April is here and so is “National Letterwriting Month”!!!
The world we live in today has become more and more centered around technology and digital communication. Emails, texting, instant messaging, and social media are a common part of daily life, but can you remember the last time you received a handwritten letter? The instant relay of a message can be convenient for sure, but the personal touch of a physical letter can be a powerful thing.
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The 30 Letters in 30 Days Challenge
There are numerous organizations and blogs that celebrate this holiday by giving you “Letter-a-day” challenges, hosting things like “letterwriting to active military personnel” events, and more. The Postal Service even creates special stamps and sometimes kits for the occasion!
Last year we became aware of the #write_on campaign (sponsored by Sakura, the company that brings you great pens like Gelly Rolls and Microns) that challenges you to write a letter to someone every day of the month. We are so excited to participate and help to spread the idea that you should pick up some pens and markers and CREATE your messages on paper rather than using your phone or computer.
Taking the time to hand write a letter (or even to create a custom card or decorate an envelope) gives the recipient an extra sign that you care about them. And it sure is a good change from the usual mix of bills and junk mail that can often flood mailboxes.
All throughout the month of April, we encourage you to do some letterwriting. Whether it be a multiple page letter or a few sentences in a card, send a special person in your life something handwritten by you. It can brighten their day more than you could imagine! 🙂
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Send us your snail mail!
We LOVE getting “marker fan mail” here at Marker Supply!
See our blog post about this month’s contest HERE and find out how sending us something in the mail can enter you to win a giant set of Gelly Roll pens!
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Stay tuned this month for some writing/cardmaking product spotlights, special sales, and more!!
Check out www.markersupply.com to find some great tools to help you add even more special touches to your snail mail!
Greeting cards are fun to give your friends & family for special occasions, or any time.. just because!
While attending RAW: Nashville’s Holiday Rawk Artist Showcase this week, we came across artist Elizabeth Lang & her company between the evergreens.
Elizabeth not only does wonderful watercolor paintings & artwork featuring various trees, but she also makes some really awesome greeting cards- that you can color yourself!
Whether you want to be the one to color them OR if you’d rather give them as gifts for others to color, Marker Supply has some great markers to use with these cardstock cards.
We chose to color her “Sweetbay Magnolia” card with the Zig Clean Color Real Brush markers..
With the real bristle brush tip, it feels like you’re painting! The very tip of the brush gets in the tiniest of spaces, or you can angle the brush to color larger spots. Try using multiple colors- the ink is very easy to blend.
(Note: If you have a card made with watercolor paper, you can add a little water on top of the Clean Color’s dye-based ink and move it around- creating a watercolor look!)
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MORE MARKERS TO TRY FOR CARDS..
Our other marker recommendations for cards, depending on what tip you like to color with:
*Bullet/Round tip: Zig Writer, Sakura Gelly Roll Gel Pens
*Slanted/Chisel tip: Zig Fine & Chisel, Sakura Permapaque
*Rubber brush tip: Zig Brushables, Sakura KOI
*Colored pencils: Prismacolor Premier Pencils, Faber Castell Polychromos
*or browse through some more at www.markersupply.com!
(Note: Use caution if you like to do your coloring with alcohol-based (like Prismacolor or Copic) or other permanent ink markers (like Sharpies)- the marks will likely bleed through to the other side of cardstock papers!)
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For more information on the art by ELang and between the evergreens greeting cards, check out:
*Her WEBSITE
*Her ETSY STORE
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And as always, feel free to share photos of your colored greeting cards on our social media!
@MarkerSupply #MarkerSupply
Ordering items online has definitely become a convenient way of shopping. But after you click that “place order” button, you still have to rely on the company to ship your items to you. At Marker Supply, getting your order to you as quickly, as easily, and as affordably as possible is very important to us.
Find out more information about these areas of our shipping policy:
- Order Processing / Handling Times
- Local Order Pickup
- Special Delivery Instructions
- Tracking Your Package
- Backorder Shipping (Out-of-Stock Items)
- Shipping Transit Time Maps
- Claims for Lost / Damaged Packages
- “HAZMAT” Shipping Restrictions
- Flat Rate Shipping
- Next Day /2nd Day Air Shipping
- International Shipping
- Contact Us
ORDER PROCESSING / HANDLING TIMES
A major part of our customer service at Marker Supply is our “same day handling” times. We do everything possible to get your order out the door the very same day it is placed.
To help ensure this happens, make sure your order is placed as early in the day as possible.
-For First Class/Priority Mail (USPS) orders, place before 12:00 noon Central Time.
-For UPS/FedEx orders, place before 4:00pm Central Time.
This will allow us enough time to process, pick, check, and pack your markers before our mail is picked up. If an order is placed after office hours, over the weekend, or on certain holidays, it will not ship out until the next business day.
LOCAL ORDER PICKUP
If you are in the Nashville area and would like to pick up your order at our warehouse, you are welcome to do so! We are located in Metro Center at 240 Great Circle Road, Suite 334. In the comments section of your order, just type “For local pickup” or you can call us with your order.
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SPECIAL DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS
Have a special request of where you’d like the shipping carrier to leave your package? Just type a note (i.e.- “Leave on back porch”, etc.) in the comment section of your order when you check out and we’ll make sure the instructions get written on your box.
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TRACKING YOUR PACKAGE
As soon as you place your order at MarkerSupply.com, you should receive an email confirmation that includes a tracking number. You won’t be able to start tracking your package until the mail carrier picks it up from our warehouse at the end of the day and scans it into their system. This could take up to 24 hours to update. After that, you can keep an eye on its whereabouts until it reaches you!
*Note to customers outside the U.S.: See the International Shipping section for details on tracking numbers.
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BACKORDER SHIPPING
If an item in your order is out of stock, you will be sent a backorder email notification.
In most instances, the available part of your order will ship out, and the backordered item(s) will ship separately at a later date, as soon as they arrive to our warehouse. You will never need to pay extra shipping costs for divided backorder shipments.
In some situations, we may contact you to discuss other options that may better suit your needs. If you have specific requests on how to deal with potential backorders, leave them in the comment section of your order.
*Note on backorder payment processing: For credit card orders, you will only be charged for the items that are available to be shipped. When the backordered item(s) are processed, you will then be charged for the remainder of your order. For PayPal orders, you will be charged the entire amount right away.
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SHIPPING TRANSIT TIMES
How long your package takes to reach you depends on where you are located, which shipping method you choose, and sometimes other factors such as holiday/weather delays, etc.
Our Marker Supply warehouse is located in Nashville, TN.
Use these maps for an idea of shipping times to your area:
Note: These are not guarantees, just a fairly good estimate.
CLAIMS FOR LOST/DAMAGED PACKAGES
If you suspect your package may have gotten lost in transit, and you are not able to determine its whereabouts by looking up the tracking number, please contact us.
If your package arrives damaged, let us know. It is also helpful to send us photos of the damage.
We will file claims with the shipping carrier for you with these issues.
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“HAZMAT” SHIPPING RESTRICTIONS
The contents of some markers we carry are considered by shipping companies to be “Hazardous Material” (or “HAZMAT”), and are seen as potentially dangerous products to send through standard mail. This includes oil-based markers, some alcohol-based markers, and aerosols.
On these product pages, you’ll notice an icon like this. If your order contains a HAZMAT item, you will not be able to select certain shipping methods (like First Class and Priority Mail) that restrict these items.
Note: Products in aerosol cans are never able to be shipped in the air and must always use a ground method.
*New shipping method!* The previous option used for sending HAZMAT items often caused shipping rates to be extra high, even for a small number of markers. We are happy to now offer FedEx Smart Post. Use this option when your order contains HAZMAT markers and weighs less than 10 lbs. and you could save a lot on shipping costs!
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$3.99 FLAT RATE SHIPPING
Marker Supply has a special flat rate shipping option for qualifying orders. Your order can be shipped for just $3.99 if it meets the following requirements:
*Order must subtotal $50 or more.
*Orders must be shipped to an address within the continental United States.
*Orders must be placed online. Phone & email orders are excluded.
*Orders can not contain Elmers Foam Board.
If you are eligible for flat rate shipping, you will see it as an option during the check out process.
Flat Rate packages will be shipped using a standard ground method and can take 2-7 business days to arrive (most shipping carriers do not operate on weekends).
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NEXT DAY / 2nd DAY AIR SHIPPING
If a time comes up when you need your markers ASAP, you can select an expedited shipping method.
*Keep in mind during the weekend: If you choose 2nd Day or Next Day Air and the delivery day falls on a Saturday, you will need to call us the day you place your order before 4:30pm Central Time to set up this special service. There may also be an additional charge for Saturday deliveries. Packages are never delivered on Sundays.
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INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING
Marker Supply ships orders all over the world. If you are located outside of the United States, keep the following in mind:
*Some countries are excluded from our shipping area. If you do not see your country on the list when you check out, please contact us.
*You may be required to pay tariffs, duties, taxes, etc. You will be responsible for these costs and they are not included in your shipping rate.
*Marker Supply cannot label your package as a “gift” to avoid your customs charges.
*Please be patient waiting for your package to arrive. USPS First Class International Mail can take up to 28 BUSINESS days (weekends and holidays are not included in this count). Priority Mail International can take up to 15 BUSINESS days.
*Note on International tracking numbers: USPS Priority Mail International will provide you with a tracking number that will track your package until it is delivered at its destination. First Class International Mail will provide you with a tracking number, but does NOT guarantee tracking all the way up to delivery. You can use this tracking number to look up your package at your local post office.
*If your package is refused, you will be refunded for the cost of your items, but not postage costs.
*You cannot file a claim for a lost package until 45 days after the date your items were shipped.
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FURTHER QUESTIONS?
If you ever have any questions regarding shipping, contact us at shipping@markersupply.com or call us at 866-354-9431. (Business hours are 8am-5pm Central Time).
Marker Supply is excited to introduce our new Rewards Program!
Now whenever you sign in and place an order online at www.markersupply.com, you’ll earn points that can be redeemed for gift certificates or special products!
The way it works is simple:
First create an account at www.markersupply.com. (See the “Rewards Program” page HERE.) If you already have a normal account you sign in with, you are good to go! You will now be able to have an account using any email service, or sign in with your Facebook account. You MUST be signed in to your account to earn points!
Then place your order and you’ll start earning!
Every $1 spent = 1 point. New customers that sign up get 50 “starter points”!
You can also earn points in other ways- with “extra point” products, special promotions, contests, and more! Stay tuned to markersupply.com, this blog, and our Facebook page to find out how you can earn more points!
HELP SPREAD THE WORD!!!
Tell your friends about us and you can grab some more bonus points! Use a customized link to refer a friend via email or share on a social media site. Then for each of those friends that signs up and places an order with us, we’ll give you an additional 25 points for their first purchase! Just use your personal referral link found on your account page. In the “My Rewards” tab, look under “Referrals & Sharing”. (Your referrals MUST sign up after following your customized link in order for you to get the points!)
Points will never expire so you can keep building them up for higher-level rewards!
Take a look at the Rules & Details page HERE to find out more specific information on how the program works. Have any questions, problems, or comments? Let us know by emailing us at Rewards@markersupply.com.
As always, thanks for supporting Marker Supply! Enjoy your rewards!!
While 2014 is coming to an end, there is still plenty going on in this final month of the year!!
‘Tis the Season for Gifts!
For the month of December, and while supplies last, Marker Supply will be including a free marker gift with every order! We appreciate your business and are happy to share some of our favorite markers with you. Enjoy!
Also, if you are still searching for the perfect gift for an artist or even a potential artist that you know, MARKER SETS are great for beginners and pros alike! We have a large variety of different sized sets featuring various kinds of markers & pens that make great gifts! And remember Marker Supply Gift Certificates are available for those that are hard to shop for!
Winter temperature warning
BRR!! In most places, the weather has gotten chilly outside as we head into the winter season, so please take care of markers that don’t do well in the cold! Make sure someone is able to claim packages quickly if delivered & left outside your door, don’t leave markers too long in a cold vehicle, etc.- as freezing temperatures can damage certain markers and pens.
Shipping reminder!
Ordering marker gifts for the holidays? Be sure you consider transit times when placing your order. The Shipping Info page on our website has a handy map and chart to help you plan for getting your markers in time! And remember, FREE standard shipping on all domestic U.S. orders over $50 until December 23rd!!
Holiday Marker Crafts?
The holidays are fast approaching and we want to see some of the awesome holiday crafts your markers are making! Send us photos of your decorated ornaments, cards/envelopes, etc and we could feature them in a section of our blog or on Marker Supply’s Instagram! A great opportunity to share some inspiration with others! Write a little something about your project & the markers you used to make it and send photos to emjae@markersupply.com.
Some great markers we recommend for creating special holiday cards & crafts:
*ZIG Wink of Stella Glitter Markers
*Sakura Gelly Roll Pens
*ZIG Scroll and Brush Markers
*ZIG Calligraphy Metallic Markers
*Pebeo Porcelaine Paints and Markers
*ZIG Fudebiyori Metallic Brush Markers
*ZIG 2-Way Glue Pens
*and plenty more to mention! Head over to the website and browse around!
It’s that time of year again! To say thank you for being our valued customers, Marker Supply is offering free shipping* from Thursday, November 27th to Tuesday, December 23rd!!
*For all orders of $50 or more, shipping within the Continental United States via First Class Mail, Priority Mail, or UPS Ground- shipping will be FREE!!
Find all the information for Holiday Shipping on our Shipping Info page, including a chart showing transit times for shipping your order- so if you are ordering a gift, you can make sure it will reach you in time!
Also please note our holiday hours!
Marker Supply will be closed on Thursday, November 27th and Friday, November 28th. Orders placed on these days will be processed when we reopen on Monday. We will also be closed on December 24th, 25th, 31st, and January 1st. Please keep this holiday calendar in mind when placing your orders, as nothing will be processed or shipped on these dates.
Have a safe and happy holiday season!
New Elmer’s Painters colors are here! Colors as fresh and bright as a perfect summer day. What will you create with these fun new shades?
Happy February everyone! We’ll be kicking off the month with our first how to video. Each month we’ll be bringing you more tips and tricks videos to help you get the most out of your markers. This month I’ll be showing you a fun, easy way to make a one of a kind valentine for your loved ones. Please comment with your thoughts and any projects you’d like to see in the future.
Thanks for watching!
ZIG Clean Color Real Brush :http://www.markersupply.com/zigclcorebrm1.html
ZIG BrusH2O Water Brush :http://www.markersupply.com/zigwacosybrp.html
ZIG Two Way Glue :http://www.markersupply.com/zigmesy2wayg6.html
Our blog hiatus is over! And we’re going to start 2013 with a new ongoing project. Every Monday we’ll be posting some artwork done using the markers we carry. My hope is to share some unique techniques and inspire you to use your markers in new ways!
Brush lettering is a quick way to spice up a letter or note. By applying different pressure as you write, you can create contrasting lines. The examples below were done with the ZIG Brushable marker. Its unique, two-toned, double-ended brush barrel allows a quick way to create depth using one marker with simple layering. For accents, try outlining the lettering with a ZIG Millenium fine line marker!
Brush lettering done with the ZIG Brushable marker
Brush lettering done with the ZIG Brushable marker
Brush lettering done with the ZIG Brushable marker
In the age of digital communication it’s always fun to receive a handwritten letter in the mail, especially when it’s from a loved one who is off traveling. When we stumbled upon this adorable idea by Bailey Doesn’t Bark our minds were blown. They have created a Mug that also serves as a Postcard! When you order the mug you also receive a Pebeo Porcelaine 150 Marker in black to write your message. As with all the Pebeo Porcelaine Markers once dry and baked the written marks are dishwasher safe. Such a cute idea! For more information and more color options of the Pebeo Porcelaine Markers visit the Pebeo section of our website here : http://www.markersupply.com/pepama.html
