Memory-Jogger Calling Cards

Later, when going through the cards collected at a convention, trade show, social gathering, or even gathered individually over the months, it will not only help the person in remembering exactly who you are but your hobbies, your children, your nickname, or whatever else they might have written down to make you stand out from all the rest. It will make them seem like a genius when next you meet--and will be totally flattering to you as well.

Because we are crafters, we had to do more than just have cards printed with notes on the back...we had to suggest how to decorate the front of the cards and then print them ourselves as well.

Materials:

box of blank business card sheets
card stock
computer & printer
scanner
ruler
craft knife
cutting mat

In addition, you'll need rubber stamps, stencils, marking pens, ink pads or whatever supplies you might need to decorate the cards in your chosen manner. Ours were done using rubber stamps and brush markers.

1. There are two ways to start this project. Either computer-generate the name, address, etc., information and print out several different fonts to make your selection (figure B), or you can plan your rubber-stamped (or stenciled, or drawn) design using a 2" x 3-1/2" template, which is the standard size of a business card (figure C). Both steps need be done. Whichever you do first is a matter of choice.

2. Print out a practice sheet on the computer using the font you have chosen. You will usually find a template for printing out standard sized cards (2" x 3-1/2") under "envelopes and labels" on your computer. Stamp several different patterns and/or designs on the card template and select one (figure D).

3. Print out a sheet with the selected font and stamp your chosen design in all 10 spaces (figure E). Don't forget to also print out the information on the back of the sheet (figure F).

4. At this point there are three different ways to make your calling card:

a. Scan the stamped practice sheet into your computer and print it out on the calling card sheets. Feed the sheet back into your printer and print out the back. Carefully tear the cards apart. Done!

b. If you do not have a scanner, take the practice sheet to your local copy center and have it printed out on their card stock You can then take the printed sheets home, run them through your printer to print the back sides of the cards, and cut them into 2" x 3-1/2" cards(for additional cost, the copy place will do these two steps for you). Note: None of the copy places we checked would print the cards on our card sheets. They will print only on their card stock.

c. Print out the written copy on the front and back of the cards on your printer and then stamp the design on each one individually. If you do this on the office supply card sheets, you then simply tear them apart at the perforations. If you print on standard card stock, you will need to cut them apart using a craft knife, ruler and cutting mat or paper cutter.