Question 1

Is each owl really handmade?

Accepted Answer

Yes, one at a time. Every single one.

Question 2

Where do you make them?

Accepted Answer

In the Owl Empire, right here in West Asheville, NC.

Question 3

How long does it take to make one?

Accepted Answer

That is a surprisingly complicated question.      Each owl goes through two kiln firings. The first is a bisque fire that takes about 12 hours. Then each owl is hand painted with three layers of color and glazed in clear. Then it goes back into the kiln for a glaze fire that takes another 7 hours. Add in cooling time and you are looking at roughly 24 hours per firing with two firings per owl.     The glazing is the most time consuming part because every single layer is applied by hand, one owl at a time. It is a long drawn out process that does not take that long per owl but requires weeks to go from a ball of clay to the finished little guy sitting in your hand.

Question 4

Are they breakable?

Accepted Answer

Honestly, not really. They have been run over by cars and dropped onto sidewalks and they are always fine. They are essentially tiny rocks. But if one does break just send us a photo of the broken owl and we will send you a new one. No receipt needed. No questions asked.

Question 5

Do you take custom orders?

Accepted Answer

Yes! If you want a specific color or shade not available in our standard collection we do take custom orders for $30 per owl. Contact us to get started.

Question 6

Do you use scraps of clay and what clay do you use?

Accepted Answer

Never. We use clay from Laguna called Miller 65, because we take pride in our work and want each owl to be as nice as possible.

Question 7

How did you select the colors?

Accepted Answer

Each owl's color is based on the National Park Passport regions. There are nine regions and nine owls.

Question 8

Have you actually visited all the national parks you write about?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every single one. We never write about a park we have not personally explored.

Question 9

How are they shipped?

Accepted Answer

Carefully wrapped in bubble wrap so they arrive safely at your door. Shipping is $8.00 flat rate per order no matter how many owls you order. Need them faster? Expedited shipping is $15.00. International shipping is $25.00.

Question 10

Why does it cost so much to ship something so tiny?

Accepted Answer

Shipping cost is based on the package not the weight. Because the owls are three dimensional the package has to be a certain size and that determines the cost. We charge a flat $8.00 per order because we can fit any number of owls in a small padded envelope and the cost stays the same until the package exceeds one pound.

Question 11

How big are they?

Accepted Answer

They range in size from about a dime to a quarter.

Question 12

Why are they so tiny?

Accepted Answer

Two reasons. First because tiny is cute and they need to fit in your pocket on every adventure. Second because they started as a prank in an office and needed to be small enough that it took people a while to spot them.

Question 13

Are they all the same?

Accepted Answer

Not even close. Each one is handmade and that is what makes it unique to you. It is almost impossible to make two exactly alike. They are like snowflakes. No two are ever exactly the same.

Question 14

What colors do the owls come in?

Accepted Answer

The nine Adventuring Owls each represent one of the nine National Park Passport regions. Here they are:Ember — Red — National Capital RegionCosmo — Orange — Midwest RegionAspen — Yellow — Rocky Mountains RegionStarlynn — Green — Western RegionJasper — Blue — Pacific Northwest RegionIris — Light Blue — Mid-Atlantic RegionFarrah — Purple — Southeast RegionKorva — Grey — Southwest RegionLuna — Tan — North Atlantic RegionEach owl is handmade and hand painted so the exact shade may vary slightly from owl to owl. That is part of what makes each one unique

Question 15

How do I get Zora?

Accepted Answer

Zora is earned, never sold. Complete the Junior Ranger Program at any national park, submit your application on our Earn Zora page, and once approved we will ship Zora out to you. Just cover the $6.50 shipping.

Question 16

How do I get Nova?

Accepted Answer

Nova is earned by those who adventure with all nine owls. Send us a photo of your adventure with all nine together, tell us where you were and what inspired the adventure, pay shipping, and once approved Nova will be on the way to you.

Question 17

What is the Junior Ranger Program and how do I participate?

Accepted Answer

The Junior Ranger Program is an official National Park Service program available at every national park in America. Pick up a booklet at the visitor center, complete the activities inside the park, and bring it back to a ranger to take the oath and earn your official badge. Visit nps.gov to learn more.

Question 18

What is the National Park Passport and where do I get one?

Accepted Answer

The National Park Passport is an official program that lets you collect stamps from national parks across the country. You can order one at shop.americasnationalparks.org or pick one up at any national park visitor center.

Question 19

Are they safe for children?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with one important note. Please make sure your child does not try to eat them. They are small enough to be a choking hazard for very young children. We recommend them for ages 4 and up with adult supervision for younger children.

Question 20

Do you fire them in a tiny kiln?

Accepted Answer

Nope. We use large 7 cubic foot kilns and fire them up to 2264 degrees Fahrenheit.

Question 21

Who took all the photos on your website?

Accepted Answer

We did!  Most are from National Parks across the US!

Frequently asked questions