Shipping Policy Currently, we ONLY ship within the Contiguous United States.
Location South Bend, IN 46614
(The full address will be provided once your payment clears.)
Important: Please Read Before Placing Your Order!
How to Send Elements
If you're shipping elements or dropping them off, print and fill out the printable order form, not the invoice.
You must complete and sign the order form before I can begin processing your order.
Clearly and boldly indicate your choices and notes on the form.
Ensure your name and address are clearly written on all items.
All options must be listed on the order form. If not specified, default options will be used, regardless of prior discussions via message.
Label the container you’re sending your element in with your name clearly using a permanent marker.
Deadline for Sending Elements
All elements must be shipped to me within six weeks of purchase.
Failure to meet this deadline may result in a $25.00 restocking fee.
Shipping your elements is straightforward. You can use milk storage bags, ziplock bags, pill bottles, or other sealed containers depending on the type of element. Blood requires authorized containers, or you can purchase a recommended shipping container. For extra precaution, double or triple bag your items. Avoid excessive tape as it is difficult to open with gloves on. I recommend using a well-packed small box with ample cushioning to prevent damage during transit. A flat-rate box with packing paper works well. ALWAYS get tracking for your items so you know where they are at and NEVER require a signature for your shipment.
Custom Elements
Milk: It can be fresh or old and should be sent defrosted. Do not send frozen milk as it may sweat damaging paperwork and potentially seeping through the package. Use milk storage bags and double or triple-bag items. Heat your milk (do not boil) for five minutes using a double boiler method to reduce mold and bacteria growth. Note that the milk's color may affect the final jewelry color. Hindmilk generally produces a richer milky white. And SOME medications may cause slight discoloring.
Blood: Collect blood in a shallow, airtight container. Tiny dropper bottles without the dropper, plastic vials, or medicine syringes with a hot glue or other style plug work well. Collection can be done with a sterile needle or lancet, or some local facilities may draw an extra vial for you depending on the place. I usually ask for around a tablespoon or more of blood depending on what we are creating.
Hair: Send hair in neat bunches rather than strands. Single strands won’t be easily seen or bunched neatly in most cases. If preserving a curl, set it with light hair spray before sending it and ship it in a pill bottle or other container. Be aware that the hair may appear slightly darker or become almost invisible due to the resin and curls may lose some shape.
Placenta or Umbilical Cord Stumps: Send these in a pill bottle or ziplock bag, double-bagged. Do not send raw placenta or cords unless given instructions for proper preparation. Raw, hazardous materials sent without authorization will be discarded. Authorization to send them raw is a MUST.
Ashes: Send ashes in a pill bottle with a ziplock bag. ALWAYS use tracking for peace of mind. Note that ashes may change color when processed with resin. Larger pieces may sink or create lumps, so finer dust is recommended for a uniform look. Do not send the last of your ash; any unused ash will be returned with your piece. Any extra preserved ash will be used to create a free piece though excess to create with isn’t always typical.
Other Elements: For items like flowers, sand, buttons, fabric, bugs, etc., follow the above rules. Double or triple bag for extra precaution. Package items properly to prevent damage or being crushed. Dried or pressed flowers are required as fresh flowers don’t preserve correctly. Be aware that larger elements may need to be processed to fit in certain jewelry styles. Ask questions if you are unsure.
By sending me (Katherine of Mind Over Matter) your elements, you trust my processing and style. Each piece is unique, and there may be slight variations due to the handmade nature. Love your unique journey.
Turnaround Time
Production time depends on how long it takes for your elements to arrive and the volume of previous orders. Seasonal demand, such as around Christmas and Mother’s Day, may also affect processing time. Typically, production takes 2 to 8 weeks. Frequent status inquiries via email may delay the process, so please be patient and refrain from checking in often. I aim to complete your item(s) as quickly as possible and may even preserve your milk live on our page.
Where to Ship Elements
I have a drop box location for local customers but do not offer personal meet-ups or have a brick-and-mortar store. The address for shipping elements will be provided upon purchase clearance.
Other Notes
Clients sending milk, placenta, blood, or other elements are expected to ensure the items are free of illness or disease. If you have a known illness/disease please message me to work out a safe way to have your elements preserved. Do not send raw placenta or umbilical cord stumps without authorization. Do not send frozen milk as it can create a mess and ruin your paperwork. Do not send the last of your precious materials as there is no guarantee of replacement if lost, damaged or “God’s Will.” Unused ash will always be returned home.
Mind Over Matter (M.O.M.)
South Bend, Indiana 46614