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Cardmaking Guidelines

Please review the following guidelines when making T4T greeting cards.

• A2-size cards (4.25 inches x 5.5 inches) only.
• White or ivory good quality (thick) cardstock, please.  Light pastel colored cardstock is acceptable; however, if you use darker colors such as reds, greens, blues, browns, grays, purples, blacks), please insert piece of plain white paper, slightly smaller than the card itself, folded in the center, and lightly glued to the inside LEFT side of the card, to keep the insert in place.  Rule of thumb:  If you can’t easily read the writing on the cardstock, add an insert.
• White or ivory A2-size envelopes only.
• Adding a personalized stamp on the back (bottom) of the card is discouraged.  We want to provide the sender as much writing space as possible. 
• Foam dots and tape may be used.  However, thick cards reduce the number of cards that can fit into a shipping box.  So, please use foam dots/tape sparingly.
• No metal embellishments, including brads, eyelets, or clips of any sort.
• No pearls, faceted plastic jewels, or crystal embellishments as they can easily be crushed in mailing.
• Ribbon embellishments and knots must be as flat as possible.  The thickness of the card must comply with USPS standards.
• Please ensure that cards are devoid of offensive odors, perfumes, or cigarette/cigar smoke odors.
• Totally for Troops reserves the right to withhold any inappropriate or improper cards.  We respect the culture of the countries in which our Soldiers are serving.
• Cards are 100% screened prior to bundling and shipping.

A Word about Workmanship.
This is a “touchy” but necessary subject to bring up.  Under no circumstance do we want to discourage creativity and we don’t want to dictate design.  However, each of us must remember that our cards are gifts not only to our Troops and to their families and loved ones as well.  T4T cards are special offerings and as such, poor workmanship is just not an option.  We want you to enjoy cardmaking but PLEASE take your time; pay attention to detail as you lay-out, cut, trim, glue, stamp, position.  Do not sacrifice quality for quantity.  We ask that sentiments and greetings not be hand-written, that inks, glitter, and coloring not be smudged or carelessly applied, that folds be neat and crisp, and that simplicity be your guide.  If you have any questions about your workmanship, please ask another cardmaker for an honest appraisal OR contact us by E-mail and we will gladly assist you.  Every single card is checked for quality of workmanship before it is bundled and prepared for shipment and we reserve the right to exclude substandard cards.