The Basics of Creating a Paper Card
Paper cards may get scoffed at by some, but there is a nostalgia and an experience that comes with a physical card that an email can’t replicate. Plus, it shows people that time and personal attention was put into your message.
Choose an uncoated stock for writing on the card. Add an optional aqueous coating to help deter fingerprints and make colors pop.
Postcards
Postcards are rectangular-shaped dual sided pieces of thick paper used for mailings without the use of an envelope. Usually, they include an image or other graphic on one side and space reserved for a message and postage on the other. They are routinely used for both personal and Paper Card business purposes and tend to be more cost-effective than mailing letters through a national postal system.
They are also relatively quick to produce and do not require the same amount of preparation as other types of direct mail materials. Moreover, they are ideal for promoting products and services, as well as providing information about an upcoming event or special offer. They are a very effective marketing tool, especially when designed with a specific market segment in mind.
Postcards have come a long way since their inception in the 1800s and 1900s. Initially, they were a great way to reach your target audience because they could be sent anywhere in the world. However, over time people became saturated with postcards, and it soon became second nature to simply throw them away.
There are many different sizes of postcards available to choose from, depending on what kind of advertising you’re looking for. Smaller postcards are ideal for a simple call to action and quality graphics, while larger ones can accommodate a lot of information and details. You can also get lenticular postcards, which have artwork that appears 3D when viewed from different angles.
Catalogs
Card catalogs were once the reference system for most libraries. They consisted of drawers filled with small paper cards that were used to keep track of bibliographic information about books in the library collection.
One of the great things about card catalogs is that they show how a library evolved over time. The cards were handwritten, typewritten, or printed; they reflected changes in library policies and the evolution of the book industry (e.g., the rules regarding spelling and abbreviations for authors who wrote under multiple pen names; the addition of new fields like publisher and date); they even showed a librarian’s frustrations, as heads butted over systems and casual rivalries arose among those with different visions.
But they also lent themselves to all sorts of research. A researcher might find a catalog entry that was not quite what they were looking for, but was close enough to provide helpful leads. Another benefit was that a card catalog could be searched by subject, author name, or title, making it easier for researchers to find what they needed.
Although the death knell of the card catalog has long been sounded, some libraries still maintain their old analog catalogs as backup systems for online public access catalogs. The major supplier of catalog cards, OCLC, recently printed its last card catalog, sending it to Concordia College in Bronxville, NY, where the library uses the system as a backup to its computerized catalog.
Business Cards
Whether you hand it to a prospective client or to a coworker, your business card conveys a subtle message about your company. It communicates your brand’s personality, the quality of your work, and your trustworthiness. With a little thought and planning, you can make your business cards tell a story that reflects the image of your company.
The paper thickness (also known as grammage or gsm) is an important factor to consider when printing business cards. Thicker papers are sturdier and more durable, able to hold up against wear and tear. They also tend to have a more premium feel. Most professionals opt for 14- or 16-pt business card paper, but some choose significantly thicker options that offer an even more upscale impression.
In addition to the standard text-based information (name, job title, phone number, website URL) that every business card should have, other common elements include your company’s logo or slogan and a tagline. You can also add social media links, if appropriate for your industry.
Use this opportunity to showcase your creativity and design skills. A unique layout can set your business apart from the competition. The color of your business card paper can also make a big difference. For example, a conservative professional might stick to shades of white and cream, while a progressive business owner may opt for eye-catching colors.
Envelopes
A wide variety of envelopes are available for cards and other print projects. They come in several different shapes and sizes, and many have unique features like foil accents or a peel-and-stick closure. You can even find envelopes that are made from recycled materials to help you meet your sustainability goals.
Card and paper weights are usually described in gsm (grams per square meter). This is a measure of Paper Card how thick the sheet of paper is, but thickness does not always correspond to a certain paper or card weight. If you are looking for a specific thickness or weight, it is best to come into the shop and see what we have in stock.
You can also find a range of textures and finishes that work well with card. Kraft card is a popular option for rustic craft projects and stationery. It has a rough finish and is environmentally friendly. It looks great with die-cut flowers and other rustic designs. Vellum and parchment are thin translucent papers that can add a luxury look to your cards and projects. They can also be used as an embellishment or seal.
Making your own envelopes is easy, and a fun activity to do with kids. Just make sure you have a clean space and some rubber glue – Elmers sells a good size bottle for about $6 including a handy brush inside the cap.
