Buy Business Cards?
Happily, many bloggers commented on my blog business card, which I ordered from Penny Paper Co (I love supporting Canadian). I knew I wanted turquoise chevron (turquoise and chevron are two of my favorite things, so I knew I wouldn't tire of the design), and Lindsay created the perfect shade of turquoise for me. I emailed her a link to the blog and she picked a complementary font, too. I really appreciated how simple and affordable it was to just order cards from a professional, who could guarantee a crisp and lovely finished product.
Design-wise, I like that my card is simple and uncluttered, like my DIY blog "design," and, of course, like the townhouse.
Make Business Cards?
Some folks prefer to make their own business cards, and I can understand why: a DIY'd business card provides the recipient with a tangible taste of your creative skills - perfect for anyone in a creative field. Plus, you can make small batches of business cards or make each one unique. Sound appealing? I rounded up some inspiration:
Nicole, from Gumption DIY, first got me thinking about DIY business cards when she handed me her card:
I spotted a similarly low-key shipping tag/business card combo, from Beach Brights. I love how relaxed and unpretentious these business cards are.
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| Beach Brights |
Ellie, from Mint, created a great business card from paper, patterned masking tape, and string! So simple, but the finished product is really pretty and eye-catching.
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| Mint |
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| Mint |
(She also wrote a great round-up post of DIY business cards over at Pitch Design Union.)
I like the vintage look of hand-stamped business cards and a stamp is so versatile. For a minimal investment, business cards can be made with ease! It is also easy to keep things interesting, by changing ink or switching up the colour of paper. Printing on painted paper adds a one-of-a-kind touch.
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| Flickr |
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| Mae Mae Paperie Business Card Stamp |
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| Oh So Beautiful Paper |
Business cards can be an outlet to get really creative. Some people forgo traditional materials and use what moves them. This card was made from materials the crafter had on hand:
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| Flickr |
This tutorial, by Katrina from Pugly Pixel (found over at Glitter Guide) explains how to make a gorgeous confetti-filled business card (won't that be memorable!):
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| via Glitter Guide |
Amanda, from Here's Looking at Me, Kid, made a business card (and shows you how) from cardstock (printed at home) and reclaimed fabric from an old dress:
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| Here's Looking at Me, Kid |
Or, for something wonderfully simple, labels were put to good use by Kim, from A Girl Called Kim. Simple labels would also look lovely on tie-dyed paper or little mini abstracts painted on cardstock. The possibilities are endless and the beauty of this DIY is that no special tools are required (c'mon, everyone has a printer and paper cutter, right?)
Cases:
Truth be told, even with this DIY round-up I still love my purchased business cards. It was hassle-free and, as an added perk, if you order from Penny Paper Co. you also get a super handy acrylic carrying case (that's what I was clutching at the CDB Meet-up):
However, whether you go the DIY route or not, you can customize a little and make a cute business card case. Check out this adorable idea of converting an Altoid tin (tell me you don't have a million just lying around) from Julie Ann Art. Hubby & I lined an Altoid tin with felt for an iPod carrying case but this is much sweeter:
You can also sew a cute business card holder and Melanie, from The Crafty Cupboad, shows you how:
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| The Crafty Cupboard |
So, in your profession do you have the luxury of designing/creating your own business card? If given the option, do you prefer to DIY or sit back and let a professional do the work?
