Historic Chic: Calling Cards

Move over voice mail and text messaging. According to the Febuary 18th edition of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, calling cards are the trendiest must have. Talk about old school!

Calling Cards Back in Vogue

By Linda Jerkins, For the Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Saturday, February 18, 2006

When friends ask for her phone number or e-mail address, Varda Cheskis Sauer simply hands them her card --- no, not her business card but her personal calling card.
"I got sick and tired of looking for a pen and a scrap of paper or a deposit slip to write on," said Cheskis Sauer of Dunwoody. "It was tacky, and often the information got lost."
On a friend's suggestion, the magnet internship teacher at North Springs High School in Sandy Springs ordered sleek, wallet-size cards from an online store.
"They look great," she said. "I'm surprised at how often I give them out."
Exchanging calling cards --- a popular practice during Victorian times --- has become fashionable again. Sales of personalized versions have been on the rise since 2001, said Megan Kuntze, a spokeswoman with national stationery retailer Crane & Co.
Young professional women typically use the cards for social situations, like parties or clubs. But retirees and even children are using the cards to trade contact information for vacation homes and play dates, according to Kuntze and Crane store managers.
There are hundreds of designs and typefaces available to reflect your personality, interest or hobby. For a nontraditional treatment, turn the card vertically and list your name at the top. Add your phone number and e-mail address at the bottom. Leave the middle blank for reminders (carpet cleaner's name?) or a mini-message. Mailing addresses, which tend to change, are not included.
Custom calling cards are available to suit any budget. Check online shops like www.vistaprint.com, but don't overlook Atlanta-area stationery, gift and office supply stores. Here are a few to consider:
Swoozie's: Believe it or not, many of today's fast-track kids carry their own calling cards. And why shouldn't they, when there are so many colorful and whimsical options available? Versions from Sweet Pea Designs provide space for the child's name, plus the phone number of a parent or nanny. A set of 25 cards costs $19 or 50 cards for $30. Jane Boatman Gellar's fresh-looking cards in polka dots and stripes are popular with female customers. Buy 25 cards for $35 or 50 cards for $59.
Paper Affair: Calling cards leave a lasting impression. What do you want yours to be? Women lean toward cards in fun, contemporary colors with a simple motif, like a single flower or a flirty kiss (in red ink) by Crane & Co. Couples often prefer classic cards in white and ecru. Prices range from $73 to $355 for 50 cards.
Office Depot: Traditional card colors like white or buff never go out of style. If you want to keep things basic and inexpensive, consider a one-sided white, business-like card with your contact information in black type. Order 1,000 cards for $12.99. Want to add a colored typeface to your white card? The price rises to $24.99 for 1,000 cards.

Now all of have to wait for is the return of the wax seal. I often ponder the fact that I was born in the wrong century.