I Created a New Trading Card Product Line!
 

UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE - PLEASE CHECK THE END OF THIS THREAD FROM TIME TO TIME FOR UPDATES!

Watch me put together a 1/1 Custom completely on video!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3Y1xhdqi_A

Let me see a show of hands. How many of you think that it is absolute madness at how many types of cards have been released this past year? The card release calendar shows TONS of them ... not to mention the online only and store specific cards out there.

Well, the card market is about to get one more, though case breakers will not have an interest in this one.

I realize that there is a big risk in coming out with a new card product. Whether they have succeeded or crashed and burned, generally all are met with harsh criticism. I hope this isn't one of them! :)

What if I told you that I've made a new card line with the most diverse checklist ever? One that will elicit emotions that go beyond normal trading cards. They will make some laugh, others cry, and have a high potential of being quite possibly the most notable & cherished card in your entire collection.

That sets the bar ridiculously high, but it is my hope that you agree with me.

First, I had to come up with a killer name. Something that oozes high end ... glamor. Lifestyles of the rich and famous.

http://www.tanmanbaseballfan.com/wp-...anscendent.jpg

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, the HIGHEST END EVER....wait, what? That name has already been taken? :/

Okay, let's try again ...

http://www.tanmanbaseballfan.com/wp-...2/insanity.jpg

INSANITY! The ULTIMATE high end card. It would be pure insanity to spend money on this...errr...I mean it would be pure insanity not to buy. Yeah, that's what I meant!

Not quite ....

http://www.tanmanbaseballfan.com/wp-...2/opulence.jpg

When a good deal comes my way, I JUMP IN IT. (I love that DirectTV commercial with the mini giraffe!) Speaking of good deals, check this sweet costume I found at Target the other night! #hemustworkout

http://www.tanmanbaseballfan.com/wp-...6/12/rocky.jpg

Sigh, if only working out were as easy as putting on a costume.

Okay, back to the card line. (Forgive me, but how could I NOT share that pic with you?)

After talking it over at the kitchen table with my family, I came up with this:

http://www.tanmanbaseballfan.com/wp-...customcuts.jpg

Custom Cuts - Yeah! I like the ring to it! My first thought was to grab the domain name customcuts.com. Sadly, someone picked it up, but it was for sale.

I inquired about the price, and here is the response I got:

http://www.tanmanbaseballfan.com/wp-.../12/email1.jpg

Uhmmm.... $59,888 ????

I considered countering at $50.00 but instead, I thought this response was more appropriate:

http://www.tanmanbaseballfan.com/wp-...2/response.jpg

Silly, silly interwebs.

I opted instead for CustomCutsOnline.com for a smooth $15/year.

So, what exactly is Custom Cuts? Well, let me show you. There are 2 different configurations.

http://www.tanmanbaseballfan.com/wp-.../templates.jpg

A gorgeous high-end design and beautiful gold holo-foil. I know what you are asking yourself "Hey, where's the cream filling?"

This is where it gets interesting and exciting.

Custom Cuts is an easy to use kit that allows you to create your own card! You have two choices: Buy the kit and do it yourself, or send me the pieces and I'll create it for you.

Here is how it works.

Each kit comes with the following pieces:

http://www.tanmanbaseballfan.com/wp-...016/12/kit.jpg

The fun part is selecting the pieces you want to include. Once you do, you use the cutting template to easily cut the pieces to the exact sizes you need. Cut the pieces larger than the holes, but smaller than the template to ensure a good fit.

http://www.mycollectionofcards.com/b...1616/1-2-3.jpg

The back is actually like a sticker. Once you are ready, you just peel it and stick it to the back!

http://www.tanmanbaseballfan.com/wp-...2/finished.jpg

For me, the story of a card is absolutely huge. It is the difference between having just another shiny parallel that was pushed out, and something that is truly meaningful. To me, a shiny low numbered refractor with no story means very little to me when compared to a dull looking older card with a fantastic story.

The backs will have a hand-written serial number, if you desire. The reason for this is so you (or anyone) can go to the website and look up what the story is behind the card in the database. You, of course, would write the story. This could be something documenting the pieces that were used, or even a nice note to the recipient of the card if you are giving it as a gift.

http://www.tanmanbaseballfan.com/wp-...2/database.png

My favorite thing about this is that there are literally no limits to your creativity, aside from being mindful of the hole dimensions.

http://www.tanmanbaseballfan.com/wp-.../12/sizing.jpg

The fun part in creating customs is finding the right pieces for a project. The Custom Cuts kit is designed to have fun, and end up with something meaningful - whether it is for your own collection, or for someone else!

Here are some examples of what can be done:

A picture of your little leaguer and jersey patch or signature = your new favorite 1/1

http://www.tanmanbaseballfan.com/wp-...2/example1.jpg

A paw print + pic you printed out of your cat = a Custom Pawtograph

http://www.tanmanbaseballfan.com/wp-...2/example2.jpg

Continued on next post .....

Old Magazine page + signed index card = Custom High End ALF!

http://www.tanmanbaseballfan.com/wp-...2/example3.jpg

Signed Post Card + Trading Card = Mickey Mantle Cut Signature

http://www.tanmanbaseballfan.com/wp-...2/example4.jpg

Magazine + dog chewed trading card = Al Kaline cut signature

http://www.tanmanbaseballfan.com/wp-...2/example5.jpg

Wedding Picture + Invitation = Keepsake that may actually get your wife into cards (Hey, we can dream, can't we?)

http://www.tanmanbaseballfan.com/wp-...2/example6.jpg

Here they are all together:

http://www.tanmanbaseballfan.com/wp-...2/examples.jpg

This is my first "invention" so to speak, and I'm very proud of it. I look forward to hearing what you all think about this as well! I hope this will be a bit hit for folks this Christmas, as I've gotten loads of requests to create personal cards as gifts.

Oh, and what a better way to kick off my first invention than with my first infomercial?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFpGLdr7Fa8

For anyone who does pick up a kit, I encourage everyone to post what they have made online. I'd get a huge kick out of seeing what other people use this for.

As always, thanks for reading! I look forward to hearing what you all think!

If you want to pick up a kit, you can order on the site or you can pm me :)

EDIT: Frankbmd messaged and suggested I put the site and pricing, so here goes:
The site is www.customcutsonline.com and pricing is $29.95 for a kit that I send to you, or for $49.95 you can send the pieces you want to use to me and I will assemble for you!

Very cool stuff, wish you the best of luck with these.:)

Cool idea!

I like it and may be purchasing 1-2 shortly.

I have a picture of my Dad playing baseball in high school and this custom card of yours has given me an idea what to do with it.

Oh and....No moustache on the microphone? I'm disappointed! :)


Jantz

I think this is absolutely an incredible idea and wish you the best of luck on it. You could market these to little league teams as a giveaway at the end the season.
Great way to use your creativity and allow others not so creative to enjoy the process.
Drew

Thank you guys! If you want to order, just hit my site or pm me - either way is fine!

My only question is how good is the adhesive used on the card backs. As someone that has built several multi layered cards I am sure i could easily put your awesome new cards together. On the other hand I can see someone with no experience having real problems getting the back even close to lined up properly.

That is a good question. It is basically a sticker. I think it would be easy to line up, but ultimately, I suppose someone could even just glue the back on w/out taking the backing off.

There is a little bit of getting your hands dirty, so to speak, but I think this is well within the realm of ease for the everyday consumer when in line with any other type of do it yourself kit...probably even much easier! :)

I use a lot of Avery shipping labels for fronts/backs on items. I know they also make a removable version. I have never tried them but maybe it would be worth looking at in case someone does not get the back lined up the first time they have another chance.

Mouschi (hi Mouschi) put this in the correct water cooler section but more members might want to see the endeavor so it was copied over to here. It's pretty cool. Good luck Mouschi!!

.

Thanks again Leon!

That's really interesting.

Question: what is the nature of your materials? Are they archival safe quality? Many regular adhesive products are highly acidic and/or will break down over time and lose their adhesion, leaving a brown stain. Have you considered this and dealt with it or disclosed to the buyers that the items they insert into these cards may not be secure for the long term?

There is nothing of mine that I offer that will stick to any of your pieces. The back is the only adhesive sticker type of item, and that sticks to the back of the frame piece.

At first I wasn't really enthused but after seeing some autographs matched up with pictures I think you've got a winner!

Thanks Bruce! Everything I've tried with this so far, I've been super happy with how they've turned out.

Looks cool ! Has a lot of potential for fun items to be made up .

Bought one. My kid will love it. Thanks.

Great idea. I need to find some signatures from my late father and I am in.

I think this is a PHENOMENAL idea. The design is timeless, and the customization aspect offers something I haven't seen before in the hobby. You have multiple avenues you can follow with this product (mentioned previously was the Little League idea).

I might have to get 1 or 2 of my grandpa and maybe uncle, who played in the minors in 1940 and 1939 respectively. I have originals and scans of newspaper photos, team photos, etc. of their playing days.

You have something here, my friend. Good luck!

You mentioned Jose Canseco in you website, we both play senior softball. I'm in an older division so my team hasn't played him.
It looks as if we might be in the same class next month in Tampa.:)

Please post when it is finished - I can't wait to see what others make!

Definitely signatures are doable, but you can also use a swatch of a shirt, or similar. Someone just picked up a kit and is planning on doing that very thing.

Thank you very much! The beauty of it is that you can scan ANYTHING you want to resize and fit if it is a picture.

That's very cool! I am a Canseco super collector and was on the cover of Beckett with him last year. My site to show off my collection is at www.cansecocollector.com

After reading this post, my only thought was this guy's a nutjob. But a brillant nutjob. Great idea, keep it up.

Thanks! I get the nutjob comment a lot :)

I did a fun little program graphic for this:

http://www.mycollectionofcards.com/b...christmas2.jpg

I read the Beckett article and that's a really cool story. You are definitely insane, but in a fun way :D Good luck with the new project, looks like it will be a hit to me!

Thanks! Here is a quick pic of some of the kits going out today (front face plates).

http://www.mycollectionofcards.com/b...0716/batch.jpg

:)

Here is a fun custom cuts card using junk wax! 1992 Fleer Frank Thomas and 1992 Fleer wrapper...

http://www.mycollectionofcards.com/b...916/frank2.jpg

One thing is for sure, two much new stuff again and killing the modern jump we had on sales the last four or five years. I prefer vintage as always, but how could not take a look at some the great players right now and their cards. Anyways, great idea and easy name to remember when something comes up and you need a cool holder.

Good Luck!

Jimmy

I thought I'd do a little instructional video (which also shows a small improvement in the kit!) where I put together a cut signature card using an 8x10 and a base card.

The result? A crotch-a-riffic cut auto 1/1 custom! LOL (video below!)

http://www.mycollectionofcards.com/b...16/89score.jpg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2etkfDjlckQ

Great video Tanner! Great advice on how to get it aligned during assembly. If you would have shown the actual assembly on camera IMO it would have been better.

That probably would have been better :) I was kind of in my own world doing it when the camera was rolling, and when I looked at it afterwards, I thought "hmmmm....no one can see me placing them!" There isn't really much to it, but I agree - it probably would have been better. Maybe I'll do another one soon!

Love it, Tanner! Great idea.

A few exciting additions. First, I shaved.

Second, I got my first youtube testimonial!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3Jcr9bNy_A

"Tanner my video is up of my custom cut cards. WOW just WOW these are beautiful. I will be ordering more this week. Thank you for all of your hard work. I may have a few other projects to talk to you about but i will email you. Me and my wife had a blast putting these together."

Third, I made a modification based upon bethanyb1201's suggestion via pm yesterday. I'm not sure if this is exactly what was meant, but the suggestion came at a perfect time as I was looking to re-work the template that comes in my custom cuts kit anyway.

Here is a graphical representation of it:

http://www.mycollectionofcards.com/b...216/frank5.jpg

Watch me put together a Frank Thomas cut auto in about 10 minutes using a damaged auto, a picture I took with my phone and one of my Custom Cuts kits!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3Y1xhdqi_A

Just a few pics to show of the progression:

The damaged autograph (I have looked FOREVER to figure out who sent this to me. If this is you, please speak up - I'd love to give you a shout out!)

http://www.mycollectionofcards.com/b...216/frank1.jpg

A picture of me and Frank a few years ago:
http://www.mycollectionofcards.com/b...216/frank2.jpg

I decided to get a little fancy with this, and photoshop myself out of it. (I would have never in a million years thought I would have EVER photoshopped myself OUT of a pic with the Big Hurt!)

http://www.mycollectionofcards.com/b...216/frank3.jpg

The final product!
http://www.mycollectionofcards.com/b...216/frank4.jpg

Annndddd... everything together:
http://www.mycollectionofcards.com/b...216/frank6.jpg

Email me if you want to create something amazing yourself - the kit is $29.95 with free shipping, OR you can upgrade to priority shipping for a few bucks extra!

So last night, Darren Rovell of ESPN tweeted out my website...

http://www.mycollectionofcards.com/b...rrenrovell.jpg

So, this is what happened with the traffic:

http://www.mycollectionofcards.com/b...16/traffic.jpg

Cool stuff!

Also, as a thank you to Darren for tweeting out my link, I created a digital edition card for him commemorating his 89 Fleer Rick Face story. (Black box version used for obvious reasons!)

http://www.mycollectionofcards.com/b...16/darren2.jpg

Oh, and finally, to commemorate Rogue One Day, a family pic w/ticket relic:

http://www.mycollectionofcards.com/b...6/starwars.jpg

You don't love your cat nearly as much as you should unless you have a trading card of him/her.

Check out this pair of customs that a happy customer made!

http://www.mycollectionofcards.com/b...21616/cats.jpg

The one on the left has a cut piece of a prescription for the cat, and the other has a cut piece of the curtain they damaged.

cool stuff. I look forward to a year or so ahead when you have even more options available. pic, auto, & material area in one. varying colors/themes. in time I can see you with a bunch great stuff as new ideas are used and presented to you.

Thanks! I've got some things I'm thinking about for the future. Right now, I'm really having a blast seeing what others are doing with it.

OK, I admit it, those are cool.

This is awesome. My boys think these are the coolest thing ever. They've been making custom cards out of decoy cards from packs they open. Gonna grab two for them to start off with!

Thanks Leon!

Very cool - I look forward to seeing what you all come up with! It is a fun thing to do with your kids as well.

You know what tops the feeling you get when a bunch of people are hyped about your product? The feeling you get when they become *CUSTOMERS* and go out of their way to say how fun and awesome your product is!

So far, everyone has been having a blast with their Custom Cuts kits! Here is the latest card made by a dad who used a Santa pic and a baby blanket. He & his wife made it together and had a blast doing it!

http://www.mycollectionofcards.com/b...rt-rainbow.jpg

I created a promo graphic to state how quick it is to put one together. Plus, it gives me a reason to bump this thread :)

http://www.mycollectionofcards.com/b...010117/cc7.jpg

Got this in from Twitter ...
Just put together a @gzusi card with a @tanmanbbfan Custom Cuts template. Easy to use and looks great! Thanks Tanner!
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C3OtECAVYAEOgZX.jpg