For most salt/pepper mill orders, I need 5-7 days to paint and ship. Please let me know if you have a special event, like birthday or wedding.

Email karen@happyartifacts.com with questions or notes.

I do business under the name Happy Artifacts by Karen Hitchcock, but your invoice will show Citrus Marketing (my LLC). So if you see these on your invoice and/or credit statement, it’s me!

These are not going to be perfect (as far as painting style goes, the product quality is 100%). My style is very fluid, organic, and free. That means nothing is symmetrical and nothing is “perfect.” Colors will vary. Polka dots will be random.

I used to drive myself crazy trying to make perfect lines.

I hope you embrace the imperfection of my work like I do. Perfect can be a bit boring, no?

I try to complete custom orders within 5-10 days (or less). If it will be longer than this, I will let you know. Please inform me if you have a special date for your item, like a wedding or birthday gift.

If your item hasn’t been used, you may return it within 30 days of purchase. It must arrive back to me in original condition, damage-free.

I would prefer to offer you an exchange for another product, but can issue a refund if that is your preference.

Unfortunately, I cannot offer refunds on your original shipping fees. You must also pay for the return shipping.

Each item takes between 3-4+ hours to make. Sets may take 4-5+ hours. The pricing is based on my costs, which include high-quality paints, protective varnishes, and of course, a high-quality product made in the USA.

As an advocate for the arts, I believe artists can and should make a living with art. Of course this means higher prices than you’d find in a mass marketplace.

I promise, I’m not chartering private jets with this art income. ;) Rather, I’m doing unsexy things like paying for my own health care.

The base grinders and shakers are made of American hardwood. The stainless steel mechanism in the pepper grinders is built to last, even for professional kitchens. The ceramic mechanism in salt grinders are high-end, too and won’t corrode.

I use acrylic paints and apply at least 5 coats of varnish to seal the design. The inside is the unfinished wood and is food safe.

Do not submerge any of these pieces in water or scrub. If dirty, gently wipe down with a wet cloth. They are not dishwasher safe. Abrasive cleaning agents may affect the look and seal of your piece.

With extensive use, you may see wear on areas like the top and stem of the grinders (although some customers have grinders from 15 years ago still in great shape). I can offer touch ups for a fee if the natural wear and tear isn’t appealing to you.

As with any painted product, use caution when placing on a porous surfaces.