When I scored my ticket to AltSumit, I knew I had to go big or go home when it came to my business card. You see, I did my research, and these blogger babes don't play! Amy of this heart of mine did a great round up of what she had collected at Alt and I was BLOWN away. Lexy of The Proper Pinwheel sewed individual garlands for petes-sake!
Because my blog encompasses a little design, a little DIY and a little baking, I thought it was important to encompass ALL OF IT in my "card".
When I get an idea in my head, I just can't shake it, and although I knew I had my work cut out for me, I thought it important to go with my gut.
A hand stamped bag, a recipe card, a dozen cupcake flags and a hand stamped card were ALL NECESSARY OF COURSE.
My hard work payed off, as I exchanged cards with others at Alt, they were WOWed and I even had some bloggers saying "so you're the one with that card, we were talking about it before." SCORE. I left an impression, which was the intention!
So, what went into these cards you ask... lets find out.
Let's start with the card. When I started 128johnst, i decided that I was going to have a "hand made" feel to most of the collateral I put out. I developed the logo and brand assets and immediately had stamps made by Simons Stamps. I'm so glad I did! I use them nonstop, they are perfect for some many things and give my business cards the look and feel I want every time.
I love Paper Presentation so much! I frequent the store and pick up different materials to make my cards out of. This time, I went with craft paper tags so I could hang them from the bags I was making, it gives the bags the look of a little gift! These were a little more than I would typically pay, but I left it to the last minute and didn't have time to shop around. I also picked up a selection of washi tape, and used Color Box Frost White, all of which was purchased at Paper Presentation.
First, I ran the tape along the bottom edge o the card.
I carefully trimmed around the edge of the card and WA-LA, we have a tag with a lil pazazz!
I then carefully stamped the card with my stamp and white ink. When stamping, make sure to ink your stamp evenly and fully, and apply in one even push. Set aside to dry, I let them dry for at least an hour just to be sure!
Next order of beez-wax, the bag! I ordered these babies off of Amazon. I saw them in Paper Presentation but they were $1 each, and on Amazon I scored 100 for $19!
I picked up this super cute bunting stamp and a Versa Magic ink pad. The people in Paper Presentation are fantastic and so knowledgeable. They knew exactly what stamp pad was best for fabric, and even let me test out some colors on the bag I was interested in stamping on!
Using the same stamp I used on the cards, I stamped the bottom back of the bag. Luckily, the fabric absorbed the ink quickly which made it dry uber fast!
I then turned the bag over and stamped the bunting on the other side. The stamp was wider than the bag, so I laid down some scrap paper under the bag so I didn't stamp all over my coffee table. (I learned this the hard way of course, after getting brown ink all over the black table. Welp. Here's the thing, I didn't notice it at first, because ya know, brown on a black table isn't really visible, but when I realized I was getting brown ink ALL OVER THE DAMN PLACE, I knew why. ugh.)
I had these super cute recipe cards printed, with an image of the cupcake on the front, and my contant information on the back, and OF COURSE the recipe inside. The card is the size of a standard business card (2 inches x 3.5 inches) so that it fit perfectly in a wallet and in the bag! I showed you how to make these adorable washi cupcake flags , which I included a dozen of in each bag. (Dude, this took soooo long!). The washi tape matches the tape I used on the cards, and every bag is unique because you get a few different colors and patterns.
Stick the flags and the recipe card inside the stamped bag and tie the card on the outside. TA-DA! Now you have a cute little favor bag filled with goodies!
Can we just talk about the AMOUNT of these I made. 150. YUP. You. Heard. Me. 150. That's 1,800 washi tape flags, the act of stamping 450 times. 150 bows tied. So much, but c'mon, they are so good.
And there you have it. Alt really made me step up my business card game, and I am so glad they did, I felt incredibly proud of what I had come up with and don't regret a single tiny flag.
as much as this is a very personal project, I think something like this could be perfect for a favor too!
I'm not the only one who stepped up my business card game of course.
I am in love with Araya's Wind & Willow Home card up there on the top left. ThePaperMama gave out some cute wood pins, Beth from Fluffed Up Desserts had a delish little treat in hers (which was a great snack for the train ride home, thanks Beth!). The big-boi on the top right is from The Note Passer, and included paper clips, a pencil, a sharpener and more! Chelo Keys had a beautiful piece made, made complete with a key shaped paper clip (how freakin' perfect, job well done Chelo!). My girl Heather Dempsey of Get Married not only had an INCREDIBLE LETTERPRESS CARD (bottom right), she also included pretty hair ties! I gots a watercolor set from Quaint-and-Quirky and Audrey of This Little Street gave out an envelope of gift tags!
Some beautiful letterpress has to be acknowledged (I'm so jelly, I love LETTERPRESSSSSS SOOOOO HARD). My fave was Heather's but I am alsooooo obsesssed with the cards from Lindsey of The Hive Studio, Rashi Birla with not only great letterpress, but a GOLD edge (whoa) and speaking of an incredible edge, Mara from A Blog About Love had a neon pink edge (whoa again!).
Also pictured above: Life In Pictures / Such Pretty Things / Peacock Moon Interiors / Inspiration Coop / Old Town Suds / Undeclared Panache / Approaching Joy / Freshly-Picked / Emily Jeffords / Small Pea Studios / Madame Curry / Madigan Made / Design + Life + Kids