The calling card case that I ordered here ----------http://www.victoriantradingco.com/store/catalogimages/6f/i2876.html ----------- arrived today. It really is pretty! It has the scrolly design on both sides. It's described as "silverplate." I almost wish it was stainless or chrome so it wouldn't tarnish, but you can't have everything - and I do like the look silver. Outside measurements are 2 & 5/8 inches x 3 & 5/8 inches.

Judybug

Do you have calling cards? Do you have places you go where you can use them? I love stuff like that.

I designed my own calling cards and printed them out on the computer. I don't move in social circles that require calling cards, but I like them - they just come in handy. If I visit someone who's not home, I can stick a calling card in the door instead scribbling a note on a paper napkin that happens to be in my car. If there's a message I need to write, I can write it on the back of the card.

I designed two kinds of cards - one just has my name on it with an old-fashioned key graphic and a classic border. I use it for friends or relatives. The other one has my name, address, e-mail, etc. I keep these on hand for the occasions when I meet someone new and I want to give them this information.

Judybug

It's so genteel... It makes me smile that you do that! Do you ever feel like you were born in the wrong century?

hi judy,
... just a question. would regular business cards do?
regards,

Only if you have a regular business. My thought is that if it is not business related, I would prefer a personal calling card, as I do not want to give the appearance of soliciting business if I am not doing so. Especially from acquaintances who do not know me all that well, or friends who might take offense, thinking I am trying to take advantage of our friendship as an opportunity to "mine" for new business.

Donnie

Judy,

Thank you for sharing this. This place gives me many ideas for gifts for my daughter in law, who likes dip pens, and frilly victorian stuff. Even a few items I might like for myself. Great idea on the calling cards, btw.

Donnie

Some ideas and resources:
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=htt...l%3Den%26sa%3DN Far right column

http://charlesandmarie.com/lifestyle-gems/...stmp=1211743161 Cool stuff

Printed cards you can try or design:
http://www.moo.com/?gcid=S31011x128-home&keyword=moo.com
http://www.moo.com/products/minicards.php: These are fun
A range of ideas:
http://stores.ebay.com/Good-Things-Great-P...8QQftidZ2QQtZkm

Historical Perspective:
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=htt...l%3Den%26sa%3DN

Silver won't tarnish if you use it, like a silver fountain pen.

levenger has walletcards that are about perfect to use as calling cards. I made some with my house name and address on.
I've been including them in snails to give the person my new address, as well when I sell something I include one.

Kurt

i just made this 3x4 that fit in the back of my leather note card case (in the front i carry 3x5 note cards)

i made the 3x4 cos' i saw that calling cards can be different sizes, i figured that is a big enough size to leave a writen note.

Yes, I think calling cards today should be whatever size is convenient for your purposes. As nostalgic as I am about certains aspects of the Victorian era, I also admire modern practicality. I'm glad we don't have to adhere to rigid rules about everything we do. The Victorians were very picky about calling card sizes - gentlemen's cards were a specific size which was different from the accepted size for ladies' cards. And if you handed out a card that didn't fit the rules, your social standing probably suffered. Since we live in a brave new world, I'm mulling over the idea of triangular calling cards . . .

Judybug

Calling card sizes still are carefully prescribed. However, you see more people using them today a kitsch item, resulting in a variety of sizes, patterns and colours. Much like you see "creative Black Tie" at weddings or pink dinner suits for proms.

Might I ask where one could go to design calling cards to print at home? Is there free software online (or even an online application), or would I need to purchase the software?

-Nkk

thanx for your reply. it makes a lot of sense not to give a business card in a social call. i guess to me all cards today were considered business cards... anyways, it is obvious i was miss-using the term. this is very informative for me. thanx to all for posting.

my wife says that a a folded 3X5, just revealing the name at the bottom, makes a cool calling card!!!

http://www.callingcardcases.com/

What fun! We are moving this summer - may I should get some to pass out with our new address.

WG

i found this very informative: http://www.lahacal.org/gentleman/cards.html

That all sounds very practical to me....even in these days of electronic communications we sometimes need to leave 'hard-copy' evidence of our having 'been there', or to pass to those who don't have PDAs etc, and who may wish to contact us in the future.
I have a supply of small sticky labels which take up little space and can be stuck straight into, say, an address book.... 'informal' but convenient.

I designed my cards in WordPerfect - six (or maybe eight?) to a page, printed them out on cardstock, and cut them with a paper cutter. I take quite a bit of ribbing from my grown daughters for using WordPerfect - an old version at that. They're always telling me I'm working harder than I have to to do things like calling cards.

My middle daughter is a whiz at using "Art Explosion - Label Factory" (by Nova Development Corporation) and says that it's the cat's meow - not just for labels, but for calling cards, business cards, post cards, etc. so I bought it - $30, I think, at Office Depot. I haven't done much with it yet - I hate learning curves. Said daughter is a school teacher. Friday is her last day of school. I'll give her a couple of days to rest up, then I'll be knocking on her door with my laptop, expecting a lesson. I'll let you know how it goes.

Judybug

Triangular calling cards: YES!!! What a good idea! How fun that would be.

I also have this calling card case from Crane & Co. http://www.crane.com/prdSell.aspx?name=643...&sc=FROOGLE

I think it is soooo cute, but it's bigger and heavier than the little silver one from Victorian Trading Co.

Judybug