HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN EARRING CARDS

A while back I wrote a post called "How to Make an Earring Display". Afterwards, I received several requests to write a tutorial on making the actual earring cards. They are very straightforward and seem pretty intuitive but maybe some suggestions will help you with them.

I described the earring cards as "simply cards folded in half with holes punched in them:

And really that's all they are! But where to start?

Here's some details that might help:

1. Size before folding: 2" X 6.75".
   
2. Size after folding: 2"X 3.4"
   
3. Hole punch used: 1/16"

Here's what you need to get started:

1. Paper cutter: 11X17" size
   
2. Matte heavyweight paper or cardstock and a printer.
   
3. 1/16" hole punch
   
4. Computer program that utilizes "layers" like Adobe Photoshop Elements 6.0.
   
5. You will also need to know HOW TO USE your program to create layers, add text, and copy and paste files into your layout.

STEPS:

1. In your progam create a file 2"X6.75"
   
2. Add your logo, text, and little dots for location of the holes. Merge all the layers and save as a jpg. You'll also want to save a layered version in case you need to make changes later.
   
3. Once you're happy with the design, copy and paste 5 of these onto an 8.5 X 11" file in the landscape orientation. Use the grid to align them so they are all even with each other, flush with the bottom of the page and 1/2" from the sides.
   
4. Merge all the layers and convert to a jpg. Remember to save a copy of the original layered copy just in case you need to change something.
   
5. Print on heavyweight paper. I use Epson double sided heavyweight paper on my Epson photo printer.
   
6. Cut the long side first using the ruler guide on the paper cutter. See picture below.
   
7. Then cut short sides. I aligned a wave along the bottom so all the need to do is cut right next to the wave.
   
8. Fold in half and punch the holes with the 1/16" punch. You may also use a thumb tack or pin but the hole punch gives a nice clean edge.
   

Now doesn't that look simple? The reason I use the folding cards is so they can easily be hung on my display and it's also very convenient for photographing. When I show my jewelry to live customers I can also discreetly write the price on the inside.

I hope you have fun making these and adding a professional touch to your jewelry! If you have any questions please contact me or you can ask it in the comment section below.