Frequently asked questions about silk scarves:

• How can I wash my silk scarf?

The hand-painted silk scarves can be hand washed in cold water with a mild soap. Be careful not to rub or twist the scarf too hard as well as not to let it soak for hours in the water.

Hang on a towel rack to dry. You can press the silk scarf on the reverse side using a cooler setting/ the silk setting. Avoid using too hot iron. Do not bleach or dry clean.

The dyes that I use have been steamed set for permanence on each of my scarves, which allows the  scarves to be dry cleaned. But please have in mind that sometimes dry cleaners might use active agents that can affect the smoothness and the lush feeling of the silk or the silk fabric itself. So, for regular care it is better to hand wash; go to cleaners only in case of an accidental stain.

• Will the colors fade on my scarf?

No, they will not fade. The dyes used for painting the silk scarves have been steam set for permanence.

Please, have in mind, though, that sun light can damage the intensity of colors of your silk scarf. So make sure you never leave your scarves next to the window or anywhere in direct sun light for too long. Keep them in your closet and you will be able to enjoy them for many years.

If you follow the washing and ironing instructions on the tag that will be attached to your hand pained silk scarf, and treat your scarf with care, you will have the pleasure to wear it practically forever.

• What do I do in case I get a stain on my scarf? Can I stain it with perfume or spray beauty product?

You can seriously stain your silk scarf when using any kind of spray – so you should avoid using perfumes, or hair sprays, or deodorant sprays when wearing a silk scarf. Use sprays and blot the excessive amount prior to wrapping the scarf around your neck.

Silk is an extremely delicate and luxurious fabric, so you need to treat it with care.

Silk is no friend of stains. If you happen to stain your scarf when dining out, try washing the stain by hand immediately, without any delay. Always wash by hand, in cold water, and use just a little quantity of mild detergent, like the hand soap you can find in each restaurant's restroom.

If that does not work, do not try to apply any stain removers at home as they might discolor the place around the stain – just take your silk scarf to the cleaners.

Please have in mind that even dilute solutions of chlorine bleach can cause permanent yellowing, color loss or weakening of the very silk fabric. If you feel like trying a stain removal product anyway – please have in mind that all such products should be first tested on a less conspicuous spot of the scarf.

Professional cleaning is the recommended option in case of stains on silk garments.

• Can a silk scarf make a really good gift?

Silk scarves always make a really sophisticated gift for all ages.

Even little girls love wearing colorful scarves. The wonderful smooth feel that a silk scarf gives can make anyone feel elegant in an instant.

Any occasion is ideal for such a gift –from birthdays to Mother's Day, graduation events, various secular or religious holidays – any moment can be brightened up by a beautiful hand-painted silk scarf as a gift for a special woman of any age in your life.

If you place an order around busier holidays – Mother’s Day, Christmas time, etc. – please allow longer (at least 2 weeks) for delivery.

• What kinds of silk fabric are the scarves made of?

I love painting on various silk fabrics, all 100% silk.

I love the Habotai silk - a very light and has a subtle sheen. Habotai is known as "China silk" and it is the classic silk fabric for painting onto. The Habotai silk scarves feel wonderful to wear. I love every single scarf I have created on that silk fabric - it truly allows the design to stand out.

I love painting on Crepe de Chine silk as well - it has a slightly crinkled texture with a gentle, graceful drape, a very soft hand, and a more substantial weight than the Habotai silk. It is lustrous and beautiful to wear.

I just adore another type of silk fabric, kind of a cross in weave between the above two - it is called Flat Crepe. It feels like very, very thin Satin. It is lighter and shinier than the Crepe de Chine, and makes amazing scarves. It stays lustrous and lush, and the effect of the dyes after the steam setting are irresistible.

Satin and Chiffon are also very popular for painting on: Satin stays heavier but bears the colors gracefully and makes a unique accessory for a more formal outfit. Chiffon is one of my all-time favorites - it is a very light and quite transparent silk fabric, wonderful to feel. Chiffon scarves look magnificent and feather-light to wear.

You should check my online shop for another superb silk fabric - the Silk-Wool Blend (63% silk/37% wool). The silk-wool scarves are much warmer than the regular silk ones, but are not scratchy or rough on the neck as woolen ones are. The silk-wool scarves make a great statement to any outfit in cooler seasons, and have a very subtle shine and soft beauty.

In case you have any specific preference for materials, please send me a note, and we can discuss  and arrange that prior to your order.

• If I order a scarf which is currently not in stock, will my scarf look exactly like the design in the picture?

Each of my scarves is hand-painted, they are not printed or silk-screened - so the hand can never create two exact copies.

I consider this good news really, as the touch of the hand is what makes your scarf one-of-a-kind and very different from all the other scarves out there.

Even when the artist is drawing the same pattern, each scarf will be unique as a result. which makes it a true piece of wearable art.

• If I like a certain design of a silk scarf but I would like to have it in different colors – can I have that  done for me?

Of course, you can.  Just place an order for the scarf design you like, but indicate in a note the exact changes you would like to be applied. There is a space on the order form for that. That scarf will be specifically hand painted for you so the delivery time will be a little longer - please add three more days for the custom order.

If you prefer, we can discuss in emails all issues and questions you might have – you can write at sales@silkscarvescolorado.com and I will get back to you asap.

Or visit my online shop on Etsy.com and you can drop me a message there on Etsy convo system.

• Can you create custom scarves?

Yes. If you would like me to create a custom scarf for you, please contact me at the contact email with a description and color scheme ideas for the scarf you would like to have.

Write with your questions and ideas in an email - send it to sales@silkscarvescolorado.com. I will get back to you with cost and time estimates.

• What do I do in case I do not like my silk scarf?

In case you do not like the silk scarf you have purchased – please send it back within 10 days, in its original condition - to the return address:

Silk Scarves Colorado
P.O.Box 75415
Colorado Springs, CO 80970

The scarf should not be worn. You can have your money back immediately after I receive the scarf back and evaluate its condition.