When most people think of traditional card stock or card paper, they do not necessarily think of the color black. Why? Because most paper we use for everyday communication and business is white with black lettering. Alternatively, black paper with white or light lettering is far less common. However, when it comes to paper or cardstock for specific projects, black can have a variety of great uses.
So, what can you do with black cardstock? What are some card ideas to combine with the color black? Finally, what are the best font colors to use with a black background? In today’s guide, we will answer all of these questions and more, but first, let’s take a closer look at using black cardstock for foiling.
Black Cardstock For Foiling
If you are unfamiliar with foiling, it is the process of applying either a metallic or pigmented foil to a material to give it a shiny finish. In simpler terms, it is a way for you to turn standard black cardstock that does not reflect much light into a shiny, reflective material. Naturally, it won’t reflect as much light as something like tin foil, but using foil on cardstock can make your cards look far more eye-catching and beautiful.
That said, creating foil materials on your own can be a bit tricky. You need to use a heating process and it could get rather complicated. For this reason, it is better to combine materials that have already undergone the foiling process with your standard black cardstock. For example, let’s say that you have a simple invitation in which you have indented or even cut-out lettering. You can simply press adhesive foil material against your black cardstock for approximately 15 seconds (ideally using a heat press at a medium or low temperature). Then, allow the cardstock to cool and remove the foil. Now, you will have colored, shiny letters set against a stark black background!
As you can see, foiling is not for everyone because it requires additional materials and possibly even equipment (like a heat press or iron). However, it really can make your cards special by combining the shiny visual appeal of foiled material with the classic look of black cardstock. In any case, if you are willing to go the extra mile when creating cards or invitations, you should definitely consider foiling!
Black Cardstock For Wedding Invitations
Black is a color that can be both intriguing and formal at the same time. Just think of a “black tie” event like an upscale red carpet celebration or even a formal wedding. With wedding cardstock, you often want cardstock that reflects the general decor of the event. However, you also want beautiful invitations that catch the eye and will be worth keeping for the future. Thus, some of the best cardstock paper for wedding invitations just happens to be black.
Why? Because black is a combination of all the colors on the spectrum. Therefore, black goes with just about everything. It fits nearly any decor and can be combined with different text colors (like green, gold, silver, or light blue) to create a striking effect. This is why we recommend foiling to have a beautiful juxtaposition between the letters on your card and the cardstock itself.
Setting aside colors for a moment, it is also important to consider the best cardstock weight for wedding invitations. You will want to have a sturdy cardstock that has the durability to last for years, while also having invitations that won’t cost you a fortune to send by mail. When ordering cardstock, anything between 80 and 120 lbs is considered sufficient for wedding invitations. However, this number will vary based on your personal tastes and your budget. To learn more about creating wedding invitations on your own, be sure to check out our DIY wedding invitations guide!
Black Cardstock For Invitations
It probably goes without saying that black cardstock is good for events other than weddings. Black cardstock invitations can be used for a wide variety of purposes, from standard party invitations to spooky Halloween get-togethers. Either way, you should always use the color as a reflection of the event. Ask yourself: will black cardstock symbolize the purpose or reason for this event? Will it give off the right impression to my invitees? Finally, will black cardstock be easy to use in conjunction with the kind of envelopes I want?
In most cases, black cardstock for invitations works quite well, regardless of the specific circumstances. However, it is particularly good for formal parties, evening events, parties with “dark” color schemes, costume parties, as well as Halloween parties. In short, you can use black cardstock for most of the important events on your calendar!
That said, there are a few instances where black card stock probably is not the best choice. For example, the 4th of July is a festive day that is most closely associated with the colors of the American flag: red, white, and blue. So, sending a black cardstock invitation could seem a little strange. Additionally, while you can use black cardstock for a funeral, it may feel a bit dreary, as you probably want to use the invitation as a celebration of the person’s life, rather than a reminder of their death. Additionally, unless you plan on having a black-themed birthday party, most birthday invitations should probably use brighter colors that reflect your personal interests and style.
Black Cardstock For Card Making
Even if you don’t have any special events that require invitations, there are still plenty of reasons to make DIY cards. Homemade cards can be gifts in themselves, as they show that you put a great deal of thought and effort into the card. From thank you notes for coworkers to congratulatory cards for graduates, cards can serve a wide range of purposes.
Moreover, black is one of the best colors to use for cardstock in general. As previously mentioned, black goes with just about everything. While you do not want to use it in the event of death (like a note of condolences for the loss of a loved one), it can be used for virtually any other kind of note. Additionally, black provides such a great variation from traditional white or cream-colored cards. After all, why make a generic homemade card when you can create something that is really memorable and engaging?
Black cardstock is also very easy to decorate with different materials based on the type of card you are sending. For happy and festive occasions, you can use glitter, buttons, photographs, or even handmade drawings to brighten up your card. However, just remember that color contrasts are very important when it comes to any written text on your card. You do not want to combine black cardstock with dark grey lettering, as it could be very difficult to read. At the same time, you may not want to use neon colors for the text, as the combination of neon colors with a black background could be an eye-sore for some people. So, just remember to choose your text colors wisely, think about the reason for your note or invitation, and have a blast creating a beautiful card with black cardstock!
Ready to create your next card or invitation using black cardstock? If so, be sure to check out our high-quality card stock and paper on Fine Card Stock today, and let us know how you put our card stock to good use!