FAQ About Lily Tsai's Custom Toppers
What is a "character figurine?"
Character figurines are three-dimensional portraits that represent people and include some with cartoon-like elements. The proportions of the body and head of a figurine is not same as an actual human being. The heads will be slightly larger than normal. Due to limitations of the actual figurine's size, most of the details will be captured but some tiny details/embroidery on your attire may not be duplicated exactly. While most of the materials will be in clay, some other materials may be used such as fabric, beads, and crystals.
These are caricature, not portraits. Although each figurine is carefully handmade, there may be some tiny flaws, which should be expected in original hand-made art.
How much does a figurine cost?
This prices vary based on your requirements. The topper is fully custom-made and it is something that can last for many years, even a life time. Customization includes faces, attire, hairstyles and posture. When you reserve your custom figurine, Lily will contact you personally to discuss your needs and cost.
How long does it take to make a cake topper?
Typical it takes about 3.5 weeks (not including shipping time) but it may vary during busy seasons. Lily may accept rush orders depending on the season; however early booking (several months in advance) is strongly encouraged. Booking is confirmed once a deposit/payment is received.
How much do you charge for additional features or props?
Lily knows how important it is to have your kids, pets, vehicles or sports equipment be part of your cake topper. She'll include whatever you desire in your topper and quote any additional costs before work begins.
How large is the topper?
A normal figure is about 6 - 6.5 inches high. The typical figurine or topper base (for a couple) is about 5 x 5" inches, which is designed to fit on most cakes. If you need something in different sizes or shape, please let Lily know. If you would like to have a customized base such as a beach/garden theme, additional charges may apply.
Can the figures be bigger or smaller?
The above mentioned size is specifically designed to fit on most cakes. Bigger figures add too much weight (more than one pound is difficult for most cakes). If you go for smaller figures, the details of facial expression and attires details will be compromised.
How much does a topper or sculpture weight?
A typical two-figure cake topper weighs less than one pound including the base. Adding a a motorcycle figurine, for example, will add about 1/4 - 1/2 pound. Small additional features like little pets won't add much weight.
What kind of pictures do you need?
For your faces, in order to create a figurine that looks like you, it is VERY IMPORTANT to have a close-up picture that shows clearly your features and an expression that you like. Please make sure it is HIGH resolution that is suitable to print on a 4" x 6" photo paper. Your eyes must be looking straight and both ears must be seen equally. Your face should fill at least 1/2 of the picture but please make sure your shoulder is captured to ensure a correct distance (not too close). The posture of your head must be UPRIGHT. If you are sending a picture with more than one person, please make sure your heads are NOT touching each other.
For your attire, please make sure to take a picture of your overall look as well as pictures of each small component that you wish to be incorporated into the topper. It is okay if you are not wearing certain items such as a wedding gown as Lily understands that you may not have it available when you begin to work with her.
For your pets, include photos that show each one from the front, back and sides.
For other components/items , please send Lily pictures of the overall look and close ups for details.
If you have a particular posture that you wish to be incorporated, please include a picture demonstrating that.
What happens next after booking is confirmed?
Before Lily starts your custom topper, she will go over the details with you one more time to ensure everything is fine. Once she start, she will not be able to make any major changes.
Can you make more than two figures?
Lily will create figures for any occasion. For example, she has created a figurine of six happy bridesmaids accompanying their beloved bride. Lily won't put any limitation on how you would like your occasion to be remembered. You may want to include your mother, best man or maid of honor. These figures are designed to be lightweight. Four figures weigh about one pound.
Can you make different theme characters, like cartoons, comics, animals, etc?
Send pictures of what you have in mind and Lily can work it out with you. There have been many occasions on which special requests have been well catered to.
What type of materials do you use in the process?
Lily uses a special type of polymer clay that has the flexibility to accommodate fine details like embroidery on a wedding dress. Sometimes painting is involved.
How much will the figures look like us?
Since Lily works on the figurines based on pictures, good-quality pictures are important. You will see good similarity between the pictures you provide and the figures. As we look differently in different pictures, it is important that you select a close up picture of your face that you like. Lily's goal is to get as close as she can to your likeness but can't promise a perfect match because of the charicature-like nature of these designs.
How long do the figures last?
With proper care, the figurines can last many years, even a lifetime. Please DO NOT wash it with water/detergent and keep it in a dry area/place. If possible, please get a display case or put it in a class cabinet in order to keep it in a good condition.
Do you ship internationally?
Definitely. Lily ships her custom designs to the UK, Canada, Australia, Ireland and many other countries and has never had a case of significant delay or additional costs. Any customs costs are the recipient's responsibility.
What types of payment methods do you use?
To safeguard your privacy online, Lily accepts payment thru PayPal, an eBay company, which is perhaps the easiest and the most secure payment method. Through PayPal, you can pay by credit card or even just directly send money online. You don’t even need to have a PayPal account and your credit card or bank information will never be appeared to anybody including us.
What if there are changes?
Changes are not an issue at all if Lily hasn't begun to craft your custom figurine. She always prepares a document for her clients to review their requirements before she starts making a topper. She will send you a picture of your topper once it is done and minor adjustment can be made.
Is the payment refundable?
Because each topper is fully custom-made based on your requirements and details to be incorporated in the topper are reviewed and approved before Lily begins to work, payment is not refundable.
What if there is damage during shipment?
Please let Lily know right away and she can talk with you about remedial measures that can be taken. On the extremely rare occasions in which shipping damage occurs, they are very minor things that can be fixed or glued easily. You can also E-mail a picture or two so that she can do some diagnostics for you. Based on her extensive experience, no major breakage has ever been reported.
|