Frequently asked questions.
FAQS + POLICY
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Do you use real flowers in your work? Yes! but not in the way you are thinking. Flowers decay and fade, they will not stand the test of time when applied directly to art (25 years of floral designing tells me so). I wanted to create an art that will stand the test of time and increase in value so I use nature in a different way. Woot Woot! I am holding a workshop! to find out how I use them, visit the Workshop link and come along on a lovely adventure! ALSO, thank you for continually encouraging me in my work. I am beyond grateful for your support, now and always. Me
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How quickly should I expect my parcel to arrive?
Ready to ship items:
Domestic Orders
All the items now listed are nearly ready to ship. I often leave my pieces to dry for 27 day’s and once the item has been purchased, it will then receive a final sealant coat. Local shoppers can choose porch pick-up. Canadian shoppers can expect delivery with in 8-14 business days.
Cal, our shop assistant, packages every Thursday after a READY TO SHIP order is received. We are currently shipping throughout Canada. US customers please contact us for more information.
International Orders
YOU BET! contact me for your shipping estimate before or after your purchase.
What if I want to come pick up my order in person?
If you live locally and would prefer to come pick up your order (FRONT PORCH COVID SAFE) instead of having it hand delivered to you, please use code: Pick UP at checkout to remove the shipping cost. At times we’ve had customers apply the pickup discount code when they do not live locally, still wanting their item delivered out to them. This causes confusion and more work on our end, along with longer wait times to receive your parcels. If this occurs, your order will be held until shipping payment is received (via PayPal invoice). There are no exceptions.
To schedule your pickup time please email: foragetofossil@icloud.com
In the subject line please include that you are picking up your order along with your order number. In the body of the email please include your preferred pickup dates. (The latest time slot for pickup is 7pm)
Example:
Subject: Pickup Order#1234
“Hi there! I have selected the local order pickup option and would like to come pick up my items on Friday, January 17th around 2pm. Does this work for you? If, not I can also come out on Saturday the 18th or Tuesday the 21st. Thank you so much for your time! —Mel”
When you come to pickup your order, please understand that this is a private working studio/home, not a storefront. Unfortunately, we do not typically have items available for in-person purchasing, but if you see something in-stock online that you’d like to grab, please let us know and we’d be happy to apply it to your order — cash is preferable in these cases. All studio visits for other reasons can be scheduled ahead of time via the link below:
What is the Forage to Fossil damaged goods policy? How do I report a damaged good?
Damaged goods must be reported to Forage to Fossil within 48 hours of the delivery acceptance for a refund to be issued.
A photo of the damaged piece, along with the box and packaging with all labels visible is required to be sent to Forage to Fossil with the report. (Email to Forage to Fossil)
Damages outside of the 2 day limit will not be refunded as time sensitive insurance claims will interfere.
Refund or exchange of product will be discussed on a case to case basis.
How do I care for my Forage to Fossil item?
We work hard to continuously provide our customers with the best quality hand made fresco-secco wall art. If you have a question about the care or safety of your item, please shoot us a message by clicking here.
How often do you update your shop?
As a small, artist-owned business, we work continuously to keep up with new products, regular shop restocking, and customer requests. We tend to update the shop once a season with multiples of items ranging from popular product restocks to smaller updates of new designs.
If you have something you want to see in the next update, let us know! We'll try to work it in.
What is a “Second” or “Secondary” product?
Seconds are pieces that don’t meet aesthetic quality standards or are made as test products that didn’t make the cut for regular sale. The imperfections in the finish do not affect the integrity of the piece, unless otherwise noted in the product description.
Many makers throw these wares out, but in our practice of sustainability and reuse, we prefer to offer them at reduced rates to reflect their visual impurities.
Giving room for imperfections allows for more accessibility for or customers and a less wasteful practice.
Examples of seconds:
A OOAK original with a hairline split in the corners. These splits do not interfere with the integrity of the piece but occur in some of the “one of a kind” pieces.
Fluid marks when pouring the initial plaster. Excess water can cause clay pigment to integrate into the white plaster. This discolouration does not interfere with the integrity of the arts rigidity. I consider it part of the natural extension of the living art.
By purchasing Forage to Fossil products you are acknowledging that:
• Each item is handmade and will show the marks of this process, seeds and nature bits, pollen and soil all make their way into the finished product.
• Each piece is unique, bearing the same colours and similarities, with differences in applications of paint, plaster, finish and slight variations in size.
• All wares are made with attention to detail including remnants of the hand at work and intentional “imperfections”.
• Function is tested and unless otherwise noted (seconds), this piece will function completely as it is advertised.
• Forage to Fossil is a small, artist-owned business, please keep in mind that returns cannot be made for any reason beyond receiving the wrong product. (This rarely happens, but hey, we’re human. Bear with us.)
• Lastly, please remember to be kind when purchasing handmade. These items are loved from the minute they are made to the second they’re sent out to you. You are bringing a piece of Forage to Fossil - nature’s extension - into your home.