Custom Commissions Explained: How to Order Your Legendary Item
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Your imagination deserves to become reality.
We've all been there—scrolling through products, thinking "this is close, but not quite right" or "I wish this existed in my favourite fandom." That's exactly why we offer custom commissions at Hearth & Forge Studios. Your personal realm should reflect YOUR unique story, not just what's already available.
What We Create: Your Vision, Our Craftsmanship
Our custom commission services include:
Custom Rug Tufting
Transform your favourite characters, scenes or symbols into a functional work of art for your floor. From subtle minimalist designs to bold statement pieces, we create rugs that are as unique as your fandom love.
Personalised Ceramic Painting
Whether you want your Patronus on a mug, your D&D party on a planter or a custom Pokémon design on dinnerware, we bring your ceramic visions to life with careful hand-painting & attention to detail.
Bespoke Fan Art Prints
Commission original artwork tailored to your space, colour scheme & preferred aesthetic. Perfect for creating gallery walls or statement pieces that capture exactly the moment, character or quote that resonates with you.
Unique Geek Home Décor Pieces
Have something else in mind? We're always excited to discuss creative projects. From themed suncatchers to custom trinket boxes, if you can dream it, we can likely craft it.
The Commission Process: Your Quest from Concept to Creation
Step 1: Initial Inquiry - Share Your Vision
Ready to begin? Send us a message at summon@hearthforge.co.za with the following information:
- What you want created: Be as detailed or as open as you like
- Fandom/theme: Which universe inspires this piece?
- Intended use & location: Where will this live in your personal realm?
- Size preferences: Approximate dimensions if relevant
- Colour preferences: Any must-haves or must-avoids?
- Budget range: This helps us propose options within your means
- Timeline: When do you need this? (Be realistic—quality craftsmanship takes time!)
- Inspiration images: Screenshots, Pinterest boards, sketches—anything that helps us understand your vision
- Don't worry if you're not sure about all the details yet. Part of our process is helping you refine your ideas!
Step 2: Consultation & Concept Development
Once we receive your inquiry, we'll:
- Discuss your vision in detail (via email or video call)
- Ask clarifying questions to ensure we understand exactly what you're after
- Suggest creative solutions or alternatives if needed
- Present concept sketches or mockups for your approval
- Refine the design based on your feedback
This collaborative stage is crucial—we want you to be absolutely thrilled with the concept before we begin crafting.
Step 3: Quote & Timeline
After finalising the concept, we'll provide:
- Detailed quote: Breaking down materials, labour & any additional costs
- Realistic timeline: From start date to estimated completion
- Payment terms: Typically a 50% deposit to begin, with the balance due upon completion
- Terms & conditions: What's included, revision policy & our commitment to you
We believe in transparency—no hidden costs, no surprise fees.
Step 4: Creation Process
Once you've approved the quote & paid your deposit, the magic begins!
During creation, we'll:
- Keep you updated on progress with photos at key milestones
- Check in if any creative decisions arise that need your input
- Ensure every detail meets our (and your) quality standards
This is where your legendary item truly comes to life. We take our time because rushing craftsmanship never produces the best results.
Step 5: Completion & Delivery
When your piece is complete:
- We'll send you final photos for approval
- Upon your approval & final payment, we carefully package your item
- We arrange shipping (South Africa-wide) or collection from our Cape Town studio
- You receive your one-of-a-kind treasure, ready to transform your personal realm!
We also include care instructions so your custom piece stays beautiful for years to come.
Understanding Custom Commission Pricing
"How much will my commission cost?" is always the first question & the honest answer is: it depends.
Here's what influences the price:
Complexity of Design
A simple geometric pattern costs less than an intricate scene with multiple characters. Fine details require more time & skill.
Size
Larger pieces require more materials & significantly more crafting time. A small ceramic mug differs vastly from a large floor rug in both resources & labour.
Materials Required
Premium materials, specialty supplies or hard-to-source items will affect the final price. We always use quality materials worthy of your investment.
Time Investment
Some techniques are naturally more time-intensive. Hand-tufting a detailed rug, for instance, is a labour of love that requires many hours of meticulous work.
Revisions
We include a reasonable number of revisions in our quotes, but extensive changes after approval may incur additional costs.
The good news? We work with various budgets.
During consultation, we can often suggest ways to achieve your vision at different price points.
Lead Times: Patience Yields Perfection
Custom commissions aren't instant & that's what makes them special.
Typical timelines:
- Custom ceramic painting: 4-8 weeks (due to glazing processes)
- Bespoke fan art prints: 2-4 weeks (depending on complexity)
- Custom rug tufting: 2-3 weeks (size & detail dependent)
- Other custom pieces: We'll provide specific timelines during consultation
Holiday & peak periods may extend these timelines. Planning ahead is always appreciated, especially for gift commissions!
Rush orders: In some cases, we can accommodate faster turnarounds for an additional fee. Ask us about availability.
Making Your Commission Brief Brilliant
The more information you provide, the better we can bring your vision to life. Here are some tips:
Do:
- Share multiple reference images showing different aspects of what you want
- Explain WHY you love certain elements (helps us capture the essence)
- Be specific about practical considerations (e.g., "needs to be machine washable")
- Communicate your budget honestly upfront
- Ask questions—there are no silly ones!
Don't worry if you:
- Can't articulate exactly what you want yet (we'll help!)
- Aren't sure about technical details (that's our job)
- Need to adjust your vision based on our feedback (collaboration makes it better)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you create items from any fandom?
We work with most fandoms, but we carefully consider each request to ensure we can do it justice. We'll let you know during consultation if something falls outside our capabilities or comfort zone.
What if I don't like the final result?
We work hard to ensure this doesn't happen through our approval process. However, if there's a genuine issue with craftsmanship or deviation from the approved design, we'll make it right.
Can I commission something as a gift for someone else?
Absolutely! Many of our commissions are gifts. Just let us know & we can include special gift packaging or keep it a surprise.
Do you ship commissions internationally?
Currently, we ship throughout South Africa. International shipping may be possible for certain items—contact us to discuss.
Can I commission multiples of the same item?
Yes! Bulk commissions may qualify for volume pricing, but may take a little longer to craft. Perfect for wedding favours, corporate gifts or gaming group sets.
What's your cancellation policy?
Deposits are non-refundable once work has begun, as custom pieces can't be resold. We'll outline this clearly in our terms before you commit.
Ready to Commission Your Legendary Item?
Your personal realm is waiting for that perfect piece... the one that doesn't exist anywhere else because it exists only in your imagination. Until now.
Whether you're dreaming of a custom Totoro rug for your nursery, a set of D&D character mugs for your gaming group or a bespoke Star Wars print for your home office, we're here to bring your vision to life with the craftsmanship & care it deserves.
Ways to start your commission journey today:
- Email us at forgemaster@hearthforge.co.za
- Complete the form on our About Us page
- WhatsApp us
Remember: Legendary items aren't found—they're forged. Let's forge yours together.
