Drink bottle engraving examples
Recent pieces from the studio, from Yeti can coolers to engraved water bottles.
Pricing guide
- In-studio projects
- From $150 Minimum spend covering setup and design time
- Drink bottle engraving
- From $80 each
Frequently asked questions
What can you engrave?
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
Do you supply items, or should I provide my own?
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.
What can you personalise live at an event?
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.
Can you handle high-volume gifting at a brand activation?
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.
What is your turnaround time?
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.
Do you ship finished pieces?
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.
Can you engrave powder-coated bottles like Yeti and Frank Green?
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.
What are the minimum booking hours and studio spend?
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.
How much do calligraphy and engraving cost?
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.
What areas do you service?
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.
Can you do rush or urgent jobs?
Rush fees may apply for urgent jobs. Send your deadline with your enquiry and Alison will confirm availability.
Why choose Creative Inking?
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.