Blessings ^TM by Jule

FAQs & Answers

As an artist of unique, one-of-a-kind sculpture, I cannot fulfill bulk orders. I produce only 12-18 sculptures each year. I do submit work to museums & galleries, which take a standard percentage commission on sales. I also support educational efforts. If you are interested in displaying my work for education or sale, please email me. Even if you do not have insurance, I will still expect you to be responsible for any of my work in your possession.

I prefer checks & money orders.  Although I am quite dissatisfied as both a consumer and a merchant with credit card policies, I do believe in choice.  Very soon, I will complete setup of my merchant account, accepting both credit cards & electronic checks, for your convenience.  I encourage you to consider reducing your debt by using e-checks instead of credit cards.

There are two ways, commissioning a new sculpture (see below) or locating an existing owner and negotiating purchase.  You may wonder why I stop working on a particular series...Any artist that simply repeats the same things over again, is really an artisan, whose work may be equally or more valuable than an artist's (such as a master glassblower or furniture maker) and certainly takes as much effort & skill...but to be an artist, one must conceptualize new things and create them!  This is also of benefit to you, my patrons, as each series is limited and therefore becomes more collectible, appreciating in value.  I do not commission more than two new sculptures per year for completed series and they must be original (I will not copy another work).

Yes, 25% of my sculptures are made on commission.  Though I often receive requests for (and make some) jewelry, I do not consider myself to be a jewelry artist.  Whatever your interest, I will be happy to discuss it with you!

Each sculpture is a copywrited original, and as such, all rights are legally reserved by the artist.  Many artists require purchase contracts detailing what can and can not be done...I have a statement at the bottom of each web page.  Some artists will not allow you to resell, maintaining first right to purchase a piece back from the buyer, or control the resale price; while I do not require that much control, I would appreciate being asked.  I do make every effort to maintain an accurate record of who owns each piece, so please drop me a note if one of my sculptures changes ownership.  Thank you!

Each sculpture in stock has it's own calendar of events; I will let you know if there will be any delay in delivery.  Commission work depends entirely on the complexity of the design & creation process; simple pieces may take two weeks, while complex pieces may take two years.

Shipping depends on the actual weight and 'ship to' address. Each piece requires special packaging & handling; I prefer hand delivery whenever possible.  I do not believe in charging handling fees.

I have not decided.

Fortunately, that hasn't happened yet! I will always provide you with pictures of the exact sculpture. If an item does not meet your expectations and you wish to return it, I will refund the purchase price as long as the item is returned in the same condition it was shipped. You will be responsible for the cost of shipping both ways.  I do not believe in charging restocking fees.

If you would like to PREVIEW a piece of sculpture in your home, please contact me to discuss the details.

If it is damaged in shipment, we will claim insurance...and while we are waiting, I will assist you in making repairs, replacement or compensation. I ask that you trust my judgement on which option is best.  Obviously, I want all my sculptures maintained in good condition, appreciating and I am ready to assist should damage occur at any time.

An excellent question! Annodized Niobium & Cooper are easily scratched; lightly dust with a soft cloth only.  Gold-filled takes a very long time to show tarnish, so will only need dusting as well.  The only material that needs physical cleaning is Sterling Silver, which will tarnish. I have a simple, non-toxic method to share - NO POLISHING REQUIRED. I have tested many of my stones, but not all, so if you would like confirmation for your piece, please email me! It is common to use a smudge stick to 'purify' & 'recharge' energies: a metaphysical cleansing.

First, you will need a container that is as large enough to fully submerge the sculpture. I use a plastic cooler. Make sure that the container you choose is not reactive; plastic or glass is best. Line the sides of the container with aluminum foil. Fill the container with hot tap water, adding up to 1 Tablespoon each of baking soda & salt (to each gallon of water) while it is filling so it will dissolve and mix. Submerge the sculpture and cover overnight. You will be utterly amazed at the amount of tarnish that transfers to the aluminum foil! Air dry the sculpture afterwards. You may repeat if it is very badly tarnished and it will come out looking like new. I do this once or twice a year for my pieces.

Smudgesticks are American Indian herbal bundles that are lit and allowed to smoke. The smoke may be blown or wafted over the piece to clear accumulated energies. I use a stick of white sage, cedar & sweetgrass. Smudgesticks last a long time; simply snuff it out after a few moments, clean off the charred area, and store in a dry place until the next time. There are many ways of cleansing...even your breathe & intent can clear energies.

Copyright © 2002-2007 Blessings^TM. The artist, Jule Darling-Lane, reserves the copyright on concept, techniques, all work, written descriptions and images of work, regardless of how and where displayed or of physical ownership. No reproductions of any kind may be made or will be made by any person or group of persons, per The Copyright Act of 1976. This includes the background photo of labradorite.