Frequently Asked Questions
watercolour embryo paintings, ultrasound artwork & silver pendants
About the Products
Q1. What products do you make, and what makes them unique?
We create two core collections, both handmade in Australia and designed specifically for families navigating IVF journeys and pregnancy or infant loss:
- Watercolour ultrasound & embryo paintings: Hand-painted original artworks created from your actual ultrasound scan or IVF laboratory embryo photograph. Each painting is completely unique - no two are ever the same.
- Handmade fine silver ultrasound pendants: Custom-crafted jewellery pieces that capture your ultrasound image in silver, so you can carry your baby close to your heart every day.
What makes these pieces different from generic keepsakes is their specificity - they are made from your image, of your baby or embryo, reflecting your journey. They are not symbolic placeholders; they are direct representations of a real, loved life.
Q2. What is an embryo painting, and how is it made?
An embryo painting is a hand-painted watercolour artwork created directly from the photograph of your embryo taken by your IVF fertility clinic - typically at the blastocyst stage (Day 5 or 6 of development).
Your embryo photograph is the starting point. From that image, each painting is hand-rendered in watercolour on high-quality archival paper, capturing the remarkable detail of your embryo in a medium that is warm, luminous, and permanent.
No two embryo paintings are identical, because no two embryos are identical. Your painting is a completely original artwork.
Embryo paintings are meaningful at every stage of an IVF journey - whether the embryo was successfully transferred, resulted in a pregnancy, or was lost. Many families commission them as a permanent memorial to embryos that did not survive to birth.
Browse our embryo painting collection here.
Q3. What is the process for ordering a watercolour ultrasound painting?
The process is straightforward and designed to be as gentle as possible for families in emotionally sensitive circumstances:
- Step 1: Place your order and select your preferred size and any personalisation options.
- Step 2: Upload your ultrasound image or embryo photograph
- Step 3: Your painting is completed, dried, and carefully packaged for delivery.
We handle every image; and the story behind it; with complete care and confidentiality. You do not need to share details about your journey unless you wish to. We simply need the image.
Start your order at our online shop.
Q4. How are the fine silver ultrasound pendants made?
Our fine silver ultrasound pendants are handcrafted using a fine silver clay process. Your ultrasound image is sketched out, and then hand moulded in silver clay, which is then torch-fired, finished, and polished by hand.
The result is a pendant that carries a clear, recognisable impression of your baby's ultrasound - their profile, their form, the specific scan that was yours. Each pendant comes on a sterling silver chain and is presented in gift packaging.
We can create pendants from any ultrasound image, including:
- Early IVF viability scans (6–8 weeks)
- 12-week dating scans
- Anatomy scans (18–20 weeks)
- Later pregnancy scans
Order yours here.
Q5. What sizes are available for the ultrasound and embryo paintings?
Our watercolour paintings are available in the following sizes:
- 10x15cm - a mini painting, perfect for something to gift, or to keep beside you
- 15x18cm - a smaller, more intimate size, ideal for a bedside table or a private space
- 20x20cm - a square size, perfect for 3D/4D ultrasounds
- 20x25cm - our most popular size, suitable for framing and displaying as wall art.
- A4 (210 × 297 mm) - great for showing off multiple babies or embryos
- A3 (297 × 420 mm) - a larger statement piece, ideal for a nursery, living room, or memorial space.
- A2 (420 x 594 mm) - our biggest offer, great for multiples, a statement piece for the blank wall in your house
All sizes are painted on the same high-quality, acid-free archival watercolour paper to ensure longevity. We recommend professional framing to protect your painting long-term.
Q6. Can you paint from a low-resolution or older ultrasound image?
Absolutely. I am experienced at working with the full range of ultrasound image quality, from crisp digital files to older printed scans that have been re-photographed.
If you are concerned about the quality of your image, please contact us before ordering and send the image for assessment. We will give you an honest evaluation of what is achievable and discuss any options.
For embryo photographs from IVF clinics, the laboratory images are typically clear and highly detailed, making them excellent source material.
We will never take on an order we cannot deliver to a standard we are proud of - your story is too important for anything less.
supporting families through assisted reproduction & fertility treatments
IVF & Fertility Journeys
Q7. Are your products specifically designed for IVF families?
Yes. Our products were created with IVF families at the centre - because we understand that the IVF journey produces images and moments that are profoundly significant and deeply personal, and that the mainstream keepsake market has not kept pace with what this community needs.
The embryo photograph taken by your fertility clinic is one of the most intimate images you will ever possess. It shows a living thing; your embryo, shaped from you; at the very beginning of its existence. We believe that image deserves to be honoured, whatever happens next.
Whether you are mid-cycle, post-transfer, celebrating a successful IVF pregnancy, or grieving an embryo or pregnancy you lost; our products are designed to meet you where you are.
Explore our IVF keepsake collection here.
Q8. Can I order a painting or pendant even if my IVF cycle was unsuccessful?
Absolutely! And we want to say this clearly: a memorial keepsake made from an embryo that did not survive is just as meaningful, and just as welcome here, as one made from a successful cycle.
Many of our most deeply treasured commissions come from families who lost embryos to poor development, failed implantation, chemical pregnancy, or early miscarriage following IVF. The embryo photograph from the laboratory is often the only image they have of their baby, and a painting made from that image becomes something irreplaceable.
We handle every order of this kind with the utmost sensitivity and care. You do not need to explain your story to us - though you are welcome to if you wish. We simply need the image, and we will take care of the rest.
Q9. What image from my IVF clinic do I use?
Your fertility clinic will typically provide you with one or more of the following images that can be used for your keepsake:
- Embryo photograph: Taken at the blastocyst stage (Day 5 or 6) before transfer or freezing. This is the most commonly used image for our embryo paintings.
- Transfer ultrasound image: The image taken at the time of your embryo transfer, showing the embryo being placed in the uterus.
- Early viability scan: Often performed at 6–8 weeks post-transfer, this is the first ultrasound showing a heartbeat.
If you are unsure which image to use, or if you would like to use more than one in a combined piece, please contact us and we will advise you.
Most IVF clinics will provide these images either as printed photographs or digital files. If you have only a printed photograph, you can scan or re-photograph it and send us the digital file.
Q10. I have frozen embryos. Can I order a painting now, before transfer?
Yes, and many families choose to do exactly this. The embryo photograph taken at the blastocyst stage is usually available immediately after grading - before any embryo is transferred. You do not need to wait for a transfer outcome or a positive pregnancy test.
Ordering a painting of your frozen embryo before transfer is a way of acknowledging its existence and significance right now - a meaningful act in itself, independent of what happens next. Many families find it gives them something to focus on, something to hold, during the waiting period between freeze and transfer.
If the cycle is subsequently successful, the painting becomes a record of where it began. If it is not, the painting becomes a memorial. Either way, it holds meaning.
honouring babies at every stage - however brief their time with us
Pregnancy Loss, Miscarriage & Infant Loss
Q11. Do you create memorial keepsakes for miscarriage and pregnancy loss?
Yes - this is a central part of what we do, and we approach it with the deepest care and respect.
We create memorial artworks and jewellery for families who have experienced:
- Early miscarriage (including chemical pregnancy after IVF)
- Missed miscarriage or delayed miscarriage
- Recurrent pregnancy loss
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Molar pregnancy
- Mid-trimester loss (second trimester miscarriage)
- Stillbirth
- Neonatal death
Every one of these losses is real. Every baby - however early, however brief - deserves to be remembered. We are here to help you do that.
Explore our full pregnancy and infant loss memorial collection.
Q12. My baby was stillborn. Can I order a painting from the hospital ultrasound?
Yes. We work with families who have experienced stillbirth, and we treat every such commission with the gravity and tenderness it deserves.
For stillbirth families, the hospital ultrasound - whether from an earlier scan during the pregnancy or from a scan taken closer to birth - is often among the most precious images they have. We can create a watercolour painting from any of these images.
Some families also have photographs taken by hospital memory-making programs (such as Heartfelt Photography in Australia) that we may be able to incorporate. Please contact us to discuss your specific situation.
There is no right or wrong way to create a memorial for a stillborn baby. We will follow your lead entirely and offer whatever options feel most meaningful to you.
Please also be aware that we offer a compassionate pricing policy for stillbirth and neonatal loss families. Contact us directly for details.
Q13. I had a very early loss and don't have an ultrasound image. Can you still help?
We understand that very early losses - including chemical pregnancies and early miscarriages before a heartbeat scan - often leave families with very few, or no, images of their baby.
In these cases, we can offer:
- A symbolic watercolour artwork - a hand-painted piece that represents the pregnancy without requiring a specific scan image. These can incorporate meaningful elements such as dates, gestational age, or a chosen symbol.
- An embryo painting from an IVF laboratory photograph, if the loss followed an IVF cycle.
We know that the absence of an image can deepen the sense of invisibility that accompanies early loss. Our goal is to help you create something tangible that honours your baby, whatever form that takes.
Please contact us directly to discuss your situation - there is always something we can do.
Q14. Is it appropriate to buy a memorial keepsake as a gift for someone who has experienced pregnancy or infant loss?
Yes - and for many bereaved families, a thoughtfully chosen memorial keepsake is one of the most meaningful gifts they receive, because it acknowledges their baby specifically and treats the loss with the seriousness it deserves.
The most important thing when gifting a memorial keepsake is that it is chosen with sensitivity rather than assumption. A few guidelines:
- If you have the ultrasound image or embryo photograph, you can commission the piece directly and gift the finished artwork or pendant.
- If you do not have the image, a gift voucher allows the bereaved parent to initiate the process in their own time, when they feel ready.
- A handwritten note accompanying the gift that names the baby (if they have been named) and acknowledges the loss explicitly is always deeply appreciated.
We offer gift vouchers in any denomination, and our packaging is always discreet, beautiful, and appropriate for a memorial gift.
Q15. How do you handle the emotional sensitivity of these commissions?
With great care - and from lived experience.
Our business was built from a personal connection to the IVF and pregnancy loss community. We understand that when you send us your embryo photograph or your baby's ultrasound, you are entrusting us with something irreplaceable. We do not take that lightly.
In practice, this means:
- We never rush the process. If you need more time at any stage - to send the image, to approve the preview, to confirm your order - we will accommodate that.
- You are never required to share your story. But if you want to, we are here to listen.
- All images and personal information are handled with complete confidentiality and deleted from our systems after your order is complete.
- Our communication is always gentle and led by you.
We are not just a shop. We are a small business built on empathy, and every order reflects that.
the perfect gift for ivf milestones, mother's day, christmas & memorial occasions
Gift Giving
Q16. What are the best gifts for someone going through IVF?
The most meaningful IVF gifts are those that acknowledge the journey as it actually is - not just the hoped-for outcome. The IVF community is acutely aware of well-meaning but outcome-focused gestures, and gifts that honour the process itself land very differently.
Our most popular IVF gifts include:
- Watercolour embryo painting from the IVF laboratory photograph - our single most-gifted product for IVF families.
- Fine silver ultrasound pendant - wearable, daily, discreet, and deeply personal.
- A gift voucher to be used when the recipient is ready, at the milestone of their choice.
These gifts work at any stage of the IVF journey: pre-transfer, during the two-week wait, after a successful transfer, or in the aftermath of a cycle that did not go as hoped.
Browse all IVF gift options here.
Q17. What should I give for Mother's Day when someone has experienced pregnancy or infant loss?
Mother's Day is one of the most painful days in the calendar for bereaved mothers - particularly in the years after a loss, when the world has 'moved on' and acknowledgement from others becomes rarer.
The most meaningful Mother's Day gift for a bereaved mother is one that:
- Acknowledges her as a mother - explicitly, not euphemistically.
- Honours the specific baby she is missing, by name or image if possible.
- Does not presuppose she needs to 'move on' or look forward.
A watercolour memorial painting of her baby's ultrasound - or a sterling silver pendant - says all of this without requiring you to find the perfect words. It says: your baby was real, you are a mother, and you deserve to be seen today.
See our full Mother's Day memorial keepsake range.
Order by late April to guarantee delivery before Mother's Day in May.
Q18. Do you offer gift vouchers?
Yes. Gift vouchers are available in any denomination and are delivered digitally (by email).
A gift voucher is ideal when:
- You do not have access to the recipient's ultrasound image or embryo photograph.
- The recipient may want to initiate the process themselves, at their own pace.
- You want to give a meaningful, open-ended gift that puts the bereaved parent in control.
Gift vouchers have no expiry date. We understand that grief and healing do not operate on a schedule.
Purchase a gift voucher here.
Q19. Is there a good gift for the partner of someone going through IVF?
Absolutely. The partner in an IVF relationship often carries an enormous emotional load that is rendered invisible by the medical system's focus on the person undergoing treatment.
An embryo painting or ultrasound pendant can be a deeply meaningful gift for a partner too - a way of acknowledging that the journey is shared, that the embryo or the baby belongs to both of them, and that their grief or their hope is equally valid.
Some couples commission a painting together as a shared milestone marker - a single artwork that represents what they navigated as a team.
Everything you need to know before you place your order
Ordering, Turnaround & Shipping
Q20. How long does it take to receive my order?
As everything is made by hand specifically for you, please allow the following timeframes:
- Watercolour paintings: 5–7 days from the date your image is received and your order is confirmed.
- Fine silver ultrasound pendants: 7–10 days from order confirmation.
If you have an urgent deadline - for example, a birthday, Mother's Day, or a significant anniversary - please contact us before ordering so we can advise whether a rush option is available.
For Mother's Day (May) and Christmas (December) orders, we recommend ordering at least 6 weeks in advance to avoid disappointment. These are our busiest periods.
Q21. Do you ship internationally?
Yes. We ship to all countries from our studio in Australia. Shipping options and estimated delivery times are as follows:
- Australia: Standard post (5–10 business days) or express post (2–4 business days).
- New Zealand: Approximately 7–14 business days.
- United Kingdom, Europe, North America: Approximately 2–4 weeks.
- Rest of world: Please contact us for a shipping estimate.
All orders are tracked and packaged with archival tissue and rigid backing to protect your artwork during transit. We take the packaging of these pieces as seriously as the making of them.
Please note that international customers are responsible for any customs duties or import taxes applicable in their country.
Q22. Is my image safe when I send it to you?
Your image is handled with complete care and confidentiality. We understand that for many families, the ultrasound or embryo photograph is an irreplaceable and deeply intimate image.
When you send your image to us:
- It is used only for the creation of your specific order
- Deidentified versions may be used in social media content creation
Q23. What if I'm not happy with my painting?
Your satisfaction - and more than that, your sense that your baby or embryo has been honoured properly - matters deeply to us.
If, after receiving your painting, you feel it has not met the standard discussed, please contact us within 14 days and we will work with you to find a resolution. This may include a repaint or a refund at our discretion.
Please note: because these are handmade artworks, minor variations in colour between the digital preview and the physical painting are expected and are not considered a defect. Watercolour is a living medium and slight shifts in tone during drying are natural and beautiful.
Q24. Can I add personalisation to my painting or pendant?
Yes. We offer several personalisation options:
- Name: Your baby's name, or a chosen name for a pregnancy or embryo, written in a delicate hand-lettered style.
- Date: The date of transfer, the due date, the birth date, or any date that holds significance for you.
- Gestational age: For early losses, many families find it meaningful to include the gestational age at the time of the image.
- A short quote or phrase: A meaningful line of text, up to approximately 20 words.
Personalisation options and pricing are detailed on each product listing. If you have a specific request not covered in the listing, please contact us before ordering - we are happy to accommodate where possible.
Can't Find what you're looking for? we're here
Further Questions
Q25. I'm not sure which product is right for my situation. Can you help?
Of course. Every situation is unique, and choosing the right keepsake can feel like a significant decision - particularly when the circumstances behind it are emotionally weighted.
We are always available to help you think through the options. You can reach us via:
- Email: bodhi@tinybeginningsco.com.au
- Instagram DM: @tinybeginningsco.art
- Contact form: available on our website
You are welcome to share as much or as little of your story as feels right. We are experienced in helping families in all circumstances - IVF journeys at every stage, pregnancy losses of all kinds, and everything in between - and we will always give you our honest recommendation.
Alternatively, browse our full range at www.tinybeginningsco.com.au
Q26. Do you support any pregnancy loss charities or organisations?
Yes. We are committed to supporting the broader pregnancy loss and IVF community beyond our products. We regularly partner with Australian pregnancy and infant loss support organisations including SANDS Australia and Red Nose.
We also aim to use our platform - including this site and our social media presence - to raise awareness about pregnancy loss, IVF, and the need for better cultural acknowledgement of these experiences.
If you are looking for support resources for yourself or someone you love, we recommend:
- SANDS Australia: sands.org.au - support for anyone affected by the death of a baby.
- Red Nose Australia: rednose.org.au - grief support and resources for bereaved families.
- Fertility Society of Australia: fertilitysociety.com.au - information and support for those navigating IVF and infertility.
- Pink Elephants Support Network: pinkelephants.org.au - dedicated to early pregnancy loss support.