FAQ
Check out our Frequently Asked Questions below.
If you don't see an answer to your question, please contact us.
Shipping
Where do you ship to?
North America
Unfortunately, we currently do not ship internationally but we are working on it so that we can!
How long does shipping take?
Processing time is 4-5 business days
Items will be shipped out at most 5-6 days after the order is processed. Post office is closed on Sundays so any items not shipped on Saturday will be shipped on Monday.
Total time: About a week
If you placed a large order, the processing time will increase by 2 day or 3.
Why is my order taking so long?
We apologize for the inconvenience.
Nela Creative is a small business of only 2 workers. One being me, Daniela the owner, and the second being my mom as my volunteer helper. We try our best to ship everything on time. We handmake all of our items and also pack everything ourselves so we ask for your patience and consideration, especially with large orders. If we are facing a heavy volume of orders, we will contact you if it will effect your shipping time. For any questions or concerns, please contact us.
How do I track my order?
You will be sent a tracking number with a link as soon as your package is shipped.
Returns
How do I return an item?
We have a 30-day return policy, which means you have 30 days after receiving your item to request a return.
To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unworn or unused, with tags, and in its original packaging. You’ll also need the receipt or proof of purchase.
To start a return, please contact us please include your order number in your message.
Once we receive your return request, we’ll send you a return shipping label, as well as instructions on how and where to send your package.
Items sent back to us without first requesting a return will not be accepted.
How long does it take to process my return?
We will reply to a request within 3 business days. Once the request is accepted, depending on how long the shipping takes, it could take at most 2 weeks for us to receive the package. We will notify you once we’ve received and inspected your return, and let you know if the refund was approved or not. If approved, you’ll be automatically refunded on your original payment method within 10 business days.
Please remember it can take some time for your bank or credit card company to process and post the refund too.
If more than 15 business days have passed since we’ve approved your return, please contact us at nela.creative.art@gmail.com.
Can I exchange for a different item?
Yes, you can. The process is similar to make a return. Please contact us
Please include in your message which item you would like to exchange your order for. If the item is equal to what you ordered then I can make a simple exchange by sending you the new item once I receive your return. If you would like to exchange for an item that is less than or more than what you originally ordered then you will have to start a return request and put in a new order for those items.
General
What type of paper do you use for your journals and books?
My handstitched journals are made with 97 Bright, 60lb text/118gsm paper.
The smaller books are made with 97 Bright, 60lb text/89gsm paper.
The heavier the paper, the more ink it can take without bleeding through. The average printing paper is 50lb text/74gsm which is a lot thinner than what I use.
Heavier paper is less likely to ripe easily, much better quality and has a more luxurious feel.
The paper has a smooth finish so the writing experience is more comfortable.
Can I rip out pages from my handstitched journals?
Yes and no... It's a bit complicated.
My journals are made with signatures that have 4 sheets. A signature is a bundle of pages (usually 4 or more) that are folded in half and then sown together. If you rip one side of the page, the other side that it is connected to will become loose. You can ripe up to one page per signature and it should not loosen the stitch on the spine of the book.
Unfortunately, the more pages you take out, the more compromised and loose the binding of the book will be. If you have any more questions, please feel free to email us and we can explain more in detail.
Do you make custom orders?
Yes, we do! Please contact us
Make sure to include as much details possible about what you have in mind. Please include when you'll possibly need it by as well.
Are my stickers waterproof? Where can I put them?
Our stickers are made with printable vinyl which makes them water proof. I laminate the front of the sticker for added protection.
They can be place on laptops, water bottles, books, walls, doors, etc.
Please Keep in Mind:
If placing them on an electronic, please wipe the surface with alcohol to remove oil from the surface so that the adhesive can work effectively. Allow it 24 hours to adhere properly before exposing it to water.
For example:
If placing on a water bottle or mug, wipe it with alcohol and then let it dry. Try to not touch the surface where you are placing the sticker with your fingers and then place the sticker on. Smooth it on with your fingers over the sticker and then wait 24 hours before putting liquids in the mug or water bottle.
Are my bottles and/or cups dishwasher safe?
Sadly No, I use premium vinyl for the designs and the adhesive may be affected by the heat from the dishwasher.
Do you speak spanish? ¿Hablas español?
Hablo español y también puedo responder en español. Soy Dominicana y soy bilingüe. Mi madre también me ayuda cuando es necesario y el español es su idioma principal.
Si necesitas ayuda con gusto te atenderé
Yes! I speak spanish and can respond in spanish as well. I am Dominican and I am bilingual. My mother is fluent since its her primary language so she helps me when needed. If you need any help, I will gladly help!
Are all your items handmade?
Yes!
All of my journals, books, prints, stickers, bottles and cups are handmade. My mother and I handstich the journals using the Coptic binding method. I print and cut all of my stickers and art prints in my home. All my bottles and cups are decorated using vinyl that I personally place on them.
The journals are all handmade from scratch! I used some patterns found in the Recollections paper pads, or my own original patterns for the covers. I glue them on, print the lined or dotted paper and sow each piece together.
Everything is made with love and care so the quality is top notch!
*My home is smoke free