Business Cards | the pixel boutique | blog, web & print design

Archive for business cards

the working mother’s best friend: business card cozy {giveaway}

By Nicole

Tuesday, January 17th, 2012

UPDATE: The winner of this giveaway is #11, Marci!

Did I mention I’m going to Blissdom?

Well, being a weekend crocheter and inspired by my upcoming conference, I dreamed up yet another thing to make a cozy for…business cards!

Yes, business cards. Or mommy cards, if that’s your thing. I dont know about you, but my poor business cards get tucked into a small pocket of my wallet, only a few at a time. Otherwise they’ll get all bent and molested by all the other ~~junk~~ ~~stuff~~ necessities in my purse.

Feel misplaced no longer, little business cards…behold the business card cozy.

Each cozy holds 50 to 100 business cards, depending on how thick your cards are (If you have super duper yummy thick cards like I do from Prinly, you’ll only get about 50 in a cozy.)

You can find these cozies in my Etsy shop, where I have 10 different colors available…coordinate with your business cards or just go with one you love!

WIN IT! Just for my faithful readers, I’m happy to offer not one, but TWO business card cozies. Keep one in your purse and one in your laptop case…or give one to a friend. Enter below by doing any or all of the following (please leave a separate comment for each):

Visit my Etsy shop and tell me what colors you would choose if you won.
Post about this giveaway on your Facebook page
Like The Pixel Boutique on Facebook
Tweet about this giveaway using the hash tag “#giveaway” up to once a day. Need a suggestion? Tweet this: “Make your business cards feel loved… @pixeldesigngal is giving away 2 crocheted cozies! http://is.gd/FKZHJZ #giveaway”

Giveaway ends January 31 at 11:59 pm MST.

10 quick and easy ways to prepare for blissdom (or any other conference)

By Nicole · Comments (28)

Sunday, January 15th, 2012

Blissdom ’12 is precisely 38 days away (37.2…more accurately, but who’s counting?) There’s plenty to do before then if you’re planning to attend. And I sure hope you are. This will be my third Blissdom; fourth blogging conference overall. If you don’t know about Blissdom, you can read more here, or leave a comment below…I’d love to bore you with all the details you’d ever want to know.

But if you are planning to attend Blissdom for the first time, you might want to do a few things to prepare. Its a fast paced weekend, jam packed with goodies. The more you can do and plan for now, the better your experience will be. Most of these things take 5 to 10 minutes of brain power and physical action, but will pay off big at Blissdom (or any conference for that matter).

Have some tips of your own? Please do tell below!

1. Order business cards – Probably better get on this one quick, if you haven’t already. You’ll want to arm yourself with a couple hundred business cards to hand out. Make sure you have current contact, Twitter and blog information included. Check out this post from Ashely of My Front Porch Swing…she includes a free template you can download if you want to create your own card. Need some recommendations on printing services? Check out…

Moo Cards
Overnight Prints
Vistaprints
Prinly

2. Plug in - Make sure to bring a power cords and extra battery for your laptop, if you have one. Unless things have changed since the last Blissdom I attended (2010), it would be helpful to bring a power strip as well. I’d recommend not bringing only an iPad unless you type on it really fast or have a portable keyboard (which brings you right back to the laptop thing, really). The sessions go pretty fast and I typically start seeing smoke rising from my keyboard by the end of the session.

3. DON’T make plans to rent a car - We did this last time, and didnt use the car once. Unless you know you’re going to need to leave the Gaylord during the weekend, I’d skip the rental car and stay put. There’s just no time to squeeze in an outing, at least in my experiences. But DO book a shuttle here (a be prepared to pay $40 for a round trip).

4. Coordinate with roommates - There will be plenty of swag to bring back home (and dont forget the Handmade Marketplace this year!), so leave some spare room in your suitcase by coordinating with your roommates on who’s bringing what. Maybe you can share a flat iron or new tube of tooth paste? Keep in mind that the room comes with one hairdryer and one iron. Still need a roommate? Follow the #blissdom Twitter stream and Facebook page for others looking too!

5. Plan to bring a good backpack – I have a great laptop backpack. It was so helpful to sling that puppy over my shoulder and have two free hands during the conference. Plan to bring, borrow or buy a good quality laptop carrier of some sort (I’d recommend the backpack variety…). I’m planning on bringing my trusty Luna Stripes Backpack from Casauri…

6. What to wear - Not sure what to wear? There are plenty who do and are willing to share. For starters, check out The Well Read Wife‘s post on attire suggestions and what’s hot this year. As more “fashion” gurus add their input, I’ll be sure to update you here. So stay tuned…but you want my humble input? I’d go for something like this…

or this…

and maybe…

Bottom line…go for comfort, especially in the shoe department. You’ll be walking a.lot. Choose some casual but cute ensembles that make you feel your best…both literally and figuratively.

7. Prep your blog - You’re likely to get some traffic on your blog from other Blissdom attendees during and after the conference. Be sure your blog is in tip top shape by taking a few minutes to make sure you have things in order. Update your sidebars (clear out the unnecessaries and rearrange things if necessary). Make sure to have a clear contact, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, etc. link so people can follow you in all aspects of your online self.

8. Add a badge - Identify the fact that you’re Blissdom bound by adding a badge to your blog and the Blissdom 12 “Twibbon” to your Twitter profile picture. It just gets people familiar with you before you even arrive. And, lets your readers know you’re going too, therefore making it easy for you to set up some face to face meetings.

9. Leave some love notes - There is a lot of…shall I say, sacrifice?…that goes on for the rest of the family when mom goes away for a conference. I dont know how your family structure works, but for my family, its a joint effort to make sure everything runs smoothly while I’m away. Everyone pitches in…even Grandma…to keep everyone fed, dressed, warm and educated. I always leave Husband a huge long page of “to dos” and logistical details…bus stop times, homework schedules, sports practice times, etc. It just helps things go smoother. I also try to leave some love notes in creative, inconspicuous places to be discovered while Im gone. Look at these cute *free* printable love notes from vol. 25…

Download here

…and thedatingdivas.com

Download here

Corny? Maybe. Secretly loved by all? Absolutely.

10. Conference Confidence - Are you feeling a little apprehensive about going to a conference of 700ish women, representing you and your little blog? Well, know that you’re not alone. I cant imagine one person there that wont have the same feelings to some extent. Even the veterans get the jitters. But branch out, put your big girl boots on, and come knowing that you’re surrounded by like minded souls. The Blissdom gals do an amazing job recognizing this fact and take great strides to help you connect and feel welcome. Take them up on that offer…

Going to Blissdom? Let me know!

Comments (28)

prinly: business cards and more {a giveaway}

By Nicole · Comments (72)

Saturday, May 28th, 2011

Update: The winners of this giveaway are #14 (Nikki) and #70, Julie!You know I’m always talking about the need for good business cards. Even if you’re a stay at home mom or a casual blogger, a business card always comes in so handy.

I recently learned about a new company called Prinly that offers printing services for letterheads, envelopes, business cards and post cards. They offer many options like thick, 16pt card stock, glossy or matte finish, rounded corners and double sided printing. You can choose from several thousand premade designs or upload your own. Ordering is very simple on their online ordering system.

Prinly also offers back a full, 100% satisfaction garauntee, no questions asked. I always like a company that stands behind their product like that.

I ordered custom cards using my own design in about 15 minutes and received them really quickly…within just a few days. The quality of the paper and printing is good and the pricing in reasonable at about $35 for 500 cards.

Prinly is offering a nice giveaway opportunity below, but you can also take advantage of 50% (yes! 50%!) off of your business card order using the coupon code “?contest565?”. How cool is that?

Win It! Would you like the chance to win business cards for yourself? Two lucky readers (open to US and Canada) will be randomly chosen to receive 500 free business cards, plus free shipping! Giveaway ends Saturday, June 11 at 11:59 p.m. PST.

To earn an entry, do any or all of the following:

Comment on this post telling me what you would use your business cards for…your blog, your business, your mommyhood profession?
Post about this giveaway on your Facebook page
Like The Pixel Boutique on Facebook
Follow @Prinly on Twitter
Tweet about this giveaway using the hash tag #thepixelboutique up to once a day
Need a suggestion? Tweet this: “Everyone needs a business card or two…or 500. Enter to win some from @prinly and #thepixelboutique http://is.gd/hkexKc”

I received free business cards fro this review. Opinions, as always, are my own.

Comments (72)

customized stationery design {a giveaway}

By Nicole

Monday, April 4th, 2011

Update! The winner of this giveaway is #55, Mrs. Cox!

Over the years I’ve tried different things on this blog. Some have been very successful, others so so, still others…not so much. But you never know until you try, right?But one thing that I’m super excited about has been a hit and one of my favorite parts of my job. So I thought I’d give you an opportunity to try it out and win some free printing!

I’m now offering custom design and printing for all your stationery needs…invitations, thank yous, save the dates, baby announcements, business cards etc., along with my other design services.

For $70 to $125 (depending largely on quantity) you get a customized piece, printed and delivered right to your door, with envelopes when applicable. You don’t have to deal with any files or the printing process…it’s all taken care of for you.So if your next event calls for something a little special, consider making an investment and going above and beyond the store bought, generic stuff. You’ll find all the details on my custom printed stationery page, but if you have any questions, just holler!

WIN IT! One lucky reader will win there choice of one of the following:

24 4.25 x 5.5″ folded notecards (for invitations, announcements, thank yous, etc.)…about a $70 value
250 single or double sided business/mommy cards…about a $35 value

To earn an entry, do any or all of the following:

Comment on this post telling me which you would like to win; the notecards or the business/mommy cards
Post about this giveaway on your Facebook page
Like The Pixel Boutique on Facebook
Tweet about this giveaway using the hash tag #thepixelboutique up to once a day

Giveaway ends Tuesday, April 19 at midnight PST.

Good luck!

How to Create a Unique Business or Mommy Card

By Nicole · Comments (3)

Wednesday, January 5th, 2011

I was born with a business card in my hand. See, my father owned a printing business before I was even a twinkle in his eye and retired a few years ago after 35(ish) successful years. Now, my brother carries on the business.

Business cards aren’t just for the white collar executives any more. They can be an effective way to share whatever information you have to give. Moms, how many times have you been in the grocery store or the park and you want to give another mom your blog address? Business (or “Mommy”) cards can be pretty handy dandy.

But the traditional business card can start to get pretty pricey when you want to create something unique. Die cuts (fancy, unique cut outs) and embossing (raised graphics or lettering) are not cheap. Ooo…hope my brother isnt reading this post. (Sorry bro.)

With a little creativity and a trip to the stationary or craft store, you can create a pretty stunning and unique card that can set you apart for the rest. And who are we kidding…that’s usually the goal, right?

Here are some ideas that might help you come up with something dreamy…

1. Unique Shape or Size – No one ever said that a business/mommy card had to be 3.5 x 2 in. How about a round or square or some other unique size? Purchase an over-sized punch (like Martha Stewart’s amazing line of punches for paper crafters) and cut out your own. I also love moo.com‘s mini cards.

Photo credit: allgraphicdesign.com

Photo credit: moo.com

2. Make your Own Die Cut or Embossing – As I mentioned, die cutting and embossing can be very pricey and most mom or small business bloggers don’t have the budget to support that kind of expenditure. But another quick trip to the craft store and the purchase of a smaller paper punch or embossing tool can turn an ordinary card into something unique to you.

Photo credit: dailypoetics

Photo credit: creativebits.org

3. Give it a Little Somethin’ Somethin’ - Check out these cute ideas on adding just a little bit of character. Use your imagination…add ribbon, buttons, string, feathers, a brad or eyelet, heck…even googly eyes!

Photo credit: webdesignbooth

Photo credit: creativebits.org

Photo credit: dailypoetics

4. Do The Unexpected - A “card” doesn’t always have to be made of paper. I’ve been to conferences where I’ve received small gift bags, bandaid holders, chocolates and even cloth with all the vitals. It may take a little bit more time and artistic ability, but you could always make your own, very unique, card with a little more effort.

Photo credit: dailypoetics

Photo credit: allgraphicdesign.com

5. Get Clever with Text – There are no rules about what information you need to include, or how it needs to be included. Think outside the box. Display your text vertically, in bullet form, make a simple statement or sentence as your focal point.

Photo credit: dailypoetics

6. Less Is More - I love the idea of simple, clean…even sparse design. White space is your friend and can often times be more effective than a card chuck full of design and text. Take a look at these simple yet smart designs…

Photo credit: dailypoetics

Photo credit: webdesignbooth

7. Cooridnate! – Its always a good idea to coordinate all of your creative material with the design of your blog or site so you have a cohesive, recognizable brand. Sometimes its not always easy to accomplish that on a budget, but it makes a big impact in the end. You can find very inexpensive pre-made card designs on Etsy or vistaprint.com. Take a look at how Adrain’s Crazy Life went the other way around and used a pre-made design style from Vista Print and designed her blog to coordinate…

Photo credit: Adrain’s Crazy Life

8. Make an Investment - I may be a bit biased, but I firmly believe that a good, cohesive design is paramount in the success of your blog or business. And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that creating business cards is one of my services (why yes…this is a shameless plug…). But for $50 and the cost of printing (or some nice stationary and a little bit of toner) I can help you create a custom design that’s all your own. Interested? Contact me.

Need more inspiration? Take a look at some of the unique “cards” I’ve come across lately. A little thinking outside the box can go a long way…

Badges from www.erskinedesign.com

Photo credit: webdesignbooth

An old domino

Bobby pin card from yukamakeupartist.com

Now its your turn! Do you offer unique business card creations on Etsy or another site? Or, do you have a card you’re proud of and would like to share? Then by all means…share in the comments!

This post includes affiliate links.

Comments (3)

Look Who’s One {and Overnight Prints Giveaway}

By Nicole

Thursday, January 21st, 2010

UPDATE: The winner of this giveaway is #24, Jeanne!

The traditional 1st year anniversary gift is paper.

Hmm. Boring, right?

Well, we can’t have boring for The Pixel Boutique’s one year blogiversary, now can we?

Take a look at these very “un-boring” business cards from Overnight Prints:

Nice, huh?

Overnight Prints also specializes in postcards

posters

stationery

and more. I didn’t know that, did you?

Overnight Prints offers bunches of quality pre-made designs, or you can upload your own. I love the rounded corners feature they offer too.

I want to say thank you to all the people who have made the first year of The Pixel Boutique a huge success. 67 blog designs, dozens of buttons, lots of learning, and countless new online buddies later, truly…I am blessed.

Win It! In celebration of my one year blogiversary, Overnight Prints is offering 500 free business cards to one lucky reader (perfect for all those blog conferences…). Woot! Here’s how to enter:

Comment on this post telling me how many years you’ve been blogging…or, if you aren’t a blogger, what you will use your business cards for if you win.
For extra entries, tweet about this giveaway up to once a day and/or subscribe to this blog (and if you don’t know about Twitter, check it out!)
Entries must be made by Friday, February 5 at 11:59 p.m. MST.