Frequently Asked Questions
Who are you?
I am me, which is good because it's pretty hard to be someone else. I can do it for a few hours at a time for D&D or community theatre, but otherwise...
I'm Katherine Leonard, a web & graphic designer based in Elizabethtown, KY. I've been making and selling jewelry locally since 2008, and I finally made the leap to an actual-for-real business in 2020. (I picked a GREAT year to start a small business heavily-reliant on local events, eh?) I also offer freelance web & graphic design services, so if you're interested in hiring me for THAT, send me an email.
Do you make all this yourself?
Pretty much. All of the jewelry is handmade: many of the components are store-bought, but I design and assemble the final piece. Most of the giftables and décor items are also handmade or handmade with mechanical assistance (e.g. sewing machine, vinyl cutter, CNC router, laser engraver).
All apparel items are my original designs, but are typically produced and shipped on-demand by a third-party.
Do you take custom orders?
Indeed, I do! Whether you're looking for a unique piece of jewelry, a tree skirt to match your theme, or a bulk order of tees for your business or family reunion extravaganza, send me a message using the on-site chat or the contact page.
I have metal allergies. Can you accommodate them?
I have a nickel allergy myself! Most silver-colored earrings are already nickel-free, but they can typically be upgraded to sterling silver or gold-filled alternatives for an upcharge when you add them to your cart. I'm also testing out new acrylic hooks, so stay tuned to see how those turn out.
If you need the entire piece upgraded to sterling silver or 14kt gold, let's talk.
Why is your stuff so expensive compared to [insert MLM of choice]?
My stuff is never going to be cheap, either in terms of material or cost: if you want that, seek out a MLM sucker dealer whose product comes from the hands of underpaid workers overseas. While many of the components in my jewelry and other items are sourced internationally, all of the labor is domestic, and my time—and that of my garment printer—costs money.
However, I'm pretty good at what I do—if I do say so myself—so there are certain pieces I can turn out fairly quickly. Additionally, I default to costume-grade components such as plated base metals, rather than the much-more expensive (but more durable) precious metals like sterling silver. Plated base metal can still look nice for many years to come, so long as it is cared-for appropriately, but if you're looking for an heirloom piece, ask me about it.
Help! I've been wearing this piece from you a bunch and it's turning ugly colors!
Much of what I make is plated base metal, which means it has a very thin layer of precious metal over top of a cheaper metal or alloy. With frequent wear, this precious metal layer will eventually rub off, exposing the base metal layer beneath. To restore the original shine, the metal will have to be replaced (if possible) with similar components or re-plated (a service I don't currently offer because it involves some very dangerous chemicals that could have certain alphabet agencies putting me on watchlists).
However, if you wear the piece often enough that you've worn off the plating, might I suggest you inquire about upgrading it to a higher-quality material that will last longer?
Additionally, many metals are subject to oxidization: a change in color due to chemical interactions with oxygen in the air. Iron takes on a reddish hue (rust), copper turns green (see Lady Liberty for a stellar example), and silver and other metals can darken. To minimize oxidization, when you aren't wearing your jewelry, store it in an airtight container like a zippered sandwich bag; for precious metals, keep an anti-tarnish slip in the bag with the piece. You can also rub a small amount of plain beeswax onto the piece every so often to keep the metal sealed.
If picking up locally or buying from a craft fair, feel free to ask me for a sealable bag.
Are your t-shirts vinyl, sublimation, or screen-printed?
Unless specified otherwise, all shirts are created using direct-to-garment printing, a technique similar to screen-print. On dark fabrics, a white base-layer is applied first to ensure the colors remain vibrant, so you may see a hair-thin white outline on these items. Since I don't (yet) have the resources to produce DTG items in-house, these items come from a third-party printing service.
All-over-print items like fleece throws, stretch leggings, and mouse pads are sublimated using a white base fabric. Sublimation infuses dye directly into the fabric, and it requires a high polyester content to work effectively. Ever see shirts at a craft fair that look dingy and faded? Odds are good they're a sublimation print on too high of a cotton content, and the color may eventually wash out.
I've tried vinyl, and I'm generally not a fan, as it is prone to peeling. However, there are certain effects like metallic sheens and glow-in-the-dark that vinyl does well. If you want a custom item made with vinyl, I can certainly do so, but be sure to wash the garment inside-out and either tumble dry on low or air dry.