papers? It was tradition that a bride and the family of the bride and groom might fold the cranes, but anyone can fold your cranes. It is not bad luck if the bride does not fold them. You can buy the papers from an online origami paper store, or in local stores that might sell a selection of origami papers. Check Ebay and Amazon or Asian markets and shops in your area. If you need we can purchase the papers for you, and bill you and ship them to you for folding. Please use 3 X 3" or 3 1/2 X 3 1/2" (or smalles) paper squares for folding your cranes. These must be precisely cut and carefully folded. The tradition is a 1001 cranes used in a wedding design, often gold. But you can use gold or silver or red, or a combination of colored foil papers of the same size. Discuss the design and color of papers with the artist if you are not sure what you want or will look best. Foil papers make the most beautiful and stunning mosaics and are traditional. If you are going to fold your own cranes and supply them please confirm the kind, and paper with the artist! 6 When do I need to order my mosaic? I request 120 days notice of intent, and need to have the finished folded cranes 2mos prior to your delivery due date. This is the date you wish to have your finished mosaic. Ideally, I need that two months to dedicate to the design work, and placement, and framing. Frames must be ordered and paid for two weeks in advance of framing. If I can make an exception and you were not able to call 120 in advance I will consider your piece, it depends on the schedule of the artist and other orders that preceed yours. I will not take an order or promise to do a mosaic unless I feel I can devote the time needed to do your work properly. 7. What about rush orders? A rush order is anything ordered and agreed to, less than 3 months in advance of your deliver date needed. Yes, I do some rush orders on mosaics. But this is only after special arrangements with the artist. I will never do a rush order if I think it would jeopardize my ability to do our best quality work on the mosaic. If I cannot do your work properly and deliver on time, I will not do the work. Rush orders are subject to the artist being able to commit to the time to complete your mosaic on time. Rush orders require the same payment of one-half the balance due up front, with an additional $200 Rush Charge. The artist might have to postpone or lose other paying pieces to finish your mosaic. 8. If I don't have a design in mind, where or how do I pick a design for my mosaic? Send an email with your initial inquiry. Let me know you are searching for a suitable, personal and unique design for you as a couple. By phone or email, after a few questions, I can help you find your design. I can recommend sites to visit, ideas to think about, etc. If you want me to sketch something, we'll discuss it and work on it this way. If you have a family crest, special likes, favorite items. I can help you get the right design for you! Origami Designs lists a number of standard and popular designs and idea on the front page of our Mosaic website, accessible from the front page of our website here. See weddings. Fish, Kanji, Cranes, Bird, Zodiac, fans, crests, Animals, Birds and more. We have been given design ideas from greetings card, even cookie cutters. The artist will work with you. A design sketched (es) for you is sent by email after payment of $15 - $45.00.(depends on the complexity of the design requested) I take great care to sketch your designs and alternatives. Once I send the design to you, you can use it or not. Artists need to protect their work. Some clients will take a long worked designed to another artist for work. So I charge for any designs, specifically made for you by Origami Designs. Most clients find pictures and ideas from the many sites we recommend, or choices I send to them that are free. Only about 30% of our clients have really specific and unique custom designs made up for them. 9 We have the cranes folded and we know the design we want, - how do we proceed? An email inquiry or call is all that is needed to talk to the artist and get started. If you have the design picked and the cranes already folded and have communicated with me, then I can let you know the details. Yes I can do your mosaic or in some cases, I am already booked and cannot commit to another. Most of the time if you are ready to go and feel comfortable with me and my process then you put ½ the amount due down on the mosaic, You can send a check on the half due, but I do not start work until the check has cleared and we set a date for that. Or I can send you a request for payment from PayPal and you can pay with credit or debit card. You will get an invoice receipt from PayPal, an acknowledgement from me by email and I will start work on your mosaic. I can even put a PayPal button on the website for convenient payment of the half due, and again the balance before shipment or upon pickup., You send me your cranes, you send an approval of the design by email, make payment and I start work and am committed to your mosaic and delivery on time. I will keep in touch by email as to progress on your mosaic. I will ask about delivery due date, shipping address, how you wish to take possession - through direct pickup, or delivery by USPS, UPS or Fed Exp, etc. 10. What are the shipping costs and or arrangements for my pickup? Shipping cost can be quoted to you with your zipcode, and this cost is added to the final payment of the balance due, made at pickup or prior to shipment. I insure it always. In the USA for a 30X30 inch Artwork, framed and insured (within the US) you can budget for $250 shipping. If it is less I will notify you prior to shipment. California clients often arrange for pickup, themselves or by a local relative etc. I pack it very well for shipment and use plexiglass to keep down the weight and damage potential when shipping. Many clients are choosing plexiglass. International shipments are quoted early in the process before an order commitment is made. 11 Do I own copyright to my mosaic when it is done?. This seems like a strange question but I have been asked it. No Origami Designs submits our design for proper copyright in the US and the client does not own the design copyright. Even if another client likes your design, each one is individual and I try to make them all custom, individual and special for the wedding couple! 12. What if I am not happy with the design after it is finished.? I make every effort to communicate to my clients before and during the process or decision making process. The work is custom and well made, If you don't like your finished design and don't want the mosaic, your initial payment of half the balance is not refundable. An artist spends many hours and much time on the mosaics. 13. Have you ever had someone refuse to take or pay for a finished mosaic, or try to return one? No. With good communication and time to discuss designs, and the process, and the expectations of the finished artwork, this has never been an issue. If a client defaulted or expressed a dislike of the finished work and did not make final payment, they forfeit their initial payment and the work becomes the property of Origami Designs to be kept or sold at will. 14. What if I have questions that aren't answered here? E-Mail me at barbarat@origamidesigns.com . Origami Designs makes every effort to produce a piece that is beautiful and well made. Each artwork is different, No two are exactly alike even if they are the same design. As an artist I take pride in the work on these pieces. They are individual artworks made totally by hand. The full cranes with head and tail does not show always, and often is not actually seen in the design. If you are unsure about what it will look like, please email me for close-ups on how cranes are actually placed. Your first payment on the work is NOT refundable. The artwork is not shipped or delivered until full payment is made. I guarantee my work when ordered with frame and framed prior to shipment. Pieces shipped unframed can be damaged in shipment, in opening, or by your framer and I do not accept responsibility for that event. It is a commissioned artwork and I do everything possible to discuss, get approval of the designs and complete the work as per your design choice. I hope these questions answer most of what you might want to know when making the decisions about your mosaic and artist. You are encouraged and welcome to communicate by email with other questions or for clarification! Barbara Origami Mosaic Artist This page last updated August 2009. |
Imagine a traditional Japanese Designs done in 1001 cranes! |
I do kimono, koi, zodiac, swans, hearts, & other designs also. |
Some of the books I have for clients to look through for ideas for mosaics.... below |
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