FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I accept custom orders?

Rarely, mainly for family and friends.
My health issues sometimes debilitate me for a couple weeks. Sometimes this happens with very little warning. I would not like for anyone to be in a position of wondering what happened with an order if there is a long delay and I am unable to communicate.

Physical or emotional stress also triggers a flare in symptoms for me. I'd rather keep my creations enjoyable (making rosaries is my therapy) than add the pressure of deadlines, possibly more work than I could handle, and trying to make extremely picky people happy. 

BUT I am happy to take requests! An example of this might be…you saw an item in my shop you really liked and it sold before you could buy it. I can probably make another! Or you really like an item, but it has a silver crucifix and medal and you’d like it in gold. I’ll add requests to my “to-make” list and alert you when I’ve listed it. And if you change your mind and don’t want it, no biggie, it’ll be there for the next person.

How do I care for my rosary?

Read all about caring for your rosary here. 

What materials do you use? Where do you find them?

I use flex wire, and my favorite brands are Soft Flex and Beadalon. I use 49-strand 0.19 or 0.18 for heavier beads, 8mm gemstone or glass. I use 21-strand 0.14 wire for small, light beads, like freshwater pearls or most 6mm or smaller beads.

For crimp beads, Beadalon #2 (2mm) crimp tubes are my choice.

These can be found on Amazon. I also like Fire Mountain Gems,  Art Beads, and Lewis Rosary Parts. All these companies have been in business since I first started 25 years ago.

Why flex wire?

The first rosary I bought as a brand-new Catholic broke fairly soon after I bought it. Same with the rosary my daughter got for her baptism. I learned to make rosaries so I could fix them. After experimenting with different techniques, I settled on flex wire.

49-strand flex wire has a test strength of 26 pounds. I’ve been making for 20+ years now, and this has been the most durable method I’ve tried, while keeping the soft flowy feel that I like. The key is to get those crimp beads secure and leave proper spacing so it doesn’t feel stiff. I use two crimp beads at every connection and also wire guards over the loops for extra security. 

Do I guarantee my work?

Yes. I am confident that with normal use my rosaries will not come apart. But it’s always possible to get a batch of wire or crimp beads that aren’t as strong as the others. And accidents happen. If your rosary breaks, send me the pieces and your receipt no matter when you bought it, and I will repair it at no charge and send it back to you, as long as I remain on this earth and am physically able. 
***This does not apply to the finishes on the metals turning dark or wearing.***