PRODUCTS
Q: What type of products can I find in your store?
A: I currently offer greeting cards, hand-bound notebooks, and seasonal calendars - all printed from my original artwork. Art originals and prints will also be available soon.
Q: Are all your items handmade?
A: Yes! I take pride in using professional-grade materials to paint, draw, photograph, design, print, cut, fold, and package everything myself. The quality of what I deliver to you is truly important to me - and it fuels my perfectionist pride!
Q: Can I request a custom order?
A: I offer custom pet portraits. Please visit my custom pet portrait page for pricing and process. At this time, I only accept commissions for pet portraits.
Q: Will the colors on your items look the same as they do on screen or on the original artwork?
A: I carefully scan and prepare all my artwork, testing colors to keep prints as close to the originals as possible. Still, screen settings vary, and printed items may differ slightly from both what you see on your device and the original piece. That’s part of the charm of real, tactile materials.
Q: Are your products signed?
A: Always. Printed items include the original signature from the artwork. For handmade items like notebooks, I sign each of them after assembly.
Q: What kind of paper do you use?
A:
- Greeting cards, calendars, and notebook covers are printed on 100 lb white cardstock with a velvety smooth finish.
- Kraft paper envelopes add a touch of minimalist elegance to my greeting cards.
- The paper inside my notebooks is 90 lb., 97% bright white.
- Soon-to-launch art prints will be reproduced on heavyweight, acid-free matte paper designed to resist fading.
Q: Are greeting cards blank inside?
A: Yes - they’re intentionally blank inside, allowing your special message to be "wrapped" in the watercolor design you’ve chosen.
Q: Are notebooks really hand-sewn?
A: Yes. I hand-sew each notebook with a double thread - no staples, no machines. It adds a simple, durable, and personal touch to each notebook.
Q: Do you sell wholesale?
A: Not at the moment.
SHIPPING AND ORDERS
Q: How do you handle shipping costs?
A: As an indie artist, I personally prepare and ship every order. I am happy to offer flat shipping rates, absorbing part of the cost to keep shipping affordable for you.
Q: What shipping carriers do you use?
A: I generally use the carrier that best delivers within your chosen timeframe. For next day deliveries, please contact me before ordering (additional shipping fees apply).
Q: How much is shipping?
A: It depends on the size of your order and the shipping method you select at checkout.
- No Tracking – single card orders only (5–8 days)
- Standard – with tracking (~4 days)
- Express – with tracking (1–3 days)
Orders over $80 and custom pet portraits ship free with standard mail (tracking and insurance included).
Q: Are all your items ready to ship immediately?
A: Most items are made on order. This minimizes waste, ensures a more efficient use of resources and allows me to make premium quality pieces just for you.
Q: How long will it take to receive my order?
A: Orders placed by 12 PM ET (Mon–Fri) ship within 1-2 business day. After 12 pm, they ship within max 2 business days. For more details about options and expected timing, please read my Shipping & Refund policies.
Q: Do you offer international shipping?
A: No, I currently sell and ship within the U.S. only.
Q: What if my order arrives damaged or is lost?
A: Please refer to the Shipping & Refund policies for full details. If you still have questions, feel free to reach out!
Q: What are the benefits of creating an account on your store?
A: When you create an account you can track your orders, view past purchases, save payment info for faster checkout, reorder your favorite items, and manage returns all in one place. Signing up is quick and easy: no password to remember!
Q: Can I send a gift directly to someone?
A: Absolutely! Just enter your friend’s name and shipping address under “Delivery”, and untick “Use shipping address as billing address” under Payment so you can enter your own billing info. This way, we ensure your payment is secure and that your friend's gift is delivered to the right person and place.
Q: Do you offer gift wrapping?
A: Not traditional gift wrapping, but your order will arrive thoughtfully packaged - neat, simple, and with a touch of handmade charm.
BEHIND THE SCENES
Q: Where do you find inspiration for your artwork and derivative designs?
A: I create from my own photography - captured during everyday exploration and past travels. I love translating these moments frozen in time into artwork.
Some of my work incorporates details from my printed photos, which then get woven into the image with watercolor, pencils, ink pens and/or other mediums. Other pieces are inspired by photos without directly including them into the final image.
Q: Why do you make everything yourself, from start to finish?
A:
- To ensure quality - and take responsibility if something’s not right.
- To keep full control over my timeline and promises.
- To avoid unnecessary intermediaries between me and you.
- Because I'm a human artist, not a machine, and every item is a piece of my vision, from my hands to yours.
Q: What do you like about pet portraits? Why take commissions?
A: Because I know how deeply pets change our lives. Putting the invisible bond between you and your companion on paper with a custom portrait is an honor I take very seriously.
Q. Where does the name “VARsee” come from?
A: The first 3 letters of my surname + the phonetic spelling of the first syllable of my first name. "See" also reflects my focus on noticing the fine beauty of everyday life, the first step in creating each hand-painted or drawn piece.
Have a question not covered here?
I’m here to help. Feel free to send me a note and I’ll get back to you.