How do
you paint on silk?
A professional French dye is applied to white
silk in whatever design is indicated, and the
article is thoroughly dried. It is then steamed
in a special steamer for four h ours or more,
depending on the intensity of the colors used
and the thickness of the silk, and then removed
to a curing rack, where it rests for 24 hours
to further cure the dye. The silk article is
then rinsed with a special detergent designed
to remove the last vestiges of any excess dye,
and the article is ironed while still damp with
a hot iron.
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How
long does it take to paint a scarf or garment?
Depending on the complexity of the design
and size of the scarf or garment, it can take
anywhere from a half an hour to eight hours
or more. Not only does the design need to
be thought out, but the application of the
resist has to be done carefully so the dyes
do not bleed through the resist lines. Great
care has to be taken when applying the dyes,
and the brush does not need to be heavily
loaded, or else it, too, will cause the dyes
to breach the resist lines.
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Are your garments washable?
Yes, all silk garments are hand washable
in cold water using baby shampoo or a mild
soap. DO NOT use detergent.Articles with colored
resist should not be dry cleaned. Silk requires
a fairly hot iron, so use the cotton setting,
All silk should be ironed on the wrong side.
Silk and velvet articles are washable, too,
but if you are either ironing or laundry challenged,
it might be better to use a reputable dry
cleaner.
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Other
care of your silk articles?
Do not expose wall pieces to direct sunlight.
No fine textile piece, including oil paintings
or watercolors, should be subjected to this
punishment.
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What
about returns?
As I am such a small organization, I cannot
accept returns, unless there is an issue of
defective workmanship.
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What
is the lead time for orders?
Lead times vary with complexity--ballpark
figure is 21 days from time the order is placed.
If the piece is not complicated, 14 days should
see it done.
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Do
you do custom orders?
Yes I do. If the piece is to be worn with
a particular outfit, I will need swatches
of color, or I can send my color chart for
reference. Colors discussed over the phone
cannot be guaranteed, although I will do my
best to match what I THINK you want.
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Is
there an extra fee for custom orders?
Yes, there is a $15 fee, and solid black
backgrounds for capes incur a $25 fee. Custom
orders require a 50 percent deposit, and there
are no returns, except in cases of defective
work, and this I try never to do!
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How will my order be shipped?
Orders will be shipped US Postal Service
Priority Mail, usually $4.50 for up to three
scarves. Capes may run higher. Shipment via
FedEx Three Day Saver or Next Day Air is available
at their actual rates. I do not use shipping
and handling as a profit center.
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Do
you accept credit cards? Yes. Visa
and MasterCard.
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How
can I order from you?
Email me your request and I will answer
promptly. As my silk works are one of a kind,
I prefer to discuss each commission personally.
I can also telephone you and discuss the project.
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