Q: Are the gourds and decorative gifts offered really one-of-a-kind?
A: Yes. Each item is individually painted, registered and signed, and comes with it's own
Certificate of Authenticity. No two are exactly alike, although some themes are repeated.

Q: Can I order a custom-made gourd?
A: Yes. I have received orders for weddings, baby showers, anniversaries, golf tournaments and other events. I can personalize a piece by adding a name or significant date, or just by tailoring the color scheme to match your home.

Q: How long does it take for me to receive an order once it is placed?
A: If a gourd is currently available, it will be shipped upon receipt of payment, via insured U.S. Postal Priority Mail.
For custom orders, please allow 6-8 weeks. For large custom orders, we will advise of delivery time. In most cases, the determining factor in timing is the availability of fully dried gourds.

Q. Are the pieces food-safe?
A. According to woodworking experts, once most finishes are cured, (roughly 30 days), they are indeed food-safe (and safe enough for children to chew on). A good article from Popular Woodworking, titled The Folly of Food-Safe Finishes, by Bob Flexner, is available online at www.popularwoodworking.com/features/finish3.html.

Another article, Food-Safe Finishes by Angela Babin, M.S., Art Hazard News, Volume 20, No. 3, 1997, reiterates the view that once a finish is completely cured, it is safe for foodware or children's toys.

You need to decide what's best for you. If in doubt, use a barrier. Dry foods clean up easy with a damp cloth; for dips and other messy foods, soap and water. In any case, please don't use metal utensils which may scratch the finish.