The Shipping News

Howdy folks!

   Let's talk about Catbird Craft's shipping rates. Okay, so it might not the most exciting of subjects...but it's important. Please note that, a) due to the currency conversion rate, USD shipping rates will fluctuate from the rates shown, and b) I will update this blog post as and when new items are available in the shops.

Cards

   We send all of our cards in hard backed envelopes to ensure they arrive in the condition in which they were posted. In the UK we post with 1st class delivery (we will obtain proof of posting). All cards going to Europe and the RoW we send via Airmail. Please note that non EU countries may incur customs fees. If you would prefer recorded 1st class delivery (UK only) we charge £1.50 (50p with another item). If you are shopping on Etsy please contact us before paying for the  item and we will send you an amended invoice.  

      Ship to -                                              Price                                 With another item

United Kingdom                                   £0.65 GBP                                  £0.20 GBP

                                                             $1.00 USD                                  $0.30 USD

 

 

European Union                                    £1.55 GBP                                 £0.50 GBP

                                                             $2.40 USD                                 $0.80 USD

Europe non-EU                                    £1.55 GBP                                   £0.50 GBP

                                                             $2.40 USD                                   $0.80 USD

Everywhere Else                                 £2.05 GBP                                   £0.50 GBP

                                                            $3.20 USD                                   $0.80 USD

Miniature paintings
        In the UK all of our miniature paintings are sent by 2nd class recorded mail. If you would like us to send your pictures faster than that, please contact us so that we can send them 1st class recorded mail, and send you an amended invoice.
  Everywhere else we send our paintings by Airmail. Unfortunately we're unable to send them recorded.

Ship to -                                              Price                                 With another item
United Kingdom                                   £2.70 GBP                                  £0.50 GBP
                                                             $4.20 USD                                  $0.80 USD
 
 
Everywhere Else                                   £3.05 GBP                                 £0.50 GBP
                                                              $4.75 USD                                 $0.80 USD

Plastercraft products

  In the UK we send our plastercrafts by courier. Once the items are dispatched you will receive a tracking code from us via email. UK mainland takes 5 days for delivery. Remote areas (IM, HS, ZE) there is a surcharge of £2.00. If you are in these areas and shopping on Etsy, please contact us so that we can send you an amended invoice.

Skullduggaries/ Four Seasons Wall Plaque/Candleholders/Celtic Cross

      Ship to -                                          Price                                         With another item

United Kingdom                                £5.00 GBP                                           £5.00 GBP

                                                          

Toads

     

      Ship to -                                          Price                                         With another item

United Kingdom                                £6.00 GBP                                           £6.50 GBP

                                                          

Dragons

  Ship to -                                          Price                                           With another item

 

United Kingdom                                £8.00 GBP                                           £8.00 GBP

                                                              

   Due to their weight, international shipping is very expensive for our larger items such as dragons and toads. If you live outside of the UK and you really want to purchase one of these heavier items, please contact us for shipping prices.

My regards to you all,

Frank

x

Adopt a Toad

Howdy Folks,

Toads

It's time for me to introduce the toads... They aren't like other toads, and they certainly aren't suitable for licking. Believe me, I've tried - they hold no hallucinogenic qualities whatsoever, (even if they look like they should.) They make great garden ornaments, or door stoppers, maybe even a paperweight. If you would like to offer one of our toads a home, then you will find them in the Catbird Craft shop, HERE.

Gilbert

  Gilbert Toad was found trapped in a watering can somewhere in East Sussex. He was merely hours away from death and was very lucky to survive his ordeal. He has now been fully rehabilitated and is suitable for rehousing in a home with children and/or other pets. He's particularly fond of Fuschia bushes but a garden and/or pond isn't essential to his well-being.

 Ophelia

Ophelia toad was brought to us by a member of the public after she was found wedged in a drain. Her broken leg has now healed and she's ready to be rehomed. Clara is suitable for rehousing in a home with children and/or other pets. A garden and/or pond isn't essential to Ophelia's's well-being.

Bartholomew

Bartholomew Toad was found in an under-road 'toad tunnel', seemingly to afraid to leave. As he was at serious risk of starvation he was brought to us for rehabilitating. His therapy has been successful and he is now suitable for rehoming to a home with children and/or other pets. A pond or garden isn't essential for Bartholomew's well-being.

Roger

Roger was discovered trying to join Paul McCartney's frog chorus. After he was discovered to be a toad, and most definitely not a frog, he was brought to us for rehoming. Roger is suitable for rehousing in a home with children and/or other pets. A pond or garden isn't essential.

Pauline

Pauline toad was found confused and disorientated in a swimming pool after mistaking it for a large pond. Her de-chlorination and rehabilitation has been successful and Pauline is now ready to be rehomed. She is suitable for rehousing in a home with children and/or other pets. A pond or garden isn't essential.

Petunia

Petunia toad was a witch's familar in the 13th century. Until her arrival with us she'd been an exhibit in a witch craft museum. As a result Petunia is a shy toad but she is suitable for rehousing in a home with children and/or other pets. A pond or garden isn't essential.

Elvis

Elvis toad was brought to us by health and safety officers after he was discovered working in a fish and chip shop in south London. He has now taken full retirement and is ready to be rehomed. Elvis is suitable for rehousing in a home with children and/or other pets. A pond or garden isn't essential.

That's all for now folks,

Frank

x

Crazy Pavers

Howdy folks!
    
      Frank here! Well it's been quite an eventful weekend. The cat and the bird are fortunate enough to be blessed with many fabulous friends. Thankfully three of them were available and willing to give up their Sunday to help them finish the leveling and laying of paving slabs. Such friends are worth their weight in cake and gold.

    We much enjoyed homemade courgette cake, which is far, far, nicer than it sounds; with homemade blackberry and vanilla jam; which is as delicious as the ingredients suggest. All this was washed down with lashings of tea, coffee, and Guinness. Considering the refreshments served, it's an achievement that only one slab was broken all afternoon. I believe there were also no crushed fingertips or toes. Impressive.

A sunlit angel appeared in the corner of the garden and said,
"That one isn't level."

   There was some (wholly warranted) cursing in Spanish, all in regard to one troublesome slab, and there was much laying and then uprooting and re-laying but we did, eventually, get the job done. It was almost dark, and some of us were looking somewhat demonic, but nonetheless Catbird Craft is now prepared for the imminent arrival of the new shed/studio.

"Get off of our land, or we'll chase you with a broom!"

   Before any keen-eyed soul asks...The cat and the bird took the executive decision to not lay a weed barrier beneath the slabs. They decided that they'd rather weeds grew beneath the shed so that toads, gnomes, and other critters have a place to hide. (This week alone two juvenile toads almost come to an end which involved decapitation.) Instead, they will fix the barrier to the underside of the shed's base so that the weeds don't spout through the floor.

    So, in conclusion, what has this experience taught us? Well, the cat has learnt that she absolutely cannot trust the bird's mathematical skills. It was the bird's job to estimate just how many slabs they would need. Her estimations were exactly 50% out - hence the multicoloured final design. We also discovered that a patch of ground may, to the eye, appear to be as level as level can be, when in reality the overworked spirit level says 'wonky'. But the most important lesson that we learnt was that hard graft can be good fun if shared with friends... which is just as well because the shed is now due to arrive this week.

Yes, yes, the shed people have been contacted. The new arrival is expected this week. The delivery company have even promised to call us 24 hours before so that we can summons the troops. Whether this happens remains to be seen but I shall keep you all updated. I will also post more pictures from this weekend on my Facebook page, which can be found HERE

My regards to you all,

Frank

x

My weekend

Howdy folks!

   Frank here! It maybe a rainy Monday today, but this weekend has been somewhat momentous, at least it has for me. Why so? Well, the cat and the bird decided to relieve me from my studio duties so that I might have a trial weekend living with them in their abode. You know, a little like how a foster child is introduced to a new home. Belle and Claude came too, and such we fun we've had. On Saturday I sat next to the pool, (which if I'm honest could do with a bit of clean), sipping champagne out of a plastic flute, whilst getting some sun on my bones. It was rather perfect to be able to sit there and just let it all hang out.  

Naturism in Nunhead

   
    I don't believe I've ever heard Belle Bird caw and chirp quite as much as she did this weekend. The breeze through her feathers seemed to be a wondrous thing for her confidence. Alas, with her dodgy wings, she couldn't quite reach the dizzy heights of the chimney stacks on the roof above, but she was content with perching on the chiminea. She seemed truly delighted to be out in the sun, especially as, for once, she wasn't the target of Claude Cat's 'affection'.

  As is usual with Claude, it's difficult to tell if he's had a good weekend. One thing I do know is that he spent quality time chasing psychedelic toads in the garden's undergrowth. He was also rather miffed when Glinda, the good witch of the south, appeared in her bubble to thwart his attempts at catching the exotic prey he'd been stalking most of the afternoon. 

We're definitely not in Kansas now

   If Saturday wasn't exciting enough, on Sunday the cat and the bird took me out in the car. It's amazing how many people suddenly have the nerve to speak or gesture when they see me sitting in the back seat. One motorcyclist insisted that the cat and the bird need to feed me more often. If that particular chap is reading this...I'm well fed, I just have an unusual metabolism. 
   Anyway, we went to East London, which is one of my favourite old haunts. As I have a life long interest in art, I really wanted to show the cat and the bird some of my favourite street art in that area...

Dave, the harey biker

Compare the meerrat.com

Claude would have no chance...

Now, as we three recover from the excitement of the weekend,  the preparations for the studio's arrival continue. I will, of course, keep you all updated with news from the dirt patch. In the meantime, have yourselves a great week.

My regards to you all,

Frank

x