FAQs

There are some questions that come up regularly, so this is my way of hopefully answering them for you.  If I've missed something though, do feel free to drop me an email to hello@holchester.com and I will do my best to answer (and may add it here later too!). 

Where are you based?

I’m based in North Oxfordshire, about 10 miles from Oxford itself, in the UK. 

Where are your products made - do you make them yourself?

All the designs you see on my products are the result of my own original hand-drawn artwork, which I turn digitally into repeat patterns.  I do not, however, print, bind or sew my products.  They are all made in the UK by a small range of other specialist manufacturers. I’m really careful about who I work with to print and make my products, ensuring that each business can follow it’s own supply chain fully and has proper processes in place to manage their waste, amongst other things, to make sure that the quality and sustainability credentials of my products are as sound as they can possibly be. 

What materials do you use?

The exact materials change from product to products, and those are listed on the product descriptions.  As a general rule, however, all my paper is FSC certified as a minimum and the majority is recycled.  Printing inks vary depending on what’s being printed on, but again where possible vegetable oil inks are used and where that isn’t possible my manufacturers have specific processes to deal with their ink waste. 

For packaging, all belly bands are made from recycled paper and the stickers are all paper based too which can be recycled.  For posting all the boxes and paper used is also recyclable and is often recycled too.  In some instances you may even receive your order in packaging that has been used multiple times before, but only if it’s in good enough condition to protect your items.  I use paper tape, rather than plastic, and on the rare occasion an item is wrapped in cellophane that will also be biodegradable. 

Do you do designs on commission or any collaborations? 

I do.  Alongside my own designs I do freelance design work, although I don’t generally produce products for other people, or one-off products, as that can get complicated (and cost-prohibitive)! It’s not an absolute no, and the volume needed is a key factor, but I’ve only got so many hours in the day so I try to be careful where that energy goes.  And in certain instances licensing might be alternative option.

I’m also certainly open to collaborations with businesses or individuals whose values are in tune with mine, but again it depends on time and other commitments as to whether they’ll be viable or not.  

If there is something you’d like to explore with me though, pop me an email to hello@holchester.com - I always love to chat stationery and pattern design! 

Can I personalise my order?

I am afraid I am not able to offer a personalisation service. 

Do you take wholesale orders? 

Absolutely. You can find more information on the wholesale page of my website.  

Items should not be purchased off my website at retail prices to sell on. 

Shipping, Delivery and Returns enquiries 

Please see the Shipping Policy for more information about time scales, what to do to follow-up lost orders etc. That policy is regularly updated, as required, so is the most up-to-date place on this site for information. 

I haven’t had an order confirmation

Order confirmations come via email so please check your junk folder and allow at least an hour for it to arrive - sometimes email systems don’t dispatch/deliver instantly, although it’s rare for that to happen.  If nothing has arrived please email hello@holchester.com and ensure you include your name, postage address, what your order contained and method of payment (Card, Paypal, etc).  Please do not include specific card details on your email.

I’d love to feature you - who do I get in touch with for better imagery etc? 

Any press enquiries should email hello@holchester.com Once I’ve got your information I can provide access to a drive with press-ready imagery and further information you might require. 

What do you do with my personal information? 

I hate the thought of my own personal details being used without my knowledge, and I take that same approach to your information too.  For more details and most up to date information on this please see my privacy policy.