FAQ
Can I commission something?
Possibly! If you’ve got an idea bubbling away, come and tell me about it. I love making things that are a little bit specific, a little bit unusual and completely yours. Not every idea will be possible, but I’m always happy to have a chat and see what we can dream up. See our T's & C's for all the details for commissioned and made to order work.
Can I have something made to order?
Yes! If there’s something you’ve fallen in love with but it’s not currently available, get in touch and we’ll see what’s possible. Because I work with vintage, rescued and one-off materials, I may not be able to recreate something exactly, but I’ll always talk you through the options before we begin.
I’m not creative. Can I still do this?
Absolutely. Creativity isn’t a qualification you need to arrive with. Come as you are. We’ll take it from there.
What if I don’t know what I’m doing?
Excellent. You’re in exactly the right place. There are no instructions for being you.
Do I have to be “good” at making things?
Nope. There will be no judging and absolutely no creative police.
Where do you get all your lovely stuff?
Everywhere. Vintage shops, op shops, markets, old collections, forgotten treasures and wherever something catches our attention. We love giving beautiful things another life, so rescued, reused and vintage materials are at the heart of what we do. Its not enough to source mindfully, we must also create and dispose mindfully too.
Can you please gift wrap my purchase?
Absolutely we can, add it as a separate option from our product list - "Gift Wrapping". Buying lots of loveliness? Increase the quantity to match what your buying.
Do you have gift cards?
Absolutely! Take the hass out of choosing and leave it up to them. You'll find the link under 'More' in the top menu bar.
What about blessed After Pay?
Heck yes!
Will my piece look exactly like the one in the picture?
Maybe. Maybe not. Especially when vintage, rescued or handmade materials are involved, there can be little differences. That’s part of the charm and means your piece gets to be its own little creation.
What if I make something ugly?
Then you made something. And honestly, some of the most interesting things start out looking a little bit wonky. I have a soft spot for cripples, bastards and broken things.
Do you send things by post?
We do! We use Pass the Parcel for all deliveries within Aotearoa, NZ. Occasionally for larger pieces, we may need to use NZ Post. For international deliveries we use NZ Post international courier service. There are wide delivery times for global deliveries. The cost of delivery is according to the weight and dimensions of the parcel. Every effort is made to make the parcel as economical as possible. There may be a rural fee additional to your delivery, dependant on your location. Delivery costs will be shown when you checkout.
What if my order arrives damaged?
Oh no! Get in touch and we’ll sort it with you. You’re also protected by your rights under New Zealand consumer law, where applicable. Check out our Ts & Cs for more details.
Can I return something if I change my mind?
Our returns depend on what you’ve purchased, because handmade, vintage and one-of-a-kind things are a slightly different beast. Have a peek at our Refund & Returns Policy for the full story.
What if I get stuck at a workshop?
Chances are I've already noticed. Sometimes you need a little nudge, sometimes you need someone to say “yep, keep going”, and sometimes you just need a biscuit.
Are your workshops wheelchair accessible?
Our workshop space is a private home and is not wheelchair accessible. If you have accessibility requirements or you're unsure whether the space will work for you, please get in touch before booking. We’re happy to chat about what you need.
Can I take photos at a workshop?
Absolutely; of your own work, yourself and your experience. Just please check with another participant before photographing or filming them.
Do you photograph or film workshops?
We sometimes photograph or film the creative process and finished work for The Gentle Art Company. If you do not want to be photographed or filmed, just let us know before we begin. We will respect that.
What happens if I can’t make my workshop?
Life happens. Our workshop cancellation and transfer details are in our Refund & Returns Policy. And if you can’t come but have a mate who would love your spot, you can usually pass it on.
What if I change my mind halfway through making something?
Change it. Cut it up. Stick something else on it. Start again. This is creative play, not a hostage situation. Just bare in mind the time you have left in your workshop.
What if I have absolutely no idea what I’m making?
Perfect. Follow the feeling. See what happens. I'll be right there, alongside you.
Can I make a mess?
Please. A suspiciously tidy creative workspace is frankly a little concerning. Mess is where you really get to enter into a flow state.
What is the Ministry of Curiosity and Small Wonders?
Its a parcel curated especially for you. There's a vintage Golden book and a whole lot of creative curiosities, vintage treasures, tactile loveliness and things designed to make you stop, wonder and make something. Your Golden book becomes your anchor, your junk journal, to hold your creative playtime. I film a reel once a week of me playing with my own edit and I'm always available on DM to help you. I won't let you get stuck. The Ministry Edit is a little parcel of permission to play.
What if I’m terrible at art?
Who says what's good or bad art? This isn’t an art exam, you'll be all good, promise.
Do I have to follow the instructions?
What instructions? I'll be there to guide you, I love it when people free style!
What if I get into the flow state and don’t want to stop?
Marvellous!
How do I ask you something that isn’t answered here?
Easy. Come and find us.
There’s no silly question. Well… there probably is, but we’d still like to hear it.