Which fabrics do you use?
I use many different materials, and fabrics are the most important element among them. I employ almost exclusively natural silk and thin cotton from Italy, which I hand – dye later, depending on the design I’m working on. Instead, Japanese fabrics are various: some printed cottons come from European sellers, while fabric rolls or remnants of kimono silk are bought directly from Japan.
How can I keep the original appearance of my purchase throughout time?
The Tsumami zaiku technique works thanks to the glue which sticks pieces one to another and makes the fabric stronger. Sadly, the glue is water based so my creations cannot be put in water or get soaked. The only possible cleaning is on the surface with a lightly wet cloth and a very gentle rubbing.
Pieces must be kept away from hot surfaces and flames and they require to be considered with a great deal of tact.
When they are worn, they must not be covered and squashed by other garments and they must be kept away from pets and babies who still don’t have the proper care for breakable things.
After the use, it’s a good habit to put them away in their boxes or in another adequate space.
I am vegan, may I have something not made of silk?
Of course, I have many different fabrics to substitute silk for every creation. Obviously, the result won’t be exactly the same but the handcrafting will be at the same level.
May I wear accessories if my hair is short and/or thin?
I have many different supports available to help you. Please contact me freely to find the better solution just for you.
How does a customized order work?
After you explain me your idea, in 1-3 days I will make between one or two designs with the right sizes and the main features to propose you some quotes. Once we agree on the model and the budget, your order will be put in the waiting list if there are other pending orders. When I start to work, I will ask one third of the quote as deposit. I will update you with work in progress almost daily: the creation can take between one or two weeks to be done. When I finish the process, I will ask for the final remainder (evaluated on time, potential changes of the project, any other business) plus the shipping costs. After the payment I will proceed with the shipping.
May I ask for a change on a ready-made piece?
Ready-made pieces cannot be modified. If possible, I will make a new piece from scratch with the requested variation. This could imply a mild additional charge.
May I ask for a specific piece I have seen in the Gallery?
I do not redo models that 1) are too old, 2) were made in a limited number 3) were specifically made for a customer. Usually, I prefer to work on new ideas but there are many models I still redo. Contact me for more details.
May I ask for a piece I have seen in a picture on Internet?
Based on the requested model, I will recommend my interpretation of it. However, I do not copy from other artists.
How are prices calculated?
Prices are decided mainly on work timing, on the level of details and on the size of the piece.
With how much notice should I contact you for a customized order?
In case of pieces for important occasions (like weddings, birthdays, etc.), with many details and/or of big dimensions, my suggestion is to contact me 6 months beforehand.
How much time does the shipping take?
Shipping times change depending on the destination: 1-3 days for Italy, from 1 to 2 weeks for European countries, about two weeks for North America and from 2 weeks to 1 month for every other area (times calculated on working days).
If you would need a faster shipping, contact me before placing the order, to agree upon the best solution for your needs.