[Oshi Activities] Ideas for making DIY trading cards. Handmade merch for your fave
Photo cards, which are popular as bonuses with K-POP idol merchandise and albums.
They’re items you can enjoy in various ways, like displaying your bias’s photos as interior decor or slipping them into your phone case.
Some of you may want to try making your own photos or character goods of your favorite member.
In this article, we’ve compiled a bunch of ideas for handmade photo cards.
We’ll introduce everything from easy projects themed around social media or student IDs to more elaborate creations.
Be sure to try making your own original goods using photos of your favorite idol.
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[Oshi Activities] Ideas for making DIY trading cards. Handmade oshi goods (21–30)
Movie ticket-style trading card
These trading cards, with their unique movie ticket-inspired shape, really highlight the cuteness.
Create a rectangular image with conscious use of top and bottom margins and a frame, print it on matte paper, mount it on a backing, and then cut it into a ticket-like shape.
For the back side, emphasize the ticket concept with text: it’s recommended to place numbers related to the person so that they evoke a film screening date and time.
Carefully design the overall shape and the use of whitespace so it clearly conveys the ticket motif.
Mini trading card file
This is a palm-sized binder for storing small trading cards.
The process is simple: cut clear files into smaller pieces and combine them to create the pages.
Use a soft material for the exterior and a firm material for the inner pages to protect the photos from scratches while keeping the look cute.
Since the entire piece is made from transparent materials, it’s easy to add sticker decorations, making it fun to design the binder in your own style.
A button closure works well, and adding a keychain for easy carrying is also recommended.
split into two trading card
This is a trading card split into top and bottom halves, allowing you to showcase more of the person’s visuals.
Carefully determine the card size and adjust the images so they divide exactly in half.
It’s recommended to set a theme for your image choices—such as placing a fierce pose on one half and a smile on the other to create contrast.
To emphasize the split photos, keep the back simple with elements like a logo or the person’s name.
It could also be interesting to experiment with different impressions by changing the design—for example, making one half intentionally larger to draw attention instead of keeping them the same size.
Instagram-style trading card
How about making Instagram-style trading cards using printed illustrations and inexpensive laminating cards from a 100-yen shop? The key to making these cards is to use prints made with a laser printer, such as those at convenience stores.
Stick the printed illustration onto a laminating card cut to trading-card size, then firmly rub it from the back with a ruler or similar tool.
If you don’t press hard enough here, the color won’t transfer to the card.
Once you’ve rubbed it thoroughly, soak it in hot water for 10 minutes and scrub with a toothbrush; the paper will come off, leaving only the illustration.
After completely removing the paper, stick it onto the laminating card again to finish.
Checkered-pattern photocards
This is a trading card that goes all-in on showcasing cuteness with a checkered background.
Place the photo on the front, and use the checkered pattern on the back to clearly emphasize the subject’s cuteness.
It’s recommended to use the check pattern as a frame, put the person’s name in the center, and decorate with character elements.
If you decorate the front photo using the same colors as the checks and text, you’ll achieve a cohesive, official-looking design.
Try choosing the check colors to match the hair or outfit colors.
Business card-style trading card
Business card-style photo cards: handmade merch that makes supporting your favorite idol even more fun.
Using the image editing app PicsArt, first cut out and save an image of your fave.
Create the background design in the Phonto app and insert the cut-out image.
To finish, add text with profile details like name, birthday, and blood type.
The stylish result is perfect for trading with friends or keeping in your collection.
The appeal is that you can craft a one-of-a-kind photo card by obsessing over fonts and background designs.
It’s also fun to turn them into a series by theme or outfit, and you’ll want to keep them on hand as items packed with your fave’s charm.
Foil-stamped card
This is a popular oshi-activity item that lets you make your own trading cards with a sparkling, special feel.
Place tracing paper over the card of your favorite idol you want to foil, then trace illustrations or text with a pen.
Scan and print the tracing paper, and cut out only the necessary parts.
Layer stamping foil over it and run it through a laminator to transfer the foil.
While the laminate is still sealed, rub from the back and peel it off using a melamine sponge while dissolving it in water, revealing the foiled design.
Finally, attach it to the original card to complete it.
Although there are some fine steps involved, the finished result looks luxurious, and it’s highly recommended as a way to bring to life your desire to make your oshi shine even more.