Q

How much does a custom commission cost?

A

Every piece we make is unique, so cost is determined after we complete the preliminary design. We can work within a set budget, or work out a price for a set of requirements. Any posted prices are always in ranges for this reason, but we will stick with our final quote.

Q

Does Artisans maintain and inventory?

A

No, we are a per commission shop only. As it is impossible to design a custom piece in advance, we do not maintain any period or built-in pieces in an inventory. The only inventory we maintain is a small selection of about 50 walking sticks at any given time.

Q

Does Artisans handle mass production?

A

Artisans is a hand crafted custom shop, we specialize in unique works of art. However, we are now affiliated with Custom Creations which is fully equip CNC capable shop which can reproduce certain items in greater quantity. Please contact us with the details of your project and we can evaluate reproducing multiple pieces.

Q

Does Artisans have a showroom?

A

Yes, our homes are our showrooms. We welcome our clients to inspect our personal pieces, but as with many small artistic shops we must part with our best work when we deliver a finished piece so we maintain this website and various photographs of each completed work. Please make an appointment to visit our homes, it gives us a chance to straiten up (pretend we're neat) and saves you a trip if we're not at home!

Q

What is handmade?

A

Handmade furniture doesn't necessarily mean we use all hand powered tools, we have commercial rated power equipment to process our materials. What it does mean is everything is unique, by hand, not programmable machine or duplication device. Everything we make will show the artistic character of hand imperfections, and we'll never be able to make any two commissions a 100% perfect match. This is what makes our work art, and not mass production.

Q

Why does Artisans prefer solid wood?

A

Our opinion is that solid wood is the best medium to work with, it's depth and beauty can never be reviled by plywood or veneers. However, there is appropriate occasion to use plywood and we are happy to accommodate such situations.

Q

What is the timeframe for completing a piece?

A

There is no set timeframe. Our backlog generally runs anywhere between two and six months, which means from when you commission a piece we may not be able to start it for a few months. We'll provide estimates on production time, and keep you well informed through the process. We don't rush, it takes as long as it takes to bring a piece through to our satisfaction. Occasionally we even throw parts in the fireplace and start again. We will never accept a commission with a deadline we feel is unreasonable so plan time in your expectations for the artist to work.

Q

Where is Artisans studio?

A

Artisans maintains their studio at the home of Stanley & Cynthia Saperstein in Hopewell Valley New Jersey. When you visit, you'll be amazed at the work that comes from a modest sized operation. We're always pressed for space, and we're always cramming to much equipment and too many projects in our space, but it's our nature and we're content working that way so don't let it scare you away!

Q

Does Artisans take on apprentices?

A

Sometimes, but it's rare that we find anyone that sticks to it long enough to get paid. We do not pay an apprentice until they are of use to us, for the first two or three years of a part time apprenticeship the apprentice distracts the master of the shop from his own tasks. We won't pay you to take our knowledge, but we'll happily offer our knowledge in exchange for your labor.

Q

Does Artisans offer presentations or classes?

A

Yes, we're always happy to show our work and our techniques. The trick isn't getting us to start talking - it's getting us to shut up and go home. We love to do demonstrations and show our work!