FAQ
I’m Here to Help
If you have any questions not answered here, drop me a line at:
natalie@lostkiwidesigns.com
I love hearing from fellow adventurers of creativity and style.
Are Lost Kiwi Designs Limited Run?
As a small studio, we mostly work on a small batch basis. This ensures no treasure goes missing, and I don’t invest too heavily in designs that may not sail well with everyone.
Occasionally, I release limited-run pieces, sometimes as few as 5 creations, but this is rare. The first crew to know about these special drops are my email subscribers, so signing up is the fastest way to catch them before they vanish into the waves.
Why Do Pieces Vary Slightly from One Another?
Every Lost Kiwi design is handcrafted, which means no two pieces are ever the same. Marbling patterns, resin colors, acrylic shades, or painted details can vary slightly, giving each piece its own story.
These subtle differences aren’t flaws, they’re part of what makes each creation as unique as the person wearing it. Think of it as a fingerprint from the sea, a little mark of human touch and imagination.
Why Might Designs Look Different Online?
Resin is a tricky medium to photograph, it reflects light like the ocean at sunrise, which means colors may appear differently on your screen. We do our best to capture the beauty and details of each piece, but trust me, seeing them in person is always an adventure worth taking.
Where Are Lost Kiwi Pieces Made, and Who Makes Them?
All our treasures are crafted in Brisbane, Australia.
I illustrate, design, and laser-cut or sculpt each piece, while Chris takes care of painting, polishing, and prep. I then finish the designs by assembling them before Chris packs them for their journey to you. It’s a little two-person crew with a lot of heart, and it works beautifully.
How Are Lost Kiwi Prices Determined?
We aim to keep our treasures accessible while reflecting the care and craft involved. Prices are based largely on the hours and layers of handwork in each piece, etching, paint-fill, sculpting, and assembly, rather than simply materials.
Resin and acrylic are the medium, but it’s the time, skill, and love poured into each creation that really sets the value.
What Are Lost Kiwi Designs Made From?
Our pieces are primarily acrylic in a rainbow of colours, with occasional wood accents. What makes Lost Kiwi truly special is our hand-sculpted resin elements, each cast in unique shades and textures. These treasures take time and patience, and that craft is woven into every design.
How Do I Take Care of My Pieces?
Caring for your Lost Kiwi treasure is easy, think of it like cleaning your sunnies! Use the microfiber cloth provided to gently wipe away marks. If needed, a tiny spritz of water or light glass cleaner on the cloth works wonders. Treat your piece with love, and it will continue to sparkle on all your creative adventures.
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Lost Kiwi Laser Cutting & Maker FAQs
Where do I begin if I want to laser cut things?
Think of your first laser cut project like launching your first boat, start small! If you’re new to making, try using some ready‑to‑cut shapes or simple packs from our treasures so you can get familiar with peeling protective tape, attaching findings, and seeing how materials behave. Once you’re comfortable, you can explore our range of shapes and combinations to build more intricate designs. And if you’re ready to chart truly unique waters, you can submit your own custom vector files for laser cutting and engraving.
How should I choose the size for my design?
The best way to get your bearings is to print your design at the size you imagine it in real life, even a simple paper mock‑up gives you a feel for scale, proportions, and how the final piece will look once cut. If it looks right on paper, then you’re well on your way to something you’ll love.
Will the fine details turn out?
Sailing into detailed waters? Try printing your design at full size first, if the tiny lines and shapes still read clearly on paper, they’ll likely translate beautifully when laser cut. And if not, that paper prototype is the perfect captain’s log to guide adjustments before you launch into laser cutting.
What if I’m not great at drawing?
No need to feel like you’re adrift! You can collaborate with an illustrator or designer to turn your ideas into vector files ready for laser cutting. Alternatively, there are many resources and tutorials to help you learn how to create your own vector files, and many makers have charted that course successfully with just a few hours of exploration.
Can I buy or use art I found online?
Yes, but only if you have the proper rights to use it. Think of it like claiming treasure: make sure you have legal permission (commercial rights if you intend to sell) before turning a design into something laser cut. Free images online aren’t always free to use, so only set sail with designs you’re sure you’re allowed to cut.
How much will my laser cutting order cost?
Prices depend on what you’re asking the laser to do, the materials you choose, how long your design takes to cut and engrave, and the complexity of the artwork all factor into the final cost. We aim to be transparent and fair, and you can always get a quote once you’ve submitted your file so you know what to expect.
Can you give me a price without a file?
It’s like guessing the length of a voyage without a map, we can give very rough estimates, but to know exactly what your project will cost we really need the file you want cut. That way we can see exactly how long it will take to laser cut and engrave.
Do you offer discounts or wholesale pricing?
We don’t have a separate wholesale structure, but larger orders or bigger quantities often qualify for quantity discounts. If you’re planning a bigger creative expedition, let us know and we’ll help chart the best price course.
How long will my order take, and can I rush it?
We set sail on orders in the order we receive them. Sometimes the seas are calm and production is fast, and sometimes they’re busier and take a little longer. If you need something sooner, let us know, we can discuss rush options and do our best to help you meet deadlines.
Can I pick up my order from your studio?
While we don’t offer public pick-ups, our little studio is a private hideaway tucked away from prying eyes, your treasures will safely sail to you via mail. Keep an eye on your inbox, and we’ll send word when your order has set off on its journey to your shores.
Where do you ship from?
All orders set sail from our studio in Brisbane, Australia. We can ship your creations anywhere in the world, just choose your destination at checkout.
Can I cancel or change my order once it’s placed?
Once the order is placed and payment is received, we start carving and cutting your design, so we can’t guarantee cancellations. If you spot something amiss, email us right away and we’ll see if we can adjust your voyage before it fully sets sail.
Do you always have materials in stock?
Most items are made to order, so they’re created fresh for your journey. Occasionally we’ll have some ready pieces or material packs available, but most of what you order will be custom cut just for you.
Can I supply my own materials to be laser cut?
To ensure the best voyage possible, we work with materials we’ve carefully chosen and tested. For quality and reliability, we don’t cut materials supplied by customers.
Can you cut metal or leather?
We sail only with materials we know best: acrylics, wood, and other laser‑friendly plastics. We don’t cut metal, leather, or leatherette, our focus is on crafting beautiful, reliable creations from these trusted materials.
What if something arrives broken?
If your order arrives damaged, send us a photo right away and we’ll work with you to find the best solution. If pieces were cut thinner than recommended, please be aware those may be more delicate.
Website glitches, help!
If something on the website isn’t behaving like it should, we’d love to know. Try another browser or device first, and if it’s still causing trouble, email us, we’ll help you navigate the issue and get your order sorted.