What does your business do to be environmentally friendly?
• I always make an effort to be a good steward of the Earth. I reuse, repurpose, and recycle as much as possible in both my personal and business endeavors, and waste as little as I can. I use repurposed items in the creation of my artwork, both in the case of tools and materials whenever possible. I have used materials from electronics waste (like ethernet cables, rubber washers from computer parts, copper wire waste from construction, etc.), clothing that is no longer wearable, product packaging, various used items from thrift shops, yard sales, etc, and whatever I can use to avoid buying new materials.
• All True Image Treasures products are packed with care, re-using materials when possible. I aim to use a minimum of new materials for shipping. I often source paper, plastic, and foam materials from product packaging and shipped items I’ve received. When shipping by USPS Priority Mail, I may use the Priority Mail padded plastic envelopes, which are 100% recyclable, and are accepted at special recycling bins found in grocery stores nationwide in the U.S.
• I kindly ask that my customers reuse or recycle the packaging materials your purchases arrive in whenever possible. :) Thanks!
How should I care for my True Image Treasures product?
Due to the handcrafted nature of your new item, tender care is needed to minimize wear and tear.
• Please be cautious while wearing and taking off your jewelry and transporting or arranging your home accessories. Clean your True Image Treasures creation with a damp cloth only, or in the case of jewelry that contains only metal, glass, resin, acrylic or plastic, with a mild soap (like hand dish soap) and lukewarm water – these items can be immersed briefly, but then must be dried thoroughly with a soft cloth. I recommend carefully wiping down jewelry with a soft microfiber cloth after wear to remove chemicals and oils. Home accessories should be cleaned with a damp cloth only, then dried with a soft cloth.
A Note on Freshwater Pearls & Semi-Precious Gemstones
- Freshwater pearls are soft and can be easily scratched. Extreme dryness is damaging, as is too much moisture. Never immerse them in water. Clean occasionally with a damp, soft cloth. Wearing your pearls occasionally helps keep them appropriately hydrated.
- Semi-precious gems (especially opaque stones such as turquoise, opal, and onyx) should also never be immersed in water, nor exposed to an ultrasonic cleaner or any immersive or abrasive cleaning product. A soft, wet cloth can be used to gently wipe down the stones (be sure to dry them with a soft cloth afterward). I recommend wiping down semi-precious gems with a dry, soft cloth after wearing, and if used in a home accessory, a weekly wipe down with a dry, soft cloth will help keep the item clean.
• Keep all items (including home accessories) away from extreme heat and direct sunlight, and as dry as possible except when cleaning specific jewelry items as stated above. Do not swim or bathe while wearing jewelry, and keep it away from chlorinated (pools, hot tubs, etc.) and salt water, as these are corrosive. Avoid sleeping in jewelry, as this puts undue stress on the components. Note that unless a home accessory is specifically indicated (in the product description) for display in a bathroom or outdoors, it may be damaged if displayed where it will be exposed to moisture.
• Keep all items (including home accessories) from being exposed to chemicals, like cleaning products, alcohol, nail polish remover, etc. When getting dressed, place your jewelry on last to prevent exposure to hairspray, cosmetics, perfumes, lotions, self-tanner, etc.
• Lay jewelry flat, and in a cool, dry place when storing to avoid any damage. To minimize tarnish, silver-plated or gold-plated items are best stored in an airtight container, like the zip-top plastic bag included with your jewelry. If any jewelry items are cleaned or otherwise exposed to water, they must be completely dry before placing in storage bag/container.