Monday, August 4, 2014

something of a tutorial

... handmade, creative, and unique business cards ...


I was running low on business cards and thought I'd make my own. This is how I did it:

1. On watercolor (or some other heavyweight) paper, collage miscellaneous paper scraps and apply a thin coat of gesso over all. I used various book pages and a map. (Beware of magazine paper which will sometimes peel off later.)

2. Apply two or three colors of paint using splatters, bubble wrap, stamps, etc  for varied texture and effect. I stamped aqua, used bubble wrap to apply ochre, and splattered white.

3. Add stamps. I chose fish stamps and used a dark blue and a dark green ink.

4. Print your information using a label template to position everything uniformly on the page. Adhere to the back of your collage paper. Cut into desired business card size using a paper trimmer or xacto knife. (I like the moo card size which is something like 1x2.5)

5. Add finishing touches ... For example, I added more stamping to blank areas, finished the edges with a gold leaf pen, and adhered a piece of text to each card.

 I love the feel of these - they're heavy and ask ever so politely to please be kept and not tossed - "I was made with love, so treat me well"


Each one is a miniature collage and piece  of art.







17 comments:

DAWN said...

Those are fabulous!!
~Dawn

Anonymous said...

Just beautiful Kim. xox

shadesofidaho said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
shadesofidaho said...

Sorry deleted my comment instead of editing it.

LOVE these. I have no need to make a business card so I might have to develop that need. Hummmm Thanks for your tie to do this for us.
chris

Ms. said...

Clever you, and generous to share. Your little sign "Respect" is still in the entrance hall here, and greets me coming and going...a sweet reminder to me and all who visit.

Kim Mailhot said...

Perfect and so personalized ! Love it !

Jill said...

I can hear the voice gently prodding the receiver to keep and remember...and visit again!

Paper And Ponder said...

Surely the recipients of your wonderful business card art will be inspired to keep them out on display! : ) Thank you for sharing your tutorial.

~*~Patty S said...

Your little works of art represent you beautifully dear Kimmie!
oxo

Halle said...

I totally agree...they definitely ask to be kept. Smart and creative lady. ;)

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Now that's a fantastic business card. :) Best wishes, Tammy

Catharina Maria said...

Kimmie , i love your moo cards .
Rini

Cheryl said...

Absolutely Fabulous! Pure genius~
big hugs,
Cheryl

Sharmon Davidson said...

I love the idea of making your own business cards. Yours turned out great! Thanks for the idea!

Gberger said...

I love your cards - and your way of approaching this project. Most of us would just go online and order from a website ZZzzzz. But your cards actually COMMUNICATE, which is the point of a business card. Well done!

*jean* said...

great inspiration! can't wait to try some of my own...i've done printed ones but they lacked luster...thanks for the toot!@!

AlyceAnonymous said...

I'm loving this!