How to make your own Regency era Personal Card: Ladies edition
When making personal calls or making the acquaintance of someone new, it is of the upmost importance to deliver a Personal Card. One should provide their Personal Card whenever meeting someone new, or these cards may present your person if you are unable to attend. A card is to be presented in the same manner as one presents themselves — and received in a similar fashion.
In these modern times, Personal Cards have lessened in their use. I am unaware as to why. However, I have received many questions indeed on this topic. To-day, I shall aid you in making a Personal Card, in the fashion of my own:
How to make a Personal Card
These modern times bring such ease to the steps required, it is an amazement that not everyone uses a calling card upon introducing themselves to a new potential friend!
I have found a website called Canva to be the easiest tool, it brings me great joy to use.
Upon creating an account, with utmost ease you may choose the ‘Card’ option.
You may then ‘click-and-drag’ the ‘Add Heading’ from the left menu to the center of your blank card. Replace that text with your own name. You are not obliged to select a template, simply keep the white card and add text directly.
I have found the ‘Pinyon Script’ to be most beautiful, and quite a close match to my Regency script! Please use this script for your name, and any other text you desire to appear upon the front of your Personal Card.
How to write your name
This is a topic of the utmost importance. A lady must properly present herself, and maintain a sense of decorum at all times.
Your card simply must use either ‘Mrs.’ or ‘Miss.’ in front of your full name. I suppose this modern title of ‘Ms.’ is also appropriate, whatever pleases you!
A similar custom may be suited for change, as to your modern customs. It is common in Regency era for married women to present themselves as ‘Mrs. Benjamin Franklin’, for example, with the full name of their husband. Once more, if you are a married lady, please do whatever form pleases you!
Important Details
There are other details that any lady must include on her card to be most graciously received by her host. The card is a manner to represent yourself, therefore you must try to make it a pleasant representation.
In the lower right hand corner, add another text area to your Canva card. Here, you can include one of these notes (all translated from their original French) as it pertains to you:
- p.c. (pour condoléance): sharing your condolences and to express a sense of mourning upon someone’s passing
- p.f. (pour féliciter): delivering congratulations
- p.f.N.A. (pour feliciter Nouvel An): celebrating a Happy New Year!
- p.p. (pour présenter): you want anyone who receives your card to share it with others, as you are most interested in making the acquaintance of others
- p.p.c. (pour prendrè congé): you are about to depart on holiday or some other long absence, and are sharing news of your departure
- p.r. (pour remercier): expressing ‘thank you’
As I am quite certain you have noticed, your card can be changed upon any event that alters your personal situation. Your card will change with you, how pleasant! I have a p.p. on my card today, as I would most enjoy chatting with new acquaintances.
It is also quite fine for a lady’s card to be glazed. A gentleman’s card can not be glazed, and should be the standard fine, dull finish.
Dear lady, decorum!
As I maintain a sense of Regency decorum, I must share with you what is now of our custom, as well as what is not done by a lady of this time.
I shall give one important note in this area. Do not add any color, images, or embellishment of any type — these are not the style of the Regency time! This card is simply too pretty:
Plain script or an elaborate text is of course in fashion.
How to use your Calling Card
In your modern times, I feel there are quite many occasion to share your card. I have collected some thoughts here. Please, do share below as a response — what other modern occasions could a lady share their Calling Card?
- Meeting a new friend
- On holidays or special days
- Deliver to your dear friends, with ‘p.p.’, so they may represent you if you are unable to attend an event
- Distribute at balls and other formal events
- …other modern occasions?
