A Flourish for any Affair

Below you will find my recently updated list of flourishes, borders, frames and monogram styles.

***Remember- I love custom work, so if your theme is anything from Alice in Wonderland to Zebra Stripes- please let me know!!

Click on each of these 3 images of my FLOURISHES to enlarge.

Click this image of my BORDERS to enlarge.

Click this image of my MONOGRAMS to enlarge.

Click this image of my FRAMES to enlarge.

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!

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!

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about my cootie catchers and the ordering process.
Hope these help! If not, please feel free to send me an email (katskrafts{at}yahoo{.}com) or shoot me an etsy convo (katskrafts.etsy.com)

Q.- Does it cost extra for more than one set of questions?
A.- Yes- I charge a flat fee of $10 for each additional set of questions, with the same design layout (i.e only the text is changing, not the graphics, etc.) If you'd like to overhaul the design for each set, the fee is $20 each additional.

Q.- How do Cootie Catchers ship?
A.- US orders ship via USPS Priority Mail with Delivery Confirmation AND Insurance. (International Customers- orders of 115 or less ship via Priority Mail international and orders over 115 ship via First Class mail, in order to save $$$) This is for your special day, and I don't take any chances! =) I ship them in a rigid mailer, which won't fit in your mailbox, so you'll have to make sure to follow the tracking and keep an eye out for them.

Q.- How long does the process usually take?
A.- Lead time on the Cootie Catchers varies depending on the season. In the off season, it is usually around 1.5 weeks, and during the height of wedding season can be up to 3-4 weeks. Lead times are also very dependent on how forthcoming you are in your communication from me, since you supply the customization info and need to approve designs before they go to print. I keep an updated lead time status here on my blog. Click here.

Q.- How far in advance should I order?
A.- I recommend ordering to allow for my current lead time and 4 weeks for shipping. I do so because the USPS does NOT guarantee the Priority Mail timeline. In fact, I have no recourse on the insurance until 30 days have passed with no delivery. For such a special occasion, I'd hate for you to take the risk, but of course, that's your call. I also am happy to offer Next Day shipping upgrades and rush order service for a small fee.

Q- Are they hard to fold?
A.- Well, that all depends on how confident you are! I don't personally think they are all that hard to fold, as long as you are patient enough to learn and have the right tool (a bone folder- $5-10 at craft stores, or in my etsy shop). With every order, I send an extra that has already been folded for you to reference, as well as detailed instructions that include drawings. Be sure to allow plenty of time to fold- don't wait until the night before the wedding! It takes me about 40 minutes of careful folding to fold 25 of them, so plan accordingly.
Of course, I am always available if you need help and I do take folding orders from time to time. Folding is $.75 extra each, and you'll need to contact me ahead of time to see if I can accommodate folding for you.

Q- How long do you keep my file on hand?
A.- I keep custom CC files on hand for 4-6 weeks after completion of order (CC's are shipped out), after which time I delete them, in order to keep my computer storage area from bogging down. If you need additional CC's please contact me before this deadline to get the quantity rate. If you do need them after I have deleted them, I will cheerfully design them again at full price. Thanks for understanding! :) Also, I do photograph some orders for display purposes. If you are opposed to having your custom design used for advertising, please let me know.

Q- Can I order just one to see if I like it?
A.- For sure! There are several listings in my shop for SAMPLE Cootie Catchers. Click here to go to my SAMPLE section. (If it's empty, I may have recently sold out- just convo/email me and I will restock them) The samples are not customized to you, nor can you pick your paper or color ink. But, they give you a great way to hold them in your hands and envision how great yours will look! (If you have a special request for style, you are welcome to ask, and I will do my best to find one in my stock that suits you, but no promises!) Also, I am happy to include up to 5 paper swatches with your sample.

Q- What kinds/colors of paper do you have?
A.- I have a range of more muted color choices in parchment paper, "natural" paper (looks handmade) and "Textures" paper (has a mottled look). I've also recently added a jewel tone collection as well, which has a small upgrade charge ($.12 each- my cost). These 4 kinds of paper offer the stiffest and most formal look. I also have quite a range of colors available in 24lb paper if you are trying to match your wedding colors. You can see all of my paper choices here. Almost all of my papers are also available in 65lb cover stock (cardstock) for a nominal charge of $.10 extra per cootie ($.22 extra for the jewel tone collection.)
If you order a sample and would like some swatches, leave a note in the message to seller section of checkout with the names of the papers you are interested in. I will include up to 5 swatches with each sample purchase. And finally, if you'd like something I don't normally carry, I'm willing to arrange a special order.

Q- Do you have white or metallic ink?
A.- No, unfortunately, I do not have the capability to produce white or metallic inks. I do have a fabulous laser printer, though and the range of crisp colors I can produce is fantastic. :)

Q.- What text can I include in my Cootie Catchers?
A.- I do 4 main types of CC's- FAVORS, PLACE CARDS, PROGRAMS & MENUS. All CC's have 4 outer square corners. Most brides choose to do their names and the date/year on opposite corners. Other ideas include the location, a monogram, your last name, a quote, a heart or graphic- whatever you can come up with!
-For FAVORS, there is space for 8 questions and answers. Don't think you can come up with 8 questions? Don't worry, I have compiled a large list of ideas for you, click here!
-PLACE CARDS are essentially the same as favors, but they have an outer corner or two dedicated to a space for your guest's name/table assignment. I can also print your guest names for you, see my price list here.
-For PROGRAMS, the ceremony information is formatted into 4 main interior sections. These usually consist of- 1.)Order of Ceremony 2.)Parents 3.)Wedding Party 4.)Thank You/Musicians/Officiant, but of course, each cootie varies with each bride.
-MENUS are also fully formatted as programs are, but you can either have questions on the flaps like favors with your menu info in the center, or dedicate the four main interior sections to your menu.
However, it's your event and your Cootie Catcher! They can be as unique as you are. :)

Q.- I've gotta have 'em! How do I get started placing my order?
A.- First, decide on the format you'd like. (Favors, place cards, programs or menus), then the total quantity you need and finally the ink color. Peruse my shop listings- if there's one that fits your needs exactly, go ahead and purchase that one. Otherwise, contact me and let me know what you want and I'll set up a custom listing for you. I have a helpful order form set up right here. If you are not an etsy member, I'd be happy to arrange your order via email- katskrafts(at) yahoo(dot)com.

A Font for all Fêtes!

I am a collector of fonts- I love 'em! I have so, so many fonts to choose from and the list keeps growing.

READ THIS, PLEASE!
*If you are choosing something ornate, that's great! But please consider also choosing a complementary block print font for the main body of your text. Script fonts and very decorative serif fonts limit word count and are hard to read at such a small typeface. You don't want your guests squinting! I'd be happy to help with this. :)

Click these pictures to enlarge them.

*If you don't see anything that fits your current style, please visit www.dafont.com for more options. I love this site, trust it, and will use something you find there that you like better. Dafont also has a great selection of dings for ornamentation. Check it out! 

Cootie Catcher Paper Options

I have loads of paper choices available! There's bound to be something that matches your event colors/theme and if not, I'm always up for special orders! :)

You can click each picture to get an up close view of each set of colors. Please remember that monitors differ, so if you have a question about any of my paper colors, please don't hesitate to ask! I've included some other terms under the color names in an effort to help you identify their true shades. Also, if you are unsure, I would be happy to arrange swatches sent via snail mail.

Please be aware that I print cootie catchers on TEXT weight paper. All of my papers are between 24-30lbs. I personally feel this is the right weight of paper for cooties. Please see my note below if you are interested in heavier stock.






NEW- just added a solid aqua/Tiffany to the Solid Blues!

Sorry, the solid Aqua is not available in cardstock.




THIS JUST IN! Jewel Tones!
This gorgeous line just became available. There is an extra charge of $.12 each for these jewel-tone papers. They are 28lb text weight and are usually better suited to darker inks.
NEW- just added a new aqua/Tiffany blue to the Jewel Tone line.

Sometimes brides like their cooties on cover stock (although I don't recommend it). I'm happy to accommodate these orders upon request. There is a $.10 upcharge for cardstock cootie catchers. (With the exception of the Jewel Tone collection, which has an upcharge of $.22 each for cover stock) Unless otherwise marked, all of my paper selections also come in cardstock. In addition to these cardstock choices, I also have:White Linen
Cherry (a shade of pink)
Buff (a light yellow/gold color)
Salmon
Bisque (off white)

Also, I get asked a lot if I can do white ink on darker paper. The short answer is unfortunately, no. (Which is why you'll notice I don't offer black or very dark papers) White ink is not yet available except in VERY expensive commercial printers. Let's hope they come up with a solution to that soon!

WoW- I'm on a cool new wedding site!

Hey- I'm famous now!
(Well, not quite... but I'm trying!)

Seriously, though, I am so thrilled to have another one of my products featured online. The knot.com (a fab wedding site) has a new knock-off site sponsored by the WeddingChannel.com called My DIY Wedding Day. Check it out here.

I was recently contacted to put together a tutorial for crafty brides for the website. You may remember my post about clothespin magnet favors. Well, that tutorial is now on the DIY website! Pretty sweet, huh?

I thought so, too. =)

SERIOUSLY, how cool are these?

I wonder if people ever refer to me as the cootie lady? I had one client tell me that the reason she visited my shop is that she thought it said "cootchie." Hmmm... that's interesting (hope I'm not the cootchie lady!)

Anyhow, since I've started these, I've gotten lots of great ideas from customers who wanted a little something different and I've been happy to oblige. The latest and greatest?

Cootie Catchers as Wedding Menus!
I think they turned out super awesome! (See my last post for more information about how I seem to be hung up on myself.)

These can double as favors with the menu inside or stand alone as an awesome wedding menu. Know any brides? Send 'em my way!

Cooties for a Cause

If you're interested in buying cooties for that upcoming special occasion, love a good deal, and would like your dollars to go towards helping struggling families- boy have I got good news for you! I've donated a 100 cootie catcher favor package to the Good Samaritan Ministries fundraising auction. Just click here to go straight to the listing for cooties.

There are also LOTS of other great deals and opportunities to support this awesome ministry.

There's not much time left to get in on the auction action- so head over to the Giving for Good Auction NOW!

Wedding Place Card Holder / Favor Tutorial

Need a cute, fun, inexpensive idea for wedding favors/place card holders?

These fun embellished clothespin magnets are the perfect idea; they're super simple to put together and look great!
(watch for them on theknot.com's upcoming do-it-yourself blog! Link to follow)

Also, if you're not keen on doing-it yourself or don't have the time, I'd be happy to put together a custom order for you. Check out my etsy shop- katskrafts.etsy.com

Materials Needed:

Clothespins

Magnets

Mod Podge

Diamond Glaze (or hot glue)

Decorative paper

Ink Pad

Ribbon (optional)

Scissors/paper trimmer

Small foam brush

Step 1

Trim decorative paper to just smaller than clothespin side. You will need 2 strips of paper for each clothespin. Spread a thin layer of Mod Podge along each side of the clothespin (using the foam brush) and adhere the paper to it, pressing out any air bubbles.

Step 2

Using an ink pad and a light touch, distress the outer edges of the clothespin. Allow to dry.

Step 3

Spread another thin layer of Mod Podge over the clothespin sides, to seal, making sure to cover all of the paper edges. Allow to dry. Apply a second coat, if desired.

Step 4

Adhere the magnet to the back side of the clothespin using Diamond Glaze (recommended) or hot glue. Press firmly until the magnet is secure, or the magnet will be attracted to the metal of the spring and may rip your paper. The best position for ease of use as a magnet is just above the spring. Neodymium magnets offer the strongest pull and can be ordered online from many reputable sellers.

Step 5

Tie ribbon onto the clothespin, or embellish any way you see fit! (Other neat ideas include rhinestones, a monogram, or silk flower with button center.) These work wonderfully as place card holders and are a fabulously fun and functional wedding favor!

Spring is coming... and so are the Brides!!!

Wedding season is coming up pretty quick here, so just a quick promotional post for my super cute

Cootie Catchers!

I can format these awesome little origami as unique:

FAVORS
(with questions and answers about the bride & groom)

PROGRAMS
(with all the ceremony info)

PLACE/ESCORT CARDS
(with a space to write, or I can print the guest names/tables)



INVITATIONS
(Yep, that's right, I have made these as fun invites!)


Hop on over to my shop- katskrafts.etsy.com
to order!

P.S. Watch for an upcoming FREE shipping promotion this spring.