FAQ & Studio Policies

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Do you actually make these pieces?
Yes, actually they are locally made by myself, just one person. My pieces are not imported, manufactured or mass produced, there is No CNC, No AI technologies.
Each piece is hand cut, hand carved and hand painted, one-at-a-time making each piece one of a kind. Each piece is made from locally reclaimed materials and found objects.

How long does it take to make one of your pieces?
Each piece takes hours, days or weeks to complete depending on the size or detail complexity. This does not account for the times to locate, harvest, clean and store reclaimed materials before production begins.

What kinds of tools are used to make your pieces?
Let’s start with what not used. There is no AI, no CNC machines, no 3D printers and no chainsaws or chisels used in my processes. Common power hand held rotary tools; angle grinders, die grinders do most of my heavy lifting. Some Dremel and some vintage techniques are used for details.

How long have you been making these?
This particular work I started making around 2018. I am a career artist, I have been making and selling artwork since 1980 in Fort Walton Beach, FL.

Can these be installed outside?
My pieces are designed and created for indoor enjoyment, they are not intended to be outside or used as fence art. While my pieces are clear coated, direct exposure to sunlight and rain will result in a very limited life span and is not recommended.

Are these made out of driftwood?
No, all materials are reclaimed wood. My carving processes make my finished pieces resemble carved salty, weathered driftwood.

Are reclaimed materials yucky or have bugs?
No, all materials are hand curated, responsibly harvested and inspected, go through a quarantine period and numerous processes, re-inspections during the creation period to ensure there are no issues before they go inside their new forever homes.

Where do reclaimed materials come from?
All of my reclaimed materials and found objects originate locally, here in Fort Walton Beach, FL.

Lumber – none of my lumber is cut offs or scrap. I prefer to locate and work with home owners and contractors who are doing remodeling, renovations or tearing down homes in Fort Walton Beach. Homes from the 1950s through 1970s are my favorite to work with and the types of materials they have available to reclaim. The old growth lumber wood grain is far superior than today's fast growth lumber.

I will always ask permission from the owner or site manager before entering a site. Reclaiming materials can be a win-win for everyone – less materials a contractor pays to go to the landfill = quality materials given a second chance by becoming artwork.

Why don't you just buy wood?
New wood from the big box stores is just not the same. Modern fast growth forestry is like trees on steroids, pumped full of genetically modified things to grow fast and cheap. Old growth forest lumber was wild at the time, the wood grain and texture is something that new wood lacks and what give each of my pieces it's own unique character.

Sustainability – each year I salvage thousands of feet of lumber to be given a second chance by becoming a piece of artwork that were on their way to our already crowded landfills.

Are there multiples of any items?
I make each piece one at a time by hand with out the use of CNC equipment or manufacturing processes. Each piece is dependent on the wood grain and found items being part of the design, no two are ever exactly alike.

For my small pieces, I tend to work in batches of 3 pieces, each having slight color and carving variations or versions when completed. What I list is the pieces that I have, not what I plan to make.

Can I pre-order a piece or custom commission?
At this time, I can not accept pre-orders or commission work.

Can I reserve an item by placing it in my shopping cart?
My pieces tend to be adopted quickly when my shop goes live. My pieces are first come first served. Adding a piece to your cart does not secure it until your payment is processed. If you see something and you love it, I recommend completing your purchase before you continue shopping to ensure it's availability.

Do you ship internationally?
Yes, I will be offering worldwide shipping. Shipping costs will be calculated based on your shipping location at checkout. Each customer is responsible for all customs/import fees.

IMPORTANT - Customs fees are not included with international shipping costs and will be calculated by your region's customs based on regulations in your region, I do not have control over these rates.

Studio Policies

Order Cancellations
Orders are processed for shipping within 24 hours of purchase. I accept cancellations only before an order has been shipped.

I do not accept returns or exchanges, but please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any concerns with your piece and I will do my best to make it right.

Return & Exchange Policy
I am grateful for your investing in my artwork, thank you! I want you to completely love your new piece and feel confident about your purchase. Because artwork is delicate, high-value, and deeply personal, please review my return guidelines below.

1. Overview & Time frame

• • • Eligibility Window: You may request a return or exchange within 14 days of receiving your artwork.

    • Condition: To be eligible for a return, the artwork must be in its original, undamaged condition and include all original packaging materials and any documentation.

2. Damaged or Defective Shipments

I take great care in packaging all artwork securely, but accidents can occasionally happen during transit.

• • • Inspection: Please inspect your package immediately upon delivery.

    • Reporting Damage: If the artwork or packaging arrives damaged, you must notify me within 48 hours of delivery at hello @fwbartists.com.

    • Required Evidence: Please provide clear photographs of the damaged artwork and the exterior/interior shipping packaging. This is required for me to file a claim with the shipping carrier.

    • Resolution: Once verified, I will coordinate a full refund or a replacement (if applicable) and cover the return shipping costs for damaged items.

3. Change-of-Mind Returns

If the artwork simply does not fit your space or match your vision:

• • • Contact Me First: If you feel that you need to return your item for any reason, you must contact to get an authorization. Purchasing artwork is a 
      very personal process, and I understand if it doesn't fit in your space as you may have expected.

• • • Return Shipping: The buyer is responsible for all return shipping costs.

    • Secure Shipping Requirement: Items must be shipped back using a trackable, insured shipping service in their original heavy-duty packaging (or equivalent professional-grade materials).

    • Restocking/Inspection Fee: "A 10% restocking fee will apply to cover processing and material inspection.

    • Refund Issuance: Once the returned artwork is received and inspected to ensure it is undamaged, a refund will be issued to your original payment method, minus the original shipping costs and any applicable fees.

4. Non-Returnable & Final Sale Items

The following items cannot be returned or exchanged:

• • • Commissioned or Custom Artworks: Custom pieces created specifically for you are final sale.

    • Gift Cards.

    • Sale or Clearance Items: Pieces purchased during a special promotional markdown, advertised discount or final sale event.

5. How to Initiate a Return

To start a return or exchange, please reach out directly:

• • • Email: hello @fwbartists.com

    • Subject Line: Return Request - [Order Number] - [Your Name]

    • Please include your reason for the return and whether you are requesting a refund or an exchange.

Combining Shipping for Separate Orders
I am happy to combine multiple orders going to the same destination when possible. Please note:

• For international orders, combining pieces into a larger box rarely results in a lower shipping cost.
• To ensure safe arrival, certain pieces are best shipped alone and will be packaged at my discretion.

International Shipping & Customs
A quick note for international buyers:

Shipping costs for orders outside the US are calculated automatically at checkout. Please keep in mind that customs, import fees, and taxes are not included in your purchase or shipping total. These fees are set by your local government and are the buyer's responsibility.

Because I have no control over these regulations, I cannot predict or calculate what they might be ahead of time.

Important regarding returns:  If customs fees are left unpaid and the package is returned to me or abandoned, any resulting refund will exclude original shipping costs, and will have any return shipping fees deducted from the total.