Official Custom Cut Signature card Discussion thread Share your cards & knowledge

HeritageAddict · August 23, 2007 11:15AM

I've seen some of the cards knuckles has made and they are extremely impressive. I was just wondering if anyone has tried making their own. I picked up a couple of autos and I am going to try my hand at it, any tips or tricks before I go to cutting? (Other than the obvious "Just send it to Knuckles" tip). I just have some free time and need to slow down on my ripping material purchases.

roastedcat · August 23, 2007 12:20PM

I tried making a few in the beginning, but realized there was alot of work just to create one. After attempting to create a few, I gave Knuckles a try and his creations blew mine away. He uses high quality paper stock, high quality printing ink, and has the profession to create a card unique. I'd say make one if you can, but if it doesn't turn out the way you want it, send it to Knuckles.

Jery

nam812 · August 23, 2007 2:43PM

<< Other than the obvious "Just send it to Knuckles" tip >>

Maybe you should have put that in all capital letters.

rube26105 · August 23, 2007 3:23PM

agreee with nick lol send to knuckes, save your fingers from getting cut to piece ,i know mine would be,i can do knives and guns etching, can't make a card to save my life,tried with my own auto and some pics, send to knuckles lol
randy

airjoedan · August 23, 2007 3:50PM

I tried making a few, all of which are still in my collection except for the Jackie Robinson. They are most definitely amateur as they were made with the paint program on windows xp.

Thanks and if you do make your own card, please post it. I would like to make some better cards one day when I finally have enough money to purchase a decent photoshop prorgam.

- Joe

nightcrawler · August 23, 2007 4:07PM

HeritageAddict, good luck, hope to see some great cards posted.

airjoedan, nice... real nice.

They don't look amateur to me, especially compared to some of the butcher jobs done by several of the big card companies.

rube26105 · August 23, 2007 4:35PM

very nice cards joe,puts the allen and ginter joke cardd of mother teresa to shame,its patheticand buthchered lol

randy

airjoedan · August 23, 2007 4:52PM

Hey, thanks for the compliments guys - but they really are kinda amateur compared to the works of art some people are able to do with photoshop programs. I looked into getting a nice photoshop progam around the time I was making these and got depressed at the price so tried to make a few of these basic ones with the paint program. Here are photos of the only other 2 cards I've made...

The funny thing is, the background image for all of these is a scrapbooking background paper that I scanned and used by copying and pasting on paint. The hardest part about the whole thing was cutting a perfect hole in the glossy paper - I messed up so many of them. I gave up on these 3-4 months ago as I was frustrated with not being able to be more creative with my limited computer program. Anyways, thanks again and if any of you have any homemade cards, please post them as they would be cool to see...

- Joe

frankhardy · August 23, 2007 6:10PM

How is the "cut signature" attached to the part you make?

HeritageAddict · August 24, 2007 3:25AM

Well I have the basic design down for the two autos I have, the size of the autos kind of limits what you can do with the card. I can tell the hardest part for me is going to be cutting out the square for the auto, I've already tried a few times with no success, if/when I get a good one I will post the end result. If I can get a decent one cut out they should look like this.

alifaxwa2 · August 24, 2007 3:40AM

I have photoshop, but still have alot to learn. Biggest problem for me has been coming up with a background style I like, since I really don't want to use a plain color background. I really like background on the Musial shown above.

Recently had a real basic design printed on photopaper by Ritz and found that the printers have to stretch the pic a little to allow for to the edge printing, so that through off my border. Then I couldn't get the rectangle cut out cleanly. The other problem is, most of my autos are too big for regular cards, so I am making them the size of TallBoys (which, I was told is 3.5 x 5, is that correct?)

alifaxwa2 · August 24, 2007 3:42AM

HeritageAddict.....
You should change the name of this thread to "Official Custom Cut Signature card Discussion thread" and we can share hints and get suggestions/help.

baseballfanatic · August 24, 2007 4:02AM

Are everyones cut cards postcard size or standard size?

originalisbest · August 24, 2007 4:09AM

I'm taking a stab at some myself, tho I'm hesitant to mess up the Ted Williams sig I have. Perhaps I'll start with a cheaper sig!

originalisbest · August 24, 2007 4:13AM

Theoretically they could be any size you like, I was asking Knuckles about some he did in tallboy proportions - many sigs I like that are on 3x5 index cards, I might fit into cards of that size as well, so I know they'll at least fit. For example, the Williams sig I have is on an index card and darn near takes up the whole thing - he didn't skimp on his signature!

Probably just try and match up your card sizes to whatever sig you're dealing with.

HeritageAddict · August 24, 2007 4:17AM

alifaxwa2-that's a good idea
baseballfanatic-mine are standard size
originalisbest-that's why I'm starting with these two I think I paid $5 for the Ford and $14 for the slabbed Musial

cwazzy · August 24, 2007 4:45AM

I'm going to have to start buying some signatures on index cards and try this myself. This looks like it could be a lot of fun!

Chris

Allen · August 24, 2007 5:19AM

Heritage- I think the Musial and Ford look great. If you can find a print shop to print them nice for you, they will be very nice.

1989FleerBillRipkencollector · August 24, 2007 5:31AM

Im making one real soon

I am waiting for a auto ball to arrive in the mail.

Guess Who?

Bill Ripken

I have a sweet spot template with the 89 FF card inserted and Im going to cut the auto'd ball and insert it.

My plan.

Print pic.
Glue it to a decoy card.
cut out spot for ball.
Glue ball to another decoy card
Set pic on top and glue.

No back necessary as it will be in my display case. I'll post pics when finished.

Heres a card that a combination of my 2 favorite cards. FF card and 05 BDP.

Im going to use a piece of my cut ball that has the stitching and make it a GU looking card.

Anyone want a ball piece LMK.

The pic needs to be raised and the ball will go where the 7 is. Too much black blank space at top. FYI I didnt make this.

Any suggestions? Pretty low end basic but I dunno?

cwazzy · August 24, 2007 7:48AM

Where do you guys find the pictures for the cards that you make?

Chris

MooseDog · August 24, 2007 7:52AM

Anyone have any thoughts on the archive-ability of the materials used to make these kinds of cards? Certain papers and inks can leech gases which cause paper to degrade over time. Ink jet inks, commonly used for photo printing don't have a track record...they may fade over time.

originalisbest · August 24, 2007 8:47AM

MooseDog, I wouldn't worry too much about it if you're dealing with an actual printed piece from a local printshop - as you say a home computer job will likely fade over time. Use good old-fashioned white glue during assembly and it should be archivally OK, depending on how you go about it, you might try to make a "really" archival card which is reversible, such that you could disassemble it in the future without permanently affixing the sig to any surface.

In answer to where to get images of players from, probably the best source would be old baseball mags to current times (if current players.) Have access to a highres scanner, get a clean image, reduce the physical size and you should be ready to go in assembling a look.

originalisbest · August 24, 2007 9:02AM

Attached are F&B of the Ted Williams design I've been noodling around with. The final card MAY end up looking something like this - the images of Ted are in flux, except for the lower front, which I have (got off a 1958 magazine.)

cwazzy · August 24, 2007 9:06AM

Awesome! Can't wait to see the final product!

Chris

originalisbest · August 24, 2007 9:08AM

Thanks Chris. The sig is pretty big, so I may change the proportions of the card to fit it. I made that look in tallboy proportions, but maybe it'll become postcard-sized.

Tabe · August 24, 2007 9:28AM

<< Hey, thanks for the compliments guys - but they really are kinda amateur compared to the works of art some people are able to do with photoshop programs. I looked into getting a nice photoshop progam around the time I was making these and got depressed at the price >>

Download GIMP:

www.gimp.org

It's a free alternative to PhotoShop.

Or GimpShop, which is a modification of GIMP to look more like Photoshop.

Tabe

justmichael · August 24, 2007 10:50AM

This is a great thread.Some of you guys have some real talent.Too bad the goons at Upper Deck can't figure this out.
Mike

alifaxwa2 · August 25, 2007 1:49AM

Heritage,
How did you get such as smooth edge to the players pictures when you cut out the background, I can never get it to look that good. Any tricks?

EAsports · August 25, 2007 2:55AM

Cut out the majority of the background, and then make another background layer with a light green.... Much, much easier to tell what's what.

A "green screen", if you will.

Zoom waaaaaaaaaaay in, and work carefully.

alifaxwa2 · August 25, 2007 3:06AM

<< Cut out the majority of the background, and then make another background layer with a light green.... Much, much easier to tell what's what.

A "green screen", if you will.

Zoom waaaaaaaaaaay in, and work carefully. >>

I figured that was going to be the answer. I have been doing that, but alternating between black and white backgrounds. Light green will certainly make things easier. Also, I guess I just need pictures with better resolution. That would certainly help the edges stay sharper.

EAsports · August 25, 2007 8:39AM

Better resolution helps. If you invert the colors (like a negative) it's also easier to tell what's what, especially in dark areas.

alifaxwa2 · August 25, 2007 11:57AM

Thanks for the help, I will try the negative suggestion on the next one.

I am working on Montana first. In the end it will [hopefully] look like this.

HeritageAddict · August 25, 2007 12:00PM

Very Nice!

cwazzy · August 27, 2007 1:23AM

Where do you guys get the signatures you use for these cards? And how do you adhere them to the card? Do you actually cut down the index cards that are used or just build the cards around the signature? Sorry for the dumb questions but this is all new to me.

Chris

Knuckles · August 27, 2007 1:39AM

Great stuff guys.. It's pretty cool to see others doing this since I started.. Since my Beckett Hockey features quite a few in the hockey world also ventured into making regular cards to get signed directly on what they create.

Here's one of quite a few Saints cards that I'm currently working on for a CU member..

Here's one I've made to get signed directly on the card itself for a show promoter here in Canada.. 25 will be made..

Again, great stuff guys!

- Garret

alifaxwa2 · August 27, 2007 2:22AM

<< Where do you guys get the signatures you use for these cards? And how do you adhere them to the card? Do you actually cut down the index cards that are used or just build the cards around the signature? Sorry for the dumb questions but this is all new to me.

Chris >>

I either get them through dealers, eBay, or from the player through the mail. I will probably be using normal elmers glue.

As always, nice work Knuckles.

1989FleerBillRipkencollector · August 27, 2007 2:39AM

I know nothing about hockey but that mask one looks AWESOME !!! Some of those are pretty freaky.

baseballfan · August 27, 2007 3:04AM

i would love to see "the mask of the past" signed...

1989FleerBillRipkencollector · August 27, 2007 9:20AM

This is the template Im going to use. Im cutting out the ball part and inserting a real auto'd Bill ball. Yeah, you read right. Im cutting up a ball of Bill Ripken. How many are on the market now. I just made you all a little bit richer.

alifaxwa2 · August 27, 2007 9:32AM

Love the Ripken ball card. Best of luck with that. Get lots of practice on cutting a ball. Also, how are you going to cut the ball and keep the laces intact?

Knuckles · August 27, 2007 11:23AM

<< I will probably be using normal elmers glue. >>

Good tip: Go to a scrapbook store or stationary store to get some acid free archival glue so you won't end up with ruined autographs over time..

Good luck with the Ripkin card, looks nice.

- Garret

HeritageAddict · August 28, 2007 11:52AM

I've got a couple more autos coming, I don't actually have them in hand so the sig block size might change. I can't decide which card to go with for each, so help me decide.

alifaxwa2 · August 28, 2007 7:53PM

I like the top Yogi.
Thats funny Heritage...I have a Feller on the way also.
This is what I designed for it this past weekend.

1989FleerBillRipkencollector · September 4, 2007 7:52AM

<< Love the Ripken ball card. Best of luck with that. Get lots of practice on cutting a ball. Also, how are you going to cut the ball and keep the laces intact? >>

Laces Intact-That, I do not know.

You ever cut a ball? Wondering why you mention practice cutting. Wonder how hard it could be. Ill probally use a Xacto knife. If that doesnt work, time to bust out the skil saw. lol

alifaxwa2 · September 4, 2007 10:35AM

<< Laces Intact-That, I do not know.

You ever cut a ball? Wondering why you mention practice cutting. Wonder how hard it could be. Ill probally use a Xacto knife. If that doesnt work, time to bust out the skil saw. lol >>

I guess if you planning on cutting along the stitches, it won't be a big deal, but then you won't be able to get the laces to stay straight and clean looking.

I just think cutting the leather will be tougher than you think. But, no, I haven't tried it. Are you planning on cutting the other panel just outside of the laces and hiding that under the top layer of cardboard?

rube26105 · September 4, 2007 12:22PM

i like the bottom 2 heritage the best i think, the top yogi has more detail, but i like the yanks logo behind him,the bob feller is tough, i like the cleveland arched word one
randy

1989FleerBillRipkencollector · September 4, 2007 1:26PM

<< 

<< Laces Intact-That, I do not know.

You ever cut a ball? Wondering why you mention practice cutting. Wonder how hard it could be. Ill probally use a Xacto knife. If that doesnt work, time to bust out the skil saw. lol >>

I guess if you planning on cutting along the stitches, it won't be a big deal, but then you won't be able to get the laces to stay straight and clean looking.

I just think cutting the leather will be tougher than you think. But, no, I haven't tried it. Are you planning on cutting the other panel just outside of the laces and hiding that under the top layer of cardboard? >>

Yeah, Im thinking I should keep the other side of the stitches intact.

I just bought another ball cheap (but the auto is not on the sweet spot) and a mini bat auto'd as well. I want to eventually make one with the auto'd bat barrell. Now Im really motivated to finally write Bill and try to get a index card signed. Im being patient on this until I have a good plan as my custom starting Line up of Bill....well lets say I failed to plan.

orutulsa · September 5, 2007 12:29AM

What kind of paper and ink are you all using to print these?

alifaxwa2 · September 6, 2007 9:41AM

I am interested in hearing other peoples answer to that question also.

I haven't actually put any together yet because I can't come up with a printer I like. My current plan (since I am making mine 3.5x5), I am getting them printed online on matte photo. I would like to use some sort of cardstock, but then that brings in a whole problem of cutting both the front and back to size accurately. I guess I could get kinkos or something to do them, but for some reason I am hesitant to get into that.

Anyone else?

Knuckles · September 7, 2007 7:19AM

I get the front/backs for the cards I make printed at a print shop.. As for paper.. use card stock so it has some thickness.. You don't want to go over the thickness of 3 1980's cards stacked up though or PSA won't be able to slab them.

Here's my latest..

HeritageAddict · September 7, 2007 2:00PM

I finally got around to attempting to put one of these together. I used some higher end semi-gloss sticker stock that I've had for several years and had kinkos print it, then applied the stickers to som card stock about the thickness of modern cards and cut them out, and then using Knuckles recommended scrap booking glue I glued the pieces together. It definitely isn't perfect, but I think it came out decent for my first attempt, next time though I do think I will see if I can find someplace that can print them on card stock for me, I wonder if Kinkos can do that. I've got several more autos on the way, I'd like to get it down pretty good before I start doing some more expensive autos. I'll probably have the first Musial done this weekend, using the same sticker method because I already had them printed up.

Official Custom Cut Signature card Discussion thread Share your cards &amp; knowledge

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Official Custom Cut Signature card Discussion thread Share your cards & knowledge