Orders & Products
Are your products handmade?
Yes, every item in our store is handcrafted by skilled South African artisans. No two pieces are exactly alike — slight variations in color, pattern, and size are a natural part of the handmade process and add to each piece's uniqueness.
What beads do your artisans use?
Our artisans work exclusively with Preciosa beads — premium Czech-made beads renowned for their exceptional quality, vibrant color range, and consistency. They are widely regarded as the finest seed beads in the world.
How long does it take to make an item?
Production time varies from item to item based on complexity, size, and current demand. Custom orders are typically ready to ship in as little as 4 weeks, though some may take longer depending on the scope of work.
Please note that not all items are held in inventory — for large or bulk quantity orders, production begins once your order is confirmed. We strongly encourage clients with large orders to contact us before placing an order so we can provide an accurate production timeline and confirm availability. Please reach out via our Contact page.
If you need an item by a specific date, let us know in advance and we will do everything we can to meet your deadline.
Can I request a custom order?
Yes! We love custom orders. Please reach out to us via our Contact page with your requirements — colors, size, quantity — and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
Shipping
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we ship worldwide. Shipping costs and delivery times vary by destination and will be calculated at checkout.
How does your fulfillment process work?
Our products are handcrafted by artisans in South Africa and shipped to our US distribution point before being dispatched to customers. This means your order goes through two stages: production in South Africa, then fulfillment and shipping from the United States to your destination.
How long does shipping take?
Once your order has completed production and is ready to ship from our US location, delivery times are as follows:
- United States: 3–7 business days (Standard) or 1–3 business days (Express)
- International orders: 7–14 business days (Standard) or 3–5 business days (Express)
Please note that these shipping times are in addition to the production lead time of 4–8 weeks. We will notify you by email when your order has shipped and provide a tracking number.
Will I have to pay customs or import duties?
International orders may be subject to customs fees, import duties, or taxes depending on your country. These charges are the responsibility of the buyer and are not included in our prices or shipping fees.
How do I track my order?
Once your order has shipped, you will receive a confirmation email with your tracking number. You can use this to track your package through our shipping carrier's website.
Returns & Exchanges
What is your return policy?
Because our products are handmade to order, we are unable to accept returns or exchanges unless an item arrives damaged or defective. Please review our full Refund Policy for details.
What if my item arrives damaged?
We take great care in packaging our products, but if your item arrives damaged, please contact us within 7 days of delivery with photos of the damage and we will resolve it promptly.
Wholesale & B2B
Do you offer wholesale pricing?
Yes! Care Studios is a proud member of the Museum Store Association and supplies museum stores, boutiques, and cultural institutions worldwide. Please contact us to discuss wholesale pricing, minimum order quantities, and lead times.
Can you fulfill large or repeat orders?
Yes, we work with institutional buyers and retailers on larger orders. Lead times may vary for bulk orders — please reach out early so we can plan production accordingly.
Our Mission
Where do the proceeds go?
All proceeds from Care Studios are donated to DTCare, a registered non-profit organization that funds education programs across Sub-Saharan Africa. Every purchase you make directly supports both the artisan who made your item and children's education in the region.
Are you a fair trade company?
Yes. Care Studios is a member of the Fair Trade Federation, which means we uphold the highest standards of fair trade practice — including equitable pay, safe working conditions, and transparent supply chains.
Still Have Questions?
We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Contact Us page or email us at judith.thompson@carestudios.store and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.