faq

Frequently asked questions

Gadanke – the Word

What does “GADANKE” mean?

The name comes from the German word for thought, idea, or mind.

I love that it has the word "Danke" in it, which means "Thanks!" It’s a tribute to the folks who’ve made our stories so rich.

How is “GADANKE” pronounced?

gah-dawn-kuh

Creating Each Eco-Savvy Journal

What types of materials do you use?

As we document life, we should also preserve it for future generations. Your Gadanke journals are made with 30% and 100% recycled American papers coupled with beautiful and nostalgic materials such as library cards and gold patterned paper from the US and Europe – most of which are produced by companies who focus on environmental stewardship.

Did I hear Gadanke has won three green business awards?

You bet! Montana’s governor has awarded Gadanke the EcoStar Green Business Award for pollution prevention practices in 2010, 2011 and 2012.

What kind of environmental impact does my journal have?

For every 100 Gadanke journal created, just using 100% recycled paper saves:

  • 58 gallons of water
  • 15 percent of a mature tree
  • 35 kWh of electricity
  • 2.8 quarts of oil
  • 375 cubic inches of solid, non-hazardous waste

Where do you make my journals?

Gadanke was launched in an “Earthship,” a house made of repurposed tires. When my husband and I moved to a vintage airplane hangar, we remodeled the space to include a small home for us and a workshop for Gadanke. A geothermal heating and cooling system in the hangar extracts heat from the ground water. Our electricity provider sources its power from 70% renewable resources.

How do you create such inspiring prompts?

As a storycatcher, I collect moments of beauty and kindness in my back pocket. I love to listen to stories. Studying poetry and personal essays at Hollins University and The University of Montana taught me how to craft prompts that bring out the beautiful stories in each of us. My grandma, a woman of great story and great listening, inspired my interest in journaling.

Placing An Order

What method of payment do you accept?

Gadanke uses Paypal to process orders securely. But don’t worry; you don’t need a Paypal account to make a purchase. We accept:

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • EC cards (European)
  • E-checks.
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Will you ship outside of the United States?

Absolutely! Due to customs delays, expect a minimum delay of 2-4 weeks from the day we ship. If you’d like your journals faster, upgrade to Priority Shipping.

How much does shipping cost?

Shipping rates are based on product size and where you live. Rates for all journals with binding rings are:

  • US orders: $3.00 for one journal, $.40 for each additional book
  • Canada orders: $8.00 for one journal, $.40 for each additional book
  • International orders: $10.20 for one journal, $2.00 for each additional book

Shipping for kits, flat journals and various embellishments cost less or may be free with journal purchase.

How long will it take to get my journals?

Our typical turnover is 2-4 business days to package your order. We ship with the United States Postal Service and will send you a confirmation email the day your package ships. From there, everything is in the hands of our mailmen.

It takes the US Postal Service 3-5 business days to ship in the US, 1-3 weeks to ship to Canada, and 2-4+ weeks to ship everywhere else. If you’d like them to ship faster, upgrade to Priority Shipping.

Do you send me a receipt?

You will receive an email receipt from Paypal immediately upon purchase. We never enclose a paper invoice, saving paper and making journals easy to ship as gifts.

What if I gave you the wrong shipping address?

We cannot be held responsible for nondelivery to a wrong address! Double check that your address is current with Paypal as you check out.

Just placed an order a minute ago and made an address mistake? Quick. Email us and we might be able to catch it in time.

Can I send a package to a friend and include a note?

Yes! Include your friend’s address instead of your own and add a personal message to her when you place your order.

Do you offer wholesale orders for my shop or not-for-profit?

You betcha! Please use the contact form to request your digital catalogue and join our wholesaler mailing list.

Will you make me a custom journal?

I want you to customize your book. Stamp it. Paint it. Rip it. Take off big bites. Or keep it absolutely pristine! Make it a reflection of you. Check out how other journalers have made their Gadanke books their own!

Do you accept returns?

We want you to be happy and enjoy your Gadanke purchase. If you are not happy, please contact us within one week of receiving your journals. We will work it out.

Let’s Connect!

Where else can I find you?

Can I buy your journals in stores?

We’re working on getting this list together for you right now. Be sure to tell local stores that you want to see our journals in their shops, and have them contact us!

I have a journal idea. Do you want to hear?

We would love that. Send us your idea.

Could I share my journal on the Peek In Journals page?

Yes! Getting a note like this is like receiving a king-size candy bar in our trick-or-treat bag. If we post your journal, you’ll receive another journal and embellishing goodies with our compliments. Use the contact form to let us know the type of Gadanke journal you've put together, and we’ll go from there.

Can I mention Gadanke on my blog?

That would be so sweet. Send us the link so we can spread the love about your blog, too.

Spread the Word!

I love Gadanke! How can I spread the word?

Journaling is such an intimate thing that we don't always think to talk about. Please help us spread the power of storycatching:

  • Share your favorite journals on Pinterest or Facebook.
  • Photograph your Gadanke journal and share on Instagram.
  • Tell local shops who might love carrying Gadanke journals to get in touch with us.
  • Mention your favorite journal when you get together with friends. Or give them one!

To the journals…