Will they look exactly like my pet?
I understand how much you love your pets and that it’s extremely important they be well represented on one of the most important days of your life. That being said, my sculptures are not exact portraits or mini replicas of your pet. They are whimsical representations with cartoon-like elements created to the best of my ability. When you see the finished sculpture, it will be a very good, highly detailed likeness that will be a huge hit with family and friends. I only take a limited number of orders a year to give me the time I need to do the very best job for you. I do not guarantee exact color matches due to differences in monitors and variances in lighting. When you place your order you are agreeing to these terms.
Each piece is hand sculpted from professional quality polymer clay, hard fired in the oven, painted and sealed, they can be displayed and enjoyed for a lifetime! Please see my testimonials here. If for any reason you are not happy with the finished piece, you are not obligated to pay for it. Deposit is non-refundable.
PRICING
Sculptures are $279.00 for a single dog, cat or other animal and $279.00 for each additional animal. I book up quickly especially for the busy summer months. I can sometimes fit in a rush order and there may be a rush order fee.
Bases $20.00 - $35.00
Flowers and signs $10.00
Outfits are priced based on difficulty
Collars & Name Tags - No charge
Toys, bones, treats, balls, frisbees- No charge
Contact me for a price for anything you would like included that is not listed. I can make vehicles, boats, buildings, chairs, palm trees, etc.
I book up quickly, especially for the busy wedding months of May-October. A 1/3 deposit secures your order, the balance isn't due until you approve of the photos of the completed topper.
I work with you throughout the sculpting process. Proof photos are emailed for your approval prior to baking.
How long does it take to complete a cake topper?
I encourage early booking (several months in advance) as I can only create a limited number of sculptures per month with the busiest time being May-October. Usually I start your topper about 4-6 weeks before your wedding, however, you can schedule to receive it whenever it's best for you! I will need good, clear photos from various angles as well as a description of how you would like your topper to look. Final details are not needed until I am ready to begin your topper. Booking is only confirmed once a deposit is received. I can do rush orders if time permits so please contact me is your wedding is fast approaching.
How large is the topper?
A topper sits on a 5 inches wide base with sculptures measuring 3-5 inches tall. Weight is 7-11 ounces. Sculptures can be free standing.
What kind of photos are needed?
I cannot stress enough how important your photos are. I need photos in natural light without the use of a flash. The camera needs to be held at your pet's eye line rather then standing over the pet and aiming down. I need front, profile, back and face close-up photos. Please see examples below. I need to see a photo that represents the accurate fur coloring you want me to replicate, If you want to include certain flowers, team logos, attire, etc, photos of those items are helpful. I will email you my Creation Sheet that goes over the design for your topper.
I cannot stress enough how important your photos are. I need photos in natural light without the use of a flash. The camera needs to be held at your pet's eye line rather then standing over the pet and aiming down. I need front, profile, back and face close-up photos. Please see examples below. I need to see a photo that represents the accurate fur coloring you want me to replicate, If you want to include certain flowers, team logos, attire, etc, photos of those items are helpful. I will email you my Creation Sheet that goes over the design for your topper.

This is the same dog. Let me know which photo shows the position you would like their ears to be!

This is the same dog. Please send me photos that show the fur length and fur color you want in your topper.
Examples of the kinds of poses I need! Camera is held at the pet's eye line rather than standing above and aiming downward. Please include face closeups! I need several good quality photos similar to these. Follow me on instagram to share more photos @laurievalkoart
What type of payment do you accept?
I accept payments through Venmo, Square and Paypal. I can send you a Venmo payment request or I can email you a Paypal or Square invoice. A 3.0% processing fee is applied to credit card payments.
Do you ship internationally?
I ship world wide! My toppers have been shipped to locations around the world.
How much is shipping?
I ship Priority Mail domestically and International Priority Mail worldwide. Domestic shipping is typically $13-$22.00 and International depends on the country. I can give you an estimate if you email me your address. Express shipping is also available.
Can I make changes to a finished topper?
When I am about to start your topper I contact you to go over your order. You can make any changes at that time. Progress photos of your topper will be emailed to your during the sculpting process prior to my baking it for your approval. I cannot make any changes to the sculptures after they are baked. When your topper is complete, I will send you several photos for you to review. I work with you throughout the sculpting process asking for clarification regarding colors, size difference etc.
Is the payment refundable?
Deposits are non-refundable upon cancellation, I have reserved this time for you. Since each topper is a custom piece, refunds/returns are not accepted. If for any reason you do not like your topper, you are not required to pay the balance, deposit is non refundable.
What type of payment do you accept?
I accept payments through Venmo, Square and Paypal. I can send you a Venmo payment request or I can email you a Paypal or Square invoice. A 3.0% processing fee is applied to credit card payments.
Do you ship internationally?
I ship world wide! My toppers have been shipped to locations around the world.
How much is shipping?
I ship Priority Mail domestically and International Priority Mail worldwide. Domestic shipping is typically $13-$22.00 and International depends on the country. I can give you an estimate if you email me your address. Express shipping is also available.
Can I make changes to a finished topper?
When I am about to start your topper I contact you to go over your order. You can make any changes at that time. Progress photos of your topper will be emailed to your during the sculpting process prior to my baking it for your approval. I cannot make any changes to the sculptures after they are baked. When your topper is complete, I will send you several photos for you to review. I work with you throughout the sculpting process asking for clarification regarding colors, size difference etc.
Is the payment refundable?
Deposits are non-refundable upon cancellation, I have reserved this time for you. Since each topper is a custom piece, refunds/returns are not accepted. If for any reason you do not like your topper, you are not required to pay the balance, deposit is non refundable.