Frequently asked questions & Studio guide
FAQ — Ordering & Timelines
What is the typical process for placing a custom order?
1 Order & purchase— Submit the order form at onceuponapaper.net/pages/order with all the details, then purchase the reserved listing prepared for you. Alternatively, purchase directly from the shop and leave your details in the note box at checkout.
2 Proof & approval— A digital proof is emailed after purchase. Review it and share any feedback. Revisions continue until you are completely satisfied.
3 Production & shipping— Once approved, the piece is made, carefully wrapped, and shipped to you.
How far in advance should I place my order?
We recommend placing your order a minimum of 6 weeks before your wedding or anniversary. This gives you time to review all design options, consult with your officiant on text, and go through proofing without any rush. Custom artwork and painted Ketubah orders are booked at least 3 months in advance. If you need a rush, please contact us first to check availability.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes — orders are shipped worldwide. For orders outside the US, please include a telephone number along with your shipping address. A tracking number is provided with every shipment; check your order page or shipping confirmation for it.
Can I reach you by phone or schedule a meeting?
All communication is handled online and directly with clients — phone calls meetings are only available on emergencies and custom work. This keeps the focus entirely on creating your artwork. Reach out via the contact form and expect a thoughtful, personal response.
Do you accept returns, exchanges, or cancellations?
Because of the made to order nature of most of my items, unless they arrive damaged or defective, I can't accept returns for Custom or Personalized orders.
For any other items, Returns, Exchanges, and Cancellations are accepted under the following terms:
Contact within 14 days of delivery
Ship back within 21 days of delivery
Cancellation within 2 days of ordering
FAQ — Materials & Specs
What is the difference between your printing mediums (Rag Paper, Canvas, Washi)?
We offer three distinct archival museum-grade mediums to suit different aesthetics:
- 100% Cotton Rag Matt Paper: Keeps colors sharp, crisp, and vivid while perfectly preserving the organic look of the original watercolor.
- Fine Art Canvas: Yields deep, rich tones with a beautiful woven texture, ideal if you plan to stretch the artwork over a frame.
- Traditional Washi Paper: Adds an elegant, beautifully muted, and highly textured note to the art, giving it an ancient, organic paper feel.
What materials do you use for a custom original artwork?
Our custom original artwork (Ketubah, Blessings or Family Trees) is painted on 100% cotton Fabriano, Canson or Hahnemühle acid free archival papers, hot or cold pressed. We paint with Holbein and Winsor & Newton pigments.
FAQ — Shipping & Care
How is my order packed and shipped?
Each order is wrapped in a protective polyester transparent bag, then packaged rolled; flat might be available on request. A tracking number is provided — you can find it on your order page or in your shipping confirmation email.
Always monitor the tracking status as it updates. Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply.
How should I handle and care for the artwork during and after the wedding?
Always handle artwork with clean, dry hands or cotton gloves — fingerprints, scratches, and bends are the main risks. When unpacking, take special care not to drag the piece against any surface. Keep the original packaging until you are ready to frame. Avoid direct sunlight and humidity extremes once displayed.
How do I flatten a curled or rolled Ketubah?
Place the artwork face-down on a clean, smooth, dust-free hard surface. Lay clean sheets of acid-free paper over the back, then place a flat, heavy object (books work well) evenly across it. Leave for 24–48 hours. Never apply direct heat or moisture.
FAQ — Framing, Displaying & Signing
What pen or ink should I use to sign the Ketubah?
On matte surfaces(Rag Paper and Washi), a soft graphite pencil is actually the most archival choice, just as galleries and museums use for signed prints. If you prefer ink, use a fine or brush-tip pen with archival pigment ink— not dye-based ink. Good options include Pigma Micron, Staedtler Pigment Liner, or a Pentel brush pen with archival ink.
On canvas— an archival ink pen is preferred, as pencil may not adhere well.
Do you provide framing or matting?
Professional framing is not offered — it would significantly increase both the risk of damage during shipping and transport costs. We strongly recommend having the piece framed locally by a professional framer who specializes in fine art. Ask for UV-protective glass to preserve the colors over time.
Any tips for displaying the Ketubah at the ceremony?
Many couples discuss display with their officiant first — some traditions require the Ketubah to remain unframed until after signing. We recommend displaying your framed artwork on an elegant easel next to your Chuppah or on a dedicated signing table during the ceremony. When taking the art to a professional framer, request that they initially mount the piece without the protective glass so that it remains completely accessible for your ceremony signatures. After the event, return it to the framer to have the archival protective glass and backing permanently sealed.
FAQ - Custom Ketubah
What text options are available for the Ketubah?
Hebrew texts: Orthodox Conservative
English texts: Reform Egalitarian Interfaith Humanist Same sex Anniversary Vows
You can bring your own as well. Besides Hebrew and English you can provide a third language if desired.
Is there a word or length limit on the text?
There is no strict word limit, however the Ketubah size directly affects how readable longer texts will be. If your text is lengthy, alarger size is recommendedso the calligraphy remains legible and the artwork stays balanced.
What is the difference between a Giclée print and an original Watercolor Ketubah?
A Watercolor Ketubah is a one-of-a-kind original painting done entirely by hand — watercolor, gouache, and calligraphy — on museum-quality heavyweight artist paper. No two are exactly alike.
A Giclée Ketubah is a museum-quality archival print of the artwork, produced on fine art paper, canvas, or washi. It faithfully reproduces the watercolor painting at a more accessible price point, with the same archival longevity.
What printing mediums are available, and which is most popular?
Matte Cotton Rag Paper— The most popular choice. Ultra-smooth, 100% cotton, acid-free. Produces sharp, vivid colors that preserve the watercolor look beautifully.
Canvas— Also delivers sharp, vivid color with a subtle texture.
Washi Paper— Adds a beautiful muted, slightly translucent quality — a softer, more organic feel for those who want something different.
Can we customize the colors, fonts, or layout?
Yes — colors are customized to detail. Share your palette from the color chart, a Pantone code, or a reference photo and we'll work to match the desired hues.
Fonts and Layout are also flexible. Please ask.