FAQ's

What photograph works best for a custom timber portrait or urn?

Choose a photograph that clearly shows the subject you would like carved. For pets, a clear, close-up photo of their face usually captures the most detail and produces a beautiful result.

That said, we can work with all kinds of photographs. If you have a favourite image that means something special to you, send it through and we'll do our best to create a design that captures it.

Good lighting, clear focus and an unobstructed view of the subject will generally give us the best starting point.

Why does my made-to-order piece take approximately 2–3 weeks?

Every Aubs and Sull piece is individually made to order in our Hunter Valley workshop.

The only thing waiting on the shelf is the timber. Once your order is placed, we create your design from your photograph before fabricating, carving, sanding, assembling and finishing your piece.

There's no mass production here. Every order receives the time and attention it deserves, which is why we allow approximately 2–3 weeks for production.

How can I display my timber portrait?

Every timber portrait comes with a display stand as well as a hanging hook attached to the back.

This gives you the choice of displaying your portrait on a shelf, cabinet or table, or hanging it on the wall.

How do I care for my timber portrait?

Our timber portraits are designed for indoor display and should be kept away from prolonged direct sunlight and excessive moisture.

Timber is a natural, hygroscopic material, meaning it absorbs and releases moisture depending on the surrounding environment. For the longevity of your portrait, avoid displaying it in high-humidity areas such as bathrooms and laundries.

To maintain the timber's finish, you can periodically apply a suitable timber oil or wax. A quality cutting board wax or mineral oil works well.

What is a personalised urn?

A personalised urn is a handcrafted memorial designed to safely hold ashes while also celebrating a life and the memories that made it special.

At Aubs and Sull, each urn features a custom portrait created from your photograph and carved into timber. Rather than hiding an urn away, our designs are made to become a meaningful keepsake that can be displayed and treasured for years to come.

What urn collections do you offer?

We offer two handcrafted urn styles in a range of sizes:

  • Keepsake — our smaller oval timber urn with a 0.17 L capacity.

  • Keepsake Grand — our larger oval timber urn with a 0.3 L capacity.

  • Heritage — our smaller rectangular timber urn with a 1.2 L capacity.

  • Heritage Grand — our larger rectangular timber urn with a 2.7 L capacity.

Each design is individually made to order and personalised with a custom carved portrait created from your photograph.

Please note that timber availability may vary between products and sizes.

What timber options are available?

Depending on the product and size selected, our pieces are available in:

  • Australian Red Cedar

  • Tasmanian Oak

  • Camphor Laurel

Timber is a natural material, so grain patterns, colours and markings will vary from piece to piece. These natural variations are part of what makes every Aubs and Sull piece unique.

For more information, read our guide on Choosing the Right Timber for Your Handcrafted Urn.

How do I order a personalised urn?

Choose your preferred urn, size and available timber option, then upload your photograph when placing your order.

We use your photograph to create the personalised portrait design that is carved into your finished piece.

If you're unsure whether your photograph is suitable, you're welcome to contact us before ordering and we'll be happy to help.

Will the ashes fit inside?

Our urns are available in several capacities to suit different requirements:

  • Keepsake: 0.17 L

  • Keepsake Grand: 0.3 L

  • Heritage: 1.2 L

  • Heritage Grand: 2.7 L

Please see our Choosing the Right Size Urn guide for more information.

If you're still unsure which size is suitable, please contact us and we'll be happy to help you choose.

Can the urn be opened?

Yes.

Our Keepsake and Keepsake Grand oval urns use alignment dowels and supplied screws to securely close the urn while still allowing access when required.

Our Heritage and Heritage Grand urns feature a removable base. The base is secured using the same screws that attach the timber feet, providing discreet access to the interior.

Can I personalise the urn?

Absolutely.

Along with the custom portrait created from your photograph, you can personalise your urn with details such as:

  • A name

  • Dates

If you have something different in mind, please contact us before ordering and we'll be happy to discuss what's possible.

Can you create portraits of subjects other than dogs and cats?

Yes. Our custom timber portraits aren't limited to dogs and cats.

We can create portraits from photographs of other animals, people, vehicles, homes and other meaningful subjects.

If you're unsure whether your photograph will work, send it through and we'll be happy to take a look.

Is every urn handmade?

Yes. Every Aubs and Sull urn is individually designed, carved, assembled, sanded and finished in our Hunter Valley workshop.

Because we work with natural timber and create every portrait individually from your photograph, no two pieces are ever exactly the same.

Do you ship Australia-wide?

Yes. We ship throughout Australia.

Every order is carefully packaged to protect your handcrafted piece during transport and ensure it arrives safely.

I have another question

We're always happy to help.

If you have a question about our urns, portraits, timber options, photographs, sizing or the ordering process, please contact us and we'll gladly assist you.