We've tried to make ordering a custom piece as simple as possible.

1. Place your order
Choose your product and provide your personalization details.

2. Send us your photograph
Upload or send us the highest-quality version you have. Feel free to include additional photographs if they help show important details.

3. Tell us what's important
Let us know about anything you'd like added, removed, changed, or emphasized.

4. We create your artwork
We'll prepare your photograph specifically for the product you've selected.

5. You receive a digital proof
Review the design and let us know if you'd like any changes.

6. You approve it
Nothing goes into production until we receive your final approval.

7. We make it
Your piece is engraved, finished, inspected, and prepared for delivery or pickup.

8. You get to enjoy it—or give someone a gift they won't find anywhere else.

It All Begins With the Photograph

A great engraving starts with a great photo. The clearer and more detailed the photograph you provide, the more detail we can capture in your finished piece.

The good news is that you don't need a professional camera or photography experience. Today's smartphones take excellent photos, and following a few simple tips can make a big difference.

📸 Use the Highest-Quality Photo You Can

Use your smartphone or camera and take the photo at the highest resolution available. Whenever possible, send us the original photo file rather than a screenshot, compressed image, or photo downloaded from social media.

The more detail we have to work with, the better we can capture the character of your cottage, home, RV, boat, or other special subject.

🏡 Choose the Best Angle

Try to position yourself where you can see as much of the subject as possible. For cottages, homes and buildings, a straight-on view or a slight angle that shows both the front and one side often works very well.

Think about the features that make your property recognizable—perhaps it's the front porch, a distinctive roofline, a deck, large windows, or the view from the lake. Choose an angle that showcases those features.

🌲 Avoid Obstructions Where Possible

Trees, bushes and landscaping are part of cottage life, but they can sometimes hide important details.

Try to take your photo from a position where the cottage, RV, boat or other subject is as unobstructed as possible. We can often remove or simplify trees, branches, bushes and other distractions when preparing your artwork, but we can't recreate details that aren't visible in the original photograph.

The more we can see, the more accurately we can recreate it.

☀️ Good Lighting Makes a Big Difference

Whenever possible, take your photo during the day with plenty of natural light. Good lighting helps us see smaller details that can disappear in heavy shadows.

For best results:

• Choose a bright or lightly overcast day.

• Try to have the sun above or behind you.

• Avoid photographing directly into the sun.

• Watch for strong glare or reflections on windows.

• Avoid photos taken at night or when the building is heavily shadowed.

A lightly overcast day can actually be excellent for photography because it provides soft, even lighting without harsh shadows.

🚗 Remove Temporary Items You Don't Want Included

Before taking the photograph, look around for anything you wouldn't want to appear in your finished piece.

Whenever possible, move things such as vehicles, garbage or recycling bins, BBQs, lawn furniture, toys, hoses, construction materials and other temporary items.

Don't worry if something can't be moved. In many cases, we can remove unwanted objects when preparing your artwork.

🔍 Get Close — Don't Rely on Digital Zoom

Try to physically move closer to your subject rather than using your phone's digital zoom. Excessive zoom can reduce image quality and eliminate some of the fine details we need.

At the same time, don't get so close that parts of the building or subject are cut off. Ideally, the entire subject should be visible with a little space around it.

📱 Send the Original Photo Whenever Possible

Photos sent through some messaging apps, social media platforms, or screenshots may be reduced in quality.

Whenever possible, upload or email the original photograph directly from your phone or camera. Bigger and clearer is better—we'll take care of sizing it for your finished product.

📷 Not Sure Which Photo Is Best? Send Us a Few!

If you have several photos and aren't sure which one will produce the best result, send them to us.

Different photographs can sometimes show details that aren't visible in the main photo. We can review them and determine which image—or combination of images—will give us the best starting point.

🍂 What About Older or Seasonal Photos?

That's okay too!

Your favourite photograph might have been taken years ago, during winter, or when trees and landscaping looked completely different. Send us what you have.

If there are important details that aren't clearly visible, an additional photograph from another angle may help us understand what should be included in the final artwork.

✨ Your Photo Doesn't Have to Be Perfect

We know that getting the "perfect" photograph isn't always possible—especially at cottages, where trees, docks, landscaping and other obstacles are part of the scenery.

That's where we come in.

We don't simply reproduce your photograph exactly as it was taken. We use your photograph as the starting point to create artwork designed specifically for your finished piece.

We can often simplify backgrounds, remove distracting objects and emphasize the features that make your cottage, home, RV or special place recognizable.

So don't worry if your photograph isn't perfect. Send us the best photo you have, and we'll take it from there.

❤️ One Final Tip

Choose a photograph that captures what you love about the place.

Sometimes the technically "perfect" photograph isn't the one that creates the most meaningful keepsake. If there's a particular view, feature, dock, porch, tree or other detail that's part of your memories, tell us.

After all, we're not just engraving a building—we're helping you preserve a place that means something to you.

Send it to us anyway!

We understand that sometimes the photograph itself is part of the memory. It may be an older photo, the cottage may have changed, or getting another photograph simply isn't possible.

We'll review what you have and determine whether we can create a great result from it.

If you have additional photographs—even if they're taken from different angles—send those too. They may show details that aren't visible in your preferred photograph.

Don't eliminate a meaningful idea just because you think the photo isn't good enough. Let us take a look first.

Absolutely! In fact, your approval is an important part of our process.

Once we've received your photograph and any personalization you'd like included—such as a family name, cottage name, lake, location, special date, coordinates, or message—we'll prepare a digital proof for you to review.

Nothing is engraved until you approve it.

Take a close look at your proof and let us know if there's anything you'd like adjusted. Maybe you'd like a tree removed, some wording changed, a particular feature emphasized, or something else cleaned up. This is your keepsake, and we want you to be happy with what we've created before we move into production.

What if I'd like something changed?

No problem. Your initial design includes up to three rounds of revisions at no additional charge.

We find that most designs require very few—if any—changes, but including revisions gives us the opportunity to fine-tune the artwork with you. Limiting the process to three rounds also allows us to give every customer's piece the same care, attention, and turnaround time.

If you think you'd like a significant change, don't hesitate to tell us. The more specific you can be about what you'd like changed, the easier it is for us to get the next proof just right.

What happens after I approve the proof?

Once you're completely satisfied, we'll ask you to provide your final approval.

Only then will we engrave or produce your item.

Because every piece is individually made and personalized for you, this final approval is important. It ensures we've captured the details you wanted and helps prevent unnecessary waste of materials by producing something that doesn't meet your expectations.

One Important Thing to Keep in Mind

Your digital proof is intended to show the design, layout, wording, and overall appearance of your finished piece. Because we're working with natural materials such as wood and slate, there may be subtle differences in colour, grain, texture, and how the material responds to engraving.

Those natural variations are part of what makes every finished piece unique.

Our promise is simple: you'll have the opportunity to see it, provide your input, and approve the design before we make it.

We don't just engrave products—we help turn your memories into keepsakes.

Every piece we create starts with something meaningful to you: your family cottage, home, favourite camping spot, RV, boat, a special place, or a memory you want to preserve.

Rather than simply placing your photograph onto a product, we take the time to prepare each image individually. We remove distractions, simplify details where needed, and carefully create artwork that will look great when engraved or printed on your chosen material.

No two pieces are exactly alike—because no two stories are exactly alike.

We're also a small, community-based Canadian business. Your order isn't passing through a large production line. Each piece receives personal attention from the initial photograph through to the finished product.

What makes us different is simple:

• Made specifically for you. Every design begins with your photograph, idea, or special place.

• Personal attention. We review and prepare each image individually rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all process.

• Hand-finished craftsmanship. We take pride in the details and finishing touches that make each piece special.

• Your input matters. Want the truck removed? A favourite tree included? Your family name, lake, coordinates, or special date added? Just tell us.

• Made in Canada. Your keepsake is created by a small Canadian business that believes in craftsmanship, community, and personal service.

At the end of the day, we're not trying to make thousands of identical products.

We're creating one piece that means something to you.

You can reach us anytime via our contact page or email. We aim to respond quickly—usually within one business day.

In most cases, yes.

Vehicles, garbage bins, patio furniture, BBQs, toys, signs, people, branches, power lines, and other distractions can often be removed or simplified when we prepare your artwork.

There are limitations, however. If a large object completely blocks an important part of a building, we may not know what is behind it.

That's where an additional photograph can help. Even if it isn't the photograph you want us to use for the main design, it may show us the missing details.

Often, yes.

Perhaps you love the view of your cottage in one photograph, but another photograph provides a better view of the dock or porch. Send us both and tell us what's important.

We'll let you know what's possible before proceeding.

Our goal isn't necessarily to reproduce one photograph perfectly—it's to create a finished piece that represents the place the way you remember it.

Absolutely. That's one of the things that makes these pieces so personal.

Depending on the product and available space, we can incorporate details such as:

• Family or last names

• Cottage or property names

• Lake or community names

• Towns and locations

• GPS coordinates

• "Established" dates

• Addresses

• Important dates

• Short sayings or messages

Have another idea? Tell us what you're thinking. We'll work with you to determine what will look best.

No problem.

Your design includes up to three rounds of revisions at no additional charge.

Most designs require very few—if any—changes, but revisions give us the opportunity to fine-tune your artwork together.

The more specific you can be about what you'd like changed, the easier it is for us to get the next proof just right.

Limiting the process to three rounds also allows us to give every customer's order the same personal attention and care.

If your request involves a significant redesign or additional work beyond the included revisions, we'll discuss it with you before doing anything that may involve an additional charge.

Once you're happy with the design, we'll ask for your final approval.

That's our green light to make it.

After final approval, your artwork moves into production and your piece is engraved, finished, and prepared for you.

Because every item is made specifically for you, please carefully check names, dates, spelling, locations, and other personalized information before giving final approval.

Once production begins, changes generally cannot be made. description

Your proof shows the design, layout, wording, and overall appearance of your piece, but your finished product may have subtle differences—and that's part of what makes it unique.

Materials such as wood and slate naturally vary in colour, grain, texture, knots, markings, and surface characteristics. These variations can affect how an engraving appears.

Even two pieces cut from the same type of wood can engrave slightly differently.

We don't consider these natural characteristics imperfections. They're part of what makes your piece truly one of a kind. description

A photograph can contain thousands or millions of colours, shades, reflections, shadows, and extremely fine details.

Engraving is different.

We translate your photograph into artwork specifically designed for the material being engraved. Some details may need to be simplified, enhanced, darkened, lightened, or removed so the important elements stand out.

That's also why we don't simply run your photograph through the engraver. Preparing the artwork is an important part of creating the finished piece.

Definitely not—and we wouldn't want them to be.

Natural materials have variations in colour, grain, texture, knots, edges, and other characteristics.

Those variations mean the piece you receive will be uniquely yours.

We make every effort to select quality materials and produce a beautiful finished product while preserving the natural character of the material.

The materials depend on the product you've selected. We work with materials chosen specifically for their appearance, durability, and engraving characteristics, including natural wood and slate.

Many of our pieces also receive additional hand finishing or protective treatments where appropriate.

Specific materials and finishes are listed with each product so you'll know what you're receiving.

Care will vary depending on the material and product.

As a general rule, engraved wood and slate products should be cleaned gently using a soft, damp cloth and should not be soaked or placed in a dishwasher unless the product description specifically says it is dishwasher safe.

Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that could damage the finish or engraving.

For products with specific care requirements, we'll provide the appropriate instructions.

Some products may be suitable for outdoor or sheltered outdoor use, while others are designed specifically for indoor use.

If you're planning to display something outdoors, please tell us before ordering. We'll help you choose an appropriate material and finish where available.

Even protected materials can weather over time when exposed to sunlight, moisture, temperature changes, and the Canadian seasons.

Because each item is individually designed and made, custom work takes a little more time than pulling something off a warehouse shelf.

Turnaround time can vary depending on the product, complexity of the artwork, number of revisions, and current order volume.

We'll provide our current expected turnaround time when you order.

One thing that can help keep things moving: review and respond to your digital proof as soon as you can. Production can't begin until we receive your approval.

If you need your piece for a specific birthday, anniversary, holiday, wedding, or other special occasion, please tell us when ordering and we'll let you know what's possible.

Of course!

Many of our products make wonderful family gifts. A cottage or family home, for example, can have meaning to parents, children, siblings, and grandparents alike.

If you'd like multiple copies of the same design, contact us or select the appropriate quantity when ordering.

For larger quantities, please reach out to us and we'll be happy to discuss your project.

We love custom ideas.

If you have something in mind but don't see exactly what you're looking for, contact us and tell us about it.

We can't promise that every idea will work with the materials and equipment we use, but we're always happy to explore what's possible.

Some of the best projects start with, "I have an idea..."

Cottages are certainly a favourite—but they're only the beginning.

We can create keepsakes inspired by many of the places and things that hold special memories, including:

• Family cottages and cabins

• Homes and childhood homes

• RVs and trailers

• Boats

• Barns and farms

• Family businesses

• Wedding venues

• Favourite vacation properties

• Camps and hunting cabins

• Meaningful buildings

• Other special places

Have something different in mind? Send us a photo and your idea.

If it means something to you, we'd love to see if we can turn it into something you can keep.

We're proud to be a small, community-based Canadian business and are happy to offer local pickup where available.

We ship right across Canada.

Shipping costs and estimated delivery times will be shown or confirmed as part of your order.

Please remember that carrier delivery times are separate from the time required for us to design and create your custom piece.

We carefully inspect and package every order before it leaves us, but occasionally things can happen during shipping.

If your order arrives damaged, please contact us as soon as possible and include photographs of:

• The damaged item

• The shipping packaging

• The shipping label

• Any visible damage to the box or packaging

We'll review the situation with you and work to make it right.

Because personalized products are made specifically for you and approved by you before production, they generally cannot be returned or exchanged simply because you've changed your mind.

That's one of the reasons our digital proof and approval process is so important.

However, if we've made an error or there's a problem with the quality of your finished piece, please contact us. We want you to be happy with the work we've created for you and will work with you to resolve legitimate issues.

Before production, you'll receive a proof showing your personalization.

Please carefully review all names, dates, locations, coordinates, and other wording before approving your design.

If we've made an error that wasn't present in the proof you approved, we'll make it right.

If the finished piece matches the approved proof, we may not be able to replace it without an additional charge.

We can work with many different types of photographs and artwork, but you should own the image or have permission to use it.

Copyrighted artwork, professional photography, company logos, trademarks, sports logos, characters, and other protected material may require permission from the rights holder.

If you're unsure, just ask.

We use your photograph to create the artwork for your order.

We respect that photographs of family homes, cottages, properties, and other meaningful places can be personal. Your images and artwork are handled as part of fulfilling your order and aren't something we take for granted.

We love showing people what we create, but we also understand that a personalized piece can contain private information such as family names, locations, or other personal details.

If you'd prefer that your piece not be photographed or shared, please let us know.

Where possible, retaining completed artwork can make it much easier to order another set or create another product using the same design in the future.

If you're ordering something as a gift, this can be especially handy when another family member sees it and says, "I want one too!"

We're here to help.

Custom work is personal, and sometimes your question won't fit neatly into an FAQ.

Send us a message, photograph, or even just an idea. We'll be happy to take a look, answer your questions, and help you figure out the best way to bring it to life.

Because the best keepsakes aren't just things—they're reminders of the people, places, and memories that matter to us.