How To Create a SW, GI Joe or Indiana Jones Cardback

Supplies:

Print of card front on self adhesive sticker paper . Print of card back on self adhesive sticker paper . Card stock . Clips. Guillotine Stack Paper Cutter. Diamond 1 Corner Cutter Rounding Machine. Scissors. Art Roller/Brayer.

There are various ways to make cardbacks. This tutorial deals with making them with self adhesive sticker paper and new tools to score and round corners. Much cleaner way of making cardbacks.

1. Print front and Back on self adhesive sticker paper: 8.5 by 11 inches adhesive sticker paper. I use a color laser printer, the toner lasts longer and the prints are awesome. Although the self adhesive sticker paper has a Matte Finish the toner looks glossy.

2. Card Stock: Various thickness’s available. I use 100lb thick pieces, 8.5 by 11 inches. Use what makes you comfortable as long as when you hold the card by the edge it doesn’t bend.

Note: Using the same size cardback card stock and self adhesive sticker paper lets you align the front and back of the cardback properly since Photoshop prints dead on in the center.

3. Applying the self adhesive sticker paper to the front and back of the cardback card stock:

a. Clip the right lower corner of the cardback card stock and the self adhesive paper (do not remove sticker backing yet). Clips cost about $6.00.

b. Align the upper left corner.

c. Hold it then clip the lower left corner.

d. Peel the backing of the self adhesive sticker about half way, and cut the backing.

e. Use your fingers to flatten and stick the exposed adhesive to the cardback card stock. Then take the clips off the bottom of the card.

f. Follow the same procedure for the bottom half. Peel the backing off and stick the exposed adhesive to the cardback card stock.

g. Use the Art Roller/Brayer to permanently stick the adhesive sticker paper to the cardback card stock. Art Roller/Brayer cost about $12.00. Follow the same procedure for the back of the cardback.

4. Scoring (cutting out card):

I am now using a Guillotine Stack Paper Cutter, it takes less time and easier to control the cut. You simply align and bring the hammer down. Guillotine cutter cost about $150.00. If you want to stick to old school, then use a ruler and a box cutter blade.

5. Rounding corners:

You simply align and pull the hammer down. You can do several cards at a time with ease. The Diamond 1 Corner Cutter cost about $130.00. There are cheaper rounders but I found this cutter to be the best.