Calling cards-part 1

My cards from Eight sixty

Every business small and large must have a business card. It tells people who you are and where to find you/ reach you. For my Etsy shop I have two kinds of cards, a more traditional one and a handmade card that is a bit more unique and made by me. (Yes, Traditional ones can be unique too!)

My first card is a traditional card, it has my business name, slogan, web address and email, pretty standard. You can add your phone number, blog address, twitter, or just about anything you like. Some people find this type to be the typical card that is easy to carry and easy to file. You can get regular cards just about anywhere, I wanted to support an Etsy seller and bought mine right from http://eightsixty.etsy.com/ She had a bunch of pre-made designs, just give her your info and she sends a proof and makes them up for you. It was worth the wait!

My handmade card are my cards that are made with heart! I love these cards and they are so easy to make! Here is how I do them:

1.) I bought a 2 inch scallop punch on sale at Joanne's for $10. I bought a pad of textured card stock for $10. I know you can get card stock for a cheaper price but I like the textured kind.

2.) I ordered 1.67 inch round labels from http://www.onlinelabels.com/ . If you ever need any labels at all this is the site to go to! You can get any shape and size. I purchased 1000 for around $22, I also use these labels for my larger makeup jars so they are used for two purposes. When you order from this site you get 1 month free of there design program. You can design your labels, upload images and print them. It's pretty easy!

3.) I punch out till my arm is going to fall off, I print my labels and stick them to my round cut outs here is what I get:

I love these cards! It really does not take long for me to do, I made 250 last night and it took me about 45 minutes. I plan on using these cards to also make some coupons to give to my customers. I always include one with all my orders, I even have some in my wallet to give out to people I meet who have never heard of Etsy or who have shown an interest in my shop. I believe these cards are unique and stand out, show off the handmade nature of Etsy and reflect my business.

Do you make your own cards? Send me an email at Twinsmomma27@gmail.com send me a picture of your unique cards and tell me a bit about them, Also include your Etsy URL and any other info you would like to include. I will pick a few of my favorites and post them up on my blog next week! Check back!! : )

Handmade soap Rocks!!

Chocolate vanilla cold process soap~

My favorite lemon soap!

I have to tell you I never tried handmade soap before Etsy. I thought I would give it a try! I found this great shop http://cosmiccleanbody.etsy.com/ And bought her lemon soap.....When I got the box it smelled so good. The next morning I hopped in the shower with my new soap and was transformed to a better place! I do not like mornings but this soap makes me look forward to a shower. It wakes me up and makes me smile! I just went back to her shop and bought a second bar, I was pretty sad when my lemon soap was nothing more than a small sliver and it washed away down the drain. ( you should have seen the look on my face-like someone just took candy away from a kid) I ordered a lemon bar and the vanilla chocolate bar for fun! I have bought soap from a few different soap sellers and so far the lemon is my fav!

Mineral makeup info

I get a lot of people who wonder what type of mineral makeup to buy. There are so many brands to choose from. They sell it at the drug stores, online and in fancy salons and boutiques. Some can cost as much as $50 for a jar!! Trying to decied what the diffrences are can be hard. Let me tell you what I know about the diffrences of all these brands....INGREDIENTS!! Mineral makeup can be called mineral makeup if it contains at least one mineral in the ingredients....yikes! So what else can you find in your mineral makeup?

Talc-Found in many other bath and beauty products, studies have found links between talc and lung cancer, skin cancer and ovarian cancer.

Bismuth oxychloride-is used as a filler. A byproduct of lead and other metals. Overexposure can cause cancer. Some people can have an allergic reaction which will cause redness, itching and swelling.

Boron nitride- is reported to show weak fibrigenic activity and cause Lung disease.

I have seen some other ingredients in mineral makeup that I have no clue why they are even there.....like Essential oils. Mineral makeup should look good, have no odor, and NEVER expire. EO will cause the minerals to have an expiration date since any moisture in the product will be a breeding ground for bacteria.

Here are some good things to find in your mineral makeup.

*Zinc Oxide USP is known for its calming effect and healing properties in problem skin such as rosacea and acne, its ability to stay on even while sweating and swimming, and offers protection from the sun's harmful UV rays.

*Titanium Dioxide also has waterproof and SPF properties while providing a Matte look.

*Mica has some transparent properties and allows the makeup to go on smoothly.

*Iron Oxides give the makeup its pigment.

*Ultramarine Blue is required in some cool shades of makeup since there is no blue oxide.

*Kaolin Clay comes from the earth and is great for oil absorption. It's a light fluffy powder which also gives the makeup a light feel.

So not only does mineral makeup look great on your skin but it actually helps to protect and heal your skin!! The most important thing is to know what is in the products that you buy.

Welcome

I hope to blog about my minerals, my self, and other grade handmade items that are natural and can make you beautiful !