Frequently Asked Questions
Can I commission a custom piece?
Absolutely! However, the amount of custom work I can take on at a time will vary depending on what I have in the works. It never hurts to ask, and if it is something that we agree on, I will put you on a list in the order that requests come in and give you an approximate timeline for your custom piece. This might also vary depending on how long shipping takes if material orders are needed.
Please keep in mind that designing and creating something custom is a thoughtful process and takes time. Allow 4 - 6 weeks for your piece to be made. If you need a piece made quickly, there may be a $50 Expediting Fee in addition to your overall cost.
Where do I Contact you?
I will happily respond to emails at cbassdesign@gmail.com or to direct messages sent to my Instagram page @tenderfoot.studio.
How do you price custom pieces?
If the piece you are interested in having made is completely new - the pricing will not be determined until the piece is finished. Elements that are considered when pricing a custom piece:
Design Time: This is the discussion of what is desired from the design and a sketch to the customer to confirm the design. Design stage might also include another iteration of the sketch if the customer desires modifications to the concept. Some sketches only take minutes and sometimes this step isn’t necessary. Either way time is tracked carefully.
Material Pricing: This includes the price of materials plus any S&H fees if this is a special order for materials. I do my best to place orders for materials all at once to keep this price lower for S&H.
Working time: Carefully tracked time that it takes to physically create your piece.
If the piece is similar, or just a different size of a piece that I’ve made previously - then the price will be the same as that piece, or very similar - depending on materials used.
Do you perform jewelry repairs?
I am happy to repair a broken piece that was handmade by Tenderfoot Studio. I will not however, repair work created by another artist - it is risky to repair work if the creation process is not known.
I believe in creating high-quality & long-lasting work. If you have any issues with the quality of your Tenderfoot Studio product, feel free to contact me to inquire about a solution!
What materials do you use? How do I care for them?
I primarily work in Argentium or Sterling Silver - this will not turn your skin a funny color and is a quality metal that will last. The speed in which metal tarnishes differs for each person. Silver can tarnish and require occasional polishing. For me, I wear the same rings every day and don’t take them off for ANY activities - they are perfectly fine and rarely need to be polished (as in, I might do it once a year). My best friend and loyal customer, who takes her pieces off when showering and sleeping, polishes her pieces every week or two . The point is - the metal will not ‘go bad’ on you, but depending on your body’s PH and your activities, you might need to polish them here and there.
Where does the name Tenderfoot come from?
My dog. I have an 11 year old Chihuahua/Papillon mix who I partnered up with ten years ago. His name is Ace, but many call him Bean, Root Tooter and one day he was called Tenderfoot. Tenderfoot came from a day playing ball, for maybe too long, in the driveway; he roughed up his little paws to the point of tenderfootin’ around for the next couple days. Simultaneously, I was trying to figure out how the hell to start this business and needed a name. Hence Tenderfoot. Acey is my small best friend who I am thankful to steal glances of while I work at my in-home studio.