Your business card says a lot about you, but what about your business card holder? I've collected quite a few business cards this past summer and like to keep them by my computer for when I have time to look people up. Instead of buying a boring business card holder from a big box store, I thought I'd use up some clay I had on hand to make a couple of pretty ones. These card holders are great for photos, recipe cards, business cards, or anything small you'd like to prop up for display. Check out how simple they are to make!
Supplies:
-polymer clay
-polymer-safe paint (water-based) (I used Americana brand Burnt Orange and Soft Jade)
Tools:
-rolling pin
-square dowels (in the thickness you'd like the clay)
-parchment paper
-sharp blade
-paint brush
-baking sheet + oven-safe props
-oven
Step One: Warm the clay in your hands to make it soft and easy to work with. Then roll it out on parchment paper, using dowels to create a uniform thickness across the clay.
Step Two: Cut out the length of the card holder you'd like. If you end up not liking the design you cut out, just re-roll the clay and start over. I ended up liking the longer card holder I made with extra support better than the smaller one without as much support. The width of my clay ended up being about 2.75".
Step Three: Use the dowel to help bend the holder into shape. Make sure the bottom is as flat as you can get it. Smooth out any bumps and uneven spots with your hands.
Step Four: Place clay (on parchment paper) onto an oven-safe pan and use props to help it maintain its shape while baking. I baked my Sculpey brand clay at 270° for 25 minutes, but you should follow the recommendations on your clay packaging.
Step Five: After the clay has cooled, remove it from the baking sheet and paint with a few coats of polymer-safe paint. I used a glossy paint for mine and decided to do a two-toned look for each holder.
Fill the holders with cards and photos to fancify your workspace! Photos of Brigitte Bardot will make them even sexier.
Now I have some pretty special card holders I can bring with me when I set up at events and craft shows. In the meantime, I'm enjoying the bit of style they add to my workspace! -Mandi
Credits // Author and Photography: Mandi Johnson. Photos edited with Stella and Valentine of the Signature Collection.
Great idea! thanks for sharing
What a gorgeous idea – perfect for my home office in the making.
Thanks for sharing!
Anisa – The Macadames.xx
www.themacadames.com – Discover all things food,travel, style, home decor & more through the lives of twenty-something Aussie women.
I love how many things clay can be used for! I really need to up my clay game!
I love this idea! Thanks for sharing
I love these!! I’m totes making one – they go perfectly with my new biz cards!
It was Brigitte Bardot day on TCM yesterday when you posted this card holder. Great movies!
This is such a fun idea! I can’t wait to give it a try!
Didn’t even realize I needed this until I saw this post – I love those moments – thanks chica!
this is such a cute idea! would be prefect for my desk 🙂
xxoo,
nikki
www.dream-in-neon.com
so clever mandi! and i love the idea of using them instead of picture frames.
What a great idea ! Love it! I’m gonna make it ;)Thanks Mandi!
Such a great way of using polymer clay! I have so much of it lying around I’ll definitely have to give this a try!
www.peonyandpeach.blogspot.com
Love this idea! Actually working on a namecard box DIY to post on my blog today- guess bcards are on everyone s minds 🙂
They are so cute! I’ve been thinking of how to display business cards nicely at craft shows, and these holders look perfect. I’ll definitely make a couple for myself 🙂 Thanks for the tutorial, Mandi!
Perfect idea of a photo holder
for my living room 🙂
http://beautyfollower.blogspot.gr
Cute! Love it.
erin, http://www.beingerin.com
What a simple yet wonderful idea! I love it!
I’m thinking of getting business cards for my blog so I could definitely try this out. 🙂
Rona from threepinkcats
I know what I’ll be doing this weekend! Such a great idea.
Tine
http://solastdecadeblog.blogspot.dk
Oh what a cute idea!! 🙂 Thx for sharing.
Need to try this.
These are great!
www.toolsandrags.com