Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

If you don't find the answers that you are looking for, please email us. We're happy to help!

1) Return Policy

We want your shopping experience to be successful! Here is our return policy:

• Unprinted/stocked items: Please return freight-paid, with receipt, for refund within 2 weeks of purchase, or exchange within 45 days of purchase. Sorry but special-order paper, including large volume produced especially for you or your organization, is not returnable.
• There are no returns on printed material or custom-ordered paper, unless the printing is inconsistent with approved layout.

2) About Plantable Seed Paper

What is plantable paper?

Plantable paper is another name for Garden Greetings™, special handmade paper embedded with wildflowers seeds. When the paper is planted in a pot of soil, wildflowers will grow from the paper.

How to do you plant Garden Greetings seed paper?

To plant Garden Greetings seed paper, prepare a pot of soil or small patch of garden. Remove the seeded paper piece from your stationery and place on the top. Spread a thin layer of soil onto the paper. Water well and give plenty of sunshine. Keep moist during germination.

What seeds are contained in the Garden Greetings mix?

Garden Greetings seed paper contains the highest-quality mix of annuals and perennial seeds including:

• Bird's Eye
• Clarkia
• Coreopsis
• Poppy
• Catchfly
• Snap Dragon

3) About Our Handmade Papers

What is a Deckle Edge?

The term Deckle Edge refers to the distinctive, feathery edge of handmade paper. It occurs when the handmade paper is made and enhances the overall look of handmade paper. When purchasing bulk handmade paper, you can choose from 10 different sizes, all of which have deckled edges. If you don't like the deckled edge, choose an 11x17 sheet and cut it down to the size that you want.

What printing methods may be used on handmade paper?

We recommend using these methods of printing:

• off-set printing
• ink jet printing
• screen printing
• letterpress printing - best on papers without seeds

Before starting your print run, test your printer to ensure that you are getting the desired level of quality.

What kinds of pen can be used when writing on handmade paper?

Botanical PaperWorks treats the handmade paper with a medium sizing - this means that our handmade paper is sufficiently water resistant for writing with most types of writing instruments, including calligraphy pens. You can test a new pen on the corner of a piece of paper to see if it bleeds. For an additional charge, paper can be sized with a heavy sizing if you plan on using water color paints or other water-based mediums.

Is the handmade paper fragile?

The handmade paper at Botanical PaperWorks is specially made to be very strong. We use high-quality beating equipment to gently bruise the plant fibers, a custom-built press to bond fibers together and a special drying system to apply pressure to the paper for an additional 24 hours to complete the bonding of the fibers. These production steps produce a smooth, flat and strong piece of handmade paper.

Is your handmade paper acid free?

All of our handmade papers are made with acid-free pulp and pigments. The papers that do not contain seeds or petals are approved by the CK OK program from Creating Keepsakes.

Is your handmade paper tree-free?

Yes, our paper is made with recycled bond paper, cotton remnants and abaca, a renewable leaf fiber.

4) Ordering

To which countries do you sell your products?

The handmade papers, handmade invitations and stationery of Botanical PaperWorks are sold around the world. We will ship to any destination; please contact us for a shipping quotation.

Can I purchase your products wholesale?

Yes, we sell our handmade papers and envelopes wholesale. We have wholesale packages available which include samples of our handmade paper. Visit our Wholesale Page for more information.

How do I place an order?

You can place your order over the internet, by phone or fax.

What method of payment can I use?

Botanical PaperWorks currently accepts payment by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, money order and check. Orders are prepaid or paid on account (for wholesale customers).

5) Facility Location

Where is your facility located?

6) Handmade Invitation Questions

Can the handmade envelopes by mailed?

Absolutely! We have done mailing tests which show that the handmade envelopes hold up as well as machine-made envelopes. This is principally because the handmade envelopes have straight edges from being folded into an envelope shape, leaving nothing to catch in the Post Office machines. The handmade paper is very strong, as well, so a little moisture will not damage the envelope. They are a beautiful addition to a handmade invitation.

What is vellum overlay?

Our vellum is a translucent paper that we use to print the invitation text. The vellum is then affixed to the handmade invitation with adhesive, wax seal or ribbon, depending on the style chosen. You can also print directly on the paper using screen printing, laser or ink jet printers.

Do you sell the invitation paper separately?

Yes, you can purchase our Handmade Papers and Handmade Envelopes in any quantity desired. We have a price list that gives you a greater discount the larger quantity that you order.

Do you sell the vellum separately?

For my invitation, can I have a language other than English or French?

Yes. There is an additional charge.

May I see the invitation layout before they are printed?

We always send a proof of the layouts by email or fax for you to preview before we go to print.

May I use a personalized wax seal for my invitations?

Yes, you can use any wax seal design you would like. Just send us the seal and we will make the wax seals free of charge.