Where did the name come from?
I'm so glad you asked! Sparrow Tree Greetings is based on two passages of Scripture that can be found in Matthew. Jesus is speaking to His disciples and is reminding them of how much they are worth. Isn't this a good thing to be reminded of daily? I don't know about you, but I certainly need to cling to this truth. We are worth much more than a sparrow!
"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" Matthew 6:26
"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." Matthew 10:29-31
Can I contact you? What are your hours?
At this time, email is the best way to communicate with me. Of course you can contact me via email any time and I will do my best to respond within 1-2 business days. However, I will not check or respond to emails during the evening, weekends or on major holidays. Evenings and weekends are reserved for time with my family and church. In the event that I am on vacation or out of town, I will post that information to this site. Please check back frequently to remain updated on closings.
What kinds of cards are you offering? Can I get a design printed on the back?
At this time, I am happy to offer flat photo cards in two different sizes: 5x7 and 5x5. (Please keep in mind that mailing square cards does require additional postage.) All cards have a design on the back side, free of charge, and many can be altered to fit your needs. My logo will also be placed at the bottom of the back side, centered.
How long is your turn around time?
Due to the nature of the business and that all cards are outsourced for printing, turn around time can vary from 5-10 business days. Once an order is placed (and I receive your photo and text), you can expect a proof within 2 business days. Once you approve your proof, your order will be sent for print. Printing time may vary, but generally happens within 3 business days once you approve. Please keep in mind this process does not include shipping times. This timeline can change slightly during the Christmas season due to a higher volume of orders.
I'm a local customer. Can I pick up my order?
Yes, if you are in the Raleigh, NC area, I will be happy to meet you somewhere to deliver your order.
What is included with my order?
You will receive at least the minimum number of announcements or invitations that you ordered, plus white envelopes to match. You might find a couple of extras in your box, but you should have at least enough to cover the quantity ordered. If you find that you are short, please contact me immediately so we can fix the situation.
What is the minimum order quantity?
25. After that, you may order in increments of 25. Pricing is provided on the "Paper Stock and Pricing" page.
What is the process for placing an order?
Please see "The Ordering Process" page for more information.
Will I get to see my card before it prints?
Well, sort of. Before your card goes to print, you will be sent a proof of your card customized with your photo(s) and text via email. It is your responsibility to check over the entire design of the card from photo placement to correct spelling and punctuation. While I will do my best to lay your card out perfectly for you, I'm still human and make mistakes. Having you proof your card gives me another pair of eyes to prevent mistakes from being made after your card has gone to print. It's at this time you will have an opportunity to make changes. Once you approve the proof, you assume full responsibility for the card and I will send your order to print.
**Please note: I will not send your order to print until I have received an email approval from you.**
What if I cannot find what I'm looking for?
In the event that you can't find that perfect card for your sweet moment, edits can be made to existing designs, such as color or font changes for little to no charge. However, if you are looking for something more, I am happy to offer custom designed cards to match your event. An additional design charge of $50 will apply for all custom made cards.
What kind of photo is best to use on my announcement or invitation?
I would encourage you to use a digital photo that you will email for your invitation or announcement. While I can accept hardcopies to scan in, there is always a loss of quality when choosing this route. I recommend a digital photo taken at the highest quality settings on your camera. The photo should be at least 1 megabyte (1MB) in file size. I can accept color or black and white files, but please do not edit your photo before you email it to me. You can see the Helpful Photo Hints page for more tips on this topic.
Can I submit a professional photo?
Please feel free to submit a professional photo as these usually make for the best final products. However, if you choose to use a professional photo, it is required that you email me a written copyright release from the photographer before any work can begin on your order. Please contact your photographer for this release and email it to me as soon as possible. You can also have your photographer email me the release directly. Just be sure they include your first and last name in the subject line. Please remember that I will not begin work on your order until I obtain a written release for my records.
Can you touch up my photo for me?
Definitely! Part of the card fee includes time to make basic edits to your photo such as removing red eye and blemishes, smoothing out skin and enhancing the photo for the best print quality. Rest assured that I will not change the content of your photo at any time. You will also have the option to have your photo printed in color or black and white on your card.
How do I submit a photo?
There are two options to submit a photo. The most popular and most convenient is to email the photo to me. If you cannot email, then you can snail mail a copy of the photo to the mailing address listed on the Contact page. Please make sure that the photo you send is at least a 4x6 or larger to ensure better quality when scanned. Include a note with your name so I will know which order to match your photo to.
Will you notify me if there is something wrong with the photo I submitted?
I have multiple photos. Can I use all of them?
Sure! I will do my best to offer a mix of cards that offer both single photos and multiple photos. If you don't see a multiple photo card design that you love, I will be happy to work with you on taking an existing design and changing it around to accommodate multiple photos for a minimal charge. Or, I can create a custom made design just for you! (See custom made design charge above.)
I have multiple photos, but I don't know which one to use. Can you help me?
Absolutely! I will be happy to look at a small number of photos (4-5) and help you choose the best for your card. I believe that a great photo makes a great design better, and will do what I can to give you the perfect invitation or announcement for your special occasion.
Can I make changes to my order after it has been placed?
You may make changes up until you approve an email proof. That is what the proofing process is all about! If, once you have approved a card, you want to make a change, please contact me to see if it can be done. Chances are, your order will already be sent to my printer and it will be too late to make any changes. But, I'm always willing to try and do my best to work with you to make it happen.
What if I don't order enough. Can I place a re-order?
Yes! If you discover that you need more of the same card, you may email me to place a re-order. A small fee of $5 (for set-up) plus the cost of printing and shipping will be your responsibility. Upon receipt of payment, your re-order will be placed. Same restrictions on quantity apply to re-orders. (Must order at least 25, and then in increments of 25 thereafter.)
What if I'm not happy with my cards?
Upon receipt of your cards, if you are not happy with the final product, please contact me immediately. We will review the problem together and if it is a mistake that I've made on this end, I will be happy to reprint your cards at no additional charge. However, if there is a mistake that was overlooked during your proofing process, we can reprint the cards at your cost of printing and shipping.
Do you offer any other services?
At this time, I do not.
Can I contact you? What are your hours?
At this time, email is the best way to communicate with me. Of course you can contact me via email any time and I will do my best to respond within 1-2 business days. However, I will not check or respond to emails during the evening, weekends or on major holidays. Evenings and weekends are reserved for time with my family and church. In the event that I am on vacation or out of town, I will post that information to this site. Please check back frequently to remain updated on closings.
What kinds of cards are you offering? Can I get a design printed on the back?
At this time, I am happy to offer flat photo cards in two different sizes: 5x7 and 5x5. (Please keep in mind that mailing square cards does require additional postage.) All cards have a design on the back side, free of charge, and many can be altered to fit your needs. My logo will also be placed at the bottom of the back side, centered.
How long is your turn around time?
Due to the nature of the business and that all cards are outsourced for printing, turn around time can vary from 5-10 business days. Once an order is placed (and I receive your photo and text), you can expect a proof within 2 business days. Once you approve your proof, your order will be sent for print. Printing time may vary, but generally happens within 3 business days once you approve. Please keep in mind this process does not include shipping times. This timeline can change slightly during the Christmas season due to a higher volume of orders.
I'm a local customer. Can I pick up my order?
Yes, if you are in the Raleigh, NC area, I will be happy to meet you somewhere to deliver your order.
What is included with my order?
You will receive at least the minimum number of announcements or invitations that you ordered, plus white envelopes to match. You might find a couple of extras in your box, but you should have at least enough to cover the quantity ordered. If you find that you are short, please contact me immediately so we can fix the situation.
What is the minimum order quantity?
25. After that, you may order in increments of 25. Pricing is provided on the "Paper Stock and Pricing" page.
What is the process for placing an order?
Please see "The Ordering Process" page for more information.
Will I get to see my card before it prints?
Well, sort of. Before your card goes to print, you will be sent a proof of your card customized with your photo(s) and text via email. It is your responsibility to check over the entire design of the card from photo placement to correct spelling and punctuation. While I will do my best to lay your card out perfectly for you, I'm still human and make mistakes. Having you proof your card gives me another pair of eyes to prevent mistakes from being made after your card has gone to print. It's at this time you will have an opportunity to make changes. Once you approve the proof, you assume full responsibility for the card and I will send your order to print.
**Please note: I will not send your order to print until I have received an email approval from you.**
What if I cannot find what I'm looking for?
In the event that you can't find that perfect card for your sweet moment, edits can be made to existing designs, such as color or font changes for little to no charge. However, if you are looking for something more, I am happy to offer custom designed cards to match your event. An additional design charge of $50 will apply for all custom made cards.
What kind of photo is best to use on my announcement or invitation?
I would encourage you to use a digital photo that you will email for your invitation or announcement. While I can accept hardcopies to scan in, there is always a loss of quality when choosing this route. I recommend a digital photo taken at the highest quality settings on your camera. The photo should be at least 1 megabyte (1MB) in file size. I can accept color or black and white files, but please do not edit your photo before you email it to me. You can see the Helpful Photo Hints page for more tips on this topic.
Can I submit a professional photo?
Please feel free to submit a professional photo as these usually make for the best final products. However, if you choose to use a professional photo, it is required that you email me a written copyright release from the photographer before any work can begin on your order. Please contact your photographer for this release and email it to me as soon as possible. You can also have your photographer email me the release directly. Just be sure they include your first and last name in the subject line. Please remember that I will not begin work on your order until I obtain a written release for my records.
Can you touch up my photo for me?
Definitely! Part of the card fee includes time to make basic edits to your photo such as removing red eye and blemishes, smoothing out skin and enhancing the photo for the best print quality. Rest assured that I will not change the content of your photo at any time. You will also have the option to have your photo printed in color or black and white on your card.
How do I submit a photo?
There are two options to submit a photo. The most popular and most convenient is to email the photo to me. If you cannot email, then you can snail mail a copy of the photo to the mailing address listed on the Contact page. Please make sure that the photo you send is at least a 4x6 or larger to ensure better quality when scanned. Include a note with your name so I will know which order to match your photo to.
Will you notify me if there is something wrong with the photo I submitted?
YES! Since a photo can make or break a card, I will contact you if the photo you have sent does not meet the qualifications. Please understand that I am not criticizing your photo, but am only trying to work with you to create the perfect announcement or invitation. Whether your photo is too small, too blurry or too damaged, we will work together until we can create a product that we can both be proud of.
Will I get my original photo back?
Yes. If you snail mail in a photo to use on a card, it will certainly be returned to you with your order. I understand how precious memories are and the photos that go along with them.Will I get my original photo back?
I have multiple photos. Can I use all of them?
Sure! I will do my best to offer a mix of cards that offer both single photos and multiple photos. If you don't see a multiple photo card design that you love, I will be happy to work with you on taking an existing design and changing it around to accommodate multiple photos for a minimal charge. Or, I can create a custom made design just for you! (See custom made design charge above.)
I have multiple photos, but I don't know which one to use. Can you help me?
Absolutely! I will be happy to look at a small number of photos (4-5) and help you choose the best for your card. I believe that a great photo makes a great design better, and will do what I can to give you the perfect invitation or announcement for your special occasion.
Can I make changes to my order after it has been placed?
You may make changes up until you approve an email proof. That is what the proofing process is all about! If, once you have approved a card, you want to make a change, please contact me to see if it can be done. Chances are, your order will already be sent to my printer and it will be too late to make any changes. But, I'm always willing to try and do my best to work with you to make it happen.
What if I don't order enough. Can I place a re-order?
Yes! If you discover that you need more of the same card, you may email me to place a re-order. A small fee of $5 (for set-up) plus the cost of printing and shipping will be your responsibility. Upon receipt of payment, your re-order will be placed. Same restrictions on quantity apply to re-orders. (Must order at least 25, and then in increments of 25 thereafter.)
What if I'm not happy with my cards?
Upon receipt of your cards, if you are not happy with the final product, please contact me immediately. We will review the problem together and if it is a mistake that I've made on this end, I will be happy to reprint your cards at no additional charge. However, if there is a mistake that was overlooked during your proofing process, we can reprint the cards at your cost of printing and shipping.
Do you offer any other services?
At this time, I do not.