First of all, thank you so much for choosing me to create your keepsake. It really does mean the world that you’ve trusted me with something so special. Here’s a quick walk-through of what to do when your DNA collection kit arrives, so everything reaches me safely and smoothly.

🩶 Step 1: Confirm your ring size (if you ordered a ring)

If you’ve asked for a ring sizer, try popping it on first thing in the morning, again in the afternoon, and last thing at night for a few days. Fingers naturally change size throughout the day, so this helps you get the most comfortable fit. Make sure you can remove it over your knuckle.

Once you’re happy, just write your ring size letter on the back of the paper form in your kit.
If you already chose your size when ordering, you can skip this bit. And if you’re still unsure, just drop me a message, I’ll happily help you figure it out.

🍼 Step 2: Preparing your breastmilk

Fresh or frozen milk (of any age!) is absolutely fine, the only thing I can’t work with is milk that’s mouldy.
If yours has been frozen, let it fully defrost before you send it (this is important so it doesn’t leak during transit as it defrosts)

✍️ Step 3: Labelling everything

Please label every bag and container in your kit clearly with:

• Your full name (the same one used when placing your order)

• Your order number (found in your order-confirmation email)

This ensures nothing gets mixed up and your inclusions stay perfectly organised.

📦 Step 4: Packing your milk

Inside your kit you’ll find two milk bags, one small sterile inner bag and one outer bag for extra protection.
Here’s what to do:

1. Use the pipette to measure 15ml (about half an ounce) of milk into the small inner bag.

2. Squeeze out any air and seal it tightly.

3. Pop that sealed bag into the larger, unsealed bag.

4. That’s it, all ready to post!

💡 15ml is plenty, even if you’ve ordered a few pieces. Please don’t send extra, more milk can actually increase the risk of leaks in the post.
And if you’re low on milk, don’t worry, I can work with as little as 3ml. Just note the amount you’re sending on the back of your form.

🌸 Step 5: Adding your inclusions

Each inclusion has its own little labelled bag in your kit:

• Hair: A small pinch (about 2cm or more) is perfect for charms and necklaces. For rings or tiny pendants, less is fine.

• Umbilical cord: Please don’t send the whole cord, just a small snipping, about the size of a pea, is plenty. Darker or purple pieces tend to show up beautifully! Please do not send the whole cord, it’s irreplaceable if lost in transit.

• Ashes: About half a teaspoon.

• Placenta: Just one capsule.

Anything you send that isn’t used (like extra hair or cord) will always be returned to you safely with your finished jewellery.

💌 Step 6: Sending your kit back

Once everything’s packed, seal it all safely back in the original box.
Pop it into the return envelope included in your kit, and either:

• Drop it in your nearest postbox, or

• Take it to the Post Office if you’d prefer to upgrade to tracked delivery (which I recommend if you’re sending your final milk supply or irreplaceable inclusions).

✉️ Step 7: When it arrives

As soon as your kit arrives with me, I’ll send you an email to let you know it’s safe and sound.
Please check your junk/spam folder, as sometimes my emails like to hide there.
It can take up to a week for your parcel to reach me, depending on the post, so don’t worry if you haven’t had a confirmation right away.

You’ll also receive a link to an online tracker where you can see which pieces I’m currently making!

💖 Step 8: Design notes (optional but lovely!)

If you have something special in mind, maybe the placement of hair, a touch of shimmer, or the layout of inclusions, write it down on your form or add a little sketch. if you’ve changed your mind about any designs you noted when you first made your order online, you can also note any changes on this form.

No need to be artistic, even a quick doodle helps me visualise your idea perfectly!

🌿 And that’s it!

Once your inclusions arrive, I’ll take care of the rest, preserving your milk and crafting your keepsake with the same care I’d give my own.

If you have any questions at all, or just want to check in, please feel free to message me any time. I’m always happy to help.

Thank you again for trusting me to create something so meaningful for you.
I can’t wait for you to see your finished piece.

With love,
Catriona x