Commission FAQs

Commissions update – 6th January 2013 Due to other commitments, I am currently not taking on any new commissions. I will post details here when I reopen my commission book, and in the meantime, do please visit my shop as I will continue to sell my standard ranges.

I get a lot of questions about what's involved if you want your very own Quernus creation, so I thought it might be helpful to answer some of these questions here.

Severus Snape Mouse

So what can you do?
Commissions come in all shapes and sizes - from miniature versions of pets with my 'Quernus Your Pet' service, to character cats (animal versions of all manner of people, like Star Wars characters, Braveheart, etc) as well as unusual wedding cake toppers, and just about everything in between! There's a list at the end of this page of some of the commissions I've done so far, and you can see a gallery of all the work I've done by going to my Flickr page.

I've done single pieces to large scale collections, and so if you've got something in mind, run it past me - I do love a challenge!  I have recently started making miniature versions of people's beloved toys - it's a lovely memento to have which will last a lifetime.

How long does it take?

Wee Dillon

I operate a booking system, so that I book in your commission for a particular day or period of time after discussion with you. I will post regular updates here on whether my commission calendar is full or when spaces open up.

Commissions can take anywhere from a couple of hours to a couple of days to make, depending on the size and complexity. We will discuss all those details when booking a commission slot.

Wee Sophie

How much does it cost?
Prices for commissions start from £30 plus P&P, depending on the style and complexity of the piece. For example, Custom Fatty Cats start from £30. If you're looking for a more realistic sculpture of your pet, prices start from £75 depending on complexity - these sculptures do take many hours to make.

I'm happy to give you a quote for a particular sculpture, please send me through a photo of your pet using the contact form.

Character commissions (eg Star Wars Cats, Mice, etc) are priced on an individual basis, but will usually start from £35, again depending on complexity. For any other type of commission, just get in touch and we can take things from there.

Payment can be by Paypal or bank transfer. I ask for payment in full shortly before I'm due to make a start on your commission, with a view to sending out the completed piece within a week of payment.

What's involved?

My artist's mark

For pet sculptures, I'll need photographs which show colouring, markings and shape. I also love to know the name of the pet, and a bit of information about their character - I do get to know them very well as I'm making them. We will also discuss what pose you'd like your pet to be in, and whether you want any accessories (eg favourite toy).

Each commission takes several hours of planning, creating, finishing, etc. I create the markings, fur effects, etc through a combination of colour-mixing, millefiori canework and texturing. I rarely use paint - there's no need to with the infinite colours available! I also use glass eyes for pet commissions where appropriate - it really helps to bring them to life. I use wire armature to strengthen the piece, eg in legs or tails.

Dandy Highwayman Mouse

The size of commission pieces varies. For example, Custom Fatty Cats are about 4-5cm tall, and pet sculptures range are usually slightly larger again (about 6-8cm), but this will depend on the breed, pose, etc. Character Mice are usually 5-6cm tall.

Once I've finished a piece and it's been cured, I sand and varnish it, and sign it with my artist's mark - a slice of my unique 'QC' cane (pictured). I'll email you a couple of photographs and let you know when I've posted it, along with a note of the tracking reference.

Wee Audrey (Fatty Cat style)

How are they packaged?
All my wee creatures come in a sturdy, smart box and are carefully packaged in bubble wrap and tissue paper. They all come with a signed certificate.

I use Royal Mail to post out orders, and depending on the value of the piece, they will be sent  by either first class recorded delivery or special delivery.





To see testimonials for previous commissions, please click here. To see the full range of work I've done, click here.