Wacom has introduced a potentially awe-inspiring device called

Wacom has introduced a potentially awe-inspiring device called Inkling. It is a pen and scanning device that work in combination when attached to a sheet of paper that will automatically capture what you draw in digital form. Wacom is even promising pressure sensitivity and the ability to make “layers” as you draw. The pen and scanning device fit into a small carrying case. The device then ports into your computer’s USB to download your doodles.

The device is to sell for $199.99 though I’m curious how much the replacement cartridges will cost for the pen.

(via TechCrunch)

Its like a calling card for your luggage! Moleskine has introduced the Moleskine luggage tag that uses the same leatherette material used on their hardcover notebooks and inside is a space to include your personal information on the same cream stock as the notebook end papers. Ubiquitous elastic holds it closed and another elastic is used to attach to your bag. Luggage tags are available in bright easy-to-spot-on-the-turnstile pink, lime and blue as well as stoic black. Currently available in the Moleskine European and Asia shops and hopefully available in the US soon.

(via Moleskine ® English)

Minted offers over 70 different calling card designs including ideas for Mommy cards. I had never heard of this before but I’ve seen it a lot in my search for calling card ideas this week. I suspect Mommy cards are way for parents to share contact information with other parents for play dates, car pools and other kid-related activities. I imagine this would come in particularly handy if your children have different last names. And it sure beats trying to exchange numbers while juggling diaper bags and snacks. Fifty cards are just $35.

(via Minted)

Calling Card Round-Up

Since I’ve been working on my own calling cards this week, I thought I’d round-up some potential options, should you be in need of your own cards.

First up is a total DIY solution thanks to How About Orange. This single design is a PDF file you can download and customize. Then print it on your home printer or take the file to your local copy shop and have them run them off for you. Than whip out your trusty X-acto blade and cut them out.

First you need to consider your budget and the look you’re after. Some of the least expensive options for cards would be Moo.com or VistaPrint. With Moo, you can get full-color design front and  back, choose different images for the front and order as little as 50 cards to start. They have lots of nice looking templates and you can also upload photos or your own graphics. Moo prices start at $19.99 for 50 standard sized cards but the half-sized MiniCards start at $19.99 for 100 cards. VistaPrint offers a dizzying array of stock designs though you’ll definitely have to hunt to find a good one or you can upload your own artwork. VistaPrint cards start at just $9 for 250 which include full color on the front, blank on the back. VistaPrint may be cheaper but for the money but if you are not creating your own artwork, Moo is a better way to go for an inexpensive card that looks great.

If you are willing to spend a bit more money, you might consider one of the many Etsy vendors who offer calling cards. Here are a few unique options I found:

This set of personalized Notebook Calling Cards from Sweetbeaker in the US is $25 for 48 cards.

Scallop edge design from LetterLove Designs in Adelaide Australia. 20 adorable scallop edged design calling cards printed on 110# cardstock for $28.

Scrapbits in the US offers these clever die cut shapes on chipboard for $44 for 50 cards

Bold color cards from TinaRosa in Hong Kong are just $32 for 100 cards. The front have monochromatic stripes and your info and the back is a solid coordinating color with your favorite quote or phrase in white.

Die cut initials and a smaller size card from ReadyGo. Get 48 cards for either long slender cards (3.5” wide by 1.25” tall) or square (2.5”) with your initial and pertinent info for just $20.

And if the sky is the limit, then you may want to consider the tactile, classic beuaty of letterpress cards. There are Etsy sellers who offer letterpress cards as well as many small printers throughout the US and the world. Here are just a few of them who offer calling cards:

RubyPress from Portland offers these Modern Square cards. Customize the monogram in the square, add your info and pick a color scheme. Get 100 cards for $100 on luscious Crane’s Lettra cardstock.

Biplane Press in the UK offers custom crafted letterpress cards. One-color designs on 300gsm Bockingford paper, 100 cards, for $125.

More inspiration can be found at:

Don’t forget to check in your town or area for a good printer, letterpress or otherwise, to support local business.

In our modern age, a calling card can

In our modern age, a calling card can also take a digital form. About.me provides an easy way to create a digital home page with links to an array of social media and web sites. It allows you to create one place to send people who may want to get to know you better. If you sign-up for a free About.me account, you will get an offer for 50 free (well, almost free — you have to pay for shipping) Moo cards featuring your splash page, URL,email addres and a QR code that will link people directly to your page.

Another service called Flavors.me offers similar tools though without the offer from free Moo cards. Flavors.me will allow you to customize your URL for an upgrade fee as well as quite a few more media feeds.

Check them both out and see which one is right for you.