Graduation Announcements / Invites

Bring it back to the good old days of with these cootie catcher graduation announcements!

This format includes a cootie catcher with 8 trivia questions/answers about the graduate, center announcement and/or party info, matching cardstock envelope insert and A2 envelopes.  I also offer a print-yourself package for a flat fee of $45.

Ordering Info:

Please contact me via email {katskrafts@yahoo.com} with your order specifications and we'll begin!

Here's what I need to know:

1.) Printed order? Or .pdf only?  ______

2.) Total Quantity ____ (skip for .pdf only orders)

3.) Paper choice(s) ________ Options here (skip for .pdf only)

4.) Ink color(s) _______ Pantone #s are helpful

5.) Font(s) ________ Options here

6.) Decorations/graphics? ________ Popular flourish/decor options here, but I can work with your school logo or mascot. Please tell me your ideas!

7.) Text for four outer spaces __ (name, school name, "Class of __", etc.)

8.) 8 trivia questions/answers __  Scroll down page for a list of ideas

9.) Center announcement info __ Some great wording ideas here and here

As always, orders include digital proofs, unlimited revisions and final approval before printing. I am looking forward to working with you!

Graduation Question Ideas

What is Kim's graduating GPA?

What was Kim's favorite class?

What was Kim's least favorite class?

Who was Kim's favorite teacher?

What sports did Kim participate in?

What are Kim's hobbies?

What is Kim's favorite food?

What is Kim's favorite movie (song/TV show/etc.)?

What are Kim's future plans?

Where will Kim attend college?

What was Kim's first job?

Where does Kim work?

What kind of car does Kim drive?

Who is Kim's best friend?

Who was Kim's prom date?

What was Kim's major?

What was Kim's minor?

What degree did Kim earn?

What awards did Kim earn?

What is Kim's dream job?

Messy or clean locker?

Best part about dorm life?

Where will Kim live?

What is (school name)'s mascot?

What are (school name)'s colors?

What did Kim want to be when she grew up?

What is Kim's favorite subject?

What was Kim's favorite cafeteria food?

Pre-Spring Sale is Here Again!

For my fantastic Facebook fans:
Take 20% off your order of a custom cootie catcher design(s) placed during the month of March 2012!

The Fine Print:
This offer is good for digital products only (cootie catcher .pdfs) and expires March 31, 2012 so hurry on over and let's get your order started! :) Contact me via Facebook, etsy or email (katskrafts@yahoo.com) to get your coupon code and place an order.

Hampton Roads Bride Feature

Wow- so honored again to have my cooties featured in another bridal magazine!

This lovely layout of unique wedding program ideas (my cooties fit right in!) is in the Fall/Winter '11 issue of Hampton Roads Bride.
LOVE it!

Wedding Chicks Feature

Ooooh- I just love seeing photos of my quirky little cooties in action! It reminds me of how wonderful it is to know that my work brings smiles to hundreds of guests over the course of each year!

The latest and greatest can be seen
here on Wedding Chicks.
Go check it out!

The yellow and gray combo is so classic and lovely!
What amazing details and a gorgeous bride!

What's New? Grad Announcements!

Yet another way to enjoy my cootie catchers-

as your college or high school graduation announcements/invitations!
What a fun and unique way to share your accomplishments (and other clever trivia!) with your friends and family!


Each order is COMPLETELY customized to you- there are almost limitless possibilities for fonts/graphics! Tell me all about what you want, or choose from some popular fonts/flourishes. I have over 60 paper choices available!

Announcement packages include the completely custom cootie catchers, a custom insert and A2 envelopes.


Contact me today to get your order started!
etsy shop- katsrafts.etsy.com
email- katskrafts{at}yahoo{dot}com

--- May Special ---

I'm running a special during the month of May
for all my Facebook fans!

To view the special, click HERE.

To qualify, click the "Like" button (become a fan) on the page and mention the deal when you order.

Only 5 Days Left!

To Bid On/Buy it Now:

a $100 Kat's Krafts gift certificate

in the Giving For Good Auction to support
The Clearinghouse
(Good Samaritan Ministries)

The starting bid is only $29!!!!
Or, why wait? Buy it Now for $75- you save $25!

Don't pass up this great deal and opportunity to help the less fortunate!

Cooties for a Cause III

~ Interested in buying cootie catchers? ~
~ Would you like a great deal on them? ~
~And, what do you think about donating money to an organization that is dedicated to helping the less fortunate in their community? ~

Why not do all three at once?!?

Good Samaritan Ministries is running their
"Giving for Good" auction right now, and up for bid is a
$100 Kat's Kraft gift certificate.
The starting bid is only $31! The auction ends 4-28, so hurry over and get your bid in!
The winning bidder will receive a redemption code for $100 worth of cootie catcher goodness. It can also be used toward shipping (worldwide!) This is good for a one-time use.

I believe wholeheartedly in the purpose behind Good Samaritan Ministries, which is why I've donated this gift certificate and am getting the word out to my clients, so they can perhaps snag a deal and help out a worthy cause. The auction specifically helps fund the Clearinghouse program. "The Clearinghouse is the place people call when they have nowhere else to turn. Families who are struggling to keep their housing, find a job, or solve any problem get the help they need from the Clearinghouse. They can speak to real person knowing they'll find solutions and be understood."

Happy bidding!!!

Wedding Style Guide Feature

So excited to announce that the newest issue of Wedding Style Guide features my cootie catcher programs! I am so honored!

The layout

All images courtesy of Wedding Style Guide. Go here to purchase your copy of this beautiful magazine- http://www.styleguide.com.au/

Cooties in Print!

Not only are my clients the best, but some of their weddings are also affairs that magazines have taken note of! And of course, the reason for this is all the special and unique little details- including my cootie catchers! =)

Check out the new Brides (Maryland) issue and see my fab cooties!

Ch-ch-changes!

This new year, I need to make a resolution to update my blog more often! It's been awhile, (which I always seem to be saying...) but I am going to try and keep adding some new information here because...


I am rolling out some new changes to the shop! For the rest of this year, and into the new year, I am planning on completely overhauling my graphic design/logo, etc. I am also planning some changes to my pricing structure and hoping to add some new items to the shop and a new line of non-custom cooties to sell in boutiques, which I get asked about all the time- but have been too stinking busy to even consider. I am also considering getting my own website, instead of selling solely on etsy. Lots of big things happening!


Things were crazy, I mean, absolutely CRAZY during the months of August and September! You'd think June would be busier, but actually, early fall is the busiest time of year for me. This year was no exception and I thought I was going to go insane- but I made it and now this bit of a slowdown in October has been a welcome relief. (I actually dusted my house for the first time in who knows how long...)

So, keep an eye out for all the exciting new things happening here!!!

Place Card Name Pricing

If you are ordering place/escort cards and would like me to print/input individual guest names on them, I would love to do so! I offer this service for both printed cootie catchers and DIY .pdf cootie catcher orders. (The price is the same for both, see table below)

I work from your guest list, sent in a formatted excel file (to my stipulations) or from whatever format you have them. There's a price break if you format the file how I need it yourself, but for brides who don't want to worry about this, I am happy to do it for you for a small additional charge.

How I need your excel file formatted:
(Click photo to enlarge)

Helpful Tip-
If you have already gathered your guest info in an excel file, but don't have the data separated into columns like I need, here's how to do it in one fell swoop, instead of manually changing each one:

1.) Determine if you have enough empty columns to spread everything out without overlapping your table numbers, if applicable. If not, move the table column data over far enough to be out of the way. (Highlight then cut and paste- usually 6-7 columns over)

2.) Highlight the data (in one column) that you want to separate.

3.) Click "Data" in the toolbar, and then "Text to Columns"

4.) Select "Delimited Width" for your data type, then click next

5.) Check the box for "Space" as the delimiter you'd like, click next

6.) The default data format should be "General".
Click Finish.
(If you get a pop-up box that asks if you want to replace the content of the destination cells, this means you must not have moved your table numbers over far enough. Click Cancel, or they will be replaced by the name data. If you accidentally clicked OK, just hit undo).

Important Policies

Hiya fabulous customers!

Thanks for taking the time to read through my policies!

PAYMENT
Because my work is completely custom, I require payment in full up front. If this makes you apprehensive, please check out my 100% positive feedback rating from hundreds of clients and keep in mind that I send proofs, offer unlimited revisions and require your final approval before I ever print.

I accept:
Major Credit Cards
PayPal
Money Orders
(from a nationally recognized institution such as the USPS or WalMart, etc.)
RME (Revolution Money Exchange)

SHIPPING
Domestic- I ship all of my US orders via Priority mail with tracking and insurance as a default. I'm willing to change the shipping method to first class (only small orders) or Express (next day) if you let me know and I'll get you a quote. ***Please note that although Priority generally takes 3-5 business days, there is no guarantee of that (as per the USPS)! For this reason, I recommend giving at least 4 week shipping cushion if you can. Please see my lost package policy below for more info.

International- Depending on the quantity, cootie catchers ship first class or Priority Mail. (Order of 25-115 ship Priority. Orders over 115 ship first class) I do this to ensure the best rates for you.
***Please note that all taxes/customs fees are YOUR responsibility!***

With all of my shipping, I do my best to estimate how much it will cost. Sometimes I overestimate and cheerfully refund any extra cost. I hate inflated shipping charges when I shop online and therefore don't do that to my customers, either. (Please keep in mind that my shipping charges do include a small amount for handling.)

Lost/Delayed Packages-I can knock on wood and say I've never had a package go missing anywhere in the world! But I have had shipping delays that can be discouraging to brides on a time crunch, so please be aware that-
I can only account for myself in regards to lead times! I make no promises in regards to transit times, so please order with enough time in advance to allow a shipping delay, should it occur. (ESPECIALLY international customers!) Rest assured that I do promise you will receive your package eventually- I recognize I have a duty to ensure you get what you pay for, I just can't promise when! If you are at all concerned about shipping times, you are welcome to upgrade to a faster shipping service. Just let me know and I'll get you a quote!

I consider a package lost:
US- after 30 business days
CANADA- after 40 business days
EVERYWHERE ELSE- after 45 business days
(Yes, it really can take over 8 weeks for international mail- customs delays is a major culprit)

Should your package be considered lost, I will reprint and ship promptly, shipping by the same method you originally paid for. If you need expedited shipping, the extra will be your responsibility. I also can offer a .pdf of your design at no cost if you'd rather this option instead for reason of a time crunch.

All this sounds kind of alarmist! I actually am very happy with how prompt USPS shipping usually is. I've shipped hundreds of packages and can count any significant delays I've had on one hand. =)

REFUNDS
I'm so sorry, due to the custom nature of my work, I do not offer refunds.

In the case of any errors on printed cootie catchers:
Please remember that I send proofs for your final approval before I ever print. Of course, I am committed to 100% quality work, but if you send info to me misspelled (especially names) and then don't catch it on your proofs, I'm sorry, I cannot be held responsible. I'll happily change the error and reprint at the quantity price for you, though and ship via whatever method you choose at your cost.

If I make an error on your cooties and you do not catch it on the proof, but only when you have them in hand- if it's a proper name (a person, restaurant, city, etc.) I am not responsible. I am actually a spelling geek, but I can't possibly know how every person or place in the world is spelled. It is your responsibility to look over your cootie catcher with a fine tooth comb for errors in proper names.

However, if it's a spelling or grammar error that I made (which means it differs from the text you sent) even though you missed it on the proof, I take responsibility. In this case, I offer three options:
1.) If it's minor and you can live with it, I will refund 15% with my deepest apologies. I will also send you 4 fixed cooties as keepsakes via first class mail.
2.) I will reprint and ship with the original shipping method (again, you pay for expedited if you need it)
3.) I send a fixed .pdf for you to print yourself and refund 10%

Truth or Dare Ideas!

Remember Truth or Dare?
How exciting it was, and how fun?

Another fabulous way to use my cootie catchers at your wedding to get your guests having fun and mingling is to have Truth or Dare catchers!

Instead of questions about you as a couple (i.e. How did the bride and groom meet?) have alternating open-ended questions and dares to get your guests having fun and interacting with each other.

EXAMPLE:
Truth: "How do you know the bride and groom?"
Dare: "Ask a stranger to dance!"
(You'll need 4 of each, so 8 total on each cootie)

Or, do all open-ended questions or dares, whatever!

Some Dare Ideas:
Ask a stranger to dance
Do the electric slide/marcarena/bunny hop/hokey pokey, etc.
Pose for a photo
Kiss the bride
Hug the groom
Request a song and dance to it
Make a toast
Balance a spoon on your nose
Juggle with dinner rolls
Do a shot
Get your table another round of drinks
Sing a song to the newlyweds
Drink a cocktail
Introduce yourself to someone new
Have another piece of cake
Show your moves on the dance floor
Tell a funny story about the bride/groom
Go order a __(interesting drink)__ from the bar.
Create a limerick/haiku about your table.

Some Truth Ideas:
How do you know the bride and groom?
What is your favorite wedding movie?
What's the funniest memory you have of either (Bride) or (Groom)?
Who is a better dancer, (Bride) or (Groom)?
What's your favorite type of flower?
Do you cry at weddings?
Do you have any sweet dance moves?
What was the last wedding you attended?
How many children should the couple have?
If money was no object, what wedding gift would you give the newlyweds?
What is your favorite flavor of cake?
What is your first memory of the bride and groom together?
What's your favorite dance song? (Go request it!)
What's your drink of choice?
Which wedding guest is most likely a wedding crasher. Explain.
Which celebrity would you marry?
Are you wearing anything old, new, borrowed, or blue?
What's the worst first dance song imaginable?
What's the weirdest thing you've seen at a wedding?

You can find my cootie catchers in my etsy shop here or email me to get your order started-
katskrafts {@} yahoo {.} com

Gorgeous New Papers!

I am soooo excited to now offer these beautifully rich, jewel-tone papers!
When I saw that my supplier was carrying them, I actually shrieked! (I'm proud to shop local!)

The weight on these papers is 28lbs (perfect for cooties!) and they have a slight texture (which you can feel, but not see).


As you can see from the notes on the photo, these papers are better for deeper inks and have an upcharge of $.12 each. These papers are also available in cover stock, which has an upcharge of $.22 each (instead of the normal $.10)

Hey fall brides- get your cooties on these lovely papers today! Click here.

New Fonts Added!

I just adore fonts- love 'em! I'm always on the lookout for new fun fonts to add to my collection.

Introducing...
(click for a close up)

And as always- if you don't see what you need on my extensive list (here), you are welcome to check out dafont.com to find what you need to make your cooties perfectly coordinate!

Order Form/Checklist

To aid you in gathering all of the info I need to provide you with an accurate quote and/or customize your order, here is a handy-dandy form to complete! Just copy and paste this form with your answers into an etsy convo or email
(katskrafts {@} yahoo {.} com)

Use the embedded links or those in the upper right hand corner to navigate all of options and get some useful tips.

Your Name(s)____________________
Event Date_________
(Current Lead Times here)

1.) Format Needed?
__Favors (Trivia or Truth/Dare)
__Place Cards (Trivia or Truth/Dare)
__Programs
__Menus (Menu only or with trivia)
__Invites
__or other?

Are you ordering them printed, or just the .pdf?
(International customers- please let me know if you'd prefer an A4 size file)

2.) Total Quantity= ____

3.) Ink color(s) Options here

4.) Paper choice(s) Options here
(Please include the name of the collection and the number and/or name. Ex= Parchment #3 Aged)

5.) Font(s) Options here

6.) Flourish or border or graphic/motif? Options here

7.) Text for outer 4 corners (Many couples choose their names and the date/year. Other ideas include a monogram, the location, a graphic, quote/verse, last name, etc.)

8.)If ordering cooties with trivia (n/a to programs), how many versions would you like? _____ (I have a minimum order of 25 cootie catchers. Each order includes one version of questions, 8 total. Any additional versions = $10.)
9.) Text for interior:
---Favors/Place Cards: 8 questions and answers per version Ideas here or truth/dare ideas here
OR
---Programs: Ceremony info to be divided into 4 main interior sections
OR
---Menus: Either 8 Q&A's + your menu or just your menu, to be divided into 4 main sections
OR
---Invites: Info you want included in 4 main sections. Usually: Ceremony (the formal worded part), RSVP info, Reception Info, and other can be directions, places to stay, poem, gift requests, etc. Don't forget to tell me if you are interested in custom RSVP cards to add.

10.) If you are ordering place cards, would you like me to print your individual guest names? (fee applies, see price list here)
---->Will you be sending me the names in an excel file, formatted to my specs: Y/N?
---->What format are your names? (i.e. single/couples/etc.) ______________
---->Will you also need table numbers: Y/N?

11.) Would you like a folding tool? Please indicate if you would like plastic ($5) or bone ($8.75) See my shop here for options

If you are ready to order and there is a listing in my etsy shop that fits your needs for format, quantity and ink color, please purchase that and send me your design specs via etsy convo or email (katskrafts[at]yahoo[dot]com) or contact me for a custom spec order! If you would like a bone folder, make sure to add it to your cart with your cootie catchers, in order to get the shipping on the folder free.

I am also happy to take orders via PayPal if you are not an etsy member. Simply email me (address above) with your specs and I'll send you an invoice and we'll get started!

Contact me with any questions!
Kat

Cooties for a Cause II

Are you interested in cootie catchers, like good deals
and want to do a good deed, too?

Then I've got the perfect way for you
to accomplish all three!
I've donated a $100 gift certificate towards anything in my store (can be applied to shipping, too!) to the Giving For Good Auction, to sponsor Good Samaritan Ministries, a local organization that aids my community in providing services for those in troubled times.

Bidding Starts @$33 or
you can "Buy It Now" for $75!
Here's a link to my $100 gift certificate-
https://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/item/Item.action?id=109306205

But don't stop there!
Check out the other great items, too!

All Good Things Must Come to an End

It's so true...

because after much deliberation,
I am no longer offering Table Numbers/
Instruction Cards in my shop.


Not only am I already super busy with cootie orders, but the table numbers were really taking up so much of my time. I've found myself using every spare moment to assemble them, and that's just not the way I want to live my life right now, forsaking these especially precious moments with Caden.

Sorry for any inconvenience to any prospective customers out there who were considering ordering my table numbers! I will be finishing my current orders and then sticking with what I do best- Cooties!

Current Lead Times & Announcements

Last Updated: April 19, 2015
*VACATION ALERT*
I will be out of the shop from 4.20-4.26 and will return to business 4.27. Lead times will remain the same. :)

Current Lead Time Average
for Printed Orders(Design-Shipment):
about 1.5-2 weeks
(Assuming communication with me is forthright.)

Current Lead Time Average for .PDF Orders
(Design-1 or 2 rounds of revisions)
about 1-1.5 weeks
(Assuming your communication with me is forthright.)

Proofs:  4-6 business days
(From the time I get your order specs to the first proof)

Convos/Emails: 1-2 business days
Thanks for understanding that I reserve the weekends for my family (and my sanity! :)

*Oh, spring, how I love thee! (If Michigan would just get with the program, ha!) Spring weddings are just so hopeful, I love them! We are heading into my busy season, so expect lead times to increase as the summer approaches.  Just an FYI- I do my absolute best to return all emails and convos within a day, but sometimes it is honestly just not possible, so thanks for understanding that you are important to me and I will get back at ya, just give me a (business) day or two. And, as always, if you are in a time crunch, be sure to let me know!  I always keep some rush order slots open. 

Thanks!