How It Works
How Your Photo Becomes a Handcrafted Heirloom
At Carve Moments, we believe creating a custom portrait gift should be simple, transparent, and collaborative. Here's exactly how it works — from your first click to the moment you hold your artwork. Every piece is a journey of artisan craftsmanship, and we're with you every step of the way.
Place Your Order & Share Your Vision
Choose your art form. Browse our collection and select the medium that speaks to your memory — whether it's the delicate detail of an egg carving, the timeless elegance of an oil painting, or the miniature wonder of a snuff bottle portrait.
Upload your photo. We recommend a high-resolution, well-lit image with clear facial details. If you're unsure which photo works best, just send us what you have — we're happy to advise.
Add your notes. Tell us what matters most. A favorite smile? A specific background color? A hidden message? The more you share, the more personal your artwork becomes.
Complete your order. Once your order is placed, you'll receive an order confirmation email within minutes.
Our Artisans Begin Handcrafting
Your photo, now in skilled hands. Our artisans begin the meticulous process of translating your image into art. Using traditional techniques passed down through generations, each piece is brought to life through a combination of skilled craftsmanship and carefully guided techniques — always with a personal touch.
How long does it take?
- Egg carvings & leaf carvings: 10–14 business days
- Snuff bottle portraits: 15–20 business days
- Oil paintings: 12–18 business days
These are estimates — we never rush the craft. If you need a piece by a specific date, please contact us before ordering and we'll do our best to accommodate.
You're always in the loop. No silence, no guessing. If there's ever a delay or question, we'll reach out to you directly.
Preview & Approve Your Artwork
This is the most important step. Before we finish and ship your piece, we'll email you a clear photo of the completed artwork for your review.
What to look for:
- Does the portrait capture your loved one's likeness?
- Are the details (expression, posture, background) as you imagined?
- Is there anything you'd like adjusted?
Not quite right? If something feels off, just let us know. We'll make revisions — at no additional cost — until you're happy with the design.
Once you approve, we ship. Your confirmation is our green light. No artwork leaves our studio without your final approval.
Careful Packaging & Global Delivery
Protected, packed, and ready to travel. Each artwork is hand-wrapped, cushioned, and boxed with materials chosen specifically for its medium — whether it's a fragile eggshell or a stretched canvas.
Shipping & tracking. We ship worldwide via DHL, FedEx, or your local postal service. Once your order is on its way, you'll receive a tracking link via email.
Delivery times:
- United States & Canada: 5–10 business days
- Europe: 6–12 business days
- Asia Pacific: 4–10 business days
- Rest of world: 7–20 business days
Customs & duties. Import taxes, customs duties, and brokerage fees are the responsibility of the customer and vary by country. We recommend checking your local import policies before ordering.
Still have questions?
We're here to help — whether you're unsure which medium to choose, need help selecting a photo, or just want to talk through your idea.
📩 Email us: info@carvemoments.com
💬 Contact page: Click here
📖 Visit FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to begin? Explore Our Art Forms →