Common Questions About Custom Wooden Wall Art – Answered

Not sure where to start? You're not alone - most pieces begin with a question or two.

From turnaround times and installation tips to wood types and custom commissions, this page covers the things people ask me most often.

Each artwork is handmade in Johannesburg with care, and whether you're decorating a home, styling a space, or gifting something meaningful, I want to make the process as simple (and beautiful) as possible.

And if you're still wondering about something? I’m just a message or phone call away.

Andrea attaching hanging hardware to a handmade wood wall art piece in her Johannesburg workshop studio

Each piece of art comes ready to hang - fitted with sturdy hardware by hand in my workshop. No guessing, no extra tools - just unwrap and hang.

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Custom Art & Commissions

🪵 Can I order a custom wooden wall art piece?
Absolutely. I welcome commissions and love collaborating on custom wooden wall art for homes, businesses, or interiors with a specific vision. Whether you're looking for something geometric, abstract, or nature-inspired, I can create a one-of-a-kind piece tailored to your space.

🕰 How long does a custom artwork take?
Typically, custom pieces take between 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the complexity of the design and my current workload. I’ll keep you updated throughout the process.

💬 How do I start a custom project with you?
It all starts with a conversation. You can fill in the contact form on my 'Let’s Create Something Beautiful Together' page, or reach out via WhatsApp or email. We’ll talk about your ideas, the space, size preferences, colours, and timeline - and then I’ll guide you through the next steps.

🌿 Can I choose the size, colour, or wood type?
Yes! You can customise the size, layout, and colour palette - and we can work with specific woods such as Kiaat, Ash, Rosewood, White Oak, or painted Premium Pine. If you have a particular interior style or material in mind, I’ll help you choose the best combination.

💸 Do custom orders cost more than ready-made art?
Not necessarily. Custom doesn’t have to mean expensive. Pricing depends on size, complexity, and materials, but many of my one-of-a-kind pieces are similar in cost to mass-produced or AI-generated decor. You’re investing in slow, handcrafted art - created just for you.

Materials & Craftsmanship

🌳 What kind of wood do you use?
I work with a mix of exotic hardwoods like Kiaat, Rosewood, Rhodesian Teak, Ash, Beech and White Oak, as well as painted Premium Pine. I also incorporate off-cuts and rescued wood from larger workshops - giving overlooked materials a second life through thoughtful design.

🎨 Do you use eco-friendly materials?
Yes. Sustainability is important to me. Many of my pieces are crafted from reclaimed wood, and I use low-VOC water based paints and wood stains, natural waxes, and oils whenever possible. My process is slow, intentional, and low-waste.

✨ What finishes do you use on your art?
Each artwork is finished with care using a combination of hand-sanding, natural oils, waxes, and sometimes water-based sealants - all chosen to enhance the wood’s natural beauty and preserve its texture and depth.

🐾 Why is there a cat in your logo?
It’s a little nod to my story. I care for several feral cat colonies around Johannesburg. I feed them, build shelters, and arrange for sterilization. It started with making little houses from leftover wood scraps - “making something out of nothing.” Supporting my work helps support them, too.

Shipping & Delivery

📦 Do you ship across South Africa?
Yes - I offer shipping to most locations within South Africa. Your artwork will be carefully packaged and couriered to your door with a trusted local delivery service.

🌍 Do you offer international shipping?
Not at this time. However, if you're based outside South Africa and interested in a piece, feel free to get in touch - I’m happy to discuss possible solutions.

⏳ How long does delivery take?
For artworks that are ready to ship, delivery typically takes between 3 to 7 business days depending on your location. For custom orders, I’ll provide a time estimate once we’ve discussed your project.

🖼 Is your packaging safe for fragile or heavy pieces?
Absolutely. Each piece is securely wrapped with multiple layers of protective packaging. Heavier artworks are reinforced with wooden braces or bubble-wrap padding to ensure safe transport.

Turnaround & Studio Process

🛠 How long does it take to make a piece?
Most artworks take 2–4 weeks to complete, depending on size, complexity, and studio workload. Custom commissions may take slightly longer, especially during busy periods, but each piece is made slowly and intentionally to ensure quality and craftsmanship.

📦 Do you keep stock or make to order?
Most of my pieces are made to order. This allows for customisation and ensures every artwork is unique. However, from time to time, I do have ready-to-ship artworks - check the “Shop” page or contact me directly to ask what’s available.

🌿 What is your creative process?
Each piece begins with a sketch or concept, followed by the careful selection of wood - exotic hardwoods, painted pine, or off-cuts that deserve a second life. I use a band saw, mitre saw or scroll saw, sanding, painting, and finishing techniques to create depth, pattern, and texture. It’s a hands-on process, from raw timber to final coat.

🔁 Can you recreate a previous design?
If you’ve seen a piece you love in my gallery, I can create something inspired by it, but no two artworks are ever exactly alike. Wood grain, tone, and hand-cut detailing make every piece one-of-a-kind.

Stockists & Viewing Artworks

🏬 Where can I see your work in person?

You can view a selection of my original wooden wall artworks at Iconomy, located at Design Quarter, Fourways, Johannesburg. Pieces on display include works from the 'A Walk Through the Forest' collection and other one-of-a-kind designs.

🖼 Can I buy artworks directly from your stockist?
Yes - select pieces are available for purchase directly through Iconomy. The team there will gladly assist you, or you’re welcome to contact me if you’re looking for a particular style, size, or finish.

🔍 Do all your artworks appear in the showroom?
Not all. Many pieces are custom-made or part of private collections. The showroom offers a curated selection, but if you’d like to see more of my work, please explore the View My Work gallery on this website or get in touch for a private viewing.

Care & Display Tips

🧼 How do I clean my wooden wall art?
Gently dust your piece with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using water, sprays, or household cleaners, as they may damage the natural wood grain or painted finish. For deeper textures, use a soft brush (like a clean paintbrush) to reach into grooves.

☀️ Can I hang the artwork in direct sunlight?
While all pieces are finished with care, prolonged direct sunlight can fade wood and painted surfaces over time. For best results, hang your art away from strong UV exposure.

🌡 Can I hang my artwork in humid or damp areas?
My artworks are best displayed indoors in dry, stable conditions. Avoid areas like steamy bathrooms or places with high humidity, as this may cause the wood to warp over time.

🪚 How should I mount or hang my piece?
Each artwork includes a secure hanging system, and I provide hanging instructions where needed. Heavier pieces may require wall anchors or professional installation. If you’re unsure, feel free to contact me for hanging advice.

🖼 Can I frame my artwork?
Most pieces are designed to be frameless and sculptural, no framing required.

About Andrea & Studio Ethos

👩‍🎨 Who is behind Andrea Made?
Every piece is designed and handcrafted by me, Andrea - a self-taught woodworking artist based in Johannesburg. I specialise in geometric, abstract, and nature-inspired wooden wall art, working from a small studio workshop where each artwork is made slowly, thoughtfully, and by hand.

🌿 What materials do you use?
I use a mix of selection of exotic hardwoods like Kiaat, Rosewood, Ash, and White Oak, along with Premium Pine and rescued off-cuts from large timber merchants. The goal is always to highlight the natural grain and character of the wood - whether painted, textured, or left raw.

🛠 Why do you use off-cuts or scrap wood?
Because there’s beauty in the overlooked. I repurpose off-cuts to create something new and meaningful - a quiet act of transformation. It also reflects my ethos of sustainability and intention, making the most of what’s available.

🐾 What’s the story behind the cat in your logo?
It’s personal - and very close to my heart. I care for several feral cat colonies on Johannesburg South's industrial sites, providing food, sterilisations, and handmade shelters built from discarded materials. When you support Andrea made, you also support this ongoing initiative.

💛 What inspires your work?
Textures. Stories. Wood grain. Architecture. Forests. Cityscapes. A piece of off-cut that no one else wanted. My art is rooted in storytelling — in finding meaning in materials and transforming them into one-of-a-kind pieces that bring soul and warmth to modern spaces.