craftevolution

With the approach of the holiday fair season, I’m contemplating business card alternatives to promote my crafting business. Since I “make stuff,” I prefer the promotional item to be handmade. However, the time and material cost invested can’t be too involved. So here are some things I’m considering.

Right now my favorite is one of these little matchbook notebooks. They are cute and seem to be relatively inexpensive. WhiMSy Love has a tutorial on a variation that uses paint chips for the cover, but you could really use any kind of sturdy paper.

Another possibility are these glass chip magnets. I just don’t know if they would be cost effective.

This is actually the paperweight size, but you get the idea. The other drawback is that the magnet’s weight will increase shipping costs should you include one with a purchase. But it might be a fun idea for a hosted sales party.

A lighter option is a bookmark. Something like this:

I could stamp my etsy URL on the back. I would probably leave out the lamination just to save costs.

I also like these key chains. With an embroidery machine I could sew my URL on them. However, since that is still on my wish list of things to buy when the recession is over, I’ll have to stencil, silkscreen, or stamp the link on it by hand.

Forum discussions have also mentioned stickers. While definitely a low cost option, I have to admit that I don’t really get that idea. Maybe because my house is inundated with dinosaur, Sponge Bob, and fairy stickers already.

This is a selection of promotional custom items I found on etsy:

What do you think about promotional objects? Do they warrant the investment?

By the way, the bookmark and the magnets were made by participants in the Crafty Daisies Book Club. The next virtual meeting is on October 22 to review Lotta Prints.