Thank you for your interest in Three Little Monkeys Studio. Below you will find the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the ordering process, assembly, supplies and so much more. Please take a look!
ORDERING
I am interested in placing an order. What do I do next?
Visit my Etsy shop and purchase the listing you like. There are some instructions for getting your information to me in the listing.
You can either enter all of your details for personalization (name, age, party date, time, location, rsvp info, etc.) into the “notes to seller” section at checkout, or you can email them to me here.
If you are ordering a photo invitation, you can email your photo and details here.
IMPORTANT: Before ordering, please make sure your email address is correct in your Etsy profile. That is how I communicate with you, and if you have an old email address in there you will miss your previews. It happens.
I have placed an order. Now what?
Once you have placed the order, payment has processed, and you have provided the necessary information to complete your order, you will receive a proof via email within 2-3 business days.
Please note that paying by eCheck takes 3-5 days for payment to process and may delay your order until funds have been confirmed.
How do I get my files?
Once your previews have been approved, links to your final files will be emailed to you so you can download your files for printing. Links will stay active four four weeks.
I need an invitation right now. Can you rush my order?
I make every effort to turn orders around quickly, but average production time is around 2-3 business days to due to the volume of orders I receive. Rush orders are subject to a $10 rush service fee.
Can I have text added to the food labels?
Yes. The charge is $5 for the first sheet of four labels, and $2 per label thereafter.
How long are quotes good for?
Quotes are good for 30 days.
Will my files be JPGs or PDFs?
Invitations are 5×7″ or 4×6″ JPGs, except for the train ticket invitation which is 3.5×8″ and will come to you as a PDF with three tickets per page.
Other files, such as party circles, banners, etc. will come to you as 8.5×11″ PDFs, with 1-12 items per page depending on the size of the design.
I love this invitation but I would like it in a different color. Can you change it?
I am happy to change colors and modify the invitation to match your event for a small fee. Purchase the Color Change listing (in the Upgrades section) with your invitation, and then indicate in the “notes to seller” section at checkout your requested colors.
My child wants a character invitation. Can you design one for me?
I’m sorry, but I cannot design an invitation that contains licensed characters. I am happy to create an “inspired” invitation and use similar colors and fonts that you can round out with your own character items like stuffed animals, toy figures, etc., but I cannot include the actual character.
I have a specific design in mind but I do not see it in your shop. Will you take a custom request?
I love custom designs! Please email me for a custom quote for this service.
PRINTING
What paper do you recommend for printing?
I recommend matte photo paper or white card stock, available at office supply stores. Matte photo paper is what I use.
Can you print my invitations for me?
Absolutely! You can purchase professional press printing in increments of 25. You can select your paper, double-sided printing, and square or rounded corners. Envelopes are included with the purchase of professional printing.
Can you print the rest of my printables too?
Unfortunately I can only print and ship invitations at this time, but you can print them at home or a small print shop such as OfficeMax, Staples, etc.
I’m worried my home printer won’t do a good job. Can I get good results from my printer?
Yes! I always recommend printing as a photo for the highest quality. Go into your advanced printer settings and select Photo Printing Borderless > Letter 8.5×11″ > Print Quality: Best. I have a fancy laser printer and an inexpensive inkjet printer, and my inkjet does an amazing job.
Can I print at OfficeMax, Staples, etc.?
Yes you can! But, please take your Etsy receipt in with you just in case, as copy centers have a bad habit of hassling clients about copyrights. The copyright on your printables gives you the right to print for your own personal use, but sometimes (rarely) employees will turn people away instead of reading the fine print that gives you the right to print for your own personal use. Having your receipt in hand will help in case that situation happens.
What type of printer do you use?
I recommend using inkjet printers. I will send you some printing tips to make the most of your home printer.
Should I print these myself or send them to a printer?
Whichever you prefer. You could print one out at home and if you aren’t satisfied with how it turns out take it to a print shop or a copy center, such as OfficeMax, Staples, etc.
The colors look different on paper than they do on the computer screen. Can you adjust the colors?
Because the colors on my files do not change from order to order, this is likely a printer issue. I recommend that you check your ink cartridges to see if they need replacement or adjust the intensity settings on your printer. Generally, this always solves the problem. If not, there will be a custom color charge.
Some of my files are secured and require a password, can you change that?
Like most designers out there, all of my designs are copyrighted and files are locked to protect again copyright infringement (you would be amazed at how often it happens!). What that means is that you can use your files for your own personal use, print as many copies as you need, etc., but you cannot alter them in any way EXCEPT for the files that have editable fields, such as food labels/tent cards. That’s why I personalize everything and take care of it for you. So, as long as you are printing and using your files correctly (not resizing them, copying graphics, etc.), you will have no problems at all. If you have any questions or concern about it, please contact me and I will be happy to help!
ASSEMBLY
What size envelopes do I need?
It depends on the size of your invitation, but you can find envelopes to accommodate a 5×7″ or 4×6″ insert at hobby stores, office supply stores or online at Paper-Source.com.
5×7″ invitations require an A7 envelope, which is 5.25×7.25″ to accommodate your insert.
4×6″ invitations require an A4 envelope, which is 4.25×6.25″ to accommodate your insert.
The train ticket-style invitation requires a No. 10 long envelope.
What supplies do you use?
I provide tips and a helpful list of supplies with every order that includes suggestions such as:
- Matte photo paper (my favorite) or white card stock.
- Craft punches available from hobby stores.
- Tape or temporary glue dots.
- Lollipop or popsicle sticks to make cupcake toppers.
- Ribbon, baker’s twine, etc.
- Scissors
- Sticker paper, optional
How do I assemble all of my printables?
There are a variety of ways to assemble your products, and I provide instructions on every printable, but here are a few tips on how I like to put them together.
- Party circles/Toppers should be printed on matte photo paper, card stock or sticker paper, if making stickers. I use punches available in the scrap booking sections of Hobby Lobby, Micheals, JoAnns, etc. I use a 2″ circle or scallop punch. To make cupcake toppers, tape or use a glue dot to secure the circle to a lollipop stick, found int he baking section. To make gift tags, use a small handheld punch and tie with ribbon. To make stickers, print on sticker paper and punch.
- Banners typically have two flags on each sheet. Print on matte photo paper ot card stock, trim and punch a hole in each corner and tie the individual flags together with ribbon or string the flags together on one piece of ribbon, using a glue dot to secure if they slide.
- Water Bottle Labels can be printed on sticker paper, matte photo paper or card stock and trimmed to fit your beverage.
- Mailing Labels should be printed on sticker paper and wrapped around your envelope, with the return address on the back and delivery on the front.
- Tent Cards can be edited within the PDF and printed on matte photo paper or card stock.
- Mustached Photo Props should be printed on matte photo paper or card stock and trimmed. Tape to a wood dowel for a handle.
- Candy Bar Favor Wrappers can be printed on matte photo paper or card stock and fit standard flat chocolate bars.
- Straw Flags are by far my favorite printable. You can, of course, wrap them around straws to add some fun to your beverages, but you can also make cupcake toppers out of them and food flags. Just print on matte photo paper or card stock.
- Cupcake Wrappers accommodate large and regular cupcakes. If you need to trim them to fit, just trim from the top. Just print on matte photo paper or card stock.
- Signs are formatted to print as 8x5x11″, but there is extra space you can trim away if you wish to frame them as 8×10″s. Print on matte photo paper or card stock.
- Party Hats/Cones should be printed on matte photo paper or card stock and trimmed. Embellish with ribbon, pom ribbon, poms or tissue to create a fun and festive hat. Or, use your party hat as a cone to hold popcorn, cotton candy or other treats.
- Mini Cake Bunting should be printed on matte photo paper or card stock and each flag trimmed. String each flag together with ribbon or twine, and tie to bamboo skewers or pretty paper straws to make a gorgeous cake bunting.
- Thank You Notes are 4×6″ with two cards on each PDF. Print on matte photo paper or card stock and stuff into envelopes that accommodate a 4×6″ insert, available at hobby or office supply stores.
Can you assemble and ship items to me?
No, I am sorry that I am not able to assemble and ship finished projects at this time. Maybe when my little ones are all in school. 
However, I do provide a ton of instructions, tips and a list of helpful supplies with every order. It’s easy. I promise!
MISCELLANEOUS
Do you work regular business hours?
I am a work-at-home mom, so my hours are highly irregular though I typically shoot for 8am-5pm. I do take weekends off to spend time with my family, but am always available by email if there are any problems or concerns. I work very hard to make sure that everyone is satisfied with my products, timing and service.
If you don’t work weekends, do I have to wait until Monday to get my file?
I work very hard to get all orders finished by 5pm Friday, including any orders purchased on Friday. However, if I am unable, I will contact you to see if I can rush the invitation portion of your order so you do not have to wait. I understand that invitations are very time sensitive, and it is very important to me that you are taken care of.
Can I submit my party pictures to you?
Of course you can! Please email 4-5 party pictures, details of your event, and any DIY details. I would be happy to share your party on Facebook and my blog.
For any questions not answered here, email me.
