Frequently Asked Questions

Ordering and Billing

1. When will my credit/debit card be billed?

   You credit/debit card will be billed on the 15^th day of each month.

2. How do I make changes in my shipping or billing information?

   Monthly orders are created on the 15^th of every month. Therefore, all shipping changes, including names and addresses, must be made before the 14^th of every month. Studio Calico is not liable for any orders that are shipped to the wrong address because the shipping information was not updated before the 14^th of the month. All information can be edited on your account preferences.

3. What are the terms for an Order Selection Period?

   Please read all terms thoroughly before agreeing to purchase during an Order Selection Period (most common for December Daily®, Week In The Life® and One Little Word® projects). Once items have been added to your box (click "order box") and you have clicked "confirm selection", you have agreed to purchase those particular items. Any cancellation of a Order Selection Period box will be subject to a $15 cancellation fee, unless a different amount is stipulated in the terms of the agreement.

4. What forms of payment do you take?

   We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, JCB, and Diners Club cards. Debit cards that are backed by any of the above listed cards are accepted as well. You may change your billing information at any time by accessing your account preferences.

5. How much do the monthly kits cost?

   We offer month-to-month ($24.99/mo), 6-month ($21.99/mo) and 12-month ($19.99/mo – best value) Story Kit™ and Story Stamp™ subscription commitments.

   We also offer a month-to-month ($19.99/mo) Digital Story Kit™ subscription.

6. How do I update my credit card?

   You can update your information through your account. Just click on “update” under your payment method.

7. What are the terms for preordering?

   Please read all terms thoroughly before agreeing to purchase via the Preorder system. Once added to the Preorder list for a subscription, you have agreed to purchase that particular item. Any cancellation of a Preordered subscription will be subject to a $15 cancellation fee, unless a different amount is stipulated in the terms of the agreement.

8. How do Ali Edwards gift cards work?

   Gift cards may be purchased and gifted for use toward shop products and subscriptions. Gift cards may be used to pay for your first month's subscription, however, you will be required to enter a valid debit/credit card for future, recurring monthly subscription charges. Gift cards are non-refundable.

9. Why am I now being charged sales tax on orders shipped to California?

   Our team is expanding its presence into California. To comply with California state law, Ali Edwards Design Inc. will begin collecting California sales tax on orders shipped to a location within the state of California effective June 1st, 2017.

10. How will my credit card charge show on my banking statement?

    Charges on your credit card statement will appear as "Ali Edwards DBA Inked Brands Inc." Inked Brands Inc is the merchant of record on all transactions completed on aliedwards.com.

11. Will I be charged sales tax?

    Customers who live in California, Georgia, Kentucky, and Missouri will have sales tax listed at checkout as a separate line item. These taxes are imposed by the state on the purchase of goods and services and are not limited to Ali Edwards. The applicable rate is set by each state respectively.

Subscriptions

1. How much do the monthly kits cost?

   We offer month-to-month ($24.99/mo), 6-month ($21.99/mo) and 12-month ($19.99/mo – best value) Story Kit™ and Story Stamp™ subscription commitments.

   We also offer a month-to-month ($19.99/mo) Digital Story Kit™ subscription.

2. Can I upgrade my subscription?

   If you currently have a 1-month or 6-month subscription and you would like to upgrade to a 6-month or 12-month subscription, you may start a conversation with us requesting to do so. Please know that completed months from your current subscription will not transfer over to the new commitment.

3. What does month-to-month commitment mean?

   Month-to-month commitment means that you are signing up for a recurring monthly subscription. This is a good option for people who might want to try out the kits before agreeing to a longer commitment. Please know though, that you will need to cancel your subscription between the 15th and the 10th of the month to avoid being automatically shipped the next month's kit. If you don't cancel before the 10th of the month there will be a $15 cancellation fee (if you cancel between the 15th and the 10th there is no fee). 

4. What are the benefits of subscribing to this monthly kit?

   By subscribing to the monthly Stamp Kit™ or Story Kit™, you’ll receive top quality products designed and/or selected by Ali. You’ll also have access to a subscriber-only area of this site that contains educational material (video, pdf handout) and inspiration from Ali about how to tell your own story using the monthly theme as a jumping off point. In addition, each theme will have it's own message board and gallery for sharing your stories and creations with other subscribers.

   When you sign up for a subscription with a six month or twelve month commitment, the price of your monthly kits will decrease making each kit a better value.

5. I have a subscription – do I need to manually purchase a kit every month?

   No. Please do not purchase the monthly kit unless you want duplicates. Kit orders are automatically created on the 15th of the month.

6. Can I cancel my subscription?

   To cancel a subscription, you must start a conversation with us. To allow adequate time for us to process subscription orders, we ask that you please do not cancel between the 10th and the 15th of the month. If you must cancel during this time, please see below for further details regarding cancellation fees. 

   If you have a month-to-month subscription and you request to cancel between the 10th and the 15th of the month, there will be a $15 cancellation fee. After your subscription order has shipped on the 15th, you may then get in touch with us to cancel your subscription. For subscriptions with a six month or twelve month commitment, you will be charged 50% of your remaining commitment at the time of cancellation. Six month and twelve month subscriptions will not incur an additional $15 cancellation fee if they are cancelled after the 10th of the month. Our customer service team is more than happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding the above policies!

7. Can I skip kits?

   Unfortunately, kits on a subscription plan may not be skipped.

8. How many stamps come on a Story Stamp™ set?

   The number of stamps included on each set will vary based on the theme and the design. Some months will feature larger stamps and some months will feature smaller stamps and some months will be a mixture of the two. The first Story Stamp™ includes 17 stamps on the 4×6" backing.

9. I have a subscription - how do I access the subscriber-only educational content?

   To find the subscriber-only classroom, hover over your username in the upper-right corner of the screen and click "My Classrooms" from the drop-down menu. You'll find all of the educational content for each month's theme there!

   If you have any trouble accessing this content, please start a conversation with our Customer Experience team.

10. What happens when I complete my initial subscription commitment? Is my subscription ongoing?

    Each type of subscription (month-to-month, 6-month, and 12-month) is ongoing, so you will continue to receive a monthly kit until you contact us to cancel. Your subscription will continue on a month-to-month basis at the rate you initially signed up with. If you wish to cancel following final shipment within your initial commitment, we simply ask that you notify us via conversation.

    For information regarding cancellation prior to the completion of your commitment, please refer to “Can I cancel my subscription?” located in this FAQ thread.

11. How does the subscription wait list work?

    If you have been placed on our wait list, all of our subscription spots are filled at that time. As soon as a spot becomes available, your subscription will begin with that newly-available kit. 

    Please note: This means you may not receive this month’s kit—your subscription may start with a future theme.

    Your account will be charged on the 15th of your first active month or when your subscription is activated from the wait list.

    During your first month, you will not be eligible to select Add-On items, given that your activation date will most likely fall outside of the Add-On selection window. However, you will be eligible in subsequent months as your subscription continues.

Ali's Equipment

1. What printers do you use?

   I use an Epson PictureMate PM400 for all my 4x6 photos. For anything larger I use an Epson SureColor P400 printer that can print up to 13x19. 

   I also recently purchased a Canon Pixma MG7720. I ordered this one as a test in the hopes of finding a more reasonably priced printer to recommend to people wanting to print both digital products and photos at home. It's been working great and I definitely recommend checking it out. 

2. What cameras do you use?
   • Canon 6D
   • iphone 6+
   • Instax Mini
3. What lenses do you use?
   • Canon 24-70L
   • Canon 50mm 1.4
4. What scanner do you use?

   Epson Perfection V600 Photo

5. What photo paper do you use?

   Epson PictureMate Show | refill includes ink and paper

   Ilford Galerie Prestige Smooth Gloss | for 8.5x11

   Epson Premium Photo Paper | for 13x19 (this is what I use to print out 12x12 photos)

6. What photo editing tools do you use?
   • RadLab (for Photoshop) 
   • PicTapGo (for iPhone)
7. What kind of computer do you use?

   Mac

8. What photo editing software do you use?
   • Photoshop CC
   • Photoshop Elements (mainly for tutorials, free trial available here)
9. What do you use for photo organization?

   Aperture

   In the past I've also used iPhoto. I'm leaning towards testing out Lightroom as well. 

   Check out a blog post about how I organize and deal with my photos here. 

10. What sewing machine does Ali use?

    I use a machine from Brother XL2600I Sew Advance. It's been a great machine that I recommend. I don't sew anything other than paper, but I have run other materials through it such as transparencies, vellum, cork, etc. I don't use a special needle. 

11. What does Ali use to get her handdrawn words into the computer?

    She uses a Wacom Intuos Tablet and Pen similar to this one.

    She also draws them on paper and scans them into Adobe Illustrator. 

Classrooms

1. I have a subscription - how do I access the subscriber-only educational content?

   To find the subscriber-only classroom, hover over your username in the upper-right corner of the screen and click "My Classrooms" from the drop-down menu. You'll find all of the educational content for each month's theme there!

   If you have any trouble accessing this content, please start a conversation with our Customer Experience team.

2. How do I access my class?

   You can access your classes by clicking “My Classes” in your account drop down menu or simply click here.

   These are “go at your own pace” classes, so they will stay on your My Classrooms page even after the class has finished.

3. When are new classes announced?

   New classes will be announced on the blog periodically. Follow along at aliedwards.com or sign up for the newsletter to hear about upcoming classes!

4. Will I receive a class kit when I sign up for a class?

   Some classes will have a limited number of class kits associated with the class, and others will have a list of suggested supplies you may purchase on your own.

5. Will my class kit ship for free?

   Details regarding shipping will be included in the description of the class kit on the classroom page.

6. When does registration close on a class?

   The registration dates for each class will vary. When applicable, these dates will be announced when the class is opened for registration.

7. How do I report a comment or topic in my class?

   If you find an inappropriate comment or topic please report it immediately by starting a conversation with our Customer Experience department or by clicking on the "report this comment" link next to the comment.

8. What are the rules for class comments and topics conduct?

   The class comments and topics section is meant to be a place for users to discuss the class, ask questions related to the class, and share tips to help each other get the most out of each class. Please refer to our Terms of Use for additional information about posting on our site.

   In an effort to protect our customers, it is against our policy to allow buying/selling to take place on our site. Any such posts will be deleted. Please refrain from posting links to other retail sites that sell similar products. These posts will be deleted as well.

9. Where do my classroom digital files go?

   When you purchase a classroom that includes free digital files via aliedwards.com you will have immediate access to them via your My Digital Files drop-down menu (under your username up in the top right corner).

   Once you click on My Digital Files you will be taken to a new page where you can organize your digital files. On that page you create folders to easily organize your digital products. You can move products between folders and then click on the preview image to download or move to a different folder.

   Click Here to see a blog post that includes a helpful video tutorial that walks you through the process of purchasing and downloading a digital item.

Digital Products

1. Where do my digital files go once I purchase them?

   When you purchase digital products via aliedwards.com you will have immediate access to them via your My Digital Files drop-down menu (under your username up in the top right corner).

   Once you click on My Digital Files you will be taken to a new page where you can organize your digital purchases. On that page you create folders to easily organize your digital products. You can move products between folders and then click on the preview image to download or move to a different folder.

   Click Here to see a blog post that includes a helpful video tutorial that walks you through the process of purchasing and downloading a digital item.

2. Where do my classroom digital files go?

   When you purchase a classroom that includes free digital files via aliedwards.com you will have immediate access to them via your My Digital Files drop-down menu (under your username up in the top right corner).

   Once you click on My Digital Files you will be taken to a new page where you can organize your digital files. On that page you create folders to easily organize your digital products. You can move products between folders and then click on the preview image to download or move to a different folder.

   Click Here to see a blog post that includes a helpful video tutorial that walks you through the process of purchasing and downloading a digital item.

3. How do I download my digital products?

   To download your digital product, click the product you wish to download under your My Digital Files page. This will open a popup. From this popup click the “Download” button under the product image to begin the download.

4. What are digital products?

   Digital products are another exciting tool we want to provide for you here at Ali Edwards. These products are downloaded elements that add an extra layer of creativity to your paper projects. Paper crafting projects that utilize digital products are known as hybrid projects.

5. What is digital card stock and how do I use it?

   Digital cardstock papers make dynamic bases for digital layouts and enhance hybrid projects. They are fun paired with the digital layout templates or print your own perfectly coordinated papers.

6. What are digital layout templates and how do I use them?

   Digital layout templates are an accessory to enhance your layout into a piece of art in a matter of moments using clipping masks in Photoshop or any other photo editing software. Once you have your template complete you can print out your project and bring it to life with your supplies. To use this you will need a photo editing software (like Photoshop, Photoshop Elements, Corel Paint), your digital photo, cardstock or photo paper and a printer to print our your final project. For added fun you could always add digital paper, journal cards, and text to your template

7. What are digital stamp brushes and how do I use them?

   Digital Stamp Brushes are a great tool to really stretch your kit. Add digital brushes to your project in your photo editing program for an extra creative element before they are even printed. To use these you will need a photo editing software (like Photoshop, Photoshop Elements, Corel Paint), your digital photo, cardstock or photo paper, and a printer for your final project.

8. What are printables and how do I use them?

   Printable Journal Cards & Shapes are one of our easiest digital elements to use! Literally, print and cut out beautiful designed pieces and have them ready to go. To use this you will simply need cardstock, scissors, and a printer.

9. What are cut files and how do I use them?

   Cut Files are another great tool that you can use on your die cut machine, and they always keep you inspired. You will need a digital diecut machine (such as aSilhouette Cameo), a cutting mat, blade and cardstock or patterned paper.

Photography and Printing

1. Do you print your photos at home or online?

   I print from home because I love the convenience. I use an Epson PictureMate Show for all my 4x6 images (that's the smaller one you see in the videos). It's hooked up to my computer and I've been happy with it for a few years now. For larger photos I use an Epson R2000 that prints up to 13x19.

Shipping and Returns

1. When will my kit be shipped?

   On the 15th of every month or the nearest business day, we will pack and ship all Story Kit™ and Story Stamp™ subscription orders.

2. I never received my order. What now?

   Domestic packages are deemed "lost" after 30 days from shipment date. Canada and International packages are deemed “lost” after 45 days from shipment date. Singapore and Malaysia have a special exemption of 60 days and Brazil has a 120-day exemption. Packages are not considered "lost" until after the posted date. Please wait until that time to contact us. We will then replace the missing item if it is in stock. If the item is no longer in stock, you will be given a refund in the form of store credit for any lost item.

3. What is the return policy?

   A complete list of kit contents are included in each item description as well as a photo of each. Content and descriptions for all classes are listed as well. Please review all items carefully before a purchase is made as all sales are final, including orders not yet shipped. All items in your cart are listed for review before purchase. In addition, completed orders are listed on your account under my orders & subscriptions. Please review those items, as these terms apply to duplicate items as well.

4. How will my kit be shipped?

   Though we use a variety of shipping methods, our two primary methods of shipping are United States Postal Service and UPS. The shipping method used for each order will be determined by several factors including the weight/size of your package, the type of package, and the shipping destination.

5. How much is shipping?

   For all domestic orders, the Story Stamp™ and Story Kit™ will ship for free. A $2 processing fee will be charged for each Story Stamp™ and Story Kit™ subscription order shipping outside of the United States.

   Shipping rates for items from the shop will vary by service type, weight/size of order, and dollar amount of order. Refer to the Checkout page for accurate shipping and handling amounts.Shop items will not be bundled with kit orders.

6. What if my kit or shop item is damaged?

   Please start a conversation with our Customer Experience team.

7. What happens if an item is missing from my order?

   Please start a conversation with our Customer Experience team.

8. What is the shipping cost to send multiple kits to one destination?

   All orders will be processed individually. For domestic customers who subscribe to multiple kits, each kit will ship free within the United States. We will ship multiple kits together when possible, but this is not guaranteed. For international customers who subscribe to multiple kits, each kit will be charged the $2 processing fee to ship anywhere outside of the United States. When possible, multiple kits may ship together, but they will still be charged the individual processing fees.

9. How do I qualify for free shipping?

   All kit subscriptions will ship for free within the United States and for a $2 processing fee to the rest of the world.

   For shop items, domestic orders will qualify for free shipping when the total in a single order of items from the Shop is greater than $49. The total for free shipping is taken after discounts. Digital items, classes, gift certificates, and service fees do not apply to the shipping total. Orders shipping outside of the United States will not qualify for free shipping.

10. Where do you ship?

    We ship internationally. While we may offer "Free Shipping" and upgraded shipping promotions, some countries may be excluded at any time due to certain restrictions. These may include: 

    Afghanistan

    Albania

    Algeria

    American Samoa

    Angola

    Argentina

    Armenia

    Azerbaijan

    Belarus

    Benin

    Bolivia

    Bosnia

    Botswana

    Brazil

    Bulgaria

    Burkina Faso

    Burundi

    Cambodia

    Cameron

    Cape Verde

    Central African Republic

    Chad

    Chile

    Columbia

    Comoros

    Congo

    Cook Islands

    Costa Rica

    Croatia

    Czech Republic

    Djibouti

    East Timor

    Ecuador

    El Salvador

    Equatorial Guinea

    Eritrea

    Estonia

    Ethiopia

    Fiji

    French Guiana

    French Polynesia

    Gabon

    Gambia

    Georgia

    Ghana

    Gibralter

    Guatemala

    Guinea

    Guinea-bissau

    Honduras

    Hungary

    Iraq

    Ivory Coast

    Kazakhstan

    Kenya

    Kiribati

    Kosovo

    Kosrae

    Kyrgystan

    Laos

    Latuia

    Lesotho

    Liberia

    Libya

    Lithuania

    Macedonia

    Madagascar

    Malawi

    Maldives

    Mali

    Malta

    Marshall Islands

    Mauritania

    Mauritius

    Mayotte

    Micronesia

    Moldova

    Mongolia

    Montenegro

    Morocco

    Mozambiave

    namibia

    New Caledonia

    Nicaragua

    Niger

    Nigeria

    Norfolk Islands

    Nothern Mariana Islands

    Palav

    Panama

    Panope

    Papua New Guinea

    Paraguay

    Peru

    Poland

    Reunion

    Romania

    Rota

    Russia

    RwandaSaipan

    Samoa

    Sengal

    Serbia

    Seychelles

    Sierra Leone

    Slovakia

    Slovakia

    Slovenia

    Slovenia

    Soloman islands

    South Africa

    South Africa

    Suriname Uruguay

    Swaziland

    Tahiti

    Tajikistan

    Tanzania

    Timor-Leste

    Tinian

    Togo

    Tonga

    Truk

    Tunisia

    Turkemenistan

    Tuvalu

    Ugnada

    Ukraine

    Venezuela

Ali

1. Who filmed the awesome videos?

   We were super lucky to work with the very talented Collin Kartchner on the Project videos for aliedwards.com. He totally got my vision for the site and passionately communicated what I'm all about. 

2. How did you get started in the scrapbooking industry?

   Scrapbooking began for me as a hobby. When my son was 11 months old I got the urge to create a baby book for him that would include all the photos and stuff we had been accumulating since his birth. My quest for a modern-style baby book was unsuccessful and through a series of online clicks I came across Two Peas In A Bucket (now closed). It was there that I really had my first taste of modern scrapbooking.

   I became immediately hooked on the creative combination of words + photos. I started uploading my layouts into a gallery and began meeting so many really cool people who shared this same love. 

   In 2003 I entered Creating Keepsakes Magazine Hall of Fame contest and was one of the winners that year. That was really the beginning of my working relationship with Creating Keepsakes and the start of my professional journey. Since that time I have written four books about scrapbooking, traveled and taught in some of the most amazing places, and in so many ways I have really gotten to know myself better.

   In 2004 I started a blog and have continued to post regularly since the beginning.

3. What is your educational background?

   I have a BA in American Studies from Oregon State University (history, literature, & political science) and an Associates Degree in Graphic Design from Lane Community College. Memory Keeping is the perfect blend of my passions.

4. How do you keep up with it all?

   I don’t try to keep up with it all. There’s a lot of letting go and learning when to say yes and when to say no and when to stick to what I feel is most important. I keep a fairly regular working schedule most days of the week when Simon and Anna are at school. Scrapbooking is my passion and my business and there’s definitely a lot going on around here. I really just try to take it one day at a time and be thankful.

Week in the Life™

1. Do I need to sign up to participate in Week In The Life™?

   Nope! There's no workshop you need to join for Week In The Life™. Most people follow along with me on my blog during the scheduled week. Each day I post my photos and words for the day.

2. What size album should I use?

   This is really up to you. I've used a variety of sizes over the years including 12x12, 8.5x11, and 6x8. For 2017, I'll be using a 6x8 album.

3. What do I do if I want to participate?

   Get excited and follow along on my blog. I spend the actual week just gathering my content: photos, words, stuff of life. After I've collected all that I begin working on my album.

Subscription Kit Add-Ons

1. How does the kit Add-On work?

   On the 13th of every month, a new Story Theme will be revealed. Story Kit™, Story Stamp™, and Digital Story Kit™  subscribers will have the opportunity to view and select exclusive Add-On items available for purchase, to add to their monthly subscription order, for no additional shipping fees. The selection period for Add-On items will be the 13th through 11:59 pm EST on the 14th. 

   On the 15th of every month during your subscription, we'll collect payment of the base fee stated next to the level of commitment plus the cost of any selected Add-Ons. Please review your selected items in your box before the choosing period ends at 11:59pm EST.

   On the 15th of every month, Digital Story Kits™ and digital Add-Ons will be available for download.

2. I am not a subscriber, can I purchase these items?

   The featured Add-On items are exclusive to only Story Kit™ and Story Stamp™ subscribers.

   The featured digital Add-Ons are exclusive to only Digital Story Kit™ subscribers.

3. How do I access the kit Add-Ons for my subscriptions?

   Select the drop down box under your username. You will then select "My Story Kit™", "My Story Stamp™", or "My Digital Story Kit™" to access the available Add-Ons for your type of subscription.

4. Will I be charged shipping on orders including the subscriber Add-On items?

   For all domestic orders, the Story Stamp™ and Story Kit™ will ship for free, including subscription orders with selected Add-Ons during the choosing period. A $2 processing fee will be charged for each Story Stamp™ and Story Kit™ subscription order shipping outside of the United States. If subscribers purchase Add-On items after the choosing period has ended, those will be treated as a new order and will incur shipping fees.

5. What happened to kit customization?

   Kit customization has now been replaced with our new kit Add-On feature.

6. What happens if I miss out on the selection period for Add-Ons or if the Add-On items sell out?

   Unfortunately, we will not be able to manually add "Add-On" items to your order if they are not selected between the 13th through 11:59pm on the 14th. Pending available inventory, subscribers may still purchase featured Add-Ons after the choosing period has ended, however, these items will be treated as a new order and will incur a shipping charge. The Add-On items are while supplies last. 

7. When will my credit/debit card be billed?

   You credit/debit card will be billed on the 15^th day of each month.

8. When will my kit be shipped?

   On the 15th of every month or the nearest business day, we will pack and ship all Story Kit™ and Story Stamp™ subscription orders.

9. Will I get to see the new theme Story Kit™, Story Stamp™, and/or Digital Story Kit™ prior to making Add-On selections?

   Yes! The new Story Kit™, Story Stamp™, and Digital Kit™ will now be revealed on the 13th, at the start of the Add-On selection period. This means—unlike before—you will get to view the entire kit or stamp while making any Add-On selections.

10. As a subscriber, can I purchase an Add-On item from any of the subscription options?

    No, you will only be eligible to purchase Add-On items from the subscription type you subscribe to.

    (i.e.- A Story Kit™ subscriber can only purchase the Story Kit™ Add-Ons, A Story Stamp™ subscriber can only purchase the Story Stamp™ Add-Ons, etc.)

11. I get the Digital Story Kit™ for free, since I subscribe to both the Story Kit™ and the Story Stamp™. Can I purchase the Digital Story Kit™ Add-Ons?

    Yes. You will be able to purchase the Digital Story Kit™ Add-Ons during the selection period. These add-ons can be viewed on your subscriber exclusive interface.

12. How many Add-Ons are there?

    You’ll have the option to purchase from 2-3 featured items to add to your order for that month. These featured items will be a mix of new, coordinating products and shop staples. There is no limit on the quantity of each item you may purchase, while supplies last.

13. When can I access the Story Classroom?

    The Story Classroom will open at 12:01am Eastern on the 15th each month.

14. When can I access/download my digital files?

    Digital Story Kits™ and purchased digital Add-Ons will be available for download at 12:01am Eastern on the 15th of each month, in your My Digital Files folder.