In our busy digital world it’s hard to stand out. Let’s create something that does.
Something that:
- someone can hold in their hand
- people want to show others
- encourages word of mouth referrals
- sparks a conversation!
What is Handmade Marketing?
Handmade marketing is similar to traditional print marketing, but with a twist. Each piece is custom designed to fit your brand aesthetic. The “twist” is a handcrafted element: something unexpected, interactive, and fun. It’s tactile, conversation-worthy, and creates a natural bridge between an in-person experience and your online presence.
Some ideas include:
- A business card that is more than a place for your contact information
- Thank you cards for clients that they hang on to
- Snail mail campaigns that generate excitement
- Mini books for book launches that get people talking
- An insert for packaging/shipping that makes a purchase feel more like a fun gift
Interactive Business Cards
“Amber made my nerdy educator business card dreams come true. She took my zany, back-of-the-napkin idea and made it into something that gets “ohs” and “ahs.” She is a talent and a paper marketing miracle worker!”
— Megan Allen, The Community Classroom
Instead of handing out a standard business card with The Community Classroom contact information, Megan Allen gifts parents and their children an activity to experience together. One that introduces the warmth and support her brand embodies, along with the curiosity and custom learning experience her team of tutors bring to their work everyday.
Handmade marketing stops the scroll.
Handmade marketing is tangible and unique.
It causes the recipient to pause for longer than it takes to hit the like button and move on to the next thing because it’s still in their hands.
That means it sticks around.
People can pass it on or show others (and they do!).
And in a world where so much is AI-generated, something made by a human really stands out.
So, if you…
- care deeply about your brand and how it’s experienced
- are tired of trying to keep up with trends that don’t feel aligned
- want to stand out in a way that feels natural and genuine
- have ideas, but you’re not sure how to bring them to life
- want people to remember your business, not just see it
I’d love to help! Schedule a free call and let’s chat.
In a world of constant scrolling, the things we remember are the ones that feel different.
Slower. More thoughtful. More human. That’s what handmade marketing is.
Thank You Card & Craft Is…Ponder Wheel
“I was delighted to work with Amber to create handmade marketing materials that genuinely reflect my own business. As a small business owner making handmade home decor out of wood, I knew I needed thank you cards for customers that complemented my own work and left an impression with customers. Amber brought life to my ideas about craft through her creativity—making ponder wheels and fold out thank you cards with photos and quotes that customers loved. I couldn’t be happier!”
— Taliesin Nyala, Hungry Woodworker
Taliesin Nyala of Hungry Woodworker wanted to give her customers a special thank you card. As an artist, woodworker, writer, and small business owner she often writes about how making with our hands is medicine in our lives, so it was important that her marketing did the same. Together, we created a handmade thank you card and a “Craft is…” ponder wheel.
Process & Timeline
All projects start with a no-cost, no-commitment conversation to understand who you are and what you are trying to do. You don’t have to know what you want it to look like or even what exactly we’re creating, you just need a sense that you want your marketing to feel more personal, more creative, and more aligned. Of course, if you do have ideas (even crazy ones), I’d love to hear them!
After our initial conversation, I like to let our chat simmer. Ideas will begin to percolate and I’ll draft up a rough prototype to share with you. This is an opportunity to make sure we’re on the same page. You’ll then have a chance to weigh in on the idea and we can discuss design options and materials.
When you’re happy with the design direction, I will take it back to my studio and create a final prototype for your approval. After that I go into production and assembly mode to create the finished product.
Most projects take 6–8 weeks, start to finish, depending on the complexity and numbers.
Handmade things take time, but that’s why they WOW!
Cost
I work with a variety of budgets.
Handmade Marketing projects start at $500 from the discovery phase through the initial prototype. Printing costs, materials, and production vary based on the quantity and complexity of the design.
Initial conversations are always free, book a chat to get started.
More Handmade Marketing Examples
Promotional Swag/Takeaways/Vendor Table Goodies
Various samples of handmade marketing projects created to promote Speaker Sisterhood and encourage more people to ‘Speak Up”.
“Tiny Book” book promotion
Handmade mini upcycled book to promote the book The Secret Life of Speaking Up Prequel by Angela Lussier.
Snail Mail Campaigns
Handmade envelopes and cards made from maps, calendars, food cardboard and sent via snail mail.
Upcycled Centerpieces
“Floral” centerpieces using repurposed paint chips created with Amy Woolf for the Munsell Color Symposium.
