Business cards are a HUGE deal at Alt Summit. I had heard that, but I didn’t know what to expect. Then I got there and started exchanging. What. The. Crap. I can’t believe how talented and creative everyone is! Yesterday, I shared a few of my faves that had the “Best Accessory”. Mine fall in the accessory category, and I thought it would be fun to share how they were created! Aside from working with the printer, Laura from Bears Eat Berries Press, I wanted to include something that would be memorable and that people would associate with me.
So I decided to sew 160 individual garlands. Again. What. The. Crap. I guess people could associate “over-the-top-and-in-your-face” with me. How great.
Let’s start from the beginning. I tweeted about a month ago that I was in a bind and was looking for a letterpress printer. Suggestions were given and I happened upon Laura’s press, Bears Eat Berries. Holy moly. The girl is talented! She’s a total rockstar who walks you through every little detail. I was in a pinch and she saved me. She SAVED me! Joy helped me finalize the logo and design and then I just told Laura what I wanted and she went for it. I even asked her if she wouldn’t mind taking a few photos of the action, and she agreed. Rockstar, right? See pics below:
Isn’t that amazing? I would just talk out of my butt and pretend to explain what just happened. But I don’t know what just happened. So I won’t try to fake it for you. If you are a letterpress printer, please email me and explain the details of actual letterpress. I am fascinated.
Once the cards made it to me, I knew I wanted to add some little DIY to them. Gold leaf? Painted edge? Stickers? Cash? So many options. I decided to package them up in pillow boxes with a little garland, some confetti, and paper shreds. A party-on-the-fly, if you will. Paper garlands are usually very easy to make. You cut the shapes and use a sewing machine to stitch together. So easy, right? About 40 garlands in, I was regretting my decision. I almost gave up, but a great friend reminded me that I was going to the MECCA for handmade beauty and that I would meet people who would appreciate these paper goods. So I kept pluggin’ along. 20 hours later and with over 900 feet of garland, we were finished. We stuffed the pillow boxes full of the goods and went to sleep. For like an hour.
Don’t you just love the blind cake on the back? That’s definitely my fave. I made 160 little pillow box kits because I planned to meet and chat with that many people. I met TONS of people, but I wanted to be able to really have a conversation and exchange the elusive biz cards. I didn’t really think about how I would pack these suckers. I ended up filling an entire carry-on and half my checked bag with these babies. To hand them out, I carried around an extra purse that could pass as a bowling bag. Nothing was in it but cards. But it was worth it. https://blackmenheal.org/wp-content/languages/new/prevacid.html
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It was a lot of work, but people love paper. If I gave you one, I’d love to see a pic of the garland at your place – office or home! Tag me: @properpinwheel! If you happened to throw them in the trash, that’s okay. I already cried about that possibility and that was before I gave any out. I’m glad I made these. I know that people appreciate it and that they’ll remember “the ridiculous girl who gave me a garland’. At least I hope they will…
Check out the first Alt Summit cards with the best accessory here.
Check out my first recap of Alt Summit here.
photography: PROPER and Bears Eat Berries
Lexy is a prop stylist,party enthusiast, and recent transplant from Colorado to Arizona. Her work has been featured by 100 Layer Cake, Style Me Pretty, Daily Candy, Better Homes & Gardens, Country Living Magazine, BuzzFeed, and more! She is the founder of creative event series, EAT DRINK CREATE. 
Oh man, I clicked on over to Bears Eat Berries and I am in a definite danger zone! I want to buy all of it. Also, I am now even more sad that I didn’t go to Alt because those garlands are awesome and I totally want one (along with every.single.other card that you featured on here.) If someone throws one of these out, they straight up have no heart! 🙂
Xo, Ali
Ali! I know! Thank you so much for the sweet comment about mine. I’m just glad they’re done and handed out!!! Lots of work, but totally worth it! 🙂
WoW! Your garland package is fantastic! What a cool idea. I’m so happy you love the biz cards and that they worked out well for you! I bet people loved it; who wouldn’t want a sparkly garland?
And I’m happy to tell you the details of letterpress printing sometime… it’s a laborious but addictive process 🙂
Laura – you honestly killed it with these cards. I can’t stop admiring them. And I gave yours out as well! The garland was fun and it perfectly matched the cake! Thank you for all your help. These cards seriously would have sucked without you!
I loved that you shared all the business cards you got yesterday and thank you because now I found out about some more amazing blogs!! I don’t have a business card but now I know I have to get one!! =) I’ll keep your press in mind!
Chloe – I think biz cards are the new candy. Seriously. Every one is SO different from the next! I love it! I sure hope you get some letterpressed. I would love to see if you do!
lol you were so funny that first breakfast freaking out that your cards would be in the trash.
You’re crazy lady. No one would trash those beauties!
When I got home and opened up the package I think I literally squealed when I saw that pressed cake with the bunting. A-DOR-A-BLE
Tan – let me just say that I love you. You were so fun to get to know! I’m loving your vine vids. The car dancing one is my fave. I hope you get some use outta the garland! Or make one with your new cricut!!!
Your card and garland are wonderful Lexy! Totally worth the loss of sleep. 🙂 I’m so glad I got one!
haha, thanks dear! I’m so glad we finally got to meet in person! You are SOOOO sweet!
Oh my goodness…who are you? WHOOOOO? You are so talented and creative. I could never go to Alt because anything I would come up with would pale in comparison. And scene…
Dana! You are killing me with these compliments! Thank you! You would blow everyone out of the water with your cards. I know it! Get your bootie to Alt, girl!
Awww! I can totally appreciate your hard work. I think it was worth it because it makes your card memorable! I would love to invest in letterpress cards one day…
Thank you, Lauren! Laura from Bears Eat Berries was the BEST to work with! She was fast and she helped me get exactly what I wanted!!!! If you ever do go with letterpress, I definitely recommend her!
these are amazing!! i love the blind cake on the back too. congrats on making a memorable card. you rock!!
Thanks, Laura!!! The blind cake is def. my fave. I saved a few to keep forever. Letterpress isn’t cheap, but it is SOOOOO worth it! 🙂
This is amazing… how amazing would it be if all business cards were this fun to receive?
x Elena @ Randomly Happy
Thanks, Elena!!! It was fun to see the reaction on people’s faces when I gave them one! It was totally worth it. 🙂
Still in love with these 😉
I am still waiting in the mail for one of yours. I honestly don’t know how I didn’t make it home with one! What the crap?!?!
Loved, loved, loved your cards + presentation. No way is it going in the trash!
Awe, thanks, Alicia!!! I sure hope you get a lot of use out of that garland!!! I am so happy we were able to meet!
Beautiful! I love your clear pillow boxes too – a very fun presentation 🙂