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frequently asked questions...
To help you navigate our FAQ's,
we have organized questions in four sections.
Please call or email if
you have other questions
or if we can assist you
in any way.
General Questions
-
How many
years have
you been in
business?
Karen Adler has been in
business as a fulltime
studio potter since 1980.
Branching Out Pottery (BOP)
is the name she gave to her
business in 1996, an
illustrative umbrella for a
line of commemorative works
that celebrate your
family tree and special
occasions. Photo tiles were
added in 2004.
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Why
order
from BOP?
Personal and professional
service.....original
ideas.....product integrity.....impeccable attention to
details.
Our commitment is to your
satisfaction. We'll help you
develop ideas for your
unique projects. When you
purchase a
product from
BOP you can
be assured that our work
is positioned confidently among the best in the field.
We will not employ shortcuts
that compromise the final
product. With an eye for
value, we only use raw
materials that are of
consistent and high quality.
We would rather remake a
piece than send out
substandard products.
We know there are many
companies competing for your
business, some that are
offer products that are
similar to what we produce,
some that are priced lower.
We do not try to compete on
price. We do not seek to be
the biggest. Instead, we
stand on the tangible and
intangible merits of our
products and service.
We take pride in "old style"
craftsmanship. You can be
assured that your products
are made with care and
individual attention in our
studio and not subject to
"assembly line" processing.
-
What are
your business
principles?
At BOP, our goal is and
always has been to provide
great customer service and
to exceed your
expectations with the
highest quality products. We
love what we do. It is a
privilege to make a living
creating items that are so
personal and meaningful for
the recipients. We value our
customers and appreciate the
trust expressed in this
partnership.
Our commitment and guiding
principle is to deliver only
products that we would be
proud to personally give our
loved ones.
Questions about Photo Tiles
-
What types of images work
best?
We can work with virtually
any image - photographs, logos,
artwork and scrapbook pages. We
can incorporate invitations,
handwritten letters,
newspaper clippings, fabric,
children's drawings,
documents such as wedding
licenses, diplomas, report
cards or maps. The possibilities
are only limited by your
imagination. If it can be
scanned or photographed, we
can include it!
Ideally, your
image should be focused, have
good contrast, and the subject
should not be too close to the
edge of the photo. We can zoom
in to crop the image,
eliminating excess background.
We are experienced at
artfully cropping and
positioning your photos or
graphics, and will carefully
blend your personalized
inscription to capture and
preserve the image and
sentiment you provide.
-
How do you make the
tiles?
The process is called dye
sublimation. First your
image(s) are imported in to
one of several graphics
editing software programs
such as PhotoShop and
created onscreen. Multiple
layers develop as components
such as text are added. We
pay close attention not only
your image but minor nuances
such as adding drop shadows
that subtly enrich and
enhance the design.
Once we are satisfied with
the final layout, the next
step involves a heat press,
special paper and special ink.
The process uses heat and
pressure to convert the
heat-activated ink (dye) to
a gas at ~400°. As the
dyes cool, they are
permanently infused to the
tile or other substrate.
-
Is there any way you can
incorporate a minor design
change to one of your
products?
We enjoy making each piece
as unique as its recipient.
Please contact us with the
product you're interested in
and your specific requests.
We'll let you know as soon
as possible how we can
accommodate your changes.
For ideas requiring
extensive customization, we
will be happy to provide a
custom quote.
-
What do the fonts look like?
So as to not make your
checkout process an
insurmountable chore, we
have selected a wide, yet
limited, variety of font
styles that reflect many
moods.
We take that extra bit of
time to consider text
placement and color, often
selecting a color for the
inscription that is derived
from and compliments your
image. Sometimes we'll add
an outline, drop shadow or
beveled effect - to create
a caption that is harmonious
and readable.
Click here to view our
standard font styles.
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Are there special care
instructions?
Not really. You should be
aware that the tiles can be
scratched. We primarily use
a satin finish ceramic tile,
which is well suited to most
applications. If you want to
install tiles where they
will get significant wear,
we recommend either a matte
finish tile, or a glass
tile, in which the image is
actually printed on the back
side.
Use only nonabrasive cloths
to clean your tile – a
slightly damp rag will
generally do, but a mild
glass cleaner can be used as
well. Do not use any harsh
chemicals. Frames and boxes
should be wiped with a soft
slightly damp cloth as well.
To prevent premature fading,
photo tiles should not be
subject to intense
sunlight. Treat them like
you might, other pigmented
pieces of art. We recommend
them primarily for indoor use.
With care you will enjoy the
tiles for decades and
generations to come.
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In what format do I need to
send you my digital image?
Our preferences
is high resolution .jpg,
.psd or .tif files. We
also accept other file
extensions such as .cdr, .pdf, .ai, or
high resolution .eps.
For best results, your image
should be at least 1200 x 1800
pixels, or 300 ppi at final
image size. If you are using
a digital camera, we suggest
the highest size and quality
setting as possible.
-
What if my photo is not that
good - can you fix things
light red eyes, small
scratches or distracting
background elements?
As part of our
standard service, we will
crop your image if necessary to
fit the product's format, and
make minor color/contrast
adjustments to enhance it. Oftentimes
that is enough to correct
some of the common issues.
Artwork
requiring more intensive
photo retouching (repair,
red eye or blemish removal,
special effects) can be done
as well. If you have a
question regarding requests
such as taking backgrounds,
objects or people out of the
photo, please call.
Retouching services are
billed at $40 per hour in 15
minute increments.
Remember, the final result
is dependent on the quality
of the images you provide.
We will contact you if we
are concerned about the
image. Often, images may
have been resized
inadvertently. However, if
the photo you want to use is
small, a bit blurry, faded
we'll do our best to enhance
it and bring it in to the
overall design of your
piece.
-
Can I mail you my
original photo or my image
on CD?
Yes. But we recommend that
you do not send precious or
irreplaceable photos in case
they are lost or damaged in the
mail. It is better to have the
photo scanned at 300 ppi
(minimum) and sent on a CD.
You
can use a flat bed scanner to
scan your image at 300 ppi/dpi
resolution. Save the file in
RGB mode using JPEG format with
the highest quality setting and
lowest compression.
If you have an old photo and
don't have a scanner, you can
have your photo scanned into a
300 ppi JPEG digital file on a
CD at most print service
stores (such as Kinko's),
which you can then upload to
us from your PC or send the
file by mail on CD.
-
I have several photos I
want to send for a mural,
but the shopping cart only
lets me upload one. What do
I do - they are large files
and my email program can't
handle the job?
After you have placed your
order and have received a
confirmation number, simply
use the free upload file
feature at
www.yousendit.com.
Email to
service@branchingoutpottery.com.
Be sure to include your
name, order confirmation
number and brief description
of the image.
This is a free service and
allows you to send files up
to 100 MB. The only glitch
is you can only send one
file at a time. The
better solution in our
opinion, and most easily
organized, is to send us
your image files on a CDs.
-
Can the tiles be
incorporated with other
media?
Absolutely. If you are an
artist or crafter, I am
happy to work with you to
create products that you can
add to your creations.
Stained glass artists can
add imaged glass tiles to
products such as jewelry
boxes...table tops are a
natural fit for wood or
metal workers. We can even
produce full color imaging
on fabric - opening a world
of possibilities for
quilters and seamstresses.
Contact us to discuss ways
photo imaged products may
add a new dimension to your
work.
-
Will the colors match
exactly what I see on my
monitor?
All monitors are uniquely
calibrated, so the colors might
not be exactly the same as what
you see on your monitor - but
they will be close! Just think
how different TV’s look when all
lined up next to one another.
Color matching service is
available and billed at $35
per spot color.
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How long will it take to
get my order?
BOP typically
will ship your order within
2-3 weeks upon receipt of
your order and images.
Most orders go out sooner.
There can be exceptions such
as if we have a question
about your order and need to contact you
requiring a reply. If this is
the case, please respond to us
as soon as possible!
Other situations that might
delay shipment of your order are
complex projects,
backordered frames or boxes,
large orders or orders requiring
fabrication of custom woodwork.
-
Can
you rush my order?
If you need your order
on short notice, please contact
us first to ensure availability.
We will try to accommodate your
needs, without compromising our
quality assurance.
We can
also provide a full-color
printable gift certificate via
email for a either a specific
product or purchase amount to be
redeemed at the recipient's
convenience.
-
What is your policy
regarding copyrights and
trademarks? Or...stuff
my dad (the
attorney) would want you to
know.
We cannot
reproduce
copyright
material
without
permission.
This can
include
photographs
taken by
professional
photographers.
By law,
written
permission
must be
obtained to
reprint any
copyrighted
image. When
you place
your order,
you
represent
and warrant
that you
have the
authority to
reproduce
the image,
logo, etc.
that you
have
supplied.
You certify
that:
1) You
own the
image and/or
the
copyright
for all
images
submitted
for
reproduction;
or are
authorized
by the owner
of the
copyright of
the image to
allow
Branching
Out Pottery
to reproduce
the image
onto one of
its
products,
and
2) You
agree to
indemnify
and hold
Karen Adler
and
Branching
Out Pottery
harmless
from all
liability,
expenses and
damages that
may incur as
a result of
fulfilling
your order,
including
any claims
brought by
any other
person
claiming an
interest in
the image(s)
supplied or
its subject
matter.
-
Anything you won't print?
Branching Out
Pottery will not print
images, artwork or text that
are, or could be construed
as being bigoted or demeaning,
sexually explicit
or promotes any illegal
activity.
Questions
about Pottery
-
How long will it take to
get my custom pottery order?
All of our custom
pottery is made to order -
from scratch! That
means that most products
begin with just a lump of
clay tossed down on the
potter's wheel where they
are formed by hand. Typically
your order will leave our
studio within 6-8 weeks.
Most orders go out sooner.
however, we will not forsake
quality for speed.
-
Can you rush my pottery order?
If you need your order
on short notice, please contact
us first . To the best of our
ability, we will try to accommodate your
needs, without compromising the
quality of the final product.
The process of handmade
pottery is time and labor
intensive. After being made
, the clay must dry
thoroughly and is put in the
kiln for a minimum of 2
firings.
We can
also provide a full-color
printable gift certificate via
email for a either a specific
product or purchase amount to be
redeemed at the recipient's
convenience.
-
Is there any way you can
incorporate a minor design
change to one of your clay
pieces?
Same answer as for our
tiles. Since the pieces are
created by hand and made to
order, the answer is
definitely and
gladly...yes! We enjoy making each
piece as unique as its
recipient. Please contact us
with the product you're
interested in and your
specific requests. We'll let
you know as soon as possible
how we can accommodate your
changes. For ideas requiring
extensive customization, we
will be happy to provide a
custom quote. Allow
additional time.
-
Is your pottery safe for
food?
Absolutely! We exclusively
use lead-free glazes. All
products are food-safe and
dishwasher-safe. Although
our high-fired porcelain can
withstand your oven--and
even your microwave,
assuming there are no
metallic accents--it's also
a unique and fragile
collectible piece, so you
should treat is as such.
Questions
about Ordering, Shipping and Returns
-
My order is a gift.
Can you gift wrap it and
ship it directly to the
recipient?
Yes. You can have
your gift wrapped and
shipped to you or the recipient.
We will tastefully gift package
and include a
gift card with your sentiments
on it. You can even mail
us a greeting card and we
will enclose it with the
item. Gift packaging for
dog tags, name badges, magnets
and porcelain ornaments is
$3.50. For most other products
we charge $6.50 per package for this
service.
-
What are your shipping
and handling charges?
Our shipping charges
are based on the total sales
amount. We do not add a
separate handling fee.
Click here to
view our table of shipping
charges.
Our standard shipping charges
include trackable delivery
confirmation and carrier-based
insurance.
-
Can I ship my order to
multiple shipping addresses?
Yes. Upon check out, you
will be prompted to designate
which product(s) to ship to a
specific address. Shipping
charges apply to each shipping
address.
-
Do I have to order online?
We want to assure you that
our site uses advanced
security technologies to
ensure the privacy of your
personal information and
credit card data, enabling
us to provide secure
transactions at checkout.
TIP: If you need to
print the confirmation page,
be sure your paper is
oriented for "landscape".
File / Page Setup / Orientation : Landscape
If for any reason you prefer
not to submit credit card
data online, we offer the
following alternatives:
-
Phone: Simply call
us at 530-622-5911
during business hours
with your credit card
and order information handy.
If you'd like to submit
your order online and
call us with your credit
card information, go
through the normal
checkout process,
selecting Phone/Fax.
Give us a call at your
convenience so we can
begin working on your
order.
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Fax: Select Phone/Fax
instead of Credit Card
in the Checkout process,
submit your order
online, then print a
copy of the Confirmation
page. Fill in the
requested credit card
information, then call
us for a fax number.
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Mail: Select Phone/Fax
instead of Credit Card
in the Checkout process,
submit your order
online, then print a
copy of the Confirmation
page. Send us your
personal check or money
order with a copy of
your Confirmation page.
Please note that we
cannot begin work on
your custom order until
your funds clear.
-
Which shipping carriers do
you use?
We use UPS for
all ground or expedited
services. We occasionally use the US
Postal Service (USPS) for
small packages or priority
mail.
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What is your return policy?
Custom or personalized
products may not be returned
due to their nature, unless
there is a manufacturing
defect. Please double-check
all spellings and dates for
accuracy, as we will print
exactly what you give us! If
we have a question about
grammar, punctuation,
spelling, etc. we'll contact
you so you have a chance to
correct it if necessary.
If you require a return,
please contact us for a
return authorization.
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What about breakage?
We take great pains to pack
each item carefully so that
your pottery will arrive in
the same condition we packed
it. In fact, we double-box
almost all items, exceeding
the standards in careful
packaging. In the rare event
of breakage, please do not
touch any broken pieces!
Damaged pottery or tile can
be extremely sharp. Save all
packing materials and
contact the carrier
immediately. Each piece of
Branching Out Pottery is
shipped with insurance. You
will receive a replacement
for any carrier-approved
claim that is reported to us
within 5 business days after
delivery.
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Why should I sign up for an
account at checkout?
The real answer is that the
shopping cart software we
use mandates it. We realize that this is an
extra step, however this features
will speed things up at
checkout, and allows you to
access additional feature to our
site such as your Order History,
Address Book, etc., and
simplifies your process for
reorders. We use this
feature periodically (and
sparingly) to send announcements
of new products, seasonal
promotions, or customer
discounts. If you wish to receive
promotional emails from us,
please be sure that you check
the box. Regardless, we do not
share or sell email addresses.
We respect your privacy.
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What is your privacy policy?
The entirety of our privacy
policy can be accessed from
a link at the bottom of
every page. In a nutshell,
your email address and user
information will never be
shared for any reason with
any one. We will not hold
your credit card information
on file unless you
specifically ask us to.
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