Frequently Asked Questions
How the Games Are Made
How are the game pieces made?
For most of my games I make the pieces by casting them from gypsum cement – a mineral based material related to plaster, but with a strength closer to concrete.
The use of gypsum cement dates back 1000’s of years to ancient Egypt. So it seemed an appropriate material to give a more immersive experience for historic games.
Many of my games feature pieces that are copies of my own original carvings, in those cases I will mention it in the item descriptions.
Who makes the artwork on the game boards?
In many of my designs I hand draw the artistic embellishments with pencil, then ink. Then I scan the design and adjust the contrast so that it can be used with a laser engraver. I use design software to create the geometric grids for the game boards, and adjust the layout to fit my artwork onto the board.
In some of my earlier designs, I used the software to create the embellishments directly on the computer, but lately I’ve been incorporating more hand-drawn work into the designs because I enjoy the process more. If you’re purchasing a game, you can check the product description to see if that game incorporates hand drawn elements.
How are the wooden game boards made?
I usually start with panels that are rectangular or hexagonal wooden painting canvases that have wooden sides attached already. These canvases provide a smooth surface with a tight grain, so the engravings show up nicely. The sides are usually pine. The tops of the panels are usually birch, except for the 10″ hexagons, which are pine.
The first step is to take 2 panels that are the same size and shape to use for the top and bottom of the box. They never match perfectly so I sand them down so the tops and bottoms fit exactly.
Next the game and artistic embellishments are laser engraved onto the top panel.
After engraving the boards, I stain and/or paint them (depending on the game), then apply several coats of lacquer.
Next, I install a velvet lining to the insides of the panels. Then make a box out of the two panels by adding hinges and a metal clasp.
What Kind of wood are the games made from?
Birch and Pine. I don’t use any panels made from exotic hardwoods, as I prefer more renewable faster growing options. I mostly use birch panels (usually Baltic birch) with pine sides for the game boards, but for some shapes/sizes I use pine panels when I can’t get birch. I find that birch has a luster that really comes to life once it has a few coats of lacquer.
Ordering
Do you take custom orders?
It depends…
At this time, I’m not taking any orders for completely custom games. Unfortunately I have a lot of work already planned for the next several months and won’t have time to take on any new projects for a while.
If you’re looking for a game that I already make in a different color combination, or with a style of pieces that you’ve seen on one of my other games, I’d be happy to work with you. Keep in mind that it takes me 3-4 weeks to make a game.
Contact me here if you’d like to request a customized game.
Do you take international orders?
Unfortunately, not at this time.
I’m located in the United States, and currently am only taking orders within the US due to the added cost of doing business internationally.
Where else can I purchase one of your games?
Aside from this website, my games can also be purchased online from my Etsy Shop. Sometimes I have different games listed on the Etsy shop, so if what you’re looking for is sold out here, you might find it there.
Or if you’re in the Southern Maine area, I attend various artisan markets and fairs in the local region. You can see which event’s I’ll be attending by visiting the “Events” page on this website.
I don't see the game I want in your shop.
Sometimes items that are out of stock here, might be available in my Etsy Shop. If you don’t find it there either, feel free to send me a message if you’d like to purchase something that is out of stock. In many cases the item is only out of stock temporarily. Since I’m a one person shop, and everything is made by hand it’s sometimes difficult to keep things replenished, but I will adjust the priority of a specific game if I know someone is waiting for it.
In other cases the out of stock listings may have an updated version where I may have changed the design, colors, or dimensions, but still offer that game in a new listing.
Contact me here if you’d like to ask about a game that’s out of stock.
Shipping & Policies
How much do you charge for shipping?
This shop has free ground shipping on all purchases, so there is no extra charge unless you would like to upgrade to faster shipping.
Orders with Free Ground Shipping are sent with either USPS or UPS. Please allow 1-3 business days for me to package and process the order, and then 2-6 business days for the carrier to deliver it. (3-8 days total)
How long does it take you to process my order?
In most cases I will ship packages by the end of the following business day.
However, my official processing time is 1-3 days to account for postal holidays, weekends, and unforeseen personal circumstances. (I am a one person shop after all…)
After I process the order the shipping carrier will take 2-6 business days to deliver the package if you’re using Free Shipping.
Do you use sustainable packaging?
Yes! I only use recyclable and/or recycled packing materials to protect products in shipping.
Most of the time, I use tightly packed shredded paper to protect the game. Occasionally I’ll re-purposed bubble wrap for more delicate objects.
The pieces inside the game boxes are held together in cloth drawstring bags to keep them from rattling around inside the wooden box during shipping.
What is your refund policy?
Yes, within 30 days of receiving the item, you may return it for a refund. The item must be in the original condition that you received it, and the buyer is responsible for return shipping.
I usually don’t offer exchanges. Because I operate in low quantities, I don’t always have the same item in stock, so a refund is usually the only option.