Sticks and Stones alphabet photography: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy just the photographs?

To ensure our photographs are displayed to our standards, we offer completed keepsakes. The Sticks and Stones brand is known for being a custom, quality art piece. We wouldn't want it any other way!

What is the average turnaround time?

Please check the middle, left-hand side of our homepage or the "Create Yours" page for the date your keepsake should arrive. We offer a RUSH option during checkout for last minute deadlines. We will strive to accommodate any special needs. Please contact info@CreateSticksAndStones.com if you are hesitant about receiving your keepsake on time. We’ll do our best to get your order to you.

Why should I purchase a Sticks and Stones instead of an imitator?

Sticks and Stones is the original in creating personalized keepsakes using alphabet photography. Since 2005, our product, and the story of how Sticks and Stones was created, has been featured on multiple, national television shows and written about in many national magazines and newspapers. We are honored to have received so much national, well-known press! With this type of exposure, we have created some imitators. We are committed to delivering an excellent family heirloom. You will never find Sticks and Stones cheapening our brand by selling only photographs or mass quantities of 'lifestyle' words. We decided when we started Sticks and Stones that we wanted to be THE high-end, classic, quality gift that never goes out of style. Each of the respected, well-known people who have endorsed Sticks and Stones have done so only after holding one of our keepsakes in their hands and seeing the quality of our craftsmanship. Our keepsakes are endorsed by many including Oprah Winfrey, Good Morning America, Rachael Ray, Martha Stewart, The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Rachael Ray Show, The Martha Stewar Show, Martha Stewart Radio, The Today Show, CNBC, HGTV, Fine Living, TBS, O Magazine, Oprah's coveted O List, People Magazine, Better Homes and Gardens, Brides, Modern Bride, Entrepreneur Magazine, Parents Magazine, National Public Radio, Hallmark Magazine, Relish, Lucky, Midwest Living, and Home Business Magazine among other national and international publications. We believe our endorsements speak for themselves and are honored to be the gift of choice for many celebrities and dignitaries. Oprah and Martha demand exceptional quality and we deliver it to them every time. Thank you for letting us do the same for you!

What is your return policy?

We are happy to replace a damaged keepsake within 30 days of the date it was shipped. We have a breakage rate of less than 1%. We take every precaution to protect the keepsakes during the shipping process. We have no control over how they are handled throughout shipment. Although it is rare, damage occurs. Simply email us at info@CreateSticksAndStones.com with your information. We'll email you back right away.

Do you have ampersands, apostrophes, numbers, and other punctuation?

Yes! You can email info@CreateSticksAndStones.com for information on how to get these included in your keepsake. We'll email you back right away.

I'd like to create a Sticks and Stones just like the one Oprah created for Tom and Katie. Can you help me do that?

Yes! CLICK HERE to see Tom and Katie's Sticks and Stones. If this is what you'd like to create, please email info@CreateSticksAandStones.com. We'll email you back right away.

Do you accept photo submissions?

Brad and Jera Deal, the founders of Sticks and Stones, are the exclusive photographers. Sticks and Stones began as a hobby with their daughters and they want to keep the letters personal to their family. Each letter has a story behind it: where it was discovered, who discovered it, what the family was doing that day. Additionally, in order to ensure that the letters photographed are not staged, they prefer to take each photo themselves.

How can I get Sticks and Stones in my retail store or online boutique?

If you have a retail store or online boutique that offers unique gifts and you'd like to carry our alphabet photography keepsakes, please send an email to stores@CreateSticksAndStones.com. Cheri Hirschmann, Director of Retail Sales, will email you back right away.

Do you give discounts for multiple orders?

Yes! If you need ten or more keepsakes, please email info@CreateSticksAndStones.com. We'll email you back right away.

How do I order online?

It's easy!
1) Click on "CREATE YOURS" at the top of any page.
2) Type your name/word in the box and click CREATE.
3) Choose your letters, choose your frame, click "Add to Cart" and check out.

Why does Sticks and Stones use only custom frames?

Sticks and Stones builds a unique, custom-cut-and-joined frame for every keepsake. Some of our imitators purchase inexpensive, pre-made mat and frames and fit the art inside, regardless of the length of the name/word created. This results in awkward spacing and overall poor quality. At Sticks and Stones, we are committed to creating heirloom quality, custom alphabet photography art pieces. Sticks and Stones is not a cheap, crafty trinket that will grace an arrangement for a year or so, only to be sold at next year's garage sale.

I forgot to print my invoice from the order confirmation page. Can I still get a receipt?

Yes! If you go to our Order Lookup feature at the bottom of any page, you can get a copy of your order and totals using your Order ID number and your billing zip code.

Why is Canadian shipping calculated differently?

International shipping can vary greatly based on different factors. Most countries charge customs and duties, in addition to a brokerage fee, to allow goods across their borders. To calculate international shipping for your country, please add an item to your cart and follow the instructions.