FAQ'S

Many things come up as the site is visited, here are the answers to just a few of the questions asked.
Please note that generic questions or questions that cover more than one business show in red, specific mosaic questions are in blue, and lime green for jewelry.
Please scroll to the bottom for more info on Mosaics, your sewing machine or shrink plastic.

How and who makes your things?

EVERYTHING is handmade, put together, or custom designed by me, myself, and I. (with the exclusion of  things included under "Other Artisans," Cre8ive Circus artist supplies, ephemera, and the like plus the items in my antique/vintage collection.) How is another question and depends on the item, subject, and media. Please e-mail if your curious about any specific piece.

Will you create a custom piece for me?

At this time I would have to answer that question with a yes and a no. Fortunately for me I have a very full schedule with all my designs, shows, and family. Unfortunately for everyone else that doesn't leave me a lot of  time to do custom work. Dependent on time constraints you and I can work out an individual answer to that question. (One addendum to this is that I do tons of custom jewelry pieces through Charming Trinkets. That is my main business at the moment and all you have to do is ask!) If there is a custom jewelry item you're interested in please e-mail me with an idea and we can go from there.
 

Can I order through your website?

Yes and no. Please do not attempt to e-mail me with credit card numbers or other personal information, my site is not secure for that type of transaction at this time. I do have access to take credit cards and you may phone me or send me your number with a convenient time to contact you and we'll arrange payment. There are buttons throughout all of my sites that will funnel your sale through PayPal.com. This is exceptionally easy and notifies me immediately if you buy with this option. As of 1/2009 I have a new shop open at 1000 Markets. The shop displays my more funky and OOAK pieces for your perusal and uses Amazon.com as it's payment provider. Again, I do have access to my own credit card provider so if you're not comfortable with either Amazon or PayPal, just notify me and we'll figure it out.
Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions.

Can I come see your things at your store?

Currently I have only a studio in my home and am not showing items through any brick and mortar venue. If you check my calendar page you'll find out where my next show is and how to get there. I would love to have you come and say hello!
With Charming Trinkets you can schedule a home show. Currently I haven't done too many of these but would really like to do more. They are a blast! Also I can arrange trunk shows in my living room. If you're going to be in my area and would like to stop by I only need a couple days notice!
I am still hoping that the Cre8ive Circus will have a brick and mortar location at some point. Unfortunately, with the way of the world today, it isn't possible right now. Stay tuned!

What are your jewelry pieces made out of?

I work in a varied list of metals, beads, plastics, and other tactile materials. The charms are pewter, brass, polymer clay, and sterling silver. Other things like gold can be had by special order. Components are silver plated or sterling, dependent on the project.

Do you design the charms?

Not at this time. I buy the charms from a handful of companies based in the U.S. of A. I do from time to time have polymer clay charms or other pieces that I have made. Please let me point them out to you when you visit a show.

Is everything you carry available on your website?

Unfortunately, no. I have so many things, many are one of a kind, that it becomes impossible to get it all on the web. Being a one woman show I would need a 36 hour day to even attempt it! The selection under my canopy has many things that aren't on the site but anything you see can be had. Just e-mail me and tell me what you saw, I'll find it or we can make one special for you.

What happens if I buy something that turns out to be too small or too big?

You bring it back to me, you put it in the mail addressed to me, you come see me at your nearest show, and I will fix it. Anything you buy from me I guarantee. That's the beauty of having all the pieces, I can fix, make, re-make, repair, alter, re-design, and stand behind any item you purchase.

Do you sell your jewelry pieces wholesale?

Yes! Because I am a one woman show I use a keystone pricing system rather than true wholesale. The more you buy the more you save and once you purchase $1000 worth of retail items the discount becomes true wholesale at a 50% discount. Please inquire if you are a store, gallery, or reseller!

Do you have classes available to learn mosaics?

Not at this time but I am contemplating trying some since this is the most frequent question I hear. You can visit my do it yourself page for an overview of the process I use for my work. (As in the answer above, if I can get an actual storefront open there will be classes galore!)

Can I put all of your mosaics outside?

Not all of them, no. I have specific pieces for interior use and others for exterior. I attempt to mark everything with some sort of instructions but if there are any questions please ask me.

How do I clean my mosaic?

Just use a dampened cloth for ordinary cleaning. If you really need to make it sparkle Windex without the addition of vinegar (vinegar sometimes leaves a residue behind).  Some of my pieces have tinted or stained grout and with this you need to be more careful using only very light water and a soft cloth. For severe stains on regular grout use Kaboom, it's the best thing I've found.

What happens if I damage or chip the mosaic?

Even though mosaic is a cement creation and seems un-fixable this isn't the case. Dependent on the damage, more times than not it can be repaired. Please e-mail me and I will help you make it whole again.

How do I hang some of the wall hanging or mirror pieces? They weigh a ton!

Yes, some pieces of mine weigh in at over 50 pounds. The best way I've found is to mount a 1 X 4 or larger board in the wall studs in the area that you want to hang the mosaic. Make sure you securely screw the board into the studs! Paint the board the same color as your walls then if it is accessible from the side it will disappear into the wall. Hang the mosaic with the appropriate weight hangers in the attached board and all should be fine. Do not attempt to just hang something of this weight without attaching it to a stud! Serious consequences could result and the last thing anyone wants is to get hurt by a falling mosaic!

OR...I have just started to attach slim strips of board to the back of my mosaic that has the long side mitered to 45 degrees. A second board, also cut the same way, is supplied for you to mount at level into the studs on the wall then the mosaic slides into the diagonal cut. This method allows the weight to be distributed evenly with less chance of coming loose from its hardware.

What does your name mean, Hardwear...?

Well, seems my husband is a computer nut and writes lots of code for many and all things technological. It's really a play on words.

Recently someone said to me, "I've looked at your website but I can't tell what it is you REALLY do?"

I'm starting to feel that way myself! There is no short answer to this question except that I design and create everything from charm jewelry, paint treatments, mosaics, and all manner of home decor details (I have a private clientele and sell at shows around Southern California) to hand make and bake pet treats and human confections to manage and custom design party/wedding details AND have an extensive collection of vintage clothes and jewelry. Phew...there is no end to this! I have been fighting with myself to thin out this list but to no avail. Maybe this year I'll be able to focus on just one thing...mmmm.
Addendum: As of this writing I am actually compiling into 3 business ventures...! Whooppeee! The Hardwear by Susan moniker is something I am keeping as an overview name. I've had it for 12 years and can't give it up. (sentimental value) But now, Charming Trinkets, My Mother's Closet, and, the new, Cre8ive Circus will operate together and they all feed into each other, one way or another. (this is most likely only apparent to me!)
So the answer to the last question is that I am an obsessive collective mosaic and jewelry artisan and vintage pack rat, magpie...?! (or something like that...)

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