Help & FAQs

Help & Frequently Asked Questions


We’re Happy to Help


Have a question about a product, personalization, an upcoming event or an order you’ve already placed?


You’re always welcome to reach out to Driftwood & Dough.


Because our shop is built around handcrafted pieces rather than mass-produced inventory, we know you may have questions before ordering. We’ve answered some of the most common ones below.


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Are Driftwood & Dough products handmade?


Yes!


Our pieces are individually handcrafted, hand-decorated, hand-finished or assembled in small quantities. Many incorporate natural materials such as oyster shells, scallop shells, sand dollars, driftwood and other coastal elements.


Some designs can be recreated, while others are produced in very limited quantities or are completely one of a kind.


If a listing says “one of a kind,” the piece shown is the only one available unless otherwise stated.


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Will my handmade item look exactly like the photograph?


For a one-of-a-kind item, the listing will specify when you are purchasing the exact piece pictured.


For handmade or made-to-order items, your piece will follow the same overall design, but slight differences are expected.


Natural shells, sand dollars, driftwood and other organic materials naturally vary in shape, size, coloring, texture and markings. Hand-painted finishes, distressing and decorative pattern placement may also vary slightly.


We believe those differences are part of what makes handmade pieces special.


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Do you accept custom and personalized orders?


Absolutely.


Personalization and custom work are an important part of Driftwood & Dough.


Depending on the product, we may be able to customize:


  • Names
  • Wedding dates
  • Colors
  • Metallic finishes
  • Decorative patterns
  • Quantities
  • Gift sets
  • Wedding and event pieces
  • Coordinating décor
  • Other special details


If you have an idea that isn’t currently listed, please contact us. We love hearing what you have in mind and will let you know what’s possible.


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Do you create wedding and event orders?


Yes.


We welcome inquiries for weddings, bridal showers, engagement celebrations, rehearsal dinners, baby showers, birthdays, holidays and other special occasions.


Depending on availability, we can create larger quantities of items such as personalized plates, oyster shell candles, favors, gifts, table décor and coordinating handcrafted pieces.


For larger orders, we recommend contacting us as early as possible so we can discuss quantity, personalization, production time and shipping.


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Do you offer bulk orders?


Many products can be ordered in larger quantities.


Because everything is handcrafted, bulk-order availability depends on the product, materials needed, quantity requested and your deadline.


Please contact us before placing an unusually large order so we can make sure we can complete it beautifully and within your required timeframe.


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How long will my order take to make?


Processing time varies by product.


Ready-to-ship and one-of-a-kind items generally require only packaging and preparation before shipment.


Made-to-order, personalized and bulk products require additional production time.


The estimated processing time for a particular product will be shown in its listing whenever possible.


Please remember that processing time and shipping time are separate.


If you need something by a particular date—especially for a wedding or event—please contact us before ordering so we can determine whether your deadline can reasonably be accommodated.


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Can you rush my order?


Possibly.


Rush availability depends on the item, quantity, materials and our current production schedule.


Please contact us before placing the order if you have a firm deadline.


We never want to promise a completion or delivery date that we cannot reasonably meet.


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How is shipping calculated?


Shipping rates are calculated based on factors such as package dimensions, weight, destination and available shipping service.


Many Driftwood & Dough products are fragile, dimensional or made from glass and natural shells. We package these pieces carefully, which sometimes requires larger boxes and additional protective materials.


Our priority is getting your handcrafted piece to you safely.


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Why does shipping sometimes seem high?


A handcrafted glass plate, dimensional wall piece or natural-shell creation can’t always be packaged like an ordinary retail product.


Fragile products may require bubble wrap, protective layers, dividers, additional cushioning and a larger shipping carton.


Carriers may also calculate shipping using the dimensions of the package as well as its actual weight.


We try to balance reasonable shipping costs with adequate protection for your purchase.


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What if my order arrives damaged?


Please contact us within 48 hours of delivery if your order arrives damaged.


Do not throw away the product, shipping box or packing materials.


Please photograph:


  • The damaged item
  • The complete shipping box
  • Any visible damage to the box
  • The interior packaging
  • The shipping label when requested


These photographs may be necessary to document shipping damage and file a carrier claim.


We’ll work with you to determine the appropriate resolution.


Because some pieces are one of a kind, an identical replacement may not always be possible.


Please see our Return & Refund Policy for complete details.


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Can I return something?


Eligible non-custom products may be returned according to our Return & Refund Policy.


Personalized, custom and made-to-order items are generally final sale once production has begun.


Earrings and pierced jewelry are also final sale for hygiene reasons unless they arrive damaged or defective.


Please review our complete Return & Refund Policy before ordering.


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PRODUCT CARE & SAFETY


Are your decoupaged plates and dishes dishwasher safe?


No.


Our hand-decoupaged table pieces require special care.


Hand wash gently only.


Do not:


  • Put them in the dishwasher
  • Soak them for extended periods
  • Microwave them
  • Put them in an oven
  • Use abrasive scrubbers or harsh cleaning products


Dry promptly after washing.


Always follow the individual care instructions included in the product listing.


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Can I bake in a decoupaged pie plate?


No.


Our decorative hand-decoupaged pie plates are not conventional bakeware.


They may be used for decorative purposes or for appropriate prepared/no-bake serving applications as described in the individual listing, but they should never be placed in an oven or exposed to baking temperatures.


Please follow the use and care instructions for the individual product.


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Are your candles made from real oyster shells?


Yes.


Our oyster shell candles are created using genuine natural oyster shells, which means every candle has its own shape, depth, texture and curvature.


Because oyster shells are naturally irregular, they do not sit exactly like manufactured candle vessels.


Always place an oyster shell candle on a stable, flat, heat-resistant surface before lighting and follow all candle safety instructions provided with your purchase.


Never leave a burning candle unattended.


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Why doesn’t my oyster shell look exactly like the one pictured?


Because nature doesn’t make two identical oyster shells—and that’s one of the things we love about them.


Shells naturally vary in shape, depth, coloring, texture, edges and markings.


We select shells appropriate for each product, but natural variations are expected and are not considered defects.


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How should I care for shell décor and jewelry?


Handle natural shells and sand dollars gently.


For decorative pieces:


  • Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth or brush
  • Avoid soaking
  • Avoid harsh cleaning products
  • Protect dimensional embellishments from pressure


For shell jewelry:


  • Keep dry
  • Remove before swimming or showering
  • Avoid spraying perfume or hairspray directly onto the piece
  • Store separately from heavier jewelry
  • Avoid dropping onto hard surfaces


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Are candle holders safe for real candles?


Please check the individual listing.


Some Driftwood & Dough candle holders incorporate jute, greenery or other decorative materials.


For those designs, flameless LED candles are recommended and may be specifically required.


Never expose combustible decorative materials to an open flame.


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GIFTS


Can I send an order directly to someone as a gift?


Yes.


You may have your order shipped directly to the recipient by entering their address as the shipping address during checkout.


Please make sure the shipping information is correct before submitting your order.


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Do you offer gift-ready options?


Selected products include gift-ready presentation or have gift options available.


Please check the individual product listing for what’s included.


If you’re purchasing something for a special occasion and aren’t sure which option to select, contact us before ordering.


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Can I include a gift message?


When gift-message options are available during checkout or on the product page, you’re welcome to include a short message for the recipient.


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PERSONALIZATION


What happens if I enter personalization incorrectly?


Please carefully check all spelling, names, dates and other personalization before submitting your order.


We create personalized products using the information exactly as it is submitted.


If you notice an error, contact us immediately. If production has not begun, we will do our best to correct it.


Once a personalized item has entered production, changes may no longer be possible.


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Will I receive a proof before my personalized item is made?


When a design requires customer approval, we will communicate that during the ordering process.


Not every personalization requires a proof.


If you have specific placement, font or design requirements, please communicate them when ordering rather than waiting until production has begun.


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STILL HAVE A QUESTION?


We know handmade products sometimes come with questions that don’t fit neatly into an FAQ.


If you’re wondering whether we can personalize something, create a coordinating set, accommodate a wedding quantity, help with a gift, or bring an idea you have to life, please reach out.


We’ll be happy to tell you what’s possible.


Thank you for supporting a small handmade business and for allowing Driftwood & Dough to create something for your home, celebration or someone you love.


Driftwood & Dough

Handcrafted with Heart – Inspired by the Coast.