During my ebay-deer-head search for my studio decor, I came across these fabulous cufflinks. I hadn’t yet purchased my little cordless Dremel, so this project involved cutters, wire benders, and a hammer. I snipped off the back hardware leaving just a bit to wrap a gold plated eyepin around. Placing the cufflink on a thick towel (to avoid damaging the deer) I hammered down the cut area over the wrapped eyepin. If I had a Dremel at the time, I would have cut off the back hardware altogether and drilled through the top of the plaque. I added a jump ring and a thrift-store chain (14K for $2!). Now I match my studio!
The only thing I would tear to keep from my old Victoria magazines was the page of calling cards featured in each issue. I loved looking at everyone’s little self-promotions and constantly drew inspiration from them when designing. I have the Victoria Calling Cards book, but I sure wish they would come out with a newer version. Calling cards are essentially a personal contact card, as in the past when people would carry them sometimes with little more than their name and lovely artwork printed on them, but more recently we just refer to these as business cards.
I, personally, have had many different cards over the last 20 years or so. Here’s one I designed and had letterpressed 12 years ago when I went from full-time work to full time mom. It was a little sketchbook, (with name and info letterpressed on the back.)
I would like to start sharing the calling cards (ok, business cards) of the readers of my blog. I would love to have this as a weekly post, so if you think yours is uniquely special, send me yours, I will photograph it and mention you and your business in my Calling Cardsfeature. Be sure to include any interesting information about the card such as printing process, illustration, etc. Mail your card to me at the address below. This will be such fun inspiration for all!
If your card is 2-sided, please include 2 cards. And one last thing, please keep in mind that I am looking for visually inspirational cards, please do not send your card for sales promotion only, thank you.
MAIL CARDS TO: Calling Cards Cathe Holden 42 Everett Road Petaluma, CA 94952
I dug out this bag from my daughter’s room. It’s the last great thing I made befor my Kenmore sewing machine passed away. After not looking at it for so long, I almost fell in love with it again. I made if for myself, but for some weird reason, I have trouble wearing something I made. If I had bought this, I would probably still be carrying it. Go figure. I ended up offering it to Sarah.
It is “repurposed” (love that word) from an old pair of my jeans. If you grew up in the 70s, it’s your innate nature to make things with your jeans, you just don’t fight it. It’s the one time having a large rear-end paid off, plenty of fabric to work with! I used the back pockets inside and out and found some fantastic upholstery/decorator fabric at JoAnn Fabrics during their 40% off sale. I accented the bag with a great bohemian looking brocade ribbon. The brass rings are from an old cheap purse I found in my purse pile. This was a make-it-as-you-go-no-pattern project. It took a whole day to make. I love the way messenger bags hang flat over your hip, and I like having lots of pockets to separate cell phone from lip gloss from billfold.
After looking at this a while I think I might just take this bag back.
