Posts Tagged ‘business cards’

Sponsored: Business Cards & Laser Cutting

February 20th, 2013
11 Comments

ponoko

Ponoko is your personal factory, an online laser cutting and 3D printing service. Upload your design file to make your own jewelry, home accessories, and more. Check out Ponoko on facebook.

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Last year I put in about 30+ man hours into my business card. Between all the laser cutting and assembling, it was a TON of work. This year, I wanted to go simpler, but still fun and impactful. Out of pure chance and some diligent searching for DIY laser cutting I found Ponoko. And I’ve been so excited to work with them. My head was (and still is) spinning with ideas.

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Since it came down to trying to keep things simple, I landed on this key chain idea. I used cell phone straps instead of split rings (I knew the split rings would make me want to cry, trying to assemble those). I also didn’t remove the protective backing (not pictured) because doing 200 of those would have also made me cry. These cards took about 11 man hours to assemble. So much better.

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I had some issues with the actual card, the first stamp I ordered was not very legible. It sort of sent me into a panic, but the stamp guys I send my stuff to were more than accommodating. Phew!! Most of the cards were on the white stock, since the ink on black stock wasn’t as readable. I really wish there was a white/silver stamp ink that was more brilliant. If you know of any brands, let me know. The American Crafts stamp pad is the best of the ones I’ve tried, but I’ve had that pad for a couple years now, and it’s not as brilliant as it once was. I can’t seem to find it anywhere, either.

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I used Strathmore art board for my stock, it’s super thick. The black is really lovely and much easier to cut than the white. I actually just took the art boards to Alphagraphics and they cut the paper for me. It saved me a ton of time and the potential flesh wound. I sort of regret not going with the I Still Love You motto, but I really love these little diamond pieces. They’re reminiscent of the new background design and gender neutral.

melissaesplin-ponoko-business-cards-4 I had a few extra pieces from assembly, I made earrings out of them. I dig. Wouldn’t these be fun in wood or metal?

What would you make out of these little acrylic shapes? Leave a comment below. I’ll pick a winner next monday and ship them out to you! 

Designed: Business Cards

January 18th, 2012
18 Comments

I’m forgoing a Redesigned post this week & sharing with you my business cards I’ve made for Altitude Design Summit. I’m really excited about them. Heck, I should be. They took me at least 20 hours to design, complete & assemble.

I’ve got access to a laser cutter, so I made little friendship bracelets with my “I still love you” logo on them. Cutting the leather took about 4 hours. Thank heavens I didn’t have to do all that by hand.

In the past, I’ve cut my vinyl stickers myself with my little Silhouette, but this time I didn’t want to deal with all that. I had them done at Fast Signs. That lifted a bunch of stress off my shoulders to have that done for me.

I got a lot of help this time around with my business cards!! My sister-in-law helped with the bracelets, My intern helped stamp the cards & clean the leather and my cousin & his wife helped me assemble it all. I wouldn’t have been able to do it in under 20 hours without them! Thanks, friends!!

So, are you going to Alt? What did you do for your business cards? Please do say hi to me at the conference! I have a little goodie for you & I’d love to meet you. If you’re not heading to Alt, I’ll be back here on Monday. Happy weekend!

ISLY Business Cards

October 5th, 2011
35 Comments

Just finished my business cards! It’s been a good 5 months since I’ve had up-to-date business cards and now I do. I’m excited to finally have some business cards I’m proud of giving away.

It took me a long time to figure out what I wanted to do. I wanted something nice & thick, but didn’t have the budget to have them letterpressed. I have had my heart set on a 300 GSM paper, but unfortunately no digital printer (aka the cheapest form of printing) will print anything thicker than standard card stock. Most printers won’t even print on uncoated paper, which is also what I’ve been looking for.

Instead of getting them printed, I decided to get stamps made & stamp on the paper of my choice. I found a Stratton Bristol 4-ply paper (SO THICK!) at my local art store & cut that up. I’m SO happy with how these cards feel. They’re soft, smooth, thick & ultimately delicious. Paper can be delicious. This stuff is.

I kept my information as simple as possible to keep the stamp up to date as long as possible. I think this will last me a while. Nice thing is, I can stamp my info on ANY surface (hello wood biz cards!) in ANY color. I did my standard & cut out I Still Love You stickers, but instead of putting it all inside an envelope, I totally copied Nikki’s idea (pretty sure the thought of stamping my design was also inspired by Nikki) & used washi tape (can be found here) to attach them to the back of the business card.

I’m excited to pass these out this weekend!

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