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I’ve always wanted to have my own business cards. I feel like they’re so official ("Here, have one of my business cards! See, I’m legit.") You know what I mean, right? In truth, I don’t really need business cards that much--most of the time I connect with people online. But there have been a few times when I wished I had some to pass out--something for people to remember my name and contact info, and (I admit) to make me feel more official! So when RubberStamps.com reached out to see if I’d like to try out some of their stamps, right away I thought of making some DIY business cards.
I liked the idea of stamping my business cards, because I thought it would be nice for them to have a little quirky, DIY feel. I’m all about budget-friendly, unique, and handmade decor, so it’s fitting for my business cards to have those same qualities. But I also wanted to keep them fairly simple. I’ve seen some bloggers’ business cards that are awesome (painted, glittered, with 3D elements, hand-stitched leather and more)--but look like they’d take twenty minutes to finish just one “card.” I don’t have that kind of time! So I decided to stamp my business cards on both the front & back, then paint the edges. Edge-painting business cards has been pretty popular lately (I’m sure this isn’t the first time you’ve seen it). I really like how it adds a little extra element, without taking much extra time to do. And if I get sick of it later, no big deal. I can just stamp more cards!
For this project, you will need:
Custom stamps (mine are from here)
Blank business cards
Ink pad (I used black, but I think a color would be fun in the future)
Acrylic paint in the color of your choice
A foam paintbrush
Clamps or something heavy to weigh the stack of cards down
To get started, start stamping the front side of all the cards, then flip them over and do the back side. I didn’t worry too much about getting each card perfectly centered. That’s part of the charm of hand-stamped cards, in my opinion. Each one is a little different!
The other nice thing about using stamps is that I can always switch up my cards later! I could stamp different colored cards, luggage tags, etc. And since I don’t have to worry about running the cards through a printer, I can use really thick cardstock--or any material that I could stamp. Little wood rounds would be cute, don’t you think??
For the edges, I put a heavy block on top of the stack to hold it in place. You could use clamps, or any heavy paperweight type object you have. Then I simply painted the edges with acrylic paint. I put a blank card on top, because I figured it would get some paint around the edges.
After the edges were dry, I peeled the cards apart. So simple!!
I really like how my cards turned out, and I’m super excited about my stamps. I like to switch things up a lot, so I’m sure I’ll use these same stamps in a different way at some point to give my business cards a whole new look. Now I just need to make a DIY business card holder so I can keep my cards in my purse, ready to give out!
For more creative business card ideas, check out my business cards board on Pinterest.
This post was written in partnership with RubberStamps.com. I was really happy with how my stamps turned out, and I can think of so many other projects I’d like to get custom stamps for--addressing envelopes, party invitations, monograms, etc. I totally recommend them!
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Love these! What size stamp did you order?
Hi Caroline! I'll double check when I get home, but I think the stamp for the front side is the Extra Large and the stamp for the back side is Oversize.
gorgeous cards! love this
ladies in navy
Thank you Kelsey!
Cute! I'm curious what you thought of the ink. Pigment inks have never worked that great for me. I like staZon myself :)
Hey Jenn! I'm a total ink newb so I just grabbed the cheapest black ink pad. I'll have to try out the staZon stuff you like! I'm sure it will knock my socks off :)
PS I love the pink edges!! I hope I get one of your business cards.
Yes, of course--I can TOTALLY give you a business card or three!
Great idea!
xxx
E from Helsinki, Finland
http://dragonflyelisabeth.blogspot.fi/
i have been wanting to do this for a long while now and after I change my blog and shop name i definitely will be! I love the painted edges! what an adorable touch. Thanks for sharing, i am headed straight over to look at the business card stamps now.
I love this! What a fantastic idea!
These are amazing! I love the idea of ordering a custom stamp in addition to the diy colored edges. Way to knock it out of the park lady :)
Thank you, Rachel!!! You’re so sweet.
Great idea, and I love the pink edge. It would be fun to have an address stamp. Next time I see you, I NEED one of your business cards. ;)
I’d be happy to give you one!! I have a lot now…haha. I’d like an address stamp too, once we buy a house or get more “settled” somewhere.
You might try an empty gum holder...re-purposed with pretty paper or paint to hold them in your purse. Just an idea if they fit.
Good idea! I was thinking maybe a matchbox too…but it might be too small.
Definitely love this! Might use it too. :)
Love this! Will have to try next time I need new cards. The painted edge was a total "DOH" moment for me.
Thanks, Katie! Glad you like them!!
they turned out amazing. Nothing like stamping really! And the pink edge is super fun xx
Love these! I'm going to my first conference this year, and I'm collecting business card ideas. I agree that some of the cutest ones look waaaay too time-intensive. Love that these are simple but still have a handmade feel.
Ummm... This is the smartest and cutest thing ever. I actually attempted to spray paint the edges of my business cards.. this looks much less complicated! xo
Thank you, Nicole!! Yeah, spray paint is a lot runnier so I figured I'd probably need clamps and such to make sure it didn't bleed between the cards. If there's an easier path to take with the same results, I'd rather do that--always. :)
They look great Aileen! So cute!!
Absolutely love this idea - so much cheaper and so much more love that is poured into them! :) Pinned it so I don't forget!
Thanks Katie!!
I make my own business cards with a stamp as well. No two alike, and I get to show off my art at the same time.
Hi Aileen,
I just wanted to let you know that I've featured your business card DIY in a round-up of my favourite creative business cards: http://shelleymakes.wordpress.com/2014/09/27/diy-creative-business-cards/
I love the pink edging, and the stamp looks super effective! Feel free to share if you wish =)
Shelley
Beautiful! Where did you find the blank business cards? I just got a stamp made for my business cards, but I can't find the cards!
I got these on Etsy! I don't remember the exact shop (sorry) but I just searched for blank business cards. Good luck!
Hi!
How thick are these cards? Or how thick they should be for the color edges?
Is 118lb paper weight ok? 100% cotton paper.
Thank you! And I love this idea for DIY!
Really lovely cards and seems easy to do, i will try to do now. Love it!!!
I know I am a bit late to reply to this post, but if perhaps you see this (??) I am wondering, please, does the ink on a hand stamped/inked business card run if it gets wet? I am working on setting up an Etsy shop, and for the products I'll be selling/hand crafting (sustainable organic fabrics, etc.), hand crafted and stamped business cards would be absolutely PERFECT. But I've worried that if a customer's package perhaps got wet and somehow rain soaked through, a business card would smear? I know this reply is quite late, but if you do by chance see this, thank you so much! :)
The ink might run if it got wet, to be honest. You could do a test run and see how the edges react with some simulated "rain". You could also pack the cards in plastic...no matter what, paper cards getting wet probably wouldn't be the best! Best of luck with your shop!
Thank you so much, Aileen! I know I replied very late to this post, and I appreciate your taking the time to help me out with that question! :)
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