Each piece is handmade with care. Orders typically ship within 2 -4 weeks. Shipping costs are calculated at checkout, and we use careful packaging to ensure your art arrives safely.

Where possible, orders are shipped in bulk using recyclable or repurposed materials. Receipts are sent digitally, and local pickup or drop-off options are available during open store dates.

Many of my shipping materials are sourced through Chicago-based creative reuse centers, including:

• The Waste Shed, which provides affordable, repurposed art and craft supplies.
  
• Chicago Creative Reuse Exchange (CCRX), a local nonprofit that diverts materials from landfills and fosters environmental stewardship through redistribution and education.
  

For gift packaging, I collaborate with Origami Bob, a wonderful local maker in Evanston who handcrafts cardstock boxes. A portion of proceeds from boxed orders supports the Evanston/North Shore YWCA Women’s Shelter, one of the oldest and largest multicultural women’s organizations in the world, providing vital community resources and support services.

When needed, I also source cardboard boxes, tissue, and gift bags from local thrift and second hand stores, extending the lifespan of these materials and minimizing waste.

Using natural art materials has been my path of exploration over the last 12 years through my interdisciplinary art practice. It’s an ongoing process of pigment making with spices, soils, teas, coffee, plants, and other natural materials, a slow collaboration with the earth.

Where are the pigments from?

Almost all of the natural dyes, pigments, and inks I use in my paintings and online offerings are made in-house with sustainable materials such as tea, coffee, turmeric, soil, spices, and other botanical pigments. Plants and flowers used for eco-dyeing are sourced from my garden, local community gardens, and occasionally from trusted suppliers like Maiwa, which works directly with farmers and artisans in India.

I am always looking to connect with local growers, gardeners, or community spaces who have a surplus of natural dye flowers, especially coreopsis, cosmos, marigold, goldenrod, and other pigment-rich blooms. If you have materials to share or ideas for collaboration, I would love to hear from you.

Current fabrics include materials sourced from Dharma Trading Co., as well as local suppliers like Textile Discount Outlet in Chicago and reclaimed textiles from thrift stores and the closing of Edwards Flower Shop (IL).

While Dharma’s materials have been a foundational resource, my goal is to gradually transition toward a made-to-order model with locally sewn, small-batch pieces.

This shift will take time. Sustainable and relationship based production always does. My hope is to eventually work exclusively with a local sewer here in Chicago, supporting fair wages, slower timelines, and deeper collaboration.

Whenever possible, fabrics are dyed in batch processes to reduce water, gas, and energy use. These choices, though small, are part of an ongoing commitment to aligning each step of the making process with the values of care, sustainability, and reciprocity.

All sales are final. As a small, woman-owned studio, each piece is handmade and unique, so I do not offer cash refunds.

Order Cancellation:
You may request to cancel an order within 48 hours of purchase by contacting me at:

Email: land@abenaart.studio

Contact form
After 48 hours, orders are considered in progress and cannot be canceled.

Commissioned Artwork:

• A non-refundable deposit of 50% is required before work begins.
  
• The remaining balance is due upon completion and delivery of the commissioned piece.
  

Exchanges or Credits for Damaged/Defective Items:

• If an item arrives damaged or defective, please contact me within 7 days of delivery.
  
• I will gladly offer a replacement or store credit at my discretion.
  

Gifts:

• If an item was purchased as a gift, gift credits may be issued for damaged items.
  
• Please contact me at land@abenaart.studio to discuss gift-related inquiries.
  

Questions:
If you have any concerns about your order, I am happy to help! Contact me via email or the website form.