Questions

How long does it take to make one?    

• An original sculpture: This is a very common question with a variety of answers, So, it will depend on how in depth you wish to explore the answer.   I sum up it up by answering:  36 years and 1 day.   The actual sculpture can take a day or several months depending on the complexity and the process requires additional time for all activities which include planning and designing and completing work through methods like casting and painting.
• Casting:   Once the original is finished, a mold has been made from the original, casting is the next step.   This will also vary depending on what liquid is being cast in the mold.   Modern resins have fast set times, but, time to prepare the mold for casting, and actual casting, removing the cast, and cleaning and preparing it for painting all take time that also varies with size, complexity of the mold/casting.
• finial finishing and painting of the item may take as long as the sculpting due to the fine details of some portrait colors or breed markings.

What is an Original sculpture?
In general terms an ‘original’ is the actual creation of the first initial sculpture or art.

•  In my studio: 
  The creation of a clay sculpture using an armature and clay. Forming the material into something that is original. Starting from “scratch” and adding, forming, and shaping the clay.  It becomes a recognisable animal shape with intended detail.
• The clay is soft and remains soft. The “original” will aways require a mold, and then be cast in something to create a tangible piece of art that can be handled, painted and sold. The original itself has value, but until it is duplicated in a hard substance, it will not have longevity and it is not marketable.

Mold or Tooling

The original clay sculpture is used to make the mold which is a negative of the original. In the process this will damage or ofter destroy the original clay sculpture. This in turn makes the mold a very valuable part of the process, and once a cast is pulled from the mold, it becomes the Master.(Casting molds are hollow forms used to shape liquid materials—such as metal, resin, or plaster—into solid, solidified products by pouring, curing, and extracting them. Common types include flexible silicone for detailed casting, rigid metal for industrial production, and sand molds for casting molten aluminum.)

Casting
Liquid material is poured into a mold to solidify into a specific shape.
The casting is what most all sculptures you see are. If it’s a bronze, the first step is to cast in wax, to be used in the lost wax bronze casting process. Some castings are in porcelain, ceramic, plaster, plastic, resin, metal, fibreglass, polyurethane.   The material it is cast in often determines its monetary value, but not necessarily its quality.

Copy or reproduction,
Common words to describe casting. Copy is generally want the casting process is actually doing, aka, making a copy of something. This is most often referred to as a painting or drawing print.  Reproduction is a term used by large manufacturing companies that are reproducing a part. Or, it often refers to mass reproduction, injection casting parts.

Sculpture is a term used to describe 3D works of art. They are generally artistic, unique and can be any size. Most have been cast in bronze, metal, ceramic or resin.
Figurines are generally items used for decoration, small in size and are mostly mass produced so no individual changes.
Model is a term for hobby related collectables, size varies but mostly smaller. Plastic is the most common material, or die cast metal. Often in a kit for assembly.

Carving.
Opposite of sculpture. Carving is taking material away. If you carve a piece of wood, foam or marble stone, you are removing excess material to leave a desired shape. This process is done using material that is solid already so the original is the only original and it can be sold as soon as it is finished. No mold making required to sell the art. It is a one of a kind, although many artists today do make a mold and cast the items in resin, finished to look like wood.

3D sculpture (computer generated)
This is the modern way of doing sculpture if the item is ment to be cast or reproduced in mass. The artist actually creates a 3D image in a program. No hand on clay sculpting or carving actual materials. Just a lot of screen time. Once the art is considered finished, 3D printing the item is the next step in the process. This “original” can be sold as a Digital file instead of a tangible piece.

3D scanning
Scanning is also a new, modern tool for artists. Once the sculpture or carving if finished it can be scanned into the computer, using a 3D scanner ( tool).  The process of digitally capturing the precise shape, dimensions, and texture of physical objects using laser or light technology. It creates a high-resolution 3D digital model
This then can be printed in a 3D printer.

Bronze vs Cold Cast Bronze                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Bronze casting (hot-cast) uses molten metal for a heavy, durable, and valuable artwork, while cold cast bronze mixes bronze powder with resin or is actually resin faux painted a bronze colour for a lighter, more affordable, alternative. Hot-cast lasts generations, is very expensive. It can stand up to outdoor display, can be vary in size from tiny castings to statues the size of Lady Liberty, and is very durable; cold-cast feels similar but is for indoor use and can be damaged, but is easier on the budget.

Before Ordering please understand: 

ORDERING
We strive to make placing an order with Carol’s Original WorkS as easy as possible. There are three ways to order: you may place your order online OR call the studio at 507-380-1330. You can also email the order here: CONTACT
If you have any questions about ordering through the website, give us a call!

Please make sure you include your correct and/or current address! If you’ve a return customer, please verify your shipping address.

BEFORE YOU ORDER 
Please understand that these items are all hand crafted once the order has been place. 

• This is NOT a fast process. Inventory available for fast shipping is very limited, due to the fact most are created individually for you!
• If you like our selections but would prefer it painted to match a photo, add a brand or other personalisation, we will do our best to accommodate your wishes. Orders such as this, will need extra time to make.
• If you have a show or need by date, please notify me when you place the order. I will do my best to get it to you in time, but it is not guaranteed

SHIPPING

• Fed Ex ground is the main shipping company we use for both US & International shipping. If you’re in the Mid West Spee Dee is also an option. Due to the closing of the direct drop-off locations in my area, I can no longer send express or overnight shipping or guarantee a delivery date.
• Drop shipping is available, but please notify the party receiving the shipment. Carol’s Original WorkS is not responsible for miss placed or refused shipments.
  International Shipping
• Product prices and delivery charges may vary when shipping to another country. Recipients are responsible for paying duties and taxes.   I may not be able to ship to some locations due to box size or other variables.  I can verify shipping and costs to your country BEFORE you place the order.   The options for shipping are USPS or Fed Ex. Shipping quotes will be estimated, but not billed until order is ready to ship for more accurate pricing.
  Shipping Disclaimer
• Carol’s Original WorkS is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen packages. Packages that are marked as delivered, but “not received” are the responsibility of you and your local Post Office, UPS, Fed Ex or Spee-Dee Delivery. Please contact your local Post Office, UPS, Fed Ex or Spee-Dee Delivery for these rare instances/situations. Also, delayed scanning on USPS is beyond our control once the package leaves our premises.
• For international customers, please be advised that Carol’s Original WorkS is not responsible for any potential customs’ fees, Duties, or Tariffs

PRIVACY & SECURITY

• Carol’s Original WorkS respects your privacy.  Any personal information you provide us including your name and e-mail address will not be released, sold, or rented to any entities or individuals outside of Carol’s Original WorkS
• If ordering from other external sites like Etsy, Please read their policies.

RETURNS & EXCHANGES

• Sculpture / artworks are non-returnable/non-refundable. If you are not satisfied with the sculpture, please call 507-380-1330 within 7 days of receiving the artwork for assistance in fixing or resolving the issue. Since we create each item specifically for you, we do not have a return option.
• Please call to report damaged merchandise within 7 days of receipt.

COPYRIGHT INFORMATION

• CM Herden, The artist, creator and sculptor maintains all copyrights to the sculptures, designs, and castings.  Exclusive sale rights or short runs can be considered when original designs are created.
• All works of art within this website are protected under U.S. copyright laws and international conventions. No portion of the artist’s works or statements may be used, downloaded, reproduced using any means, copied, linked to, or transferred electronically, without prior written permission from the artist. If you would like to use a sample of a piece of art for a blog or other electronic medium, please contact us