Frequently Asked Questions
What is Snow Lake Studios?
Snow Lake Studios is owned and operated by me, Cailyn Meyer, and my husband, Lowell. I decided to use the plural "studios" because of the wide range of items that I sell. I make all the items for sale on Snow Lake by hand. My husband takes all the pictures seen on Snow Lake Studios, as well as handling the programming for the various pages.
Who are you?
I am an independent artisan living in Washington, near Seattle. I've been crafting for as long as I can remember, starting with popsicle sticks and working my way up to silver and glass. As you can see in my "Previous Work" section, I've experimented with quite a few mediums just in the last few years. While I was in school, friends and family kept telling me that I should sell my work, so I've finally decided to do it. With support from my husband, I've made chainmaille my full time job.
Where did the name "Snow Lake" come from?
Snow Lake is a lake in the northern Cascade Mountains. The only way to get there is a steep three mile hike. My husband and I love to hike up to the lake whenever we can; it's incredibly peaceful. It was an easy decision for us to name my business after our favorite lake.
What is "chainmaille?" Isn't it "chainmail?" And what is "woven metal jewelry?"
The words chainmail, chain mail, and chainmaille, all derive from the French word maille which means "stitch." Chainmail is the more accepted spelling, and you won't find "chainmaille" in an English dictionary. However it is a spelling widely used among jewelry makers to invoke the spirit of chainmaille jewelry- the linking or stitching together of hundreds of tiny rings to create a truly unique piece of art. Chainmaille stitches are also known as weaves, hence the term "woven jewelry."
How do I purchase an item from you?
Each item has its own page. On that page are options that you can use to customize your purchase. Click on the material picture or radio button to select your option(s) then hit the "add to cart" button at the bottom of the page. You can adjust the quantity to purchase more than one of your customized piece, or return to the page to create another piece with different options. Once you have completed your customizing, you can check out securely using PayPal, even if you don't have a PayPal account! For more information on our shopping cart and PayPal, please see our "Security" page. Once you have submitted your order, I get to work on creating your customized piece(s). Don't forget to check the "Availability" on the item page to see how long it will take me to finish the pieces! :-)
Why don't all the items have customize options?
Some items aren't be customizable. These are usually items that I feel are special because of their over-all look and feel. For example, the Rainbow Byzantine Bracelet just wouldn't be the same if you chose to change the colors to all shades of pink. I try to always offer a customizable alternative to these items; in this example it would be the Fading Byzantine Bracelet. Sometimes, though, I just don't have the options in stock to be able to offer them, such as with gemstones. With time (and more storage space), those items will get their own options. If you see something you like, but I don't have the options you want, please place a custom order. Or you can email me (Cailyn@SnowLakeStudios.com) to suggest an item that you'd like to see on the site.
Can I place a custom order?
Yes, you certainly can! I love custom orders. To place an order, fill out the form on the Custom Order page. Include as much information as you can, but don't worry if you only have a vague idea of what you want. I'll be happy to brainstorm with you until you find a design that you like. I will contact you within 24 hours via email after I've received the form.
What sort of extra information should I include in the order form?
Some good information to put in the "Details" box would include:
- The name of a similar item on the site.
- Who is this for, a man, woman, or child?
- Is this for a special event, like a wedding or holiday party?
- Are there particular colors that you would/would not like?
- Would you like a matching set, such as a necklace and earrings?
- How many of this item would you like? Ie, 4 custom pouches for your group of adventurers.
I'm not sure what I want my custom order to look like. What should I do?
If you're not sure exactly what you want your custom project to look like, fill in as much of the form as you can. I am happy to brainstorm with you until you find a design that you like. I will send you sketches and/or pictures of the designs as we discuss them.
How much will a custom order cost?
The cost of a custom order varies by materials, quantity, and design. For example, sterling silver costs less than gold fill, which costs less than 10k gold. As we work together on finalizing your order, I will keep you informed as to the prices of different options. Look at similar items already on the site for a ballpark cost estimate.
What if I change my mind about my order?
Once a final design and materials are decided on, I will send you a price quote. You can change anything about your order or cancel your order any time before you agree to the final quoted price.
When will I be billed for my custom order?
After a final design and materials have been decided, I will begin working on your order. When the order is complete, I will send you pictures of the item(s) to view. If you are happy with the item(s), I will bill you for your order. Customer satisfaction is my top priority; if there are changes you want made to the final product, I will do my best to make them. I will send you a PayPal invoice, which works the same way as the Shopping Cart on the site, and I will ship your order on the day after payment is received.
How will my order be shipped?
I only ship by USPS Priority Mail at this time. Packages arrive 2-3 days after shipping, on average. You will be notified when your package ships. All orders are carefully packed with biodegradable cornstarch peanuts.
I have a question that wasn't answered here.
You can email me at Cailyn@SnowLakeStudios.com or use the Custom Order form to ask a question. I am happy to answer any questions you may have. I firmly believe that there are no dumb questions.