Frequently asked questions and answers for Card for Soldiers [/b]
I am going to start this thread to address the FAQ so that they are in one place for our new card makers to refer to. If you have a question that is not addressed here, please post it in this thread and it will get answered quickly by one of our veteran participants. Many of us have been doing this for almost 4 years. Basic questions are also answered on the first page of each new theme/challenge.

What size should the cards be??
A2 (4 /14 x 5 ½) cards are the preference. They pack the most efficiently in the large priority boxes we use. They are also cost efficient to make, as you can do 2 cards from a sheet of 81/2 x 11 card stock. However, if you make other sizes that is ok. Every card is needed and appreciated and we don’t want to get picky.

Do I include envelopes ??
YES, please include envelopes for your cards. Many of us order our envelopes on-line in large quantities.
If you make your own envelopes, please use good paper and strong adhesive. Also do NOT use pattern paper. Keep in mind that when a soldier sends a card home it is going to travel several thousand miles and get tossed/shuffled around a LOT.

Can I use brads, jewels, buttons, skittles, ribbon and fibers ??
These all look great on cards. Please keep in mind though, that the cards need to go through postal equipment/screening and these embellishments can get caught and rip envelopes.
Keep your embellishments as flat as possible. Not sure? Slip your finished card in the envelope and see if it is lumpy. I often remove some embellishments when I get the cards and replace them with thinner versions.

Can I use Glitter or Stickles/glitter glue ??
Definitely NO glitter. It rubs off on skin and uniforms and can be seen with night vision goggles, putting our troops potentially in danger.
Stickles and glitter glue are ok. These don’t rub off. If you aren’t sure, test your product. Also make sure the glue is dry, so your cards don’t stick to the envelope or other cards.

A$$embly Line Construction ??
Multiples of cards are encouraged. Each box of 200-300 cards goes to a unit of approximately 125+ soldiers to share. So 5 or 10 of the same card are not a big deal. Multiples are how many of our regulars are able to do large numbers of cards for each challenge.

Do I have to follow the current theme ??
No. The themes are designed to give everyone inspiration and motivation. But feel free to do your own thing. We always need cards for all occasions and cards are also a great way to use up odds and ends embellishments, small scraps of card stock or to try a new design, stamp, etc. I use my practice cricut cuts for cards.

How to best send cards to your shipper ??
If possible your cards should be packaged in plastic bags. This keeps them from shifting around during shipping and catching on each other, getting bent and also from the elements, in case the postal person gets caught in a down pour. I have had large envelope packages arrive to me that have been torn exposing some of the contents. This is usually because they are packed too full. When shipping your cards, if they are general occasion cards and not holiday specific, it is not necessary to ship priority mail unless it is the most cost effective. All the shippers are constantly sending packages as they fill them.

Holiday Theme cards and deadlines ??
While we can be flexible on the deadlines for general use cards, Holiday specific cards need to be sent in time to reach the units, so that the soldiers have time to send them back home. Packages during the holidays need to be sent 6-8 weeks in advance of the holiday at least.
Christmas cards will need to be in the hands of the shippers by the first of November. Thanksgiving and Hanukkah by early October.

As always, thank you for being part of the Cricut Cards for Soldiers and for supporting our troops by providing special cards for them to send home.

This was brought to our attention by a Unit we were shipping to.

~~pat

Interesting. Hubby is a commander and is in AF and IR a lot and said never been a issue. Says it makes it feel more Xmas (seems to be done more in around that time of year) Oh well, you girls are getting a lot done.

Me, too!

btt

post your questions here.

~pat

just trying to keep this towards the top so that people see it.

~~pat

I have been in numerous cards swaps(I love to make cards) and I now have more than I know what to do with. I have an assortemnt of themes. Get Well, Birthday, Thanks, Kids, Sympathy, Masculine, etc.
Can these be used for CFS?

I have read that they all need envelopes and shouldn't have large embellishments. I can take care of that and I will separate the themes before putting them in plastic bags.


What do I do now?
Thanks
Jean

please read

Janice, this is where a lot of us order from
envelopesuperstore.com

Time to get started on Valentine's .. PLEASE remember NO glitter and limit the embellishments. Christmas cards got a little bulky this year. Thanks in advance ~

~pat (imnchghere

~pat