Q1. Can I use my own horse hair?
A1. Absolutely! These special pieces all started because a friend had lost her beloved gelding and wanted something made from his hair. It is a sentimental treasure and means a whole lot more when it comes from your horses.Q2. How much hair do you need?
A2. Have you ever eaten a Slim Jim sausage? About that much, and for the sausage deprived, that's about 12 inches long and about a 1/4 inch round in diameter for a bracelet. For a necklace you've got to decide what length you want and then cut me 3-4 inches longer. So if you want a 16 inch necklace send me 20 inches of hair, same diameter as before about a 1/4 inch.Q3. Is it very wearable?
A3. Yes! I have a bracelet, one of my first prototypes that I have worn a ton and it still looks great. I don't recommend showering in it, or bathing with them on, the soap will break down the glue that is used to secure the ends. If you forget and get it wet that doesn't matter, it's the soap that will hurt it. Just be careful.Q4. Can it get wet?
A4. See above, yes it can but be careful. You should never soak your jewelry and never swim in it.Q5. What do you put on the hair to make it feel so waxy or glossy?
A5. Nothing, we just have really never felt horse hair that clean before. Even with pristine show horses they are still in stalls with shavings or dirt of some sort. They have to be horses after all. And I don't recommend putting anything on them.
Q6. Do you prefer tail hair or mane hair?
A6. If I have no other choice because the animal is no longer with us I will take mane hair. However, if the animal is still alive and I have a choice I would prefer tail hair, it is a LOT easier to work with and makes better jewelry. You'll be MUCH happier with jewelry made from the tail hairs.
Q7. What do I do if a hair pops out?
A7. Pull it back into the braid as far as you can get and clip it off with finger nail clippers. BE CAREFUL to only clip the loose hair. The hair shouldn't bother you again.
Q8. The end came off, the clasp broke, something's wrong?
A8. Send it back to me and I will fix it for free. I take great pride in the craftsmanship of my product and if it is something that I did I will definitely fix it for you. Make sure to put it back in the box or the mail system may crush it. If tampering is evident, say someone trying to see how it was braided, then keep practicing because I am not going to fix what was taken apart on purpose.
Q9. How do I clean my jewelry?
A9. Your jewelry shouldn't need cleaning if you care for it correctly, but say for instance you were working your new horse and he threw you in a mud hole and your jewelry got really dirty. Take the piece and hold it at the clasp. Gently swish it under running water and get most of the dirt out but DO NOT get the clasp and ends wet! If you do not feel you can do this and don't want to damage your jewelry send it back and I'll clean it up and return it to you for a fee. If your jewelry has silver on it you will have to occasionally take a silver polishing cloth (they sell them at Wal-Mart) and give it a good polish. Just shine it right up. Once again, if you don't feel like this is something you can do send it back and I'll clean it up for a fee.
Q10. How long does it take to get the jewelry back?
A10. Typically eight weeks. Due to my show schedule, my mom schedule and my overall life schedule I do not always get concentrated jewelry time and when I make the jewelry I want to make sure it is done right. So please be patient so that I may ship you the most beautiful piece that I can make for you.
Q11. Can I get it for Christmas if I miss the mailing deadline stated on your home page?
No, not really. I have had some people come to the house with horse hair and a nice begging gift for me and I have made some things right then and there but I really can't squeeze in any more without working weekends and nights. I'm not a very nice person when I have to work nights and weekends and miss out on my family time, so please don't make me. I gotta ride some time too, ya know! BUT, I will gladly send you a gift certificate and you can present that until I have time to finish the actual jewelry.