Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need to make an appointment to see you?
Artelina is a small and, because of our wonderful customers, very busy business. Most times we are not available for walk-in customers. You can always order by email or mail.

What is the best way to contact Artelina Sewn Flags?
By emailing us you ensure the quickest response - usually within 24 hours, often within an hour or so. You are welcome to ring, but if you are ringing to get a quote, our answer will always be: 'Please send your artwork or logo - without seeing it we cannot give a quote.' So please save your time and ours and use email or mail whenever possible.

Do you make printed flags?
No, we don't. We make high quality fully sewn flags and banners - seamed, appliquéd or embroidered. All the flags and banners you see on our website are manually sewn, some even partly hand embroidered with a needle and thread.

Aren't made-to-order flags and banners more expensive than those bought off the shelf?
Not necessarily. Our overheads are low compared to those of large factory-type organizations. Whether we make your flag to order or before you order, the work process is the same, and so is the cost. 

Are sewn flags more expensive than printed flags?
Usually not. There are no set up costs. All you are paying for is the materials and the time it takes to sew the artwork. Only when you want a large number of the same design produced, printing becomes the more economical option. Ask for a few quotes and compare. Embroidery and/or appliqué is often the most economical, and usually the most attractive option for your flags and banners.

How much would it cost to have a custom flag made?
Each flag/banner is different. When calculating the price we consider the size, colours, complexity of design, materials, urgency, and the number of flags in the order. We cannot give you a price until you have emailed, posted or faxed your artwork to us. To give you 'an average price' would be meaningless. So please send your artwork and your details, and we will contact you.

Could you give a ball park figure (between two approx figures) for the cost of some banners? We need to know how much money to raise.
The answer is: usually $10-$1000. Surely it won't help you at all to hear the range of our most common prices? It is not possible to give a price without seeing the details of your job. It won't cost you anything to send us your artwork, and then you will get a quote for your particular order. Our quotes are free of charge.

Can I have a discount?
Our prices are very reasonable and our quality very high. Occasionally we have taken on some interesting jobs for flag enthusiasts from around the world for a fraction of the actual cost. The reason may sometimes be that we simply love to make some types of flags, and love the idea that our work ends up in collection of someone who appreciates flags as objects of beauty. There is usually a trade off of some kind. Perhaps we take the job on on the condition that there is no rush at all, but we complete the flag when we can, taking all care, and savouring the process. We have had a few of these orders. If you think that your flag might fall into this category, by all means contact us. 

We have even made some special flags for free, as sign of sympathy and respect - but this is not something we would be likely to do upon request. These flags are our gifts to those we wish to remember.

How do I know that a flag I buy is of high quality?
Every flag we make is individually tailored, with care, by the same person from start to finish. We know how to cut and how to sew, what material and techniques to use. Our flags simply last longer. We know our flags inside out, every step, every detail, and can offer you a product you are proud to display, and we are proud to sew the Artelina label on. See how to recognise a quality flag.

What qualifications do you have as a flagmaker?
Artelina Sewn Flags has been in operation since 1998. The proprietor, Anja McGifford, is a sewing teacher and designer, qualified at Wetterhoff College, a school with 120-year history as the main training institution for artist craftsmen and women in Finland ( http://portal.hamk.fi/portal/page/portal/HAMK/Organisaatiojatoimipaikat/Toimipaikat_kartat/Hameenlinna/Wetterhoff ). She is also the author of the complete flagmaker's manual 'Sew Many Flags'. The second edition of this book is now available from Porvoon Julmapaino, Finland. They are also the publisher of Anja McGifford's English-Finnish craft dictionary.

I would like to take part in your flagmaking worshop - what should I do?
If a group of people (at least four) wants to learn to make the Australian flag and has a suitable place for the course, we are happy to come and present the course. Please ring or email us and we can discuss the details.

Is it possible to visit Artelina Sewn Flags outside business hours?
Yes, it may be possible, but visiting us is seldom necessary. Please email us first and make an appointment. And remember, by email you can contact us any time! Most of our orders come via email. 

I emailed you a few days ago and haven't received a reply. Why?
We always try to respond to enquiries within a day. If you haven't heard from us, we probably never received your message. Some free email addresses have been blocked due to large numbers of spam. Also, please keep your attachments under 1mb in size - otherwise your message may be rejected. 

Do you make the Australian Aboriginal flag? 
We have sewn this beautiful flag as a subcontractor for the licence holder in the past, but we are now so busy with more intricate banners and flags that we rarely make even the standard national flags. Normally a typical national flag or flags representing ethnic groups, regions or communities have been developed over a long period of time, and the designer/s of the original flag has been pleased to allow anyone to manufacture, sell and fly the flag, free of copyright. In other words, these flags now belong to their community or group whether the original designer is known or not. 

Most national flags are free from copyright and anyone can manufacture, sell and display them. These differ from specially designed flags for private individuals, groups and organisations, where a copyright may have been acquired which restricts anyone from selling them. Often the copyright is to protect the corporation and/or a product from unauthorised use or exposure. But sometimes the copyright is used for the purpose of financial gain.

You can find further information from the net about copyright matters relating to this particular flag.

I would like to have a flag but wouldn't like to pay much. What should I do?
Making a flag yourself may be a hassle-free option for you. Many flags are very easy to sew. Our Flagmaker's Manual 'Sew Many Flags' may be helpful to you. Please email us for details. A small number of the first edition is still available from us. The second edition has been published and is available from Finland.