Currently ONLY shipping in the Contiguous United States
I am located in South Bend, IN 46614
(The address is provided once your payment clears.)
**Please read this section in full to ensure you know ALL details before placing your order!**
How To Send Elements
If you are shipping elements or dropping them off, please print and fill out the printable order form, not the invoice. YOU MUST FILL THIS OUT AND SIGN FOR ME TO GET STARTED ON YOU ORDER!
Please be sure to boldly and clearly fill in your choices, and notes. Please have your address and name clearly written on ALL your items. Be sure to list ALL options or default options will be used in processing EVEN IF we discuss something else via message. IT MUST BE ON YOU ORDER FORM as I do not check my messages while in the studio. Be SURE to write your name on the container you are sending your element in CLEARLY and with a permanent marker.ALL Elements MUST be shipped to me within 6 weeks of purchase or your order may be charged a $25.00 restocking fee.
How to Send Custom ElementsWhen shipping or dropping off elements, please print and fill out the printable order form. This form must be completed and signed for me to start your order. Ensure your choices and notes are clearly indicated. Your address and name must be written on all items. List all options on the order form or default options will be used even if we discussed something else. Mark the container with your element clearly with a permanent marker.
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.
All elements must be shipped within six weeks of purchase, or a $25.00 restocking fee may be applied.
Custom Elements
(Please never send me the very last of your 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. Both old and fresh milks are acceptable. Note that the milk's color may affect the final jewelry color. Hindmilk generally produces a richer milky white.
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 piece. 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 ElementsI 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 or damaged. Unused ash will always be returned home.
Mind Over Matter (M.O.M.)
South Bend, Indiana 46614