How to Make a #Girlboss-Approved Gold-Leaf Business Card Holder

Apr 07, 2015

Listen up — we hereby declare that stuffing a stack of business cards in that too-small wallet pocket is no longer acceptable. It’s time to banish the sloppy scramble for your card when prompted to share it (come on, guys, first impressions count!). You need an upgrade, and you need one now. And we have a solution — a DIY leather and gold leaf business card holder. This elegant pouch will bring you one step closer to #girlboss goals, we promise.

Materials

– sturdy leather (ours is 8 inches x 8 inches)

– gold leaf

– varnish

– paint brush

– clothespins

– E6000

– X-Acto knife

– cutting mat

– pen

Instructions
1. Using a straightedge, draw a line in your leather, about one inch wider than your business cards. Cut along this line with an Xacto knife.

2. Draw a T-shaped notch at the top of the leather piece, then cut out with an X-Acto knife.

3. Use a paper towel to wet both sides of the leather (this makes it easier to bend). Fold the bottom of your leather up to make a pocket for your cards. Mark the edge of this fold, glue along the edges, then seal. Pinch the ends with clothespins to help it seal as it dries.

4. Once the E6000 has completely dried, fold over the top lip to find where you’ll cut the notch opening. Mark this spot, then carefully cut a notch with your X-Acto knife. (The notch should be wide enough to receive the longest part of the “T.”)

5. Paint a thick layer of varnish on your leather. Carefully place the card holder, varnish-side down, on a sheet of gold leaf. Press firmly, then flip over. Gently tear off the excess gold leaf. Repeat for the back of your card holder if you’d like.

6. If needed, paint on pieces of gold leaf to fill patches. Then paint another coat of varnish over the gold leaf to seal it. Let dry.

People, never underestimate the power of gold leaf to elevate the look of *anything.* It’s a trade secret of ours ;)

Using a straightedge, draw a line in your leather; about one inch wider than your business cards.

Cut along this line with an X-Acto knife.

Draw a T-shaped notch at the top of the leather piece, then cut out with an X-Acto knife.

Use a paper towel to wet both sides of the leather (this makes it easier to bend). Fold the bottom of your leather up to make a pocket for your cards. Mark the edge of this fold, glue along the edges, then seal. Pinch the ends with clothespins to help it seal as it dries.

Hey, good lookin’.

Once the E6000 has completely dried, fold over the top lip to find where you’ll cut the notch opening. Mark this spot, then carefully cut a notch with your X-Acto knife. The notch should be wide enough to receive the longest part of the “T”.

Paint a thick layer of varnish on to your leather where you’ll be placing gold leaf.

Carefully place the card holder, varnish-side down, on a sheet of gold leaf. Press firmly.

Gently tear off the excess gold leaf.

Pro Tip: If you find that the gold leaf is sticking to your fingers, try using the end of your paint brush or fingernails to tear it off.

If needed, paint on pieces of gold leaf to fill patches. Then paint another coat of varnish over the gold leaf to seal it. Let dry.

Repeat for the back of your card holder if you like.

Ta-daaa!

Believe it or not, the gold leaf won’t chip off once the varnish is dry. AKA this baby is pocket-proof!

Are you making this DIY yourself? If so, we want to see the results! Share photos on social media with the hashtags #iamcreative and #briststagram so we can take a look.

Get Paid $15,000 To Eat Your Way Around The World

Ever dream of globetrotting the world while getting paid? That's not a rhetorical question. Now you can turn your wanderlust into real cash with Ramada by Wyndham. The global hotel brand is on the hunt for its next "CEO," AKA Chief Eats Officer, a dream role for anyone who loves food and travel and well, a paycheck. One lucky adventurer will be paid $15,000 to travel to Ramada’s most coveted destinations, curate a list of must-eats, and share their travel highlights on social media. Learn how to enter below!

Decameron Club Caribbean Runaway Bay, Ramada Jamaica

From Thailand to Turkey and Seoul to Santa Barbara, the CEO trip will include up to seven global destinations in a three-week itinerary next spring. With hotels in 75 countries around the world, Ramada by Wyndham is perfect for travelers looking for that bucket-list experience!

Hunan, China, Ramada by Wyndham Chenzhou Dongjiang Lake

For a chance to be the next “CEO,” travel and food enthusiasts can visit Ramada.com/CEO by October 22 and submit a short, 1-3 minute video through TikTok (tag @RamadabyWyndham, #RamadaCEO) or email makemeceo@ramada.com that shows your passion for travel and discovering amazing eats.

Prize Details:

$15,000 reward, including a $10,000 travel stipend to cover airfare and travel expenses, plus $5,000 cash
Paid hotel accommodations for up to 21 nights at Ramada properties around the world
A Wyndham Rewards® Diamond membership for one year

Ramada Resort by Wyndham, Bodrum, Türkiye

How to Apply

To apply, post a public video on TikTok explaining why you are the best candidate for the job, tagging @RamadabyWyndham, using the hashtag #RamadaCEO, and following @RamadabyWyndham on TikTok.

Your TikTok account must be publicly viewable for the duration of the contest (through November 2024). Alternatively, you can email your video submission to makemeceo@ramada.com.

All video submissions must be between one and three minutes in length and should include your country of residence.

If applying via email, be sure to provide the handles for your active and public personal social media accounts.

All entries must be submitted and received by 11:59 p.m. ET on October 22, 2024.

Additional Qualifications Include:

Applicants must be a legal resident of the 50 United States or Canada (excluding Quebec).
Availability to travel for up to three weeks between April 1, 2025, and June 30, 2025.
Active and proficient on various social media platforms (TikTok and Instagram preferred).
At least 21 years old with a valid passport through December 2025.
Self-confessed travel lover and foodie.
Comfortable working remotely and on deadline.

Ramada by Wyndham will select the winning CEO on or around the week of November 14, 2024. No purchase is necessary to enter. For more details, including official rules, visit www.ramada.com/ceo. Good luck!

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Every Shocking Detail You Missed In 'Outer Banks' Season 4 Part 1

Outer Banks Season 4 Part 1 finally brings the cast back to the OBX.
John B., Sarah, Cleo, Pope, Kiara, and JJ are up against the Kooks — and other treasure hunters.
Season 4 feels more grounded and relatable than past seasons, making it a very strong installment.

If you know me, you know I'm a die hard Outer Banks season 1 fan. I binge watched the entire thing with my family in 2020 while quarantining on the real OBX, I joined the Drew Starkey fan club the moment he stepped onscreen, and I was obsessed with JJ and Kiara way before the internet started shipping them. So, needless to say, I've been waiting for Outer Banks season 4 with baited breath — especially when I heard rumors it would focus on JJ (Rudy Pankow) the way previous seasons had focused on John B. (Chase Stokes) in season 1, Pope (Jonathan Daviss) in season 2, and Kiara (Madison Bailey) in season 3.

I think season 1 will always be my favorite, but Outer Banks season 4 part 1 pleasantly surprised me. We're far enough into the show that we really care about the characters, and they have enough history with one another that we're invested in their decisions. Plus, returning to the OBX provided real-world stakes I could relate to as a viewer: family drama, dealing with bullies, and more. No matter whether you really love JJ, or you're always dreaming about your next beach vacation, here's whyOuter Banks season 4 absolutely NEEDS to be your weekend binge. (Serious spoilers ahead!!!)

We're Back On The Outer Banks!

Netflix

FINALLY! After a couple of seasons in the Caribbean and South America, Outer Banks is back, well, on the Outer Banks. Honestly, this automatically makes the season better because it provides a ton of familiarity, nostalgia, and comfort for readers. And it also provides a realistic, grounded aspect to the adventure. Because let's be honest, a group of teens hopping on a tiny plane and taking part in a jungle treasure hunt requires a little too much suspension of disbelief for me. Plus, just like Gossip Girl wouldn't be the same without Blair and Serena hitting up Bergdorf's, a Pogue beach & surfing day just feels right.

The Pogues Open Their Own Shop

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

The first episode of Outer Banks season 4 catches us up on that season 3 time jump. After learning how much money they actually have their hands on, the Pogues move into JJ's old house (renaming it "Poguelandia 2.0"), and open a bait, tackle, and charter shop. While I have a few questions about how six teens literally built a business without the help of a contractor, I love seeing this group lead regular lives. The shop plays into their strengths and allows them to cultivate their relationships in normal settings instead of life-or-death ones. Friendships are made in those boring moments, IMO.

The Pogues And Kooks Are Fighting Again

Netflix

Because so much of Outer Banks season 4 takes place on the OBX, it means John B., Sarah, JJ, Kie, Pope, and Cleo are once again clashing with Topper, Rafe, and the rest of the Kooks. Despite the fact this season features plenty of death-defying stunts, the scene that will stick with me the most is when the Pogues and Kooks wind up at the same beach access.

I audibly gasped when Ruthie, Topper's new girlfriend, plays chicken with the Pogues on the beach, almost hitting Kiara with her Jeep and running over a turtle hatch in the process. (IRL, protecting endangered sea turtles & their hatches are a big deal on the Outer Banks, so this definitely got a visceral reaction from me).

At the end of the day, the major (and arguably, the most painful) conflict of this teen drama is how the Kooks make the Pogues feel like they don't belong anywhere. And if you ask me, exploring this tension and these relationships is where the show truly shines.

The Villains Are Actually Scary

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

That being said, I found the villains this season, Lightner and Dalia, to be way scarier than I expected — especially once Lightner killed Terrance and almost killed Cleo. Every time he showed up onscreen, my heart started pounding like he was chasing me! The thought of being stuck in my bait shop alone with a creepy guy, especially one brandishing a knife? Thank you, next.

The Pogues Are Searching For More Than Blackbeard's Treasure

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

After Outer Banks season 3, the one thing I said I didn't want the show to do was go into supernatural, ghost territory. Turns out, that's exactly where we're going. Wes Genrette and his son-in-law Chandler Groff hire the Pogues to find Blackbeard's treasure, but it doesn't take long for them to realize they're once again in over their heads.

Wes is a direct descendent of Francis Genrette, the man responsible for killing Blackbeard and his wife Elizabeth. Now, Elizabeth haunts every generation of the Genrette family, and once she appears, you don't have long to live. Wes reveals his daughter Larissa (Chandler's late wife) saw Elizabeth a week before she died, and Wes himself has seen her, which means his days are numbered.

Now the Pogues have to find Elizabeth's amulet to break the curse. Their race against Lightner and Dalia brings Pope, Cleo, Sarah, and John B. to Charleston — and leavesPope and Sarah trapped in a crypt as it slowly floods.

Powers At Be Want To Bulldoze The Cut

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

If this show has proven anything, it's that the OBX is far from paradise. This season, some big names are trying to turn The Cut — including Poguelandia 2.0 — into an extension of the wealthier Figure Eight. Things get even more complicated when Hollis, who worked with Ward before he died, wants Rafe to be her financial partner...and then gets his girlfriend Sofia to convince him to sign her contract.

Rafe Could Actually Be Getting A Redemption Arc

Netflix

Drew Starkey admitted after season 1 that he didn't care whether Rafe got a redemption arc, and I agreed at the time. I found the idea of Rafe, who was so driven to please his father he'd literally murder for him, incredibly compelling. Plus, he's been the ringleader of the War on Pogues this whole time, so suddenly making him sympathetic towards them felt like backtracking on his character.

But now that I've seen him with Sofia, the romantic in me is kicking her feet and giggling.

Rafe still has his moments (like saying he'd never date a Pogue after finding out Sofia was from The Cut), but for better or worse, Sofia brings out the best in him. And in the aftermath of Ward's death, and his ultimate wish that Sarah and Rafe would make up, feeling sympathy for the Pogues might be Rafe's way of staying loyal to his dad.

I just want to know how Rafe is going to respond when he finds out Sofia overheard his comments about never dating a Pogue...and then tricked him into signing Hollis' contract. Messy, messy.

Luke Is Back

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

After JJ & Kiara said goodbye to JJ's dad Luke in Outer Banks season 2, he's been totally off the grid. Except, apparently, he hasn't? JJ learns Luke is back when he visits Barracuda Mike, but the father-son bonding quickly takes a turn for the crazy when Luke drops a piece of news that changes everything: he isn't JJ's biological father. Chandler Groff is.

JJ Has Actually Been A Kook This Whole Time

Netflix

JJ's entire character is based around the fact he's proud to be a Pogue. He hates the Kooks and everything they stand for, which is why when Luke reveals he isn't JJ's biological father, and that JJ is related to the Groff/Genrette clan, it totally sends JJ into orbit.

This Kook identity is something he's been running from the entire series — even before Kie had to reassure him that finding the gold didn't make them Kooks — and he's going to have to do some serious soul searching to figure out who he actually is now.

I was wholly sold on the theory Outer Banks 4 would reveal JJ and Sarah were siblings, but this is a pretty good alternative. And who knows? Maybe they're cousins. Fingers crossed JJ doesn't get a deadly visit from Elizabeth's ghost in part 2...

What did you think about Outer Banks season 4 part 1? Check out 9 Insane Outer Banks Theories That Would Totally Change The Show for more while you wait for part 2!

outer banks pop culture nsfw entertainment

How To Build A Local Community When You’re A Digital Creator

Verizon

verizon

In our Take 5 series, sponsored by Verizon, we ask women in business about unexpected challenges, their inspirations, recent wins, and how the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program has helped propel their business forward. Here, we meet Rita Suzanne, a marketing strategist for health and wellness businesses who learned to network, connect with other entrepreneurs, and build her business online and IRL.

What's an unexpected business challenge that you've had to face and how did you overcome it?

The hardest thing for me was my sister passed away and I ended up taking custody of my nieces. I ended up being a single mom of four kids. This is the thing that transitioned my whole entire life. I stopped doing web design and started my podcast Mom Owned and Operated. I wanted to reconnect with other moms and figure out how they were able to run their businesses and raise a family and take care of themselves because I wasn't able to do all three at the same time. Through that journey, I realized that I really needed to connect with other people and how important it was for my business. It helped me to create that community that I was yearning for that I didn't realize that I needed.

What's a recent small win for your business?

For me, the win was just pivoting back to something that I actually wanted to do. Also, I’ve started to say no to things that I no longer want to do.

Who is a woman in business that you look up to and why?

I have always admired and looked up to Amy Porterfield [author of Two Weeks Notice]. I listened to her all the time when I was starting out. I think that she's amazing and I love her stuff. She just seems like a very genuine person.

Is there a resource that has made an impact on you as an entrepreneur?

I listen to a lot of audio books. One of my favorites that has been huge for me is You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero. I was told when I first started my business, by a friend who was a business coach, that I have a mindset problem. Ten years ago, I had no idea even what “mindset” was. Sincero’s book helped me to see what she meant by “mindset” and helped me adjust that mindset and fix some of the things that I didn't realize were broken.

How has the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program helped propel your business forward?

There are a lot of things that I have loved about it. There are local networking and training opportunities, and that has been great, and the online training is very valuable. It's a great resource. I find that marketing needs a three-tiered approach, meaning you need to network it locally, socially, and then also have a very comprehensive online approach to your marketing. One of the Verizon Small Business trainings that I took was all about taking advantage of your local resources. I found that to be extremely valuable because often people think they need to just focus on social media. I don't think that people focus enough on their local community.

Learn more about the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program and Rita Suzanne.

Illustration by Daniela Jordan-Villaveces

audio books digital ready program entrepreneurs mindset online business podcast unexpected challenges verizon sponsorship women in business social media work money marketing career sponsored entrepreneur

The Best Liquid Eyeliners To Combat Sweat, Tears, & Smearing

Some of us have sensitive tear ducts that seem to get triggered if the wind blows a little too hard — which can make it so tough for those of us who love a good liquid eyeliner. Suddenly, you look like you were just sobbing about a breakup, when in reality your allergies just got the best of you, leaving streaks of eyeliner and mascara.

However, it IS possible to find the best liquid eyeliner to wear that's long-lasting, waterproof, and perfectly pigmented. Skip the hard-to-grip and smudgy products for these 7 incredible options I found. Trust, you'll barely have to reapply them throughout the day, leaving your makeup flawless for hours and hours!

The Best Liquid Eyeliner Ever!

Target

e.l.f. Expert Liquid Eyeliner (Set of 2)

This is virtually unheard of, but this is probably the best liquid eyeliner you're ever going to wear. 88% of Target's customers recommend it, feeling you're getting the best quality for your money. Though it doesn't have the highest long-lasting rating, it still gets the job done when wearers need it to.

What are customers saying about it?

e.l.f. Cosmetics

From Target:

"i got this eyeliner like a few months ago and let me tell you its the best eyeliner I've ever got, its so easy to apply and good for beginners and STAYS ALL DAY."
"goes on easily and dries with no cracks to create a flawless look"
"I've used this liquid eyeliner for years- really can't beat the price!"

From e.l.f. Cosmetics:

"It's a good liner but it does fade after about four hours so you have to touch it up."
"It's a great eyeliner especially for hooded eyes."
"I have tried many and these just seem to stay put and stay smooth for a long time over so many other brands."

Amazon

NYX Epic Ink Liner

There's a reason why this is considered the best liquid eyeliner on Amazon. It's the overall pick as it's been purchased over 30,000 times and has a 4.5 rating! Also, Amazon noted it's something most customers keep which speaks volumes. So, what makes it so great?

It's a matte, waterproof formula that's going to give you a long-lasting effect and it has a super short precision tip to make your lines look on point. Whether you're going for a cat-eye look or something to complete your Halloween costume, this is your best bet!

Other Popular Liquid Eyeliners

Amazon

Maybelline Hyper Easy Liquid Pen No-Skip Eyeliner

Aside from NYX's Epic Ink Liner, Maybelline's liquid eyeliner is another popular pick on Amazon. It has a similar precise tip that ensures it'll glide on easily — even if your hand isn't the steadiest. It's also hooded eye-friendly (IYKYK) which should bring a sigh of relief to anyone who's tired of seeing smudged eye makeup.

Amazon

Stila Deluxe Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

This Stila waterproof liquid eyeliner is perfect for all-day wear! You can create so many looks, from lightly outlining your eyes to packing on the drama. Plus, Amazon customers love how this eyeliner allows them to get "super smooth, fine lines" with "no smudging or bleeding." Incredible!

Sephora

Glossier Pro Tip

Can I get a little commotion for his vegan liquid eyeliner? It's totally gonna become another beauty staple soon. It's easy to use and has a buildable formula that doesn't waste time drying. Did I mention it's also long-lasting? In the words of my favorite social media sound, "You better get one of these!"

Sephora

Anastasia Beverly Hills Waterproof Matte Liquid Eyeliner

It seems like the top-rated liquid eyeliners have one thing in common: they're waterproof. And this option from Anastasia Beverly Hills is no exception to that! Plus, this one claims to be highly-pigmented — which doesn't seem like a reach if you know how good Anastasia Beverly Hills' products are.

P.S. There's no parabens, phthalates, or mineral oils in it.

Sephora

One/Size by Patrick Starr Point Made Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

Rounding this list out is this amazingly vegan liquid eyeliner by One/Size! I've already made a case for their setting spray so it doesn't surprise me that this makes other customers happy too. It glides on super smooth and fits comfortably in your hand so you won't experience a classic case of butter fingers when applying it.

It's also free of the following:

Parabens
Formaldehydes
Formaldehyde-releasing agents
Phthalates
Mineral oil
Retinyl palmitate
Oxybenzone
Coal tar
Hydroquinone
Triclocarban
Triclosan

Follow us on Pinterest for more beauty finds, tips, and tricks!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

eye makeup beauty beauty products makeup

24 Craveable Chocolate Cake Recipes For Every Occasion

How is your day going? We bet a bit of chocolate cake would make it better — like, way better. And if a bit makes it better, then for good measure, let’s up the stakes to 24 different and divine chocolate cakes and just have a ball. From classic layered numbers to waffle cake masterpieces, we’ve got all your chocolate cake dreams covered. Tie back your hair, and let’s get to baking!

Sarah Anderson

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

chocolate comfort food recipes dessert recipes recipe roundup vegetarian recipes food

How to Make a #Girlboss-Approved Gold-Leaf Business Card Holder

Prize Details:

How to Apply

​We're Back On The Outer Banks!

​The Pogues Open Their Own Shop

​The Pogues And Kooks Are Fighting Again

​The Villains Are Actually Scary

​The Pogues Are Searching For More Than Blackbeard's Treasure

​Powers At Be Want To Bulldoze The Cut

​Rafe Could Actually Be Getting A Redemption Arc

​Luke Is Back

JJ Has Actually Been A Kook This Whole Time

The Best Liquid Eyeliner Ever!

What are customers saying about it?

Other Popular Liquid Eyeliners

We're Back On The Outer Banks!

The Pogues Open Their Own Shop

The Pogues And Kooks Are Fighting Again

The Villains Are Actually Scary

The Pogues Are Searching For More Than Blackbeard's Treasure

Powers At Be Want To Bulldoze The Cut

Rafe Could Actually Be Getting A Redemption Arc

Luke Is Back