Welcome to my FAQ page! Whether you’re curious about how I craft my pieces, shipping timelines, or how to care for your handmade ritual goods, you’ll find all the answers right here.
If there is anything else you need, please feel free to reach out to me via the Contact Page, I’m always happy to help!
Crafting & the handmade process
How do you make your products?
Every single item at Dark Thread Design is thoughtfully designed, hand-assembled, and packed by me in Melbourne. From selecting natural crystals to hand-blending botanicals, I craft each piece slowly as an intentional tool for daily ritual, grounding and self-discovery.
Are all your items truly handmade?
Yes! As a one-person operation, there are no factory assembly lines here. Because I create every piece individually by hand, no two items are 100% identical, giving your order its own unique character and energy.
Will my item look identical to the website photos?
Because I work with natural gemstones, crystals and real botanicals, slight variations in colour, texture, shape and size will naturally occur. I don't view these as flaws, they are proof of the raw, natural materials used and the unique story of your specific piece.
Shipping & dispatch
How long will it take to craft and ship my order?
Because every item is thoughtfully handmade to order, please allow 2 to 6 business days (unless otherwise stated) for me to craft, pack and dispatch your parcel.
What are your shipping rates?
I know shipping can get expensive, fast, so I've decided to offer flat-rate tracked shipping, so you can follow your package every step of the way:
- Australia: $6.95 Flat Rate Tracked Shipping
- International: $30.00 Flat Rate Tracked Shipping
How do I track my order?
As soon as I pack your parcel and send it on its way, you will receive an automated email from me with your tracking link attached.
International shipping
Do you ship internationally, including to the US?
Yes, I do! I love sending my pieces across the world. I regularly ship to the United States.
Will I have to pay unexpected customs fees or taxes on delivery?
No hidden surprises here! I pre-pay all landed costs (duties, taxes and customs fees) at checkout when your order is placed. This means your parcel arrives straight to your door without you having to worry about extra fees or holding delays at customs.
How much is international shipping?
International shipping is a AUD$30.00 Flat Rate Tracked Shipping fee, or AUD$50 for Express. You will receive a tracking link via email as soon as your parcel is packed and dispatched, so you can follow its journey all the way to your door!
Ritual product care & safety
How do I use my ritual simmer pot blend?
Add the contents of your pack to a pot with approximately 2 litres of water. Bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer for 1–3 hours to fill your space with intent and fragrance.
- Pro-Tip: You can re-use your blend! Simply pop the mixture into a container in your freezer between uses.
Once complete, the remains may be returned to the earth or disposed of mindfully, with gratitude.
How do I burn my botanical candle tapers?
Hand-rolled with 100% pure local beeswax.
Because this candle is handcrafted with raw materials and heavily infused with real botanicals, it carries a unique silhouette and a powerful energy to shift your sacred space.
The Ritual
- Set Your Intention: Before lighting, hold the candle in your hands. Visualise your intention.
- The Reset: Light the wick. Breathe deeply and remain present with the flame, allowing its energy to work through your intentions. You may wish to talk to the flame as it burns.
Because herbs are layered on both the interior and exterior, they will catch fire, creating a larger, more rustic flame than a standard pillar candle.
- Never leave unattended: Do not leave your ritual candle burning out of your sight for even a moment.
- Use a wide, fire-safe surface: Always burn on a wide, heat-safe plate, altar tray, or ceramic holder to safely catch melting wax and falling botanical embers.
- Clear the area: Keep far away from drafts, flammables, curtains, pets and children.
Once complete, the remains may be returned to the earth or disposed of mindfully, with gratitude.
How do I use sweeping salts?
Ritual sweeping salt is crafted to shift your physical environment while setting a strong energetic intention. Follow these steps to awaken the botanicals and shift the energy of your home:
- Awaken the Blend: Take a moment to centre yourself. Gently shake the pouch to mix the salts and botanicals, infusing the blend with your personal intention.
- Scatter & Set: Lightly sprinkle the salt across your carpets, rugs, or floors. Pay special attention to entryways, thresholds and corners where energy naturally stagnates. As you scatter, visualise your desired outcome (protection, peace, abundance, or love).
- Rest & Absorb: Allow the mixture to sit undisturbed for at least 15–20 minutes. As it rests, the salt physically deodorises your floors while energetically absorbing heavy vibrations and old energies.
- Release & Clear: Sweep or vacuum the mixture away to finalise your ritual.
Ritual Tip: For cleansing or banishing heavy energy, sweep counter-clockwise toward the door. For drawing in love, peace, or prosperity, sweep clockwise to lock that intention into your space.
Once complete, the swept contents may be returned to the earth or disposed of mindfully, with gratitude.
TO NOTE:
- Patch-test a small area before full application.
- Avoid use on unsealed wood or porous stone.
- Keep pets and children away from the floor while the salt rests.
- Do not ingest.
How should I care for my handmade jewellery?
To keep your intentional jewellery pieces looking their absolute best for years to come:
- Keep them away from water, heavy sweat, perfumes, and harsh lotions.
- Remove your jewellery before swimming, bathing, or sleeping.
- Store your pieces in a cool, dry place when you're not wearing them.
Does your jewellery contain nickel, cadmium or lead?
No, absolutely not! Most of my jewellery is crafted using silver-plated copper or raw copper, and none of my pieces contain nickel, cadmium or lead.
I select my materials intentionally so you can wear your pieces comfortably and with peace of mind.
Please note: Raw copper naturally oxidises over time, giving it a rich, vintage patina. If you prefer a bright copper shine, you can easily restore it using a soft polishing cloth or a mild lemon/salt bath (however, please be mindful of your crystals).
Orders, returns & exchanges
What is your return policy?
Due to the handcrafted nature and personal energy of my items, I evaluate returns or exchanges on a case-by-case basis.
Your happiness means the world to me! If there is any issue with your order when it arrives (such as damage during transit), please reach out to me via my Contact Page right away so I can make it right for you.
Can I cancel or change my order after placing it?
If you need to change or cancel an order, please contact me within asap (preferably within 24 hours of placing it). Once I’ve started crafting your items or handed your parcel off to the post, orders can no longer be amended or canceled.