I'm so happy to announce that as of January 1, 2012, customers can special order a custom POTBELLY BEAR. One commission slot is available each quarter, totaling four (4) per year.
- The 1st quarter commission slot for 2012 has been reserved. Thank you!
- The 2nd quarter commission slot will become available April 1, 2012.
- The 3rd quarter commission slot will become available July 1, 2012.
- The 4th quarter commission slot will become available October 1, 2012.
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RESERVE A COMMISSION SLOT
Day 1 of each quarter, at 12 noon PST, a BUY NOW button will post to this page and will remain until the commission for that quarter has been claimed. To reserve your commission, just click the button; pay your deposit; and wait for my eMail, which will begin our conversation about your special bear. To allow time for delivery of requested materials, commissioned pieces will require a minimum of four (4) weeks to complete.
FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED
Once payment is received, the commission slot for that quarter is officially reserved and will no longer be available. If you miss out, be of good cheer: there's always next time!
1st Quarter Commission
January - February - March
BUY NOW button posted: January 1
Completed: February 1 - March 31
2nd Quarter Commission
April - May - June
BUY NOW button posted: April 1
Completed: May 1 - June 30
3rd Quarter Commission
July - August - September
BUY NOW button posted: July 1
Completed: August 1 - September 30
4th Quarter Commission
October - November - December
BUY NOW button posted: October 1
Completed: November 1 - December 31
PRICING & SHIPPING
Your $150 BUY NOW deposit is nonrefundable and secures your commission. It covers only a fraction of the materials and dedicated labor that will go into the making of your special bear. All custom bears are priced at a flat rate of $550 (not including shipping; see PURCHASING) and include insurance, delivery confirmation, and the custom finishing options listed below.
Elaborate costuming, labor-intensive features, or unusual fabrics may be possible to negotiate as part of your commission, but will require an additional nonrefundable fee to cover special-order materials and/or extra labor (depending on the specifics of your request), payable before work begins.
PROCESS
If a particular bear from my past work appeals, be sure to let me know. My process is guided more intelligently when I understand what you like. Please note, though, that out of respect for customers who purchased one-of-a-kind bears from me previously, I won't duplicate sold work, including accessories.
When complete, photos of your finished bear will be eMailed to you for approval. Due to the complexity and permanence of my construction methods, it won't be possible to modify or rework a completed piece. If you're pleased -- I hope you are! -- simply pay the balance due and your bear will ship within 24 hours, weekends and holidays excluded. Final payment is due within 7 days of receipt of photos, after which I'll consider the piece declined, available, and sellable elsewhere.
RETURNS
If for any reason at all you're dissatisfied with your finished bear, you may decline to purchase. Your $150 nonrefundable deposit will be retained. It can be applied toward any future POTBELLY BEARS purchase, at any time, without expiration. Please note: I'm committed to fairness, so I won't be able to grant special access to upcoming commission slots or new releases, should you decline your finished bear. Approved bears, once paid in full, are not returnable.
OPTIONS
A defined range of customization options preserves the customer's right to decline by keeping declined bears sellable elsewhere. Commissioned bears will be completed in the current POTBELLY style; measure approximately 15" head to toe; and feature four inset pads at hands and feet. All pieces are designed to sit with a kerplunkity slouch, and feature hand-shading at face, hands, and feet using permanent pigments.
Clients may choose from the following included options:
- Mohair color | Light, medium, or dark
- Mohair length | Short, medium, or long
- Mohair density | Sparse, medium, or dense
- Pawpads | Wool felt, Osnaberg/linen, or mohair (trimmed or reversed)
- Inner ear | Wool felt, Osnaberg/linen, or mohair (trimmed or reversed)
- Eye color | Any nature-found color with a pupil, or solid black
- Nose/mouth color | Black, dark grey, or dark brown
- Nose proportion | Big/honky/boyish, or small/dainty/girlish
- Gender | Boy or girl
- Name | You choose; will be printed on both hangtag & Certificate of Authenticity
- Accessory | Any one of the following: 1) handmade felt flower, 2) pointy clowny hat, 3) newspaper hat, 4) tied scrunchy ribbons, 5) big floppy bow (around neck or atop head), 6) Triangular scarf (tied around neck or head) 7) collar, OR 8) gathered ruff (felt or fabric)
- Theme | Flowers, holidays, colors, seasons, etc.
For an additional cost, you can also add:
Wand (+$60)
- Ribbon-wrapped wood dowel
- Custom paperclay topper (pumpkin, decorative finial, face, moon, star, animal, etc.)
- Moth, dragonfly, or butterfly style
- Wired & flexible
- Painted/printed, burnout accented, shimmery, sealed fabric
- Permanently and attractively attached at the back
- In the color(s) of your choice
- Hand-sculpted paperclay
- Painted & sealed
- Crystal or rhinestone accents
- Faux or paper flowers
- Color(s) of your choosing
- Headband or wreath style (depends on bear)
- Wired, slightly shortened legs
- Broad feet with cardboard/batting inserts, to maintain flatness
- Extra-firm stuffing in legs and torso required
