My DIY Business Cards
Hello lovelies! As you might know, I am headed off to the Altitude Summit in Salt Lake City next week. I am ridiculously excited and more than a little bit nervous (eep - so many amazing people in one place). It's been recommended that attendees bring along a hefty stack of business cards to pass out. The last cards I had made up are woefully outdated, so instead of putting in a rush order for something generic at an online printing source, I decided that I'd tackle making my own.
To make them I designed the text for the card backs in Photoshop. I then printed my design out onto heavy-weight watercolor paper (Canson 140lb - purchased at my local craft store) and cut each card out using a rotary cutting tool, self-heeling mat, and ruler. Next I took acrylic paint (DecoArt brand in "Melon") and painted a splotch of color through the center of each card (nothing too precise). Acrylic paint dries quickly, so once they were fully dry I quickly penned in the feather details and little borders along the outside using a Micron Pen in dark blue. They only took about 40 seconds per design.
All in all I'm pretty happy with how they turned out. I was kind of worried about making something that looked too home-ec gone awry, and even though they aren't perfect I've made the conscious choice to just let it go. I had fun making them, and I think it will be great to have a card to give out that is infused a bit of my personality. If I have the chance I might try making up a few using watercolor paint as well).
Next on my to-do list — figuring out what in the world to wear for my trip! I just might pass out from the stress. Is that silly, or do you sympathize?
Oh, and as a side note I feel like I need to explain that the smudges and scuffs all over my aqua table are not dirt, but "love marks" from the many many craft projects created upon it. Now I feel a bit better. Pheww.
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| by Ez Thursday, January 13, 2011 
Reader Comments (94)
i think these look great! i love that each card is one of a kind, too.
Those business cards came out so lovely! You always find a way to make things look extra special!
Hope you do great at the Alt Summit! :)
Such a good idea! I love that the paint gives it some texture. Very cute.
Love these! You will do great at AltSummit! Have a great time and no need to be nervous you rock!
So pretty! And wishing I could be at the AltSummit too! :)
they look so great, ez! i love that little handrawn feather. :)
These are wonderfully designed! I too like how each one is original. Will we hear about the alt summit when you get back?
Hello! So much excitement shining through this post!
Have a great trip, I'm sure your business cards will rock! :)
(No, it's not silly about what to wear! Totally sympathize!)
ez, these are really beautiful and simple! not cheesy looking or too 'home-ec'y! you've reinspired me to nail out some new business cards.. it's been on the to do list for a while. now go put some fun outfits together :)
ez, they are lovely + be proud that they every part you. wish i were goin to alt. maybe next year. enjoy!
They are so cute and stylish! I thought you had stamped them but I can see they have more texture. Even if you say they were quick to make they seem pretty labour intense if you want hundreds... How many did you manage to make? (Oh, and people are impressed with me making my own business cards even if it's just design + photo + printing and cutting them myself :D
Wow, they are really gorgeous - how creative! It is like a piece of art. I would love to get one, it is like little treasures.
These are absolutely gorgeous and very special (I love a personal touch)! Have fun and I'm sure your outfits will be fabulous!
Wow! These are so lovely. How many did you make? How long did it take?
These are so beautiful and totally authentic! Bravo for just letting things go, I sometimes struggle with that too :)
Have fun on your trip, I look forward to what you'll share with us when you return.
~Liz
they look fantastic! great job! and i also have a table with lots of love marks. it also happens to be the same color. i like your style!
This is a great idea! I think they perfectly serve both purposes - getting your name out there and showing off your personality. I'm going to steal this idea for my regular correspondence!
These are beautiful! It looks professional and personalized ;)
Omg I love this! Just saw them over on pinterest and found your blog, it's great!
Ez! You have outdone yourself again! These are absolutely brilliant. Simple, yet definitely carry your aesthetic. Love them!
I adore them!!!! good luck!!! x
Those are beautiful, Ez! Good work & have fun next week!
i've only ever made my own biz cards because i like to give something that's personal and i LOVE receiving handmade ones from other people! they are always the ones i hold on to and remember again and again!
i really like the feather & i'm totally having one of those "i wish i thought of that!" moments.
have FUN! i've been seeing so much press for this lately. hope to read about it on your blog when you return. :)
They are so beautiful! I can't believe how quickly you are able to get them done. Enjoy the summit!
you are one freakin talented lady! Gorgeous.