Spotted Tuesday: AllBusinessCards.Com

Business cards is a must-have for any businesses, especially for on-line businesses like mine. My business card represents me and my products. To possible future customers, it provides a “feel good” to what quality they can expect from my shops, adorebynat and natsupplies. To my customers, it accompanies the high-quality products that I offer and could come in handy when they shop with me again as easy to refer to.

In the past, I ordered my business cards through an Etsy shop. Unfortunately, the owner decided to stop printing jobs anymore. Heard about vistaprint and overnightprint; however was hesitant to try them out despite their free business cards offer. I heard mix reviews about them (you can google it up to find out a bit more). I almost wanted to give them a try. I completed the sign-up process and decided not to order at the end. However, by signing up, I ended up receiving daily junk mails from of them. I tried to unsubscribe a few times but they just kept coming in. Grr… I had to filter my e-mails to go straight to my ‘spam’ box so I don’t have to see them ever again. I then looked into a local printing shop. I was happy with the price and quality in the beginning but after a few orders, I noticed the quality is not as good as was used to. I think they cut corners to increase profit and sadly, I need to find a new printing company. 

The timing could not be better when Jeremy from All Business Cards contacted me as he stumbled on my blog He introduced me to his company, about a couple of months ago. He asked me if I could do a review. Honestly, it was the first time I heard about All Business Cards, on-line printing company. I hesitated and thought for a while before I responded to him. Jeremy offered to send me business cards to see them with my own eyes. Why not, eh? I would love to see it firsthand so that I know what I’m talking about here. I sent my business cards template to him and in about 10 days later (shipping from US to Canada), I received my business cards in the mail, packed in a sturdy box. I LOVE the quality of them!! They are printed on thick cardstocks, clean-cut and the colors of images are crisp and clear. They look very professional! I’m impressed! These have so far been the best cards.

Here are the highlights of these full-color business cards: · Standard size: 2” x 3.5” · Thick and high quality 16 point cardstock · Unbeatable prices: US$59.99 for 1000 business cards (that’s $0.06 per card!!) · High gloss UV coating · Or matte if you prefer · Round corner is also available if you like I don’t know when the promotion will end but they are now offering FREE backside printing on all full-color business cards.

f you do not have your own design, you could choose one from over 10,000 designs available. If you urgently need your business cards, no problem! Rush order option is also available. All Business Cards not only offers high-quality business cards, but they also provide commendable customer service. I can say that because Jeremy has been very accommodating and responsive to my needs. I needed to update my business card template with new information and he patiently waited for me until my template was ready. He even informed me a day later after receiving my template that the cards were on their way to me. As an artist and a small business owner, I always aim for perfection (goods and services) while trying to reduce my expenses. If you are like me, you may want to visit All Business Cards to find out more on what they offer and how they can add value to your business. All Business Cards (http://www.allbusinesscards.com/) also offers metallic business cards, color sticker business cards, magnetic business cards or even plastic cards.

So Jeremy, I think I’m going to stick with you now. I just have to finish the cards you gave me before I do my order. My fellow artists and business owners, I highly recommend All Business Cards. You SHOULD give All Business Cards a try and see them for yourself.

Giveaway Winner of Pieces of Me Pendants

Who's the lucky winner this time, winning a beautiful pendant and chain from Pieces of Me Pendants?

Lisa gave me the honor to do the drawing and . . . Congratulations, TheCuttingEtch (#20)!!

You have 48 hours to reply from the time I'm contacting you :-)

Thanks again Lisa for sponsoring this wonderful giveaway and everyone who entered the contest.

For this week giveaway, please enter here to enter 5x7 photo print of YOUR choice from kellydbrown.

Giveaway: 5x7 print from Kelly D Brown Photography and Design

Win 5x7 print of your choice from Kelly D Brown Photography and Design, known as kellydbrown shop on Etsy. Get to know Kelly, the artist behind Kelly D Brown Photography and Design (kellydbrown), and you'll learn a few things from the interview on yesterday's post. 

There are many ways to enter. Please make sure you leave a separate comment for every entry. 

How to enter to win: 

 Mandatory entry:

• Go to kellydbrown. Return to my Adore By Nat blog and simply leave a comment here about your favorite item from her store.

Extra entries (only qualify once mandatory entry is fulfilled):

• Earn 2 entries - Go to yesterday's post to know her more. Leave a comment there (yesterday's post) on at least one the following: what you learn from the interview, what you want to see more on her shop and why, or any constructive feedbacks are always appreciated. Come back here and leave 2 comments that you did, to ensure your entries are counted.

• Heart kellydbrown (1 entry). Simply let us know your Etsy username.
• Follow my adorebynat blog (1 entry). If you're already a follower, you still get an entry, just says you're following already.
• Like kellydbrown FB Page (1 entry).
• Like my adorebynat Facebook Page (1 entry). Let me know your FB username please.
• Follow kellydbrown on twitter (1 entry).
• Follow adorebynat on twitter (1 entry).
• Tweet about this giveaway, add "@adorebynat and @misskitteh9 in your tweet. (1 entry).
• Blog about this giveaway to earn 2 entries. Leave two separate comments here please providing me with the link to your post.
• Be creative and share the love! Refer your friends and family to enter this giveaway. Use your social media (other than twitter and blog) to shout out this giveaway. As long as you provide me a link or a way to confirm it, you'll earn 2 entries (two separate comments). Hint: there are share buttons in the bottom of this post, maybe you can use them?
• Tell us how did you hear about this giveaway (1 entry).
• Purchase an item from kellydbrown and earn 10 entries for each purchase. Don't forget letting us know by leaving comments :-)

Contest starts now and ends on Oct 2, 2010. Contest opens worldwide.

Don't forget to leave me a way to contact you. Entries without contact information will be disqualified. Entries that do not follow the rules will be disqualified. Contest winner will be drawn on Sunday, Oct 3 by a random number generator, by the artist herself. Winner must respond within 48 hours after being contacted otherwise another winner will be randomly selected.

Saturday Artisan: Kelly D Brown Photography and Design

Meet our Saturday Artisan, Kelly, the artist and owner behind beautiful photography shop, kellydbrown. A talented artist from Montreal, Canada, close to home with the exception she is on the east and I'm on the west. :-) Take a peek at her shops and you'll find gorgeous and unique artworks. You should like her FB fanpage. Psst! She shares some promotion codes there. But maybe you may want to stick here a while. It's always a good thing to get to know the artist a little bit.

 

Tell us a bit about yourself and what arts/ crafts that you make?

I'm a photographer and digital artist with shops on Etsy and ArtFire. My work is difficult to categorize as a whole (at least for me) since I'm as drawn to grungy urban environments as much as I am to the beauty of nature. I can say that there is definitely a desire to create a certain mood, whether it be light and whimsical or slightly ominous.

Which part of creation process that you like to do the most?

I love reviewing fresh new images I've just captured. This always gets my imagination going. However, it takes a bit of time to determine which image I find inspiring enough to work with. In any one session I may go through many images, trying different techniques until I find something that really feels like it's taking shape. It can be frustrating spending the time and feeling like you're not getting anywhere, but I've come to realize the value of experimentation during this part of the process. Hit the right combination of effects and ending up with something I really love is better than chocolate.

What is your favourite item in your shop? 

I tend to favour my black and white pieces due to the amount of time I spend working on them. Colour can be so seductive - I'm a big fan of hot pinks, deep reds, and turquoise. Once the colour is removed, one must enhance and define the details in a much more creative way. I find the process challenging and therefore, more rewarding.

How do you promote your shop?

I love Twitter. Quite honestly I started out with the intention of promoting my products, but as I started to follow people, I started making some great connections. I've discovered so many great blogs and resources related (as well as unrelated) to my work through them. I can't say if I've actually had any sales as a result, but in many ways promotion has become less important. 

Follow me at http://twitter.com/misskitteh9 

 I also have a Facebook Fanpage which allows me to interact with people via video, pictures and special offers - I love the comments I get!

Anything else you would like to share?

I'd like to give a special shout-out to all of the animals (wild and domesticated) who've been so co-operative in allowing me to photograph them. Most of all, I'd like to thank the people who like my work enough to buy it. It's a really wonderful feeling when I get an email notifying me of my latest sale. In July, I exhibited at the Festival International Montréal en Arts (FIMA). It was my first show and it went extraordinarily well. I've since been invited to participate in Art Westmount 2010. I'll be showcasing my photography at Victoria Hall in Westmount, Quebec on October 2nd and 3rd.

Giveaway Winner of Vector Cloud

Congratulations, Alyssa!! Amelia from Vector Cloud had picked a winner and Alyssa was our lucky winner winning Vector Cloud's giveaway! Thanks so much, Amelia for sponsoring this great giveaway. 

Visit Vector Cloud and you'll be sure finding a unique laser-cut products made with love. Thanks to everyone who entered the contest! For this week giveaway, enter here to win a beautiful scrabble pendant from Pieces of Me Pendants.

Pendant and Chain Giveaway from Pieces of Me Pendants

This week giveaway is sponsored by Lisa of Pieces of Me Pendants. Read the interview we had yesterday as she is our Saturday Artisan.

Win a pendant and chain of your choice.

Pendants are made from wooden Scrabble® tiles (approx. ¾" square), decoupaged with graphic images that are sealed with a high gloss non-toxic finish with a sterling silver plated bail attached.

Each pendant purchased will be gift packaged in a bag (colors vary) making them ideal for gift giving.


There are many ways to enter. Please make sure you leave a separate comment for every entry.

How to enter to win:

Mandatory entry:

• Go to Pieces of Me Pendants shop. Return to my Adore By Nat blog and simply leave a comment here on which pendant you would like to get if you win this giveaway.
  

Extra entries (only qualify once mandatory entry is fulfilled):

• Earn 2 entries - Go to yesterday's post to know her more. Leave a comment there (yesterday's post) on at least one the following: what you learn from the interview, what you want to see more on her shop and why, or any constructive feedbacks are always appreciated.
  
  Come back here and leave 2 comments that you did, to ensure your entries are counted.

• Heart Pieces of Me Pendants shop (1 entry). Simply let us know your Etsy username.
• Follow my adorebynat blog (1 entry). If you're already a follower, you still get an entry, just says you're following already.
• Like my Facebook Page (1 entry). Let me know your FB username please.
• Follow adorebynat on twitter (1 entry).
• Tweet about this giveaway, add "@adorebynat" in your tweet. (1 entry).
• Blog about this giveaway to earn 2 entries. Leave two separate comments here please providing me with the link to your post.
• Be creative and share the love! Refer your friends and family to enter this giveaway. Use your social media (other than twitter and blog) to shout out this giveaway. As long as you provide me a link or a way to confirm it, you'll earn 2 entries (two separate comments). Hint: there are share buttons in the bottom of this post, maybe you can use them?
  
• Tell us how did you hear about this giveaway (1 entry).
• Purchase an item from Pieces of Me Pendants shop and earn 10 entries for each purchase. Don't forget letting us know by leaving comments :-)

Contest starts now and ends on Sep 25, 2010. Contest opens worldwide.

Don't forget to leave me a way to contact you. Entries without contact information will be disqualified. Entries that do not follow the rules will be disqualified. Contest winner will be drawn on Sunday, Sep 26 by a random number generator, by the artist herself. Winner must respond within 48 hours after being contacted otherwise another winner will be randomly selected.

Saturday Artisan: Pieces of Me Pendants

Meet this week Saturday Artisan, Lisa of Pieces of Me Pendants. In my opinion, she runs one of the most successful shops in Etsy. I'd bet she is one busy woman. But once you stop by at her shop, you know that it's so obvious why her shop is lovable.

Here is a little bit of information about her.

Tell us a bit about yourself and what arts/ crafts that you make?

I love making crafts for my Etsy shop. I have Scrabble Pendants, earrings, keychains, and more! I also love to paint, mostly in oil.

What is your favourite item in your shop?

My Scrabble Pendants for sure!

What is your best seller?

Scrabble Pendants

What inspires you?

Everything! I’ve just revamped my craft room and I love staring out the window while making my pendants watching the world go by.

How do you promote your shop?

I try to meet as many people as possible. Etsy has so many talented and interesting people, it’s so easy. I have also recently started selling at craft fairs.

Stay-tuned for tomorrow's giveaway! You don't want to miss out :-)

Giveaway Winner of Bross Art Addiction

Congratulations, afineday (#117)!! You won Bross Art Addiction's giveaway!

Thanks so much, Tracey, for sponsoring this great giveaway. 

Visit Tracey's shop and you'll be sure finding a beautiful handmade card or jewelry!

Thanks to everyone who entered the contest!

For this week giveaway, enter here. Win a beautiful handmade laser cut photo necklace from Vector Cloud.

Giveaway: Vector Cloud Photo Necklace

Win this one-of-kind laser-cut Photo Necklace! This week's giveaway is sponsored by VectorCloud, a design studio based in Queens, New York that focuses on laser engraved/cut products ranging from wearable items to home decors. Many of our products are made-to-order and crafted with attention to detail for you. 

Get to know Amelia, the artist behind Vector Cloud. You'll learn a few things from the interview on yesterday's post. 

There are many ways to enter. Please make sure you leave a separate comment for every entry. 

How to enter to win: 

 Mandatory entry:

• Go to Vector Cloud shop. Return to my Adore By Nat blog and simply leave a comment here about your favorite item from her store.

Extra entries (only qualify once mandatory entry is fulfilled):

• Earn 2 entries - Go to yesterday's post to know her more. Leave a comment there (yesterday's post) on at least one the following: what you learn from the interview, what you want to see more on her shop and why, or any constructive feedbacks are always appreciated. Come back here and leave 2 comments that you did, to ensure your entries are counted.

• Heart Vector Cloud shop (1 entry). Simply let us know your Etsy username.
• Follow my adorebynat blog (1 entry). If you're already a follower, you still get an entry, just says you're following already.
• Like Vector Cloud Facebook Page (1 entry).
• Like my Facebook Page (1 entry). Let me know your FB username please.
• Follow adorebynat on twitter (1 entry).
• Tweet about this giveaway, add "@adorebynat" in your tweet. (1 entry).
• Blog about this giveaway to earn 2 entries. Leave two separate comments here please providing me with the link to your post.
• Be creative and share the love! Refer your friends and family to enter this giveaway. Use your social media (other than twitter and blog) to shout out this giveaway. As long as you provide me a link or a way to confirm it, you'll earn 2 entries (two separate comments). Hint: there are share buttons in the bottom of this post, maybe you can use them?
• Tell us how did you hear about this giveaway (1 entry).
• Purchase an item from Vector Cloud shop and earn 10 entries for each purchase. Don't forget letting us know by leaving comments :-)

Contest starts now and ends on Sep 18, 2010. Contest opens worldwide.

Don't forget to leave me a way to contact you. Entries without contact information will be disqualified. Entries that do not follow the rules will be disqualified. Contest winner will be drawn on Sunday, Sep 19 by a random number generator, by the artist herself. Winner must respond within 48 hours after being contacted otherwise another winner will be randomly selected.

Saturday Artisan: Vector Cloud

Meet Amelia, the artist behind Vector Cloud. Intriquing and unique handmade items that you won't find anywhere else.

Get to know her a little bit through the interview below. Find out how she could have life-work balance, running her Etsy shop while at the same time enjoying her family time.


Tell us a bit about yourself and what arts/ crafts that you make?

My Name is Amelia and I live in Queens, New York. I am a product designer who thoroughly cherish my independence as an “indie” designer and a new mother. When I am not busy creating, I love hanging out with my family and friends, like going out for a picnic, taking my baby and dog to the park, or barbecuing in the backyard with the neighbors.

My Etsy store, Vectorcloud focuses on laser cut/engraved products which range from jewelry to home decors. People have described my products style as being unique, retro, or urban pop.

How does your day go in general?

I have recently been getting up early in the morning to attend my son, Noah, then after enjoying breakfast with my husband, I catch up with emails. My schedule usually depends on how many orders I have to make and mail that day, as well as Noah’s ever changing nap schedule. I then try to get as much housework out of the way, before I begin working on my computer and creating more products. By the evening, I dedicate my time to my family, watching our favorite TV shows, having dinner, and hanging out with my husband and son.

What is your favourite tool that you cannot live without?

A sketchbook and a pen. I always have the need to sketch or simply write my ideas down anywhere anytime.

What inspires you?

Many things inspire me. I especially love old fashioned items, simple everyday objects that once were mundane, but now become so adored and cherished.

Anything else you would like to share?

Besides designing and making my own products, I also do custom work and service. So if you like my work, but can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, I would love to work with you. Email me or visit my store.

Spotted on Showcase Sisters

Happy Friday everyone!

What a nice surprise this morning seeing my owl tags chosen among these lovely finds at Showcase Sisters.

Hop over their site to see more gorgeous finds.

My Creative Space

I was busy making these cute felt onesie cards. I simply love working with felt. Handstitching each onesie does take time but I really love the result.

Adding a cute little button to each, and doing some dry-embossing to create a subtle and yet powerful 3D effect to each card.

And of course it won't be complete without the stitching all around :-)

Giveaway Winner of CK Silver

Congratulations Cheryl (# 30), you are the lucky winner winning CK Silver's giveaway.

Thank you so much Cindy for sponsoring this great giveaway. We all had fantastic time. Thanks to everyone who entered.

For current giveaway from Bross Art Addiction, please enter here.

Giveaway from Bross Art Addiction

Tracey of Bross Art Addiction is sponsoring this week's giveaway. Win this beautiful Handmade Beaded Zipper Pull Charm -Jeweled Butterfly Zipper Pull.

My zipper pulls are made to be fun but durable and long lasting.
For my (Antiqued Brass Collection) The hand wire wrapped dangles are wrapped together for a strong hold. And then wrapped to a lobster clasp for easy add and removal.

Get to know Tracey, the artist behind Bross Art Addiction. You'll learn a few things from the interview on yesterday's post.

There are many ways to enter. Please make sure you leave a separate comment for every entry.

How to enter to win:

Mandatory entry:

• Go to Bross Art Addiction. Return to my Adore By Nat blog and simply leave a comment here about your favorite item from her store.
  

Extra entries (only qualify once mandatory entry is fulfilled):

• Earn 2 entries - Go to yesterday's post to know her more. Leave a comment there (yesterday's post) on at least one the following: what you learn from the interview, what you want to see more on her shop and why, or any constructive feedbacks are always appreciated.
  
  Come back here and leave 2 comments that you did, to ensure your entries are counted.

• Heart Bross Art Addiction (1 entry). Simply let us know your Etsy username.
• Follow Bross Art Addiction blog (1 entry).
  
• Follow my adorebynat blog (1 entry). If you're already a follower, you still get an entry, just says you're following already.
• Like my Facebook Page (1 entry). Let me know your FB username please.
• Follow adorebynat on twitter (1 entry).
• Follow Bross Art Addiction on twitter (1 entry).
  
• Tweet about this giveaway, add "@adorebynat and @BrossArtAddict" in your tweet. (1 entry).
• Blog about this giveaway to earn 2 entries. Leave two separate comments here please providing me with the link to your post.
• Be creative and share the love! Refer your friends and family to enter this giveaway. Use your social media (other than twitter and blog) to shout out this giveaway. As long as you provide me a link or a way to confirm it, you'll earn 2 entries (two separate comments). Hint: there are share buttons in the bottom of this post, maybe you can use them?
  
• Tell us how did you hear about this giveaway (1 entry).
• Purchase an item from Bross Art Addiction and earn 10 entries for each purchase. Don't forget letting us know by leaving comments :-)

Contest starts now and ends on Sep 11, 2010. Contest opens worldwide.

Don't forget to leave me a way to contact you. Entries without contact information will be disqualified. Entries that do not follow the rules will be disqualified. Contest winner will be drawn on Sunday, Sep 12 by a random number generator, by the artist herself. Winner must respond within 48 hours after being contacted otherwise another winner will be randomly selected.

Saturday Artisan: Bross Art Addiction

Meet our Saturday Artisan for this week: Tracey of Bross Art Addiction.

Love love and love her creations! She has handmade beaded jewelry, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, zipper pulls, charms, beaded bookmarks, book thongs, stitch markers, cards, tags and more at her shop. As a fellow papercrafter, I adore her cards, of course.

Tell us a bit about yourself and what arts/ crafts that you make?
I’m happily married to a super great husband who supports me in everything I do! I’m a stay at home mom to 3 boys ages 3, 6 and 8…they definitely keep me busy…lol! I’m an avid crafter and always have been! I’m always trying new things to keep my hands and my mind busy. The things I love to do the most are making jewelry, creating cards, scrapbooking, crocheting and drawing of which some have developed into a full time job for me and others have stayed hobbies just to keep my sanity…lol.

Which part of creation process that you like to do the most?
When it comes time to planning a new jewelry design, zipper pull, or beaded bookmark from thinking it up in my head to starting the first and finalized touches of a piece. And then looking at it and ecstatically realizing it had started out as one thing and then turned out totally different and more amazing then what I had in mind. It reminds me that art isn’t always perfect and that some of the most beautiful things are made when you stray away from the plan or pattern!

Could you share on how you organize your products, we all can use little tips here and there in this department?
I have a box that sits near my craft table that is used for finished items but not yet photographed or listed. I have a separate box that sits on top of my computer desk for product that has been photographed and is ready to be listed. And then finally I have a small wood drawer system that my hubby built where I keep my finished products in their organized places in my craft area…meaning the items have been finished, photographed and listed for sale on Etsy. So it’s a 3 step organization process for me.


What is your favorite item in your shop?
I have to say my beaded bookmarks and zipper pulls are my most favorite items to make…they allow me to be the most creative!


What is your best seller?
My zipper pulls are the best sellers as they suit a general audience because they can be used as not only zipper pulls but fun little keychains or pendants!

How does your day go in general?
Taking care of my hubby and my boys, creating, chatting up the forums, promoting, promoting, promoting, cooking and cleaning in no particular order and then off to bed before my day starts all over again.

Do you have a favorite Etsy seller?
Oh yes I have many favorite sellers, there are so many talented people on Etsy! It would take me forever to list all of them, but here are a few: www.natbears.etsy.com -Natalie makes the most sweetest clay figurines from bears to pigs and even adorably cute little beads and they all have sweet little features like flowers or hearts made from her very own polymer clay canes. Everyone is different and so well made. And Nat has excellent customer service which is very important! www.justgivemepeace.etsy.com -Sing makes the most stunning artwork and is the sweetest Etsier you could meet! www.hillsidebakery.etsy.com –Lisa runs her very own in home state licensed bakery where she makes the most delicious fudge!

What inspires you?
Other moms who have full time jobs apart from Etsy and still find the time to craft, promote, join in on the Etsy community (forums), cook and still keep their house clean and managed! The super Etsy moms or super moms in general keep me inspired to keep doing what I do and strive to keep doing better!


What is your goal for 2010? And are you on the right track?
I’m in the process right now of changing the look of my Etsy shops to suit my colorful and creative personality! Right now my shop to me is too dark with the black background I use and I would like to get away from that background with more colorful ones. I want my shop to look more happy and inviting! Also my hubby is trying to help me get my very own website started. So I hope to have my own website along with Etsy up and running by the end of the year. Besides those things…I’m trying to get into the habit of blogging more!

What is your favorite tool that you cannot live without?
I absolutely cannot live without my Lindstrom pliers and my ATG tape gun! My handy dandy “Lindstrom” pliers allow me to work and wrap wire for hours and hours without my hands cramping up on me. And my ATG gun allows me to do the same without my double sided tape running out before I finish a card!

How do you promote your shop? There are many many ways I promote my shop! I use all the social media sites like; Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, StumbleUpon, Kaboodle, HiveIt, Flickr and I also try to blog regularly. Other than that I also submit my Etsy shop to search engines (There are LOTS!) and places like LinkReferral.com and TheHandmadeDirectory.com. I also join other craft websites that support indie crafters like; IndiePublic.com, PlumDrop.com, MixxMade.com and there are many more!

Any advice for others running their on-line shop?
I would just say to keep trying, never give up and have patience…lots of patience is the key to being successful!


Psstt! Celebrate her 1 year anniversary with Etsy and get 50% off of everything in her shop (read the shop announcement for details). That's one kind of deal that is hard to resist for and be sure to come back for tomorrow's giveaway!

My Creative Space

I received a custom order of 40 favor bags. It's for a repeat client. Love the fact that my clients loved what I made for them and they came back :-)

The original idea came from this favor bag, but you know... I LOVE custom orders!

These are great for bridal shower, wedding favor, baby shower and baby baptism. You can fill the bag with candies or in this case, almonds.

Since she needs to fill the bags with almonds, I would need to let her to do the final assembling. I think she's going to have fun doing it. Don't you?