Frequently Asked Questions

Q ~ How do you justify the pricing?

               A – A person's first impression on pricing frequently stems from our day-to-day experiences, or what we're use to.  For example: If we frequently shop at national, mass-market discount stores and malls, then EFA's pricing may seem a little out of line.
                      But if you're the kind of person who has come to appreciate the value in quality made goods; someone who strives to surround themselves with beauty, and demand quality in their lives including meals, service, and relationships; you will find EFA to be quite a bargain.  These individuals often differentiate themselves by frequenting Top-Tier Department Stores, Boutiques and Art Galleries.
                     EFA proudly carries quality, hand made, one-of-a-kind (and made one-at-a-time) items, of original design and offered in a limited series.  We do not "sub-out" the fabrication of our pieces to off-shore "contract manufacturers," which can "mass produce" pieces at unbelievably low prices, often paying feudal wages, and even employing child or prison labor.  We stand behind our products because our names, careers, and reputations are on everything we do.
                     EFA artists use the finest of materials, many exotic, unique, and hard to find.  With a love and passion for the work, all of our artists have many years of hands-on experience.  In an attempt to master their craft, some of our artists have pursued a formal course of study at accredited institutions.  It’s no wonder that many of our artists are also instructors in their field(s), offering seminars, and individual and/or classroom instruction.

Q ~ But am I getting a good value?

               A – To illustrate the value EFA offers, I’d like to draw upon a common experience that many of us share: The Family “Heirloom” Quilt.  Many families own a treasured quilt, typically created by a Great-Grandmother.  We are often made aware of the time, loving care, and effort expended in creating the family quilt.  But what would it cost to have one made?  Well, let’s suppose it took 6-months to create the quilt (182 Days). And on average, your great-grandmother spent only 1-hour a day working on the quilt (182-Hours).  Clearly your great-grandmother deserves more than minimum wage for creating the quilt.  After all, she’s got an awful lot of experience; and without the experience the resulting quilt would take much longer to make or come out unsatisfactory!  Let’s use a nice, round labor rate of $10/hour.  To keep things simple, lets ignore the cost of materials, heating/cooling, electricity and equipment.  We'll also ignore  transportation costs to the store and back, as well as research & prototyping time.  It turns out that the cost of making the family quilt is at least $1,820.  Not that we will want to replace your Great-Grandmother, so you see our pricing is reasonable and our offerings well worth your investment.

 Q ~ Can’t I make this less expensively (cheaper) myself?

               A ~ Short story:  While exhibiting at a trade show, a woman approached and asked if she couldn’t make the same item “cheaper.”  I said "possibly."  After further conversation I offered to give her a copy of the pattern, (my original design) with full instructions.  It was a simple straightforward pattern.  She thanked me and went on her way.
                      Some time later, at another show the same woman approached.  She told me how she had searched to gather all of the materials and tools, had began cutting and laying everything out, had set aside time to work on the project, and then she realized “it cost a lot."  Cost in the time selecting the necessary fabrics and supplies.  Cost in waste (cutting errors), wrong tools, and above all time to set it up.  She was not trained and had no actual experience to solve a myriad of problems that come up during the creation of a new piece.  She could not see the outcome; she could not visualize the original piece, even though she had the pattern and instructions in front of her.
                      She could not do it.   She left the second time with a purchased piece and a new respect for the work involved in one-of-a-kind works, and knowing that at home she had a bag of fabrics and notions as well as tools that she would more than likely never use.

 Q ~ Do you do custom pieces?

               A ~ Yes, we are happy to work with you in the creation of a commissioned piece.  Please contact us at  .  In the ‘Subject’ line of your e-mail, put the artists name you wish to contact.  Considering the various time zones, we make every effort to respond to you within two (2) working days.

 Q ~ Can I get more than one of an item?