How long does it take to process an order?
As standard, we process orders within 5 working days and post them Royal Mail 2nd class (delivery within 2-3 working days).
In a rush? Choose priority shipping at checkout and we’ll process your order within 2 working days and post it Royal Mail 1st class (delivery next working day).
Where do you ship to?
Potentially anywhere! We primarily ship within the UK, but just drop us a line if you’re further afield and let’s see what we can do.
Can you engrave other things?
At the moment, we engrave non-transparent plastics, metal and stone. We’re also working on rings, keyrings and souvenir coins (watch this space). We’re always open to new ideas though, so if there’s a material we aren’t currently working with that you think would work, just let us know.
How long does a photocard last?
With proper care, our photocards can last forever.
The image is laser-engraved onto anodised aluminium, which has a high resistance to corrosion. As an added layer of protection, we treat all photocards with varnish before packaging them carefully to send to you.
All of this means they won’t fade or bleach in sunlight, like traditional photos would. They’re also weather-resistant and waterproof.
Just keep them away from sharp and scratchy things like keys in pockets or coins in wallets, and keep your memories strong for many years to come.
My photo isn’t 2000×2000 px; will it still work?
We can work with any sized photo, but for best results, we need a high resolution image.
If at all possible, images should be at least 2000 px per side. Photos taken from your phone camera will usually be of good enough quality. Note that sending pictures via WhatsApp compresses the file unless the sender ticks the ‘HD’ setting. If the photo you’d like engraved was sent to you by WhatsApp, see if you can get it resent with ‘HD’ selected.
What proportions/ratio should my photo be?
Photos will be cropped a little to fit our photocards perfectly. We’ll do this using our best judgement, but if there’s a particular way you want your photocard to look, do feel free to crop it yourself before submitting it to us. Our photocards are the same size as a credit/debit card – 85.6mm x 53.98mm, so images need a ratio of approx 1:1.6.
We want to make sure we get your photocard right first time, so if you have any other specific instructions or requests, please use the notes field in the online order form to let us know.
Do you need the photo in colour or in black and white?
Either is fine. What’s important is the contrast within the image. Generally, high-contrast images where the subject stands out clearly from the background work best. So, a dark subject against a light background, or vice versa, will bring you the best results.
Do you do custom orders for your other products – coasters, keyrings etc.?
Yes! With our custom laser engraving machine, the possibilities are quite literally endless. Just drop us a line with your ideas and we’ll see what we can work out.
Do you have a physical shop I can visit?
No, we don’t. Crafty Beam Works is run from our home in Nottingham, so we operate entirely online for the time being. We also aren’t currently stocked in any high street retailers, so if you want one of our engraved photocards, you’ll need to come straight to us!