Why use natural dye?
At Hellenius Botanicals, our primary goal is minimal environmental impact. Our natural dyes are biodegradable and made from renewable sources. In turn, they have a lower carbon footprint than synthetic dyes. Our materials are oftentimes foraged from our surrounding landscape. We practice responsible wildcrafting practices and, whenever possible, source plants and herbs from local or independent farmers that follow sustainable practices.
Past our environmental impact, we feel that it is important to celebrate the beneficial components of nature's offerings. We are constantly learning more about the benefits of surrounding oneself with natural materials. Recently, we developed an interest in the Indian tradition of Ayurvastra, a natural dyeing method founded upon the healing capacity of medicinal herbs.
How should I care for my Hellenius Botanicals products?
Plant dyes are special! Because our textiles are all natural, they are prone to subtle shifts over time. Please wash in cold water—by hand or on a delicate rinse cycle—with a pH neutral soap. Our pick is Eucalan. Note that our silks will continue to soften with repeated washings. Hang to dry in a shady spot or tumble dry on the lowest setting. Do not dry clean. Iron items on the wrong side only to restore luster. Press napkins for formal occasions, otherwise enjoy straight from the dryer.
Be aware that colors may fade or shift over time if exposed to direct sunlight or acidic products and foods. Some skincare products may react with the natural dyes. We are constantly creating— sometimes that means experimenting with new, unpredictable florae. If you follow the proper care instructions and your product is not as lightfast or washfast as you had hoped, let’s discuss a solution.
How will my item differ from the item pictured online?
Each Hellenius Botanicals piece is hand-dyed, one at a time, and results will vary slightly. Differences are expected and embraced. While the fabric's hue may vary slightly batch to batch, your item will closely reflect what you see online. Due to the handmade nature our items, measurements are approximate.
While we make every effort to best capture the colors of our fabrics on camera, the hue of your item may differ slightly from the image on your monitor. The hue of your item will also shift depending on the lighting. The dynamic nature of our colors is what we love most about them!
Do you do custom orders?
We always enjoy creating a lasting memory from a bouquet that holds a special meaning for you. Contact us here to discuss a custom order.
If you have a specific color palette in mind, let us know! We love to create dynamic and personalized blends that perfectly match the vision of our clients. After a color consultation, we will send you a textile sample to ensure your satisfaction. These swatches are included in the price of the custom order.
Please note that certain hues are more difficult to achieve: our blues are generally indigo, our greens are yellows dipped in indigo, and black is achieved with a modifier. Different colors require different recipes. There is an additional fee for custom colors. Custom fabrics will be priced according to the dyestuffs used. The colors you see here are a starting point—we can shift the hue by playing with a handful of variables! Read more about our process here. All of our products are handmade, one at a time. While we strive for color consistency, the colors from natural materials can present differently due to a variety of variables, and may vary slightly from batch to batch.
Custom orders may take longer to ship.
Do you have any vegan options?
Yes! Contact us here for more information.
The item I want is sold out. When will it be back in stock?
Our products reflect the dynamic palette of the changing seasons—colors and prints vary based on which plants and flowers are available at the time of production. As such, some colors and prints are ever available and some are limited. If you are interested in an item that is currently sold out, special order may be available.
Do you sell your items in stores?
Occasionally, we sell our products in-store, but we find that selling direct to consumer allows us to keep our prices down. However, we love collaborating with small business owners and have plenty of ideas for businesses and community building events. We can put together at-home dye kits—the perfect gift, for others or for yourself! Contact us to start a conversation.
A note on our sizing
While we have labeled some of our pieces one size, we recognize and value all shapes and sizes. Everything can be made to measure with a small lead time. We are here to answer any specific questions regarding fit and sizing and strive to create a product you will cherish.
Return Policy
While we do our best to photograph the details of our products, it is difficult to capture living color digitally. Certain factors may contribute to your purchase not looking exactly as it appears on a screen. Really, the products need to be seen and held to fully appreciate their beauty and variety. We want you to love your purchase. Hellenius Botanicals offers returns or exchanges within 7 business days on unused items with their original tags and packaging. To begin the return process, please email info@helleniusbotanicals.com with your reason for return. Hellenius Botanicals maintains the right to deny a refund if the merchandise returned does not meet our return policy requirements.