Boston Mamas: Giveaway Goodness: Minted

Every holiday season since becoming a designer, I feel guilty when the holiday cards start rolling in because I'm too busy with design work to tend to my own cards. One year I embraced this reality and sent out cards in March; otherwise, I don't get around to it. However, this year, thanks to a kind offer from the folks at Minted (where I have had some designs represented), I actually will send out holiday cards this month! Read on to check out my thoughts on Minted's holiday cards, as well as to learn how to win a $150 gift certificate to Minted!

Minted is a paper goods site built largely on the talents of indie designers -- most of the collection is generated from design competitions. Bizarrely, just before Minted reached out to me, I was thinking of how nice it would be to design a holiday timeline card (if I had time, that is). So when I looked at the site and realized they have something similar, I figured it was fate. Even though it wouldn't be my design going out as our holiday greeting, it would be awesome to simply get it done. Because I love the reconnection that happens around holiday cards.

As you will see from a quick peek, Minted has a ton of options. I recommend rounding up your candidate photos prior to browsing so you can narrow down your search by number of photos to include and orientation. Here's how my process went.

Since I wanted a timeline approach, I started by selecting the Yearline Card collection. This rendered 216 options -- an unwieldy number for someone who likes to peruse all the options, but my process was then narrowed down a lot because the family photo I wanted to use was vertical in orientation and most of the Yearline cards require horizontally oriented photos. I clicked View All and did a quick first pass to identify vertically oriented candidates, ruling out anything that looked too Christmas-y (I prefer non-denominational cards) or didn't fit my style. Here were my final candidates -- all lovely, but I share my narrowing down process below.

Wish Banner

I love how simple and modern this Wish Banner card is. I also love that you can include four photos on the front -- I definitely had enough photo candidates to utilize this layout. However, I've been noticing this font around a lot lately in both personal and commercial work so I ruled this one out. (Note: you can change font styles and sizes but I wanted to land on a design quickly and not have to make a lot of stylistic edits.

Bowtie

This Bowtie card is classic and pretty, with a little whimsy added via the bird. However, six photo windows on the front meant more time obsessing over photo choices, plus I didn't think my vertically oriented family photo would fit well in any of the boxes.

A Big Hello

The minimalism of this Big Hello design appealed to me. After all, I designed a pair of cards inspired by the word Hello earlier this year! However, the red and green colorway was too Christmas-y for me and even though there are two blue colorway options that are lovely, after looking at the red/green, I kept thinking Christmas even when looking at the blue options.

Float + Joy

This Float + Joy design is really lovely and elegant. However, I ruled it out because I wanted more color pop, plus the photo window was too narrow for my family photo.

Joyful Modern Wreath

This Joyful Modern Wreath design is pretty and basically fit my parameters, but I wasn't struck by the must send response I was looking for.

Mod Joy

Ultimately, I chose Mod Joy! I don't know if it's the unconventional colorway (I am obsessed with yellow right now), the fun family photo in the example, or the fact that JOY is such a representative word for us this year, but I saw this design and it felt like the perfect one. And I love the pop of the color on the interior and the fact that the color is called sunshine, which is perfect given that the family photo I wanted to use was from our trip to California.

Once I settled on Mod Joy, I selected the quantity, paper options, and format and inserted photos and text. I bypassed the options to upgrade the envelopes, include envelope liners, and print return labels (all good options to have though), and asked in the comments whether they would consider adjusting the JOY text box slightly so the word JOY ran in full down the center of the section. And that was it, within an hour, my cards were done and ordered!

Within 24 hours I received my proof (and they took care of my design edit to the JOY box -- yay!) and approved it and my cards are expected to arrive early next week. Totally awesome! In short, the experience was great. While yes, in an ideal world, I would love to design my own holiday cards, when that isn't an option, truly, the next best thing for me is to support another indie designer.

And now, you can enter to win a gift certificate and get your cards out too! Minted kindly offered to match the $150 credit they offered me (I needed to order 150 cards so this helped defray my order total by almost half...thank you, Minted!) to you. Pretty cool, no? Here's how to enter to win:

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THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
Congrats to winner Tara!
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Rules:

Simply leave a comment below about this fantastic giveaway. (If you're so inclined I'd love to hear what you think about my design options or anything else you love from the Minted site!)

US entrants welcome to enter.

One comment per person (please do not leave comments from multiple e-mail addresses). Anonymous or SPAM-like comments will be removed. Note that your e-mail address will not be published or shared! Leaving just your first name or first name + initial in the name field is perfectly fine.

Entry period closes at noon EST, Monday, December 12, 2011.

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*One lucky winner (selected using Random.org) will receive a $150 Minted gift certificate! Sweet!

Comments

I want that Mod Joy look! Besides the color combination and simple elegance of the whole thing, there's one overriding reason to pick it: Times are so tough for people these days, anytime we can laugh, it's a good thing. It conveys all that's good in our family relationships.

Posted by: Martha Mueller Neff | December 7, 2011 9:57 AM | Reply to this comment

I love the "Happy Everything" design! As a family that celebrates many holidays, it is great to have a beautiful option for us!

Posted by: Sasha VanDerzee | December 7, 2011 10:07 AM | Reply to this comment

This is a great giveaway! I love the banner wish one. I think its awesome that they let you change the font and such, since I agree I would make some changes. =)

Posted by: Jessica | December 7, 2011 10:23 AM | Reply to this comment

I still haven't figured out what I'm doing for CHRISTmas cards, so this would be great! Thank you for the chance to win! :-)

Posted by: Kristie | December 7, 2011 10:24 AM | Reply to this comment

LOVE these designs. Looking forward to sending a birth announcement/holiday card this year through Minted!

Posted by: kate | December 7, 2011 10:32 AM | Reply to this comment

i like the mod joy option best

Posted by: sandra | December 7, 2011 10:42 AM | Reply to this comment

I like the Mod Joy design-it is cute and fun! I like that the photo is a little bit silly!

Posted by: Michelle | December 7, 2011 10:52 AM | Reply to this comment

They are all great designs but my favorite might be the Wish Banner. Looking forward to checking out Minted myself!

Posted by: BV | December 7, 2011 11:16 AM | Reply to this comment

Love browsing minted, but haven't tried them out yet! Thanks for the giveaway!

Posted by: cathy | December 7, 2011 11:48 AM | Reply to this comment

Love the simple and bright cards like the Big Hello! I always fear my photography skills don't measure up to the beautiful designed photos. I'm usually trying to find photos with happy people in them...we never take a holiday card photo...maybe we should!

Posted by: Annie H | December 7, 2011 1:42 PM | Reply to this comment

I LOVE Minted! I am late in getting everything together for cards and keep visiting the Minted site just drooling! This is a fantastic giveaway! I love the Banner design!

Posted by: Jessica | December 7, 2011 2:44 PM | Reply to this comment

I love the designs that Minted has. I love that they have eco friendly cards too.

Posted by: Michelle | December 7, 2011 3:13 PM | Reply to this comment

These cards are all so beautiful! I think I would want to frame my own Christmas card from Minted!

Posted by: Lachelle B | December 7, 2011 4:58 PM | Reply to this comment

Wow, I love these! I'd never heard of Minted before and you have me SOLD after showing me your designs!

Posted by: Sarah | December 7, 2011 5:09 PM | Reply to this comment

I love all the designs!

Posted by: Erica | December 7, 2011 6:10 PM | Reply to this comment

I can relate! I'm a graphic designer and always feel guilty that I don't have the time or energy to design ours. that old cobblers children scenario right? But I love Minted! It really is the next best thing. I just got ours in the mail yesterday and I'm in love! Happy holidays!

Posted by: Amy | December 7, 2011 8:00 PM | Reply to this comment

I have done our Christmas cards...but see that Minted offers thank you notes-those will soon come in handy for sure!

Posted by: Meg | December 7, 2011 8:13 PM | Reply to this comment

Wow! The fact that you thought to ask to make the JOY centered...and Minted then listened to your design input is amazing! Perfect for mamas like me who love to design...but the old saying holds true..the shoemakers kids have no shoes! xo

Posted by: Valerie Darragh | December 7, 2011 9:27 PM | Reply to this comment

Going to put my cards together now! Thanks for introducing me to this site!

Posted by: Rachel B | December 7, 2011 10:22 PM | Reply to this comment

love all the designs

Posted by: christina | December 7, 2011 10:32 PM | Reply to this comment

Minted has so many wonderful card choices! I like your choices and your final choice is lovely...
I also really like "Happiest Homestyle Holiday Photo" Card.
Many thanks for the fun giveaway
prize.
Cindi

Posted by: Cindi | December 8, 2011 2:11 AM | Reply to this comment

I love Float & Joy! Thanks for this giveaway!

Posted by: Angela | December 8, 2011 6:18 AM | Reply to this comment

I am totally in love with the mod joy design. great site.

Posted by: Laura | December 8, 2011 6:55 AM | Reply to this comment

My favorite card is: Happy Everything. Thanks for the great giveaway!!

Posted by: Korey | December 8, 2011 7:03 AM | Reply to this comment

Great website!

Posted by: Cara Bradley | December 8, 2011 7:31 AM | Reply to this comment

I am a designer too, and until Minted offered these beautifully and simply designed cards I used to stay up late and painstakingly design my own...yay! Now I can order modern cards and sleep too!

Posted by: kristen f | December 8, 2011 7:58 AM | Reply to this comment

Great pics. I found quite a few cards I really like on the minted website...but ruled them out because of the cost. The $150 GC would make a huge difference!

Posted by: Emily | December 8, 2011 8:26 AM | Reply to this comment

I love the designs that Minted have.

Posted by: Anu Rebello | December 8, 2011 8:59 AM | Reply to this comment

I have been impressed by what I see on Minted. Their designs are so well-designed, simple, and lovely for Christmas. Thanks for the opportunity to save on the Christmas card budget!

Posted by: Andrea | December 8, 2011 9:09 AM | Reply to this comment

Loves the bow tie, and good thing I wait til the last minute to send out my cards:)

Posted by: kate@threehautemamas | December 8, 2011 10:36 AM | Reply to this comment

love all the designs and enjoyed going through the site

Posted by: carol | December 8, 2011 10:54 AM | Reply to this comment

There are so many gorgeous cards on their site, I couldn't possibly pick my favorite. But I love the timeline cards, it's a nice way to do a newsletter without all the newsletter work! :)

Posted by: Zuwi | December 8, 2011 10:58 AM | Reply to this comment

I absolutely love the things you can do with photographs these days. Makes all of us look creative, talented and totally fabulous women.

Posted by: Aline | December 8, 2011 11:26 AM | Reply to this comment

love all these bright card ideas!

Posted by: shirley fin | December 8, 2011 11:42 AM | Reply to this comment

Oh, i love the Big Hello style, its modern, colorful, and just a happy kind of card. :D

Posted by: Monica A. | December 8, 2011 11:45 AM | Reply to this comment

I ordered personalized note cards from minted when I got married in 2010 to use as thank you cards. They were beautiful and high quality.

Posted by: sarah | December 8, 2011 12:38 PM | Reply to this comment

I like the Bowtie design. I'm always wanting to include several pictures in my cards, and this would take care of that.

Posted by: Kim McConahay | December 8, 2011 1:01 PM | Reply to this comment

I love buying indie stationary! always the best and most stunning designs!

Posted by: Alexandra | December 8, 2011 3:12 PM | Reply to this comment

Absolutely love, love, love Minted. They have the freshest selection of cards... cute without being cheesy. Just love them!

Posted by: Melissa | December 8, 2011 4:12 PM | Reply to this comment

love the Hello card - I can already tell they'd have some designs that would be perfect for me

Posted by: Sammi | December 8, 2011 4:40 PM | Reply to this comment

Ooh, love the one you picked! So pretty!

Posted by: Tara V | December 8, 2011 6:15 PM | Reply to this comment

I love seeing your thought process as you considered different card options! Looks like a great selection. I do really like that HELLO card, and I enjoy the red & green color scheme.

Posted by: Marita H | December 9, 2011 8:45 AM | Reply to this comment

Thank you so much for posting this! After ALMOST using Minted for my wedding invites but opting for custom design, I am in love with their products. GREAT choice on the yellow Joy motif. Right now I am plotting a way to buy personalized journals for my best friend for Christmas, or - if I can swing it - for my bridesmaids! I love love love the options and think they would make wonderful gifts. Happy holidays!!

Posted by: Lauren Maxwell | December 9, 2011 10:35 AM | Reply to this comment

I love them all but my favorites are the hello and the green & red joy ornament. Going to check out the website now!

Posted by: Dani | December 9, 2011 11:38 AM | Reply to this comment

love the ability to upload one photo and check it out in a variety of fresh designs. crossing my fingers... we haven't ordered cards yet ;)

Posted by: carole | December 9, 2011 12:20 PM | Reply to this comment

Hi, I normally make hand painted cards for Xmas but no time this year. We have baby on his way, for Xmas as latest! So I'd definitely use "A BIG Hello" design, since I'd like to wait for a baby photo before sending the cards, which I hardly have much before Xmas.

Posted by: Jonna Katajisto | December 9, 2011 12:37 PM | Reply to this comment

Love the "Happy Everything" style!

Posted by: Allison L | December 9, 2011 12:58 PM | Reply to this comment

I love the wishbanner design - so cute! Thank you for the giveaway.

Posted by: JennYH | December 9, 2011 2:09 PM | Reply to this comment

I love the wreath design! Baby is just 11 days old so a combination of an announcement/holiday card is (seemingly pretty unattainable) on my to-do list.

Posted by: Anne M | December 9, 2011 2:28 PM | Reply to this comment

LOVE Minted and love the new journals.

Posted by: kristind | December 9, 2011 7:01 PM | Reply to this comment

I love minted & would love to win!

Posted by: Rose | December 10, 2011 5:43 PM | Reply to this comment

I also loves their journals. I know my kids would love them. Love the Thoughts on Birthday Journals

Posted by: Jill L | December 11, 2011 8:48 AM | Reply to this comment

I really like the Float + Joy. Thanks for the chance!
lazybones344 at gmail dot com

Posted by: Denise Sachs | December 11, 2011 3:53 PM | Reply to this comment

This is a great giveaway just in time for christmas! Thanks for offering it! My favorite one of your designs is the Bowtie. It's simple but elegant. It may be harder to find more pictures but i like the variety.

Posted by: Richard Morris | December 11, 2011 5:33 PM | Reply to this comment

I love the "Big Hello" design! So cute!! I'd have a ton of fun if I won this!

Thanks for the cool giveaway!!

Posted by: syndel valle | December 11, 2011 5:54 PM | Reply to this comment

I liked the mens Vertical Personalized Stationery

brich22 at earthlink dot net

Posted by: R Hicks | December 11, 2011 5:59 PM | Reply to this comment

Love their Christmas cards.

Posted by: shawna | December 11, 2011 6:12 PM | Reply to this comment

I love sites like this that let all of us become creators. On my own, I lack artistic talent. But with their help, I can create nice looking items.

Posted by: Kathy S | December 11, 2011 7:13 PM | Reply to this comment

The cards are so beautiful - and having cards made like this would save so much work!
beckytag618 at gmail dot com

Posted by: Becky S. | December 11, 2011 8:22 PM | Reply to this comment

Looks great. I think the Joyful Wreath one is my favorite. I like ones with the classic red and green theme.

Posted by: Julie Moe | December 11, 2011 8:47 PM | Reply to this comment

Mod Joy has my vote!

Posted by: Evelyn Y. | December 11, 2011 9:03 PM | Reply to this comment

I like the design and great giveaway.

Posted by: Desiree Dunbar | December 11, 2011 9:33 PM | Reply to this comment

I love the banner wish one

Posted by: ebony jones | December 11, 2011 9:50 PM | Reply to this comment

Thank you for this giveaway. I like Joyful Modern Wreath better than Mod Joy, but I understand why you choose it. I would want to be able to customize my rext and not be stuck with the message given for it.

Posted by: Carolyn Daley | December 11, 2011 9:59 PM | Reply to this comment

Thanks for introduced us to Minted. The indie art really shows & is a delight. I like that you can search by cards that are "full-bleed" or "non-traditional color". And even better are the unique sentiments -- "Laughing all the way", "Naughty is the new Nice" and "For Auld Lang Syne, my dear {although not entirely sure, more or less we think that means happy new year}". My fav i bubblegum fun new years & auld land syne.

Posted by: Patti | December 11, 2011 10:14 PM | Reply to this comment

I would love to win the giveaway
vmkids3 at msn dot com

Posted by: Valerie Taylor Mabrey | December 11, 2011 10:43 PM | Reply to this comment

Very nice giveaway and I like what you chose.
spcale at yahoo dot com.

Posted by: carol lewis | December 11, 2011 11:05 PM | Reply to this comment

Oh, love the New Years cards.

Posted by: Liza Kramer | December 11, 2011 11:09 PM | Reply to this comment

Very cute

Posted by: Wayne Dougherty | December 11, 2011 11:11 PM | Reply to this comment

The browsing minted!!

Posted by: Danielle | December 11, 2011 11:26 PM | Reply to this comment

I really like the Sushi Stationary and Train thank you notes

mummytotwoboys@yahoo.com

Posted by: D Schmidt | December 12, 2011 12:16 AM | Reply to this comment

I would love to get a baby journal for my sister who is due soon and some christmas cards. It is an awesome giveaway. Thanks for the opportunity!
cmarquez482(at)ymail(dot)com

Posted by: cassandra | December 12, 2011 1:03 AM | Reply to this comment

I love the editing they do for you.

Posted by: Ross Hassel | December 12, 2011 1:04 AM | Reply to this comment

Posted by: Ross Hassel | December 12, 2011 1:09 AM | Reply to this comment

I love all of the designs and would love to win.

Posted by: Elizabeth K | December 12, 2011 1:32 AM | Reply to this comment

I love the Orchid Personalized Stationery.

Posted by: Sand | December 12, 2011 1:36 AM | Reply to this comment

These are absolutely lovely! I would be delighted to win!!!! Thanks for the chance!

Posted by: Melinda Gordon | December 12, 2011 3:50 AM | Reply to this comment

Thanks for the oppurtunity! Great designs!!!

Posted by: Roberta Horn | December 12, 2011 5:56 AM | Reply to this comment