Calligraphy & Engraving FAQ for Gold Coast & Brisbane

I can engrave most glass and metal surfaces, most stainless steel drink bottles, and some plastics. Champagne and other pressurised bottles are not suitable for engraving. If a surface is untested or plastic, I’ll recommend a test item first so we know it engraves cleanly.

Popular water bottle brands like Yeti, Frank Green, Stanley, Hydro Flask, S’well and Corkcicle all use stainless steel or powder-coated finishes that engrave well. Surface finishes vary across some Yeti models, so for those I’ll test a small area under the bottle first.

Not suitable for engraving

• Champagne or other pressurised bottles (I can personalise these with paint pens instead)
• Excessively ridged or patterned surfaces

Creative Inking keeps stock of white and black paper fans and a smaller range of other fan colours. We also carry a large selection of plain and decorative place cards, and at times compact mirrors and luggage tags. We can help source paper stock products (any shape or size) to suit your brief.

You are welcome to supply your own items; they can be dropped off or posted to our Mermaid Beach address.

Popular live requests include perfume engraving, bottle engraving, glass engraving, gift tagging and handwritten calligraphy. Alison offers live calligraphy, on-site engraving, foiling, painting and wood burning, and the setup suits in-store activations, corporate events, weddings, product launches, influencer events and milestone celebrations.

See examples of Burberry Christmas gift tags at Queens Plaza and Tiffany & Co. Mother’s Day calligraphy at Pacific Fair.

Yes. Alison has worked at luxury retail and shopping-centre activations. Additional artists can be arranged for larger gifting campaigns. Table space, attire and workflow are agreed before the event.

Yes, I take commissions for handwritten poems and letters.

Holiday notice: I generally pause commissions during December to make time for live events. Contact me early about Christmas gifts.

We aim to complete in-studio calligraphy and engraving within 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the project. If we need to source products for you, this window may extend.

Book early, especially around Christmas, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day.

• Let your celebrant know you want your certificate handwritten and ask them to post or drop off the certificate.
• Celebrants can contact Alison to arrange handwritten certificates for their couples.

Yes. Finished pieces are typically sent by Express Post or courier, Australia-wide. You are also welcome to drop off or collect from the Mermaid Beach studio.

Yes. Powder-coated stainless steel engraves cleanly, with the lettering revealing the silver steel beneath the coloured coating, so the result is permanent and won’t peel or rub off. For unusual coatings or plastic sections, I’ll recommend testing a spare or low-risk area first.

Perfume and fragrance bottle engraving starts from $80 AUD each. In-studio projects have a $150 AUD minimum spend to cover setup and design time. The final quote depends on the bottle surface, inscription, quantity, artwork and return delivery.

Names, initials, dates and short messages usually work best. A simple motif may also be possible when the bottle has enough clear space. Send the wording and clear photos of the front, back and sides so Alison can check the curves, coating, labels and available engraving area before confirming the design.

Hand engraving cuts lettering into a suitable glass surface for a permanent, tactile finish. Bottle painting places colour and artwork on the surface, making it well suited to florals, illustrations and decorative details. Alison can recommend engraving, painting or a combination after checking the bottle and your preferred design.

Yes. Gold Coast customers can arrange drop-off and collection at the Creative Inking studio, 53 Petrel Ave, Mermaid Beach. Bottles can also be posted by prior arrangement, with secure return postage or courier delivery included in the quote. Please contact Alison before sending an item so the surface, timing and delivery details can be checked.

In-studio perfume engraving generally takes 2 to 4 weeks, subject to availability and quantity. Allow extra time if products need to be sourced or posted, and book early around Christmas, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Share your required date when requesting a quote so Alison can confirm the schedule before you send or drop off the bottle.

Alison offers a variety of scripts including Copperplate, Spencerian, Gothic, and modern scripts. She does not copy another calligrapher’s exact style but can suggest scripts that complement your project or event.

No. All supplies are provided and included in the cost of every class and workshop.

Classes run at the Creative Inking studio in Mermaid Beach on the Gold Coast and at other venues listed on ClassBento. Check your chosen class for its location before booking. Private group workshops can also travel to your venue by arrangement.

Yes. Private brush pen, pointed pen and hand engraving workshops are available for individuals and private groups, alongside the regular scheduled classes. Contact Alison with your preferred date and group size.

Alison’s studio is in Mermaid Beach on the Gold Coast, and venues vary by class. Check the ClassBento listing for the location. For groups, Alison brings private calligraphy and hand engraving workshops to Brisbane venues by arrangement, including corporate team events, hens parties and birthdays. Request a private Brisbane workshop with your preferred date and group size.

You can absolutely do calligraphy as a left-hander, and we’ve taught many. We can provide a few leftie-specific tricks & tips along the way!

8 fans, in any mix of fan colours. Each fan carries its own name or word of up to 10 characters.

Black, White, Gold, Silver, Rose Gold, Ruby Red, Pastel Pink, Bright Pink, Navy, Ocean Blue, Pastel Blue, Olive Green or Grass Green. Choose Other to request a different colour.

No. They’re durable vegan leather, hot-foiled with your calligraphy in Gold on Green, Rose Gold on Cream or Silver on Black.

One line of up to 10 characters, such as a name or initials. Each tag in an order can say something different.

Up to 10 characters over as many as three lines, such as initials and a date. Choose a Gold, Silver or Rose Gold mirror.

Yes. Each mirror is engraved individually, so every one can carry its own name.

No. It’s an empty 11 cm glass bottle with a spray nebuliser, ready for your own fragrance. To engrave a bottle you already own, see perfume engraving.

One line of up to 10 characters, filled in Gold or Silver.

Each piece is made to order by Alison in Mermaid Beach on the Gold Coast. Allow 2 to 4 weeks before dispatch, plus postage.

We currently deliver within Australia only.

Each piece is made by hand just for you, so we can’t accept returns for a change of mind. If anything arrives damaged or less than perfect, please let us know and we’ll make it right.

On-site calligraphy and engraving have a 3 hour minimum booking.

In-studio projects have a $150 AUD minimum spend to cover setup and design time.

Live event calligraphy and engraving start at $250 AUD per hour with a 3 hour minimum.

In-studio projects have a $150 AUD minimum spend. The final quote depends on the items and design. Starting prices in Australian dollars are:

• Certificate calligraphy: From $70 each
• Calligraphy on place cards: From $4 each
• Calligraphy on envelopes with full addresses: From $8 each
• Engraving on fragrances: From $80 each

Fast turnarounds may incur a rush fee. See the calligraphy and engraving pricing guide for rates and potential additional costs.

Alison is based on the Gold Coast and regularly services Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, Northern NSW and wider Southeast Queensland for local events. She is also happy to travel further by arrangement.

Rush fees may apply for urgent jobs. Send your deadline with your enquiry and Alison will confirm availability.

Creative Inking has provided calligraphy and engraving since 2009, including work for Burberry, Gucci, Tiffany & Co. and Jo Malone. Alison handles live events, wedding stationery, corporate gifts and studio commissions.

Gift cards are valid for 3 years from the date of purchase.

Use it in the shop, for in-studio personalisation and for calligraphy classes booked directly with Creative Inking.

No. Gift cards apply to classes booked directly with Creative Inking, not ClassBento bookings. Contact Alison to book a class with your gift card.

By email. Send it to yourself, or add the recipient’s email to send it straight to them, either after payment or on a date you choose within 90 days.