7 Tips for making your business card a memorable one!!

As a designer I would like to pass on some tips in making your business card look appealing and catchy.

Business cards are an essential way to show your blog or online shop. Don’t negletct this fact. Of course you can use an online business, like vistaprint.com but if you have already created your blog logo or shop logo, you better make sure to keep the same house style. In this case you could easily design it yourself.

Here are 7 tips to make your business card a memorable one.... after the jump:

1. Use standard dimensions:           

_8.5cm x 5.5cm (3.35inch x 2.17 inch), in Europe this is the most common one as it has the same size as a credit card and can easily fit in someone’s purse.

_ or 9cm x 5cm (3.54inch x 1.97inch)

2. Add your logo and work in the same atmosphere / colors as your online blog or shop, to create a strong brand identity

3. Accompany your logo with a short tagline

A tagline comes in handy if your logo is not expressing clearly what you are doing or selling.

Like this next time someone takes out your card, the slogan will help people to remember what you sell or blog about.

  

4. Do not forget to Include your blog /website address and your email address

Do add one email address relevant to your blog or online shop.

The same for phone numbers, add just one to make things more clear for everyone.

5. Make your card readable Use simple fonts and font sizes that are big enough to be easily readable without using a magnifying glass. Be sure the type color stands out against the background of the card, too. Your goal isn't to produce a work of art. It's to produce a business card that clearly communicates what you do and how to reach you.

6. Have your business cards printed on good card-stock.

The best of course is to let it print professionally but if this is not the case make sure your print quality is high enough and you are using proper card paper, to express quality in every sense of the word.

7. Why not add a QR code?

This last tip is not a must but it could show you are up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends. You could use the back of your business card to integrate a QR code from your shop or blog. So many people, worldwide,  are using smartphones, a QR code might facilitate the initial access to your shop or blog without typing in your URL.

I have found this website where you type your blog’s or shop’s URL and it will give you a QR code that you can easily download and integrate at the back of your business card.

http://qrcode.littleidiot.be/

Check it out:  

Good luck!!!

Alex

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Weekly inspiration_01:: Black & White stripes

Moodboards are a must for designers that is why I would like to propose every Monday 'inspiration' from a different angle, to start the week well. :-)

This week: Black & White stripes

Row 1 from left to right: 1, 2, 3

Row 2, from left to right: 4, 5, 6

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What's new??? Spring colours 2013

For those who haven't seen it yet, Pantone announced it's top 10 fashion spring colours for 2013 a while ago. See here the overview and the names they gave them. They are not that different from last year but they seem a bit more intense and optimistic than spring 2012. The 'It' colour  for 2013 is suppose to be Monaco Blue. Hope this will help you to decide what to wear, crochet or sew for the coming months. :-) 
Which of those 10 colours would you like to wear this Spring???

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What's new??? Spring Fashion 2013

To think of what to crochet for your home or for yourself will need some research, of course what is your taste but at the same time we all like to be up to date with the latest trends. That's why I decided to dedicate Wednesday to 'What's new???'. Every Wednesday I would like to go into one topic briefly which could inspire you to continue searching on the internet or it might give you ideas of where to go from here. I hope you will enjoy it and look forward to hearing your feedback.

For those of you trying to figure out what to start crocheting or knitting, which colours to buy etc, well, have a look here. I've picked up 3 interesting ideas, tips of how fashion is going to evolve this year. For sure, colours are in!!! We don't seem to be depressed because of the global economic situation but we rather want to make a statement to show 'life goes on and we are enjoying it, despite of everything ...'.

Here are some of the remarkable trends for the months to come.

1. Curvy Colour blocking

Colour blocking has always been fashionable but going back to curvy colour blocking reminds me more of the 70's, we might not be using the same colours but there is that hint!

2. Flowers are everywhere

Jewelry is no longer subtle but as I said earlier, colours are in and so are flowers, for fabrics, prints but also for Jewels. Wear the flowers around your neck and be proud to be able to show your masterwork of a necklace.

3. Asian influences

Last but not least, lots of Fashion designers sought there inspiration, in Asian traditional fashion, for their spring collection, translating this into lots of layers and lots of interesting pattern combinations!!

All trends for Spring 2013 can be found here at Accessories Magazine online. 

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Recycle your old t-shirts into yarn

Are your hands itching to starting crocheting or knitting but you have no yarn at home? Do you have some old t-shirts laying around at home? If your answer is twice yes, than your problem is solved and you can start in no time ;-).

Of course you can buy recycled T-shirt yarn in the shop, it has the same thickness as the one you will cut but it will have a different sentimental value.

Nowadays we do think more in terms of recycling, well this is an excellent way to start.

When searching on the net you will find more ways of 'how to cut your T-shirt into yarn', but for me this video explains it very well. If you will try this at home, please do use an iron board, like she explains, as this will make the job so much easier.

The only part of the t-shirt used is the part just underneath the arms till just above the bottom seem of your t-shirt. Also make sure you won't cut the strips/yarn smaller than 1cm as you will need to pull the yarn slightly to make sure it rolls up and turns into real looking yarn ready to be crocheted or knit. If it is too thin you will pull it apart very easily. The yarn recuperated from one T-shirt is around 50gr.

This yarn is excellent for potholders or for home made carpets. But you can also make a simple Christmas decoration with it which you can see in following blogpost.
Have fun with it! ;-)

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Fancy up your yarn!

I have mentioned it in my previous post, 'Make your own crochet coasters', that you could spice up your yarn. As I had used existing yarn for my coasters, I will show you here how it works and how the result could look like by using cotton and normal sewing thread!

So start experimenting and let me know how it turns out.

You can find this pattern in my blogpost Christmas decoration!

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Indian Beauty Tips

Looking beautiful is the desire of all. Gathering attention is again the motive of every human being. An attractive face with luscious lips and expressive eyes – does all the speaking by themselves. Beauty in its real sense is defined if you take care of all these beauty elements in a proper manner. Branded beauty products and numerous visits to the beauty salons does all work to make you look beautiful. People spend lots of money to actually have a beautiful and attractive look. But did we ever see that Indians usually find the best of beauty tips in their home itself? Indian beauty tips have always been famous and people take instances of it to look attractive.

Indian Beauty treatments are usually known to be the herbal beauty treatments - apt for all skin types. As cheap cosmetics always have a harmful effect on the skin, the herbal methods of beauty treatment in India are always welcome.


Indian Homemade Beauty Tips

* For removing the puffiness from your eyelids, try to massage a drop of fresh castor oil on them. It shall make you feel fresh.

* Slices of cucumber are a very good cooling element for the eyes. You could also use cotton pads soaked in cold milk and get a relaxed feeling.

* A drop of rose water in each of your eyes acts as a great refreshing factor.

* For not letting the lips get chapped, use hot water fermentation on the lips and after that apply a mixture of Vaseline and honey. Do this at least thrice a week.

* Using a mixture of rose petals and milk butter will help you prevent the lips getting dried.

* The aging marks are a common problem. For delaying the aging spots on the hand, a piece of lemon should be rubbed all over the hand before you wash them.

* Hair loss is another common problem. Take a drink rich in biotin that prevents hair loss. Another effective option to prevent hair loss is to blend bananas along with honey, yogurt and low fat milk. Try drinking this for quite a few weeks.

* While you take up blow drying and setting the hair, try to blow-dry at hot right at the roots of the hair. Try to roll the hair inwards or outwards towards the ends. For better setting, you should make sure that the ends are evenly rolled in and rolled out.

* For applying a conditioner on the hair, you should take some conditioner on your palm and rub it with both your hands. The applying technique should be like applying from the hair shaft and move downwards. It shouldn’t be applied on the scalp and should be rinsed off after 5 minutes.

* For that extra shine and glow for the hair, add 2 tablespoons of malt vinegar and use it as a last rinse.

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Beauty Tips for Women

Beauty tips for women are very helpful for all those busy women who do not have the time to go to the beauty salons but wish to look gorgeous every day. Read on to know more about some great beauty tips for women.

Facial Beauty Tips for Women
The best way to keep your facial skin soft at all times, is by indulging in a daily cleansing, toning and moisturizing routine. First wash your face with a face wash that suits your skin type, second use a deep cleansing milk to cleanse your face. Follow this up with wiping the face with a toner and then applying a moisturizer.

You must apply a face pack made either of fuller's earth or gram flour mixed in rose water or milk twice a week. This will keep your face radiant. Facials in the beauty salons, once or twice, in a month will also be beneficial. Ensure that you apply sunscreen on the face every time you go out of your house, even if it is cloudy or rainy. Use petroleum jelly such as Vaseline to keep the lips moistened at all times. You may also use a lip balm.

Hair Care Beauty Tips for Women

Get regular hair trims to keep the split ends away. You can go to a hair spa or simply apply natural protein packs, amla-reetha-shikakai packs or henna packs every 15 days to keep your hair healthy and shiny. Oiling your hair with olive oil or almond and castor oil will ensure hair growth. Follow this up with towel wrap for 15 minutes before rinsing your hair with a mild shampoo.

Shampooing twice a week is always recommended as this does not allow dandruff and grease to settle on the scalp. Apply conditioners on the hair (and not on the scalp) will keep your hair soft and manageable.

You can also experiment with your hairstyle. Always choose a hairstyle that goes with the shape of your face. You may use hair color if you have gray hair. Always use a good quality hair color. Just one advice-learning to age gracefully is the best "age defying" treatment.

Besides the tips given above, we also provide information on Body Care Tips and Cosmetic and Dressing Tips for Women.

Body Care Tips for Women

Body massages every week and indulging in body wraps at specialized beauty salons, ensure that your skin remains firm and hydrated. Besides, waxing your hands and legs are good ways of removing not only unwanted hair but also helps in exfoliation. Apply sunscreen lotions on the exposed as well as covered regions of your body whenever you walk out of your house.

You must apply moisturizer all over your body after every bath to ensure that your skin is not robbed off its essential moisture. Using body gels and foams are much better than using scented soap bars as these contain moisturizers. Indulge in regular manicures and pedicures to keep your hands and feet soft and well-maintained at all times.

Eating a healthy diet, avoiding junk foods, drinking plenty of water and following a regular exercise regime will assist in maintaining your overall good health. Avoid alcohol and tobacco, as far as possible.

Cosmetic and Dressing Tips for Women

Cosmetics are something that all women love to experiment with. However, before splurging on any, a patch test at the shop is very much essential to ensure that they do not cause any harm to your skin. A patch test is done to ensure that you do not use products that you are allergic to. It is always better to stick to one brand of cosmetics that you are comfortable with.

The application of cosmetics will vary from person to person, but during the day time and summers, cosmetics must contain a lot of nude colors and light touches. Heavy makeup can be applied for special occasions, evening parties and nightclub visits.

However, you must always make it a point to remove your makeup before you go to bed at night, or it can lead to excess of oil secretion, bursts of acne and rashes.

Accessories must be decided upon in a way that would match the occasion as well as the clothes you are wearing. So, junk jewelries can be teamed with sarees and other traditional, Indian dresses whereas lighter accessories will be preferred with other types of dresses such as western wear like gowns or skirts and trousers or jeans. Your hair must also be styled according to the type of dress and the occasion.

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Fashion Tips for Teenage Girls

Adolescence is a time to gain your own fashion identity. Experiment with different styles to find the type of clothing that represents you best. Once you have figured out your style, look for fashion ideas in magazines, see what celebrities are wearing and look at the girls in your community. Use these ideas and make them your own. Remember that being fashionable is not about following all the latest trends. Fashion is about finding what makes you comfortable and working it.

Pants

Whether frilly and girly or sporty and tomboy, every girl needs a good pair of jeans. Keep in mind that jeans that work well on one body type may not work for another. Some girls look best in skinny or boot-cut jeans, while others look better in flare or wide-leg jeans. Decide which style you like best, and then try different brands to find which one looks best on your body type.

Aside from jeans, incorporate a variety of pants into your wardrobe. Pant options include cargo pants, low-rise trousers, twill, Bermuda shorts, capris and more. Choose basic colors or experiment with brighter tones or patterns. Always take notice of the fit and buy pants that are the most flattering to your figure.

Shirts and Blouses

Shirts and blouses come in an endless assortment of styles. There are basic t-shirts, tanks, camisoles, tunics, polos, button-downs and more. Include a wide range of these styles in your wardrobe. Wear tops that will let your personality shine through. A girly girl might like a feminine tunic, while a rocker chick may go for a simple graphic tee. Whatever your style, keep an eye out for things that make a shirt or blouse unique, like distinctive patterns or materials or interesting buttons, seams, or other details.

Accessories
Accessories are the finishing touches that really add to your overall look. Jewelry, belts, purses, scarves, hats and hair accessories can jazz up an otherwise boring outfit. Pick a few classic pieces that will endure through the changes in trends as well as some fun pieces that are current and trendy.

Current Pieces

Every season, a new trend hits the runways as well as high-school hallways. Unless you have the money to constantly switch your wardrobe for the newest fashions, it's important to choose clothes that you can wear through the ever-changing seasons. You don't have to jump on the bandwagon for every new trend, but you also don't want to lag behind and get stuck in a style rut. Buy a few current pieces to incorporate into your wardrobe. Thes can include vests, sweater dresses, leggings paired with mini-skirts, or whatever the fashion experts are labeling the "it" look for the season.

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Beauty Tips for Teenage Girls

Beauty is Only Skin Deep

As a teen girl, you will find makeup tips for teens everywhere. Keep in mind that you are only as beautiful as you feel. Beauty lies both inside and out. So no matter how amazing your natural beauty is, if you are not happy with yourself, it will not matter how gorgeous you look.
Highlight Your Best Features
Everyone has a feature or two that stands out. It may be your hair, smile, eyes, body shape, or stunning personality. Focus on bringing attention to these traits.
Makeup is Not a Necessity
Though makeup can help accent your facial features and give you some color, teenagers really do not need it. Makeup applied wrong or too thick can make you look either silly or cheap.

Simple Makeup Tips

The best beauty tips for teen girls you will receive are keep it simple.
•Use a natural colored blush to help accent your cheekbones. Blend it with a cotton ball.
•Purchase a concealer in the same color as your skin to cover up any blemishes
•A grey eyeliner will accent your eyes
•Curl your eyelashes to highlight your eyes
•A natural shade of lip color or lip gloss is all you need for beautiful lips
•Powder and mineral makeup can give you the same results without the heavy look and feel

Pick Natural Shades

Makeup should look natural. Blue eye shadow and bright red lipstick belong in the ‘80s. The most beautiful teen girls wear carefully selected colors that highlight and accent their beauty instead of trying to recreate it.
Less is More
Wearing a lot of makeup will make you look older. In fact, teen girls who wear too much makeup often give off the wrong impression. Heavy makeup masks your skin.
The Truth Behind the Monobrow
You may think you are the only teen who has huge bushy eyebrows or a monobrow (an eyebrow that grows together in the middle), but you are not alone.
Many teens have their eyebrows waxed. If you need to reshape your eyebrows for a more elegant look, have a professional do it the first time. This will give you an idea of how it is supposed to look and save you the pain of over-plucking or waxing off all your eyebrows.

Pimples Can Get in the Way

If you ever woke up with a zit, you may be desperate to find tips on how to get rid of pimples.
•Wash your face daily with warm water and pat dry with a dry towel
•Don’t pop or poke at your acne, it will only make it worse
•Try creams designed to help get rid of acne
•Keep a natural colored concealer on hand to cover up the redness
•If you are still having skin problems, visit a dermatologist

The Importance of Skin Care

By taking care of your skin now, you are working towards beautiful skin as an adult. How you treat it today is important to the future of your skin.
•Clean your face every night to remove makeup and dirt
•Use a daily facial scrub or simple skin care system
•Use sunscreen whenever you are outside

Avoid the Sun

Bronze does not mean beautiful. Though it is impossible to avoid the sun altogether, the UV rays are dangerous and can cause damaged skin or cancer later in life. Protect yourself when outside with sunscreen, sunglasses and hats.
If you feel the need to look darker, use tinted bronzers, sunless tanning or instant tan lotions.

Beautify Your Nails

Your nails are one of your most beautiful assets. Use them to accessorize or express yourself. If you bite or pick at your nails, consider breaking that habit.
If you want to look more mature, try French tips instead of using color. You can also decorate your nails with jewels and little pictures, like stars, hearts or stripes.
If you can’t afford a manicure, get some friends together for a manicure party.
Style Your Hair
You can change your entire look with a simple haircut or color change. Take a trip to the hair salon for advice on cutting or coloring your hair. The secret is to find a hair cut that makes you feel beautiful, and you can easily style every morning.

Self-esteem Helps You Look Beautiful

The most beautiful teen girls have self-esteem and confidence which makes them stand out. They really don’t care what others think, and believe in themselves.
When looking for beauty tips for teen girls, remember that everyone has a different style. Just because some teenagers may feel a certain look is “cool,” does not mean that is the look for you. Make sure you feel comfortable in both your makeup and clothes.

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