Handmade Cardstock Earring Cards

by Linda Guzik
(Glendale, CA )

Third Time's the Charm!

After surfing through Rena's Jewelry Business Blog, I decided to start making earring cards from pretty cardstock that I picked up in a pack on clearance at the local Michael's Arts & Crafts store.

Up to that point, I had been making my own earring cards out of recycled materials (old manila file folders) because I really wanted to keep my carbon footprint as light as possible.

Part of me thought they looked cool and kitchy, but the other part of me realized that to most people who don't have quite the passion for "green things" as I do, they would look unprofessional and cheap.

I read Rena's article on cardstock earring cards and decided to give it a try. What a breeze!

At first I tried plain mauve textured cardstock and stamped it with a pretty stamper and gold ink for what I hoped would be an elegant effect, but the combination just didn't seem to work.

I tried a different color ink, using the same stamper and mauve cardstock and still... didn't find that my designs "popped"!

I finally decided to not use the stamper and ink at all and changed the cardstock out for a pretty floral/scroll wedding-ish type of print.

Voila! Beautiful!

I added a small sticker at the bottom with my company name, web address and email address and found that these unique earring cards really make my designs look special.

Thanks for a great idea, Rena!

Linda Guzik
Owner/Designer
LinnyGirl Designs

Comments for
Handmade Cardstock Earring Cards

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Gorgeous Earring Cards!
by: Rena

Hi Linda,

Your cards are stunning!

I love how the card's pretty pattern accentuates your earrings without overpowering them, and adds an overall effect of elegance and quality.

I appreciate your kind words - thank you for giving me so much credit! :o)

Your inspiration may have started with something on my site, but definitely your own artistry shines through in how you used the idea!

Thanks so much for sharing your lovely cards. I'm sure they look fantastic in your display - and they're definitely pretty enough for customers to keep after they remove the earrings.

Great Idea!
by: Debbie

Hi Linda,
Great idea and very pretty! I was thinking of using my business cards, but I like this idea much better, especially with the sticker on the bottom. Also, thanks so much for the kind comments on my display idea page. I love hearing what other jewelry people think of my ideas.
And by the way, I love your jewelry! It's so funky and fun. Best of luck to you!

Debbie
www.earthlyexpressions-jewelry.com

Re: Great Idea!
by: Linda Guzik

Debbie,

Thanks so much! I just now got a chance to check ut your site and would like to compliment you on your "green jewelry". I am still in the design stages of my own green jewelry collection and can really appreciate another artist's work. I'm glad to see the green market alive and well!

Best,

Linda Guzik
www.linnygirldesigns.com

Wow
by: Alyssa

I love this idea and I love the fact that you put your company name at the bottom. They don't look cheap at all but really professional. Awesome job!!

love it!
by: Jean Menden

I really like that idea. I think I could do something similar with a business card printed differently than the usual manner. My question is this- How do you use the earrings on those cards in your display? Can you display them without buying those plastic hangers for the backs?
Jean Menden
www.jmendensilver.com

Here's what I do
by: Helen

I use watercolor paper for my earring cards. The surface is a bit textured and when you use the right font, it almost looks like you hand wrote your info on the card. I love them!

Earring Cards
by: Catherine

Jean,
You don't have to purchase the plastic pieces for the back. You can design your business card/earring card so that the top 1/2 inch folds over. This allows you to lay it on a table and it tilts upwards for the earrings to lay nicely.

Good Luck!

Catherine
www.bycatherinemarie.com

Self Inking Stamp
by: PegJ

I've started using a self inking stamp available at an office supply (Staples) for minimum cost. It's much less work and since I had it made with black ink, it doesn't detract from the earrings. I will look for cardstock with designs as you suggested. I've been using plain, but like your idea of paper with a design motif. I've also used greeting cards to make my earring cards. I stamp my information on the white side for the earring display and the back is the card design.

Thank you!
by: Linda Guzik

Thanks for all the terrific feedback! Jean-- If the earrings are light enough, the folded "tent" style card can stand up on its own. With some of my heavier earrings (the picture displayed above is a perfect example), the cards will kind collapse under the weight (almost like the card is doing a split like a gymnast). If you make the cards an extra inch longer, you can fold each side of the tent under to make a 3-D triangle card and secure the "flaps" with a glue dot inside. Then, put the sticker on the front of the card.

I did read somewhere that you can attach those plastic hangars on the back too if you are hanging them on a rack.

Linda G.
www.linnygirldesigns.com

another comment
by: Anonymous

I use a wire CD rack to hang carded earrings on. So far I've found 3 of the same style racks at Goodwill stores! (.89 cents)I've been working on these things for about a year. They look best with a piece of cardboard inserted in the center of them which I use to hold a sign with my bus iness name and a statement re: sterling silver findings etc.
I really think the carded earrings look more outstanding than just hanging a bunch of earrings on a rack.
I make cards that are very much like your's! Great designers must think a like.
Marianna Mitchell
Charming Things

Nice Cards!
by: Lisa W.

Your cards look great! And yes, a foldover really is a good way to sit them on the table or hang them from your hanging display without needing the plastic back clips. I fold mine with a longer back, and hang them from louvre bifold doors. Very convenient and easy display, and doesn't take up space on my tables.

Re: Great Idea!
by: Linda Guzik

I love the CD rack idea! Very cool and a great way to recycle. Thanks for the comments. It's nice to "chat" with fellow designers and get such great ideas. Picking the brains of others is so helpful.

Linda G.
www.linnygirldesigns.com

Using Business Card Stock
by: Catherine--Joli Artisan Jewelry

I use ivory business card stock & my printer with my website font. I only print company name at the top and web URL at the bottom. On the back, I place small clear labels explaing the piece name & components. I have the attachable hanging earring hangers but Velco dots work great too against a trellis folding screen and other backdrops. The best part of this size is storage. They fit into those cheap rectangular plastic boxes from Michaels (lots of sizes) with tight tops. I drop in a little anti- tarnish square and the earrings (&my other pieces) stay perfect & shiny'nn