Homemade Business Cards

This weekend, I'm going to my first local crafty event as a craft blogger.

Normally, I would avoid this temptation. "You'll just want to buy everything," I would tell myself, "better to stay far, far away..." I love supporting local artists and I love knowing that the work is truly one of a kind. What I do not love, is trying to accomplish those previously mentioned goals on a poverty level living stipend.   But now I have an excuse! I'm going to meet artists, do a little networking, and see if there is any potential for posts about their work, their process, or anything else an artist might be interested in sharing.

I looked into buying business cards for these purposes. There are tons of free offers online but they are pretty restrictive on design and still charge shipping. Eventually, I'd love to have a personalized stamper for cards like this one but that is not a possibility at the moment. Also, I'm hoping that it won't be long before the blog will have a  big girl design overhaul. Instead, I went for the most costly friendly and cutest alternative I could think of: make 'em!

I went through a few different styles using materials on hand. The first round turned out like this:

Which I hated.

Eventually, I printed out the info and cut the sheets to size instead of trying to stamp or hand write like a crazy person.

Using a sewing machine on a 2" x 3.5" piece of thin cardboard was surprisingly easy, but not forgiving. And I bet you know what the base is made of already...

Sorry for stealing all your food boxes, roomie. 

I didn't make a tutorial for this because, frankly, most people probably would not make the desired professional impact handing someone a business card made out of a waffle box with a ribbon sewn on. But to local artists? I think they'll understand. I'm excited for the opportunity to meet these people and bring the enthusiasm back to BTCC. I just wanted to share that excitement with all of you :)

Would you be able to get away with handmade business cards? What kind of impression would these make on you? I'd love to know.

Sheila

PS. Don't worry, there's no personal information on these cards not available on the blog. I'm private, yo. 

Weekend Inspiration: Embroidery Hoops

There are so may neat projects all over the internet world. I love looking through them and thinking "How did they ever come up with this!?" Sometimes, people are amazing. Sometimes, not so much. But the not so much times are not what we are focusing on now. I'd like to start a new series on Friday called "Weekend Inspiration." My plan is to scour the internet to find the coolest DIY and crafty ideas with a theme. This week, the theme is using embroidery hoops. They're super inexpensive and extremely versatile. That's enough to inspire me at least...

This amazing table runner on On to Baby. 

This could be a great addition to any classroom. Or any room. Ever.
Made by Heatherlee of Lady Poppins.

Always been a favorite quote! From the Etsy shop Art by Autumn.

I am pretty much obsessed with this photo chandelier from Natalme.

So fresh and springy. From the Etsy shop littlenestbox.

This idea has been around for a while because it's so cute and simple.
This wall art is from Inspired by Charm.

Wouldn't this be a sweet baby shower gift? Made over on Creative Jewish Mom. 

OMGoodness, can you imagine a wall in a craft room with a bunch of variations on this idea as supplies organizers? Someday, when I'm not such a vagabond... Sewing kit from The Train to Crazy.

A wine cork trivet is classy and useful. This is so grown up-esque it's almost intimidating.
See the tutorial on Lines Across.

HOOP. There is is... I'm sorry. I had to. 

Will you make any of these? Have they inspired you for a new, completely different project? I'd love to know.

Sheila  :)

PS. Have a wonderful weekend! 

One Month Later

Normally, when someone is celebrating a month-iversary, I say "Congratulations!" out loud and quietly think to myself, "Do normal people think that's a big deal?" I always found it a little silly, but not today my friends, not today...

Beyond the Cookie Cutter is officially 1 month old and has close to 1,000 views already!

A lot happens in the first month of a new blog. It can be incredibly encouraging or discouraging, depending on which way the wind blows. I can't believe all the people who have made time in their busy lives to visit this tiny corner of the internet world.

In one month:

 One of my best friends got married.

We celebrated Mother's Day.

I revealed my secret bad habit.

Spread some Birthday love to a fairly new friend.

We did some fun reusing, and repurposing. 

And ate. And ate. And don't feel bad about it!

I'm so excited for what the future holds and I can't thank you enough for following along so far! If you're not following just yet, but think you might want to, there are a few ways to do so. You can have new posts delivered right to your email (NO spam-promise) by using the box labeled "Follow by Email." Or the blue boxes labeled "Friends Stay in Touch. Here's How!" to connect on places like facebook or Bloglovin'.

Do you have a blog of your own? Any advice you'd like to share with this newbie? I'd love to know!

Sheila :)