Commission FAQs

Commissions update – 24 February 2012 I am now fully booked for commissions for February and March, but can take bookings for April and beyond. Occasionally, a slot may become unexpectedly free, so it’s worth getting in touch if you are interested in a commission.

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) 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 pictures of all work I've done by following the links on the Creature Gallery.

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. Also new to the Quernus range are cake toppers, mice with flags, and mice with letters and numbers which can be personalised to make them unique to you.

Wee Flo & Wee Flicka

How long does it take?
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 Pablo

How much does it cost?
Prices for commissions start from £20 plus P&P, depending on the style and complexity of the piece. For example, Wee Horses (spherical shape) are £20 each and Custom Fatty Cats start from £30. If you're looking for a more realistic sculpture of your pet, prices start from £50 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, etc) are priced on an individual basis, but will usually start from £25. 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

If you ask me to Quernus your pet, I'll need photographs which show colouring and markings. 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.

The size of commission pieces varies. For example, Wee Horses are about 3.5cm in height, Custom Fatty Cats are about 4-5cm tall, and pet sculptures range are usually slightly larger again, but this will depend on the breed, pose, etc.

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 I'll tell you 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 post all orders by first class recorded delivery post, so if you'd prefer me to post to an address so someone's in to sign for it, just let  me know. I can also post direct to the intended recipient - I'm happy to include a note from you so they know who it's from.

P&P for all UK orders costs £3.50 for one item, and additional 50p for each subsequent item.

To see testimonials for previous commissions, please click here.

Here is a list of some of the commissions I've made to date, although there are many more I've made but haven't written about yet. If you want to see the full range of work I've done, click here.

Sophie (Wee Dog)
Wee Teddy
The Glenfiddich Gang
Coco Chanel Cat
Scott of the Antarctic Cat
Bandit (Wee Dog)
Turtle
Wee Dinosaur
Alonso the Armadillo
Trevor the Snail
Toucan Brooch
Belle (Wee Dog)
Holly (Wee Dog)
Blossom Cats
Fireman Cat
Paramedicat
The Happy Couple Part 2
The Happy Couple Part 1
Police Mole
Star Wars Cats
Wee Jack Russell
Mr Sparkle the Gnome Cat
Mavis (Wee Dog)
Ernie (Wee Dog)
Glamourpuss Girls
Bedtime Kitten
Jet and Tater (Wee Horses)
Lily (Wee Dog)
Scientist Cat
Jess and Cinnamon (Cats)
Cookie (Hamster)
Jellybean (Hamster)
Smudge (Rabbit)
Eva (Wee Dog)
Luna and Maru (Cats)
Ella (Wee Dog)
Smudge and Boots (Cats)
Sam (Wee Dog)
Liverpool FC Scarf Cat
Wizard of Oz Cats
Liberal Demo-Cat
Spiderpig (Guinea pig)
Silly and Molly (Wee Horses)
Bessy, Ginny and Sox (Wee Horses)
Niko (Wee Dog)
Dr Mole
Wee Unicorn
Pandora (Wee Horse)
Timmie, Oscar and Hamish (Cats)
Wee Frog
Alfie (Wee Horse)
Indy and Paddy (Wee Horses)
Stella and Harvey (Wee Horses)
Strawberry and Crystal (Wee Horses)
Flora and Marley (Wee Horses)
Hugo, Rosie and Nugget (Wee Horses)
Mickey (Wee Horse)
Donk the Donkey
Dan and Cuillin (Wee Horses)
Keona, Chelsea and Oscar (Wee Horses)
Governor, Bob and Runty (Cats)
Oliver and Nell (Cats)
Antelope
Hurty Paw Cat
Tonto, Frosty, Wilbur and Bailey (Wee Horses)
Dracula Cat
Biggles Cat
Barrister Cat and Anaesthetist Cat Tree Decorations
Psychedelic Millefiori Cats
Springbok Cat
Star Wars Cats
Lion and Tiger
Sasquatch Cat
Three Wee Sheep
Glamourpuss
Santa Cat Tree Decorations
Anniversary Cats
Horses and Wee Horses
Bearskin Cat
Green Apple Cats
Christmas Elf Cats
AC/DC Cats
Army Cats
Santa Cat with Beard & Ninja Cat
Jungle Army Cat
Army Cat
Small Bobble Hat Millefiori Cat
Ninja Cat and Pirate Cat
Blue, Tilly and Bob (Cats)