Inspired by Mr. Fortuna's quarter rings, I started making my own business cards today. I have been in the market for business cards to promote my website and my freelance ventures and decided to create my own. I envisioned the cards to have a sort of raw element to them.

To start things off, I researched recycled kraft paper card stock. I really liked the "brown paper bag" look of it. I came across the Kraft Outlet with their business card blanks. I picked up a couple packs of the card blanks and moved onto the printing method.

Kraft Paper Business Card Blanks

I decided that the most efficient way of printing a large amount of business cards myself was to have a custom stamp made. This would make every card a little different and would align with the low tech feel of the recycled kraft paper.

After some googling, I came across rubberstamps.net. This site allows you to upload a JPEG of artwork and they will construct a custom wood handled rubber stamp (old school style). I laid out what I wanted to be on the business card in Illustrator and exported a JPEG for the stamp company. Next, I picked out a nice ink color from the same site and received everything in no time.

Custom Wood Handled Rubber Stamp

Ink Pad

Once I received all the parts for the project, I started stamping out the cards. It took a little trial and error to figure out the best method of stamping to yield a good final product.

Final business card

I recommend this method to anybody that wants simple, homemade business cards with an earthy theme.