Jessica

Artist Cards

Every year, my son and I reread the Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder. In the book, ”Little Town on the Prairie”, there’s a part about Laura and her friends getting calling cards, aka name cards.

A local printer printed their name on a card and then the girls exchanged them. (Here’s an interesting article I read about it, if you’d like to learn the history: http://www.pioneergirl.com/blog/archives/14108 )

Of course, these days cards have more than just a name on them. Most have a website, email, and a phone number, too.

Before my last craft show, I started a search for the perfect card, one that was sort of vintage, expressed art creativity, was pretty, and was something I could hand out at my booth if anyone asked.

The first company I ordered from never even sent them! So, I started looking on Etsy. You guys, I found the most amazing shop! It’s out of Hawaii and it has absolutely beautiful stuff.

When I placed my order I was SO nervous! I wanted my cards to say ‘artist’, but I’ve never had artist under my name!!!!

I ordered them! Within like 20 minutes, the seller messaged me the proof. There it was!!! My name, then artist! I was beyond excited.

My poor friends, I shared that picture with everybody. Ha Ha.

Although they are typically called business cards these days, I don’t technically have a business. But, I wanted a way for local people to be able to get ahold of me if they had a request between shows.

I could not be more pleased with these cards! I asked the shop owner if I could share a link here in case anyone wants to see her amazing work. It’s gorgeous stuff. And, she sells other printed items as well. It’s:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/PikakePress

Even if you don’t buy anything, maybe just look to look. My favorites are the art deco styles. Fun and classy.

Here is the card I chose. Isn’t it pretty? I love her flower dress and the bird.

my card I got

For the craft show, I wanted to get something to put my cards in. I found this card holder on eBay. It was used (decent price), the perfect color, and looked so nice on my table at the show.

the card holder I bought

In the book, Laura was so excited to be able to order and receive her name cards. I can only imagine how thrilling that was back in the 1800’s.

Because, to be honest, it’s a pretty big excitement to get some now!

Jessica

20 comments

  1. This made an impression on me, how we don’t call ourselves ‘artists’…as if only someone can appoint that title to us, but that’s not true and I’m glad you found the freedom to put ‘artist’ on your cards! I’m sure it’s very gratifying! Pam, in the Crochet Business Summit, said to give yourself a title of your business, like CEO, VP, Owner, Designer, Artist, etc….and it did feel really strange to me too so I know how you feel, but we don’t need to feel like that at all!

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    • I love that you said freedom. Love that word. What you said is a great perspective- ‘artist’ felt like a big word, like I didn’t know if I was quite ‘qualified’ to claim… But, I make art. That equals artist. So, I jumped with both feet. I love that she said that. Maybe I’ll try on those other words as well. I’m so happy you told me your thoughts on this. I feel I’m going to grow from it.

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    • Thank you so much! Love that you’ve read them. What’s your favorite one? Or do you have one? We’re reading “On the Banks of Plum Creek.” I really like “Farmer Boy.”

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  4. Such a pretty card. I like the cardholder too. My husband has business cards even though he doesn’t have a business. He has a radio show though on our local radio station, so he uses them for that. I’ll take a look at her etsy shop. Thanks.

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  5. Your business card is beautiful! It is very stylish, and the colors are just right. The holder you picked was the perfect complement. I also like Laura Ingells Wilder. Years ago, we visited her home in Mansfield when my children were little. I have recently learned there are a number of sites to visit related to Laura. Have you been to her home in Mansfield, MO? I hope you did well at the craft fair. You definitely are an artist!

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    • You’ve been to her house in Mansfield? I LOVE that you’ve been there. Especially that your kids were little! I have been there several times. We used to live about 30 miles from there. They opened a new museum and gift shop maybe like 5 or 6 years ago. It’s beautiful. Did you get to go in the stone house and the farm house? I love the farmhouse and seeing her writing desk. Once when we were there, they let us go upstairs and look into the rooms. There’s SO much history at that farm. Have you ever read The Rose Years books?

      Thank you very much- I love that she had this design. When I first saw it, I thought, “meeeeeeeeeeeee.”

      Thank you, I got pretty lucky with that card holder. It was the only one like it that I could find.

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      • We went there probably about 29 years ago. 🙂 I think my daughter was about 9 or 10. I remember being in the house and maybe in a gift shop which was in a separate building. I would like to visit again. I have not read The Rose Years books; I will have to keep an eye out for them. I remember watching “Little House on the Prairie” more than reading the books. Perhaps I should rectify that! Enjoy your weekend!

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        • Oh my gosh, the tv show! Loved that show. The Rose Years are about their move from DeSmet to Mansfield. The history and stories of neighbors and things.

          I haven’t been to the other sites yet. Going to Walnut Grove, MN is on our list. We are reading “On the Banks of Plum Creek.” The original dugout is no longer there, but visitors can go to the area where it was. I’d love to go there.

          Thanks, you too.

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