Sunday, February 23, 2014

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Regarding the Purchase of Digital Invitations

I get asked a lot of questions regarding my invitations, custom designs, sizing, color alteration, etc. They tend to follow along the same lines, so I thought I'd do a post to answer the most frequently asked questions. Hopefully this will address your question. If not, just contact me and I'm happy to answer any questions you may have.

1) How many invitations come with the $15 (or similar) cost?
How much would it be for 30 invitations and envelopes?

A) The price listed on Etsy is for the digital JPEG file of the invitation only. No paper invitations are mailed to you. The cost includes the design, alterations, and final proof (JPEG) of the invitation.

2) How do you recommend printing the digital file?

A) You can print the invitation anywhere you'd like - either at home or using a commercial printer such as Kinkos, Staples, Office Depot, Walmart, Costco, etc. The JPEG file is emailed to you, then you simply have to download the file, save it to your computer, then print using your home printer, or transfer it to a thumb drive or DVD to take it to your local commercial printer. Note: please do not forward the email attachment to your local printer, as this alters the formatting and resolution of the image, so your final product may appear grainy.

3) How long does it take to receive the file once purchased?

A) At the time of this posing, the current turnaround time for proofs is approximately 72 hours from the time of purchase. I do my best to get the proof emailed to you within this timeframe. Please be sure to check my shop announcement, however, which is located at the top of the page below, to ensure that this is still the current turnaround time.
Shop Home

If it has not yet been 72 hours from the time of your purchase, please do not contact me asking when your invitation will be available. There may be numerous orders before yours, and orders are completed as they are received. If you need your proof sooner than 72 hours, please see #5 below, and request a Rush Order prior to purchasing.

4) How are edits made to the proof and how long do they take?

A) If after the proof is sent you require edits to the text, I do my best to make these changes within approximately 24 hours of receiving your request. Simply reply to the email in which the initial proof was sent, with your requested changes.

5) If I'm in a hurry, can you rush my order?

A) Absolutely! Just contact me if you need a Rush Order. There is a $12 Rush Order Fee for 24-hour turnaround, and an $8 Rush Order Fee for 48-hour turnaround.

6) Does the digital file come with bleed/safety/trim lines required by commercial printers?

A) Yes, the default format for all of my invitations is 4.25 x 6.25 or 5.25 x 7.25 inches, which includes a 1/8 inch allowance on each side. Alternatively, I can provide the file in exactly 4x6 or 5x7 inches upon request, or as a printable 8.5 x 11 inch sheet with two invitations per page and guidelines to assist in trimming the remaining 1/8 inch from each side.

Why include the extra 1/8 inch if printing a standard 8.5 x 11 sheet from home? This ensures that your image goes all the way to the edge of the paper for your final product. If you trim around a 4x6 invitation, for example, you may not be exactly at the edge, and you could end up with a thin line of white around the image.

Note: thank you cards, RSVP cards and postcards, and registry inserts typically come in the exact size listed on Etsy. If you require bleed/safety/trim lines for these as well, just let me know in the Note to Seller when you checkout.

7) What type of paper do you recommend printing on?

A) Regardless of the design or size, I recommend printing on bright white cardstock of at least 110 lbs. Using white card stock will ensure the colors in the image appear as you see them on your computer screen.

If you want to print on kraft paper, for example, the colors may vary. Also, if you plan on printing on a colored background, you may not want the colored background shown on the sample image (such as a blue or bokeh background). I can provide the file without a background if you'd like, so that the paper color of your choice shows through as the background itself.

Cardstock of at least 110 lb will ensure that your invitation has some weight to it. I'd recommend using a card stock with a slight sheen to it, as a purely matte cardstock may make the final image appear grainy.

8) I plan on using a commercial printer. What size would they require for printing?

A) Unfortunately this varies with the printer, so you'll have to contact your local printer to see what they require. It also depends on what type of cardstock on which you'd like to have them printed. For example, if you'd like to use cardstock that is exactly 5x7 inches, you'd need the 5x7 image. If the printer requires bleed/safety/trim lines, you'll need the 5.25 x 7.25 inch file. Often these options are more expensive than printing two per page on a standard sheet of 8.5 x 11 card stock. So if you'd like to save money, this may be the best option.

Additionally, some printers will print them off-site if you want them to be exactly 5x7 inches, so you'll have to wait for them to be shipped - and pay for shipping. In this case, they may be able to print them in the store the same day if you go with the printable sheet option.

Simply call your local printer to discuss your options, and determine how much each option would cost, and which size they require.

9) I need a different size than what you have listed. Is it possible to get the design in a custom size?

A) Some commercial printers, such as VistaPrint, have unique sizing requirements. While I'm happy to adjust the size for you, there is an accompanying size alteration fee of $5. Please contact me before purchasing so I can set up a custom listing. There is an additional $1 charge if I have to set up a separate invoice for this fee after the file has been purchased.

10) Can you customize the colors of the design to fit my color scheme?

A) Absolutely! There is a color alteration fee depending on the amount of changes to the original design, which typically varies between $4 to $8. Simply contact me and let me know which design you're interested in, and which color(s) you'd like changed. Then I can let you know whether that would be possible, provide a quote, and set up a custom listing for you.

If you'd like to pick your custom colors, use the color picker below and provide the HSB and RGB color codes. That way I can adjust the colors to match these values exactly.
Color Picker

Please contact me before purchasing so I can set up a custom listing for you which includes the color alteration fee. There is an additional $1 charge if I have to set up a separate invoice for this fee after the file has been purchased.

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11) Can you create a custom design for me?

A) If you don't see what you're looking for in my shop, such as an invitation, a matching thank you card or recipe card, etc, just send me a message. I'm happy to set up a custom order for you with a new design of your choice. There is a $10 new design fee for this option, in addition to the base cost for that digital item.



12) Do you offer a discount if more than one item is purchased?

A) I do offer a 10% package discount if three or more products are purchased together from my shop.  If you're interested, simply send me a message with the products you'd like, and I can set up a custom listing for you with the discount.



13) Can you print the invitations for me?

A) Unfortunately at this time I do not offer printing services or envelopes. The designs are available only as digital, printable files which you print yourself. This saves you time and money, as you don't have to worry about shipping.

14) I love your invitation, but I need it for a different event.
I'd like to add additional text, such as a list of hostesses.
Can the text be altered?

A) Alterations to the text are included in the cost of the design. I can alter the text in any way you'd like, whether for a different event, or different wording. Fonts are customizable as well. If you'd like to change the font(s) simply indicate your preference in the Note to Seller upon checkout. If you're unsure of font names, you can choose any font shown in the samples in my shop. Simply indicate the other design, and which of the fonts you prefer from that design.

15) Can you customize the design elements for me? I'd like one or two things tweaked.

A) I'm happy to alter the design for you if you'd like. There would be a $4 to $8 design change fee for this option, depending on the amount of work necessary to alter the design. Simply send me a message detailing your request, and I'll set up a custom order for you.

Please contact me before purchasing so I can set up a custom listing for you which includes the design alteration fee. There is an additional $1 charge if I have to set up a separate invoice for this fee after the file has been purchased.

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16) Can I see the proof prior to purchasing?

A) Unfortunately I only offer proofs after purchase is made, as the cost of the design includes the work involved in personalizing your invitation. In other words, it is basically a down payment for the work involved. Please rest assured that I will make any changes you'd like to see after you review the initial proof. I want to make sure you are 100% satisfied with your order.

17) I've never used Etsy before. How do I go about purchasing the invitation?

A) If you don't yet have an Etsy account, it is very was to open one. Simply sign up using the link on the home page. Once you have an account, simply click the "Add to Cart" button on the listing of your choice. Some listings may require you to choose the design number, chevron color, text color, etc, using the drop-down options. For the design number, you'll notice several images below the main image, which will show you the various design options (up to 5) for that listing. These may show variations in backgrounds, colors, etc.

 On the checkout screen, you'll notice a comment box that reads "Note to SilverScraps". This is where you can include your customized text for the invitation (or printable). Please include your text exactly as you'd like it to appear on the invitation (case-sensitive) as your text will be copy & pasted. I do my best to proof-read the text you provide to make sure there aren't any mistakes, but I will use the text you provide.

**Please make sure that all of the information you'd like to include on the invitation is included with your order (hostesses, registry details, etc). I can't tell you how many orders I've received that didn't include the date or time.  ;)

On the right side, you'll see "How You'll Pay". You can pay directly through Etsy using a credit card, or using a Paypal account. **If you'd rather not use Paypal, simply choose the credit card option. 

Follow the prompts to finish the checkout process. Please note that if you use Paypal, it will bring you back to Etsy for one final review of your order. You must confirm the order at that point, otherwise your order will not go through. Be sure that the confirmation page with the cardboard box appears to indicate your order is complete.

You should receive an email immediately from Etsy to let you know your order went through. Please note that I use the date & time stamp of this email to calculate the 72-hour turnaround time for your proof. Once your proof is complete, I will email it to the email address you have listed with Etsy, unless you provide a different email address.

18) Can I purchase the design without the text? I only need the background.
Can you provide this as an editable template (i.e. photoshop file format)?

A) Unfortunately I cannot provide the digital file without text, or as an editable template. The file must be personalized with your custom text and provided as a flattened JPEG file, prior to sending to you. This is due to commercial use licenses by which I am bound.

19) Where can I find matching envelopes?

A) Invitations in my shop are provided in standard sizes (4x6 and 5x7). You can find envelopes to fit these at stationary supply stores such as Staples or Michaels. If you'd like a different invitation size to fit your envelopes, please see #9 above regarding custom sizes.

20) Can you provide the final file as a PDF, rather than a JPEG?

A) Unfortunately the file size for a PDF is too large to email due to the high resolution quality of the image. The quality of the JPEG image is therefore higher when emailed, as I would have to reduce the quality of the PDF file in order to email it to you.

21) Can you provide a matching back side, so that I can print a double-sided invitation?

A) I'm happy to provide a matching back side. If you'd like only the matching background, the fee would be $8 for the back side. If you'd like to add text to the back (such as for a list of hosts/hostesses) there would be a $12 fee for the matching back side.

22) Can your invitation design be used as a postcard? 

A) The size of a postcard (4.25 x 5.5) is different than the invitation sizes (4x6 or 5x7). Neither can be stretched to fit a postcard without losing some of the image. If you'd like a postcard size, with a matching back side for the address line, see #9 and #21 above for more details.



23) Do you offer matching party supplies, such as banners, water bottle labels, etc?

A) Unfortunately at this time I do not offer matching paper party supplies. I may be able to create a digital (printable) design for items such as recipe cards, well wishes cards, registry inserts, favor tags, etc. Send me a message if you'd like to inquire about a custom design. At this time I do not offer digital versions of banners or water bottle labels.

23) Troubleshooting
The printed image appears grainy.

A) The final image should not appear grainy, as the file size is 300 dots per cm. This is much higher than other shops or printers, which provide files as 300 dots per inch. If you're image appears grainy, it could be due to one of several factors:
- Check your printer settings. If printing at home, make sure the printer is set to the "best quality" setting.
- Check your paper. Cardstock with a slight sheen works better than a purely matte paper. Matte papers have a graininess to them, which will show up regardless of the quality of the image.
- Check how you sent the file to the commercial printer. You cannot forward the email & attachment to a printer. Forwarding the email alters the image and can reduce the resolution. Be sure to download the image to your computer, then transfer the file to a thumb drive or DVD. This will ensure the file size & resolution are maintained.

24) Troubleshooting
The image is printing across the full piece of paper. (i.e the image is stretching, or is larger than what it should be)

A) Unfortunately I won't be much help with this, as this is an issue with your printer settings. I would suggest checking several things, however.
- Make sure your settings are printing the exact file size, rather than "fit to page".
- Make sure you have the correct size listed for the paper you are using.

If you're still having issues, I would suggest using your search engine to look for solutions based on your particular printer.


I hope these help with any questions you may have had. If you still have questions that aren't answered here, or you would like to set up a custom order, simply send me a message through Etsy (click on the "Contact Shop Owner" button on the left), or post a comment below, and I'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Adelaide's First Try at Solid Foods

Well....rice cereal with a lot of formula at least. She has been eying our utensils for the past few weeks, and has been much hungrier than normal, so we decided to give it a shot on Sunday night. She was very confused by the spoon (as would be expected), but she did great. We started with a semi-liquid for her  first time, and only a few teaspoons. She gobbled it up!




Hopefully she'll enjoy the transition over the next few months as new tastes and textures are added!

baby rice cereal first time solid foods

baby rice cereal first time solid foods

Monday, February 17, 2014

Scrapbook Monday: Two Weeks Old


I was finally able to get a few scrapbook pages done while Addie was taking a nap. I had been browsing some blogs from my favorite scrapbook designers and felt a rare surge of creativity.

I always suffer from the feeling that the final page won't be perfect - won't look the way I'd hoped. My resolution for this year is to put that fear aside, and simply scrapbook. Whatever makes it onto the page is a reflection of my thoughts and creativity at the time, and there is nothing wrong with that. After all...I can always re-print the photos later and start over if for some reason I hate the final page.

I took some posed photos of Addie when she was about two weeks old, using some photo backdrops I got from Etsy and some props I'd accumulated along the way. {For details on the backdrops, see this post.} I finally had a chance to scrapbook some of my favorites. Here is one of the final pages.

TWO WEEKS OLD:






Supplies: My Minds Eye, October Afternoon,
Crate Paper, Basic Grey & others

I used a large scalloped punch to punch three circles on the right side of a piece of dark grey card stock. Then I cut three pieces of paper in squares just larger than the circles, and added them to the back so they would show through. I added some stickers, a "hello" brad, teal ribbon and crepe paper trim, and lots of zig-zag stitching using my sewing machine. Machine stitching is one of my favorite ways to add texture to a page.

Hope you enjoy, and hope you can use the layout as an inspiration for your next page.

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Presidents Day SALE - Etsy Shop Coupon Code!

Following the blog? Here's your reward! This is the only place you'll find sales and coupon codes for my Etsy shop! In honor of Presidents Day, save 15% on EVERYTHING in my shop. Invitations, printables, matching thank you cards, necklaces, mini scrapbook albums....everything!

Simply use the following coupon code when checking out in Etsy: President15

**Please note that the coupon code must be entered at checkout. I cannot offer refunds on your order after it is placed.**

The coupon expires at 11:59pm on Monday night, so hurry and purchase that invitation you've been eyeing!

Happy Presidents Day!

Blurred Bokeh Lights and Gold Glitter Mason Jar Wedding Invitations

I am so excited to share these with you today....I almost want to squeal! I absolutely love these designs, and I hope you will love them as much as I do. I have a client who loved my vintage hanging mason jar invitations, but wanted to incorporate some gold dots or confetti in some way. I decided to do a few with the lights on the string of twinkling lights in gold glitter, a few with the mason jars themselves also in gold glitter, and several with a blurred light, or bokeh, pattern background. Love how they turned out!

Bokeh seems to be one of the top trends this season, although I have to admit that I didn't know what it was called until I started searching around. I thought they were just blurred lights, like the lights you may see on a photograph you take in the dark of your Christmas tree, or street lights. Upon searching for some designs, I came to find that they're called "bokeh". This makes sense, as bokeh derives from the Japanese word boke which means blur or haze. It is the blur, or aesthetic quality of the blur in out-of-focus areas of an image in photography. So while I knew what it was I was looking for, I wasn't sure at the time what it was called.

Bokeh.

I think I'm in love. I love the etherial quality the background gives these invitations. Here are a few of the options available in my shop. These first ones have bokeh designs in gold, pink, and brown. The hanging mason jars are in creams, tans, golds, and browns. These would be perfect for an engagement party or couples shower - so modern and elegant.






These next two incorporate a less prominent bokeh pattern, so that it doesn't compete with the gold glitter in the lights and mason jars.  {Note: these two appear a little more gray on the blog than they do in the actual image. See the images here in my shop for the correct colors.}



While these are shown as wedding invitations in the samples, I always get asked whether these can be altered for other events, such as a bridal shower or bachelorette party. The answer is always YES! The text is completely customizable free of charge. These invitations can be used for a rehearsal dinner, engagement party, couples wedding shower, baby shower, bridal shower, bridesmaids luncheon, anniversary party, etc. 

These would be perfect for a 50th Golden Wedding Anniversary! Instead of "Wedding Celebration" it could read "50th Wedding Anniversary". These invitations are classy and elegant, yet fun and unique at the same time. Perfect for your event!

As always, I'm also including some inspiration to fit the bokeh theme. Whether you're having a bokeh-themed wedding or shower, or just love the look and would like some home decor, here are some other amazing bokeh finds. 

This is one of my favorites. This photography art print is available from AmeliaKayPhotography, and  has wonderful heart bokeh "lights". 

Valentine Abstract Photography, My Heart, white hearts, romantic love, geometric pastel purple, cream, dreamy, heart bokeh, nursery decor

Having a photo booth at your wedding? Or do you love to take photos of your little one at home? Use this lovely bokeh photography backdrop for your photos, from InkandElm.

Photo Backdrop 5ft x 7ft, Vinyl Photography Backdrop, Creamy Off-White Bokeh photo backdrop, photo prop, newborn prop, "Creamy Bokeh"

This bokeh platter would be great for desserts at a wedding, or even as a wedding gift. You can find it here, from PaintingParisPink.

Cheers Bokeh Melamine Platter - Perfect for the Christmas Holiday, New Year, Wedding Pink Blurred lights cheers new years birthday party

Want to continue the bokeh theme on your tables? These table numbers, place cards and tags would be perfect for your wedding or shower tables. They are available from WeddingAmbience.

Escort Cards - Place Card, Table Cards, Seating Cards, Blank Folded Cards, Buffet Signs, Bokeh Wedding Decoration, Mini Sign Cards

Although not specifically a bokeh pattern, this pink and gold glitter garland would go beautifully with the bokeh wedding invitations above. This garland is available from StellaArborBoutique.

Gold and Blush Glitter Bokeh Paper Garland - Confetti - Round Circle Bunting - Wedding Decoration - Brithday Decor - Nursery - Bridal - Pink

Looking for a unique groomsmen or grooms gift? How about this bokeh flask in black and gold? This is available here, from TipsyFlask.

Black Gold Flask - Party Flask - Wedding Flask - Gold Flask - Gold Black - Black and Gold Glitter Bokeh- Tipsy Flask

Lastly, if you're looking for some home decor, this "own the night" bokeh art print would look lovely on your wall. This Katy Perry music lyric print is available from LyricalArtworks.

Firework / Katy Perry- Music Lyric Art Print - glitter, bokeh, wall decor, home decor, gift idea, celebration, wedding sign, party decor

I hope these inspire you in some way, whether for your next event, or to add a  lovely print to your wall.

You can find my bokeh wedding invitations in my Etsy shop. Please let me know if you're interested in a variation of these designs.

Happy Sunday!!

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Snow Bunny....or Bear

We're snowed in today in Virginia. It's great to have everyone home on a snow day. The government is closed, courts are closed, and so is daycare...so the family is at home. This is one of the biggest snows we've had since Addie was born, so we decided to bundle her up and take her outside for a few minutes after Justin shoveled.

pink snow bear suit baby

My mom had gotten her this pink fluffy outfit a few months ago, and this was the perfect time to wear it. Although it's not a bunny, it always reminds me of the pink suit from A Christmas Story!

pink snow bear suit baby

Have to say...she looks pretty darn cute in it!  ;)

pink snow bear suit baby

pink snow bear suit baby


She was not loving the snow...hopefully she'll grow to love it.

pink snow bear suit baby

Hope you're staying warm today!

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Rustic Woodgrain or Birch Trees Invitation with Navy and Royal Blue Bird

My neighbor recently asked for help with a bridal shower invitation, and loved the design below, but wanted the color scheme to be navy blue, royal blue, and grey. She also showed me an example with a tree, with grey woodgrain bark.

Flowers and Bird on Branch Custom Digital Bridal, Baby Shower, or Bridesmaids Luncheon Invitation - Pink Green Floral Rose Shabby Chic Girl

Luckily I have some birch trees and woodgrain designs I've been wanting to use for an invitation design, so this was the perfect opportunity. Here are the new designs, with a navy bird on the branch, and navy and royal blue flowers.

Flowers, Bird on Branch and Wood - Custom Digital Bridal, Baby Shower, Bridesmaids Luncheon Invitation - Navy Royal Blue Green Floral Birch Trees Bark Woodgrain Rustic Outdoors Cottage Barn

Flowers, Bird on Branch and Wood - Custom Digital Bridal, Baby Shower, Bridesmaids Luncheon Invitation - Navy Royal Blue Green Floral Birch Trees Bark Woodgrain Rustic Outdoors Cottage Barn

Flowers, Bird on Branch and Wood - Custom Digital Bridal, Baby Shower, Bridesmaids Luncheon Invitation - Navy Royal Blue Green Floral Birch Trees Bark Woodgrain Rustic Outdoors Cottage Barn

Flowers, Bird on Branch and Wood - Custom Digital Bridal, Baby Shower, Bridesmaids Luncheon Invitation - Navy Royal Blue Green Floral Birch Trees Bark Woodgrain Rustic Outdoors Cottage Barn

Flowers, Bird on Branch and Wood - Custom Digital Bridal, Baby Shower, Bridesmaids Luncheon Invitation - Navy Royal Blue Green Floral Birch Trees Bark Woodgrain Rustic Outdoors Cottage Barn

You can find these designs in my Etsy shop, here. If you see another design you'd like, but would like custom colors for your event, please let me know. I'd be happy to set up a custom order for you with a personalized design. 

If you're having a bridal or baby shower with blue birds and/or birch trees, here are some lovely decorations and gifts to fit the theme.

I absolutely loves these birch bark paper straws! I want to plan a shower around these alone. You can find these on Etsy from thatchandthistleco.

Paper Straws in Birch Tree Design - Set of 25 - White & Black Stripes Cute Fun Unique Pretty Wedding Birthday Party Shower Accessories Decor

These gorgeous birch wood place card holders can be found from TheLovelyGlassJar. They would be perfect for names, table numbers, food labels, etc.

Rustic Birch Branch Place Card/Escort Card Holders- Set of 10

These adorable blue bird fabric cake toppers are from HeyMiemie, and could be used on a shower cake, or even in a centerpiece.

Wedding Cake Toppers 2 Love Birds Teal Turquoise Navy Wool Felt Fabric

If you're throwing a baby shower, or even just attending one, these birch wood and bird burp cloths would be the perfect gift for the mommy-to-be. You can find them on Etsy from SweetingDesigns.

Baby Boy Burp Cloths/ Designer Fabric/ Set of 3 – Windy Day/Lotsa Dots/Birch Forest. Custom Monogramming Option Available

You can even find a matching baby blanket from peekabootiquequilts. It has a mink texture on the opposite side. Wouldn't these make the perfect set for the new mommy? 

Baby Blanket, Minky Blanket in Backyard Baby (Birch Trees)

And why not wrap those up in this ADORABLE birch wrapping paper! Love this! This paper is available in 10-foot lengths, from PaperAndPresent.

10 feet FOREST FRIENDS wrapping paper, birch trees, deer, bear, owl, squirrels

Looking for an art print with the birch tree theme? Here are two options, one for a baby shower, the other for a bridal shower. The nursery wall art is from GreenCherryFactory, and the wedding art print with custom initials is from GatheredNestDesigns.

Nursery Wall Art - All Good Things Are Wild and Free - 8x10 Wall Print - Vintage Tree Birch Background - Printable No.50

Custom Wedding Art Print 5x7-Birch Trees-Couples Initials-Heart-Grey and White OR Choose Colors-Wedding-Engagement-Anniversery Gift/Present

This beautiful wooden cake topper would be perfect for a wedding shower, or even for a wedding cake. I love how the branches form a heart. This can be found on Etsy from ImageVermont.

Woodland Cake Topper for your nature inspired Wedding or Shower hand drawn in ink on a beautiful slice of Juniper wood

Need some pens for a guest book? Why not use these amazing birch wood pens from EarthlyArtz?

3 Rustic White Birch Wood Tree Branch Pens - For Woodland Weddings, Wedding Guestbooks, Outdoor Weddings, Bridal and Baby Showers

I hope this provided some inspiration for your baby shower, bridal shower, or wedding, if you're looking for a rustic, bird wood and blue bird theme. Now all you need is some party favors to match....maybe I'll post some ideas on that later!