So, I ended up going forward with a new project that I have been dreaming about for a LONG time. Making these paper proofs REAL cards. Here is the first one I did, since I don't know when I'll be able to get to the others: Here is the paper proof prototype I worked from: I had to redo a bunch of the graphics, but came up with this: Shows the thickness and the glossiness. Note the mention of "sleeve patch" instead of "Game-Worn Jersey". I changed it because Canseco wore the jersey this patch was on, but not when

Congratulations to everyone who has survived this week and made it to the weekend! The next to last contest winner is now wrapped up, so we have one more to go, though I'm not sure when that will be. Before I do the reveal, I figured I'd show off a fun project that was very challenging to get the look right ... T206 style. Dboneesq is putting together the T206 New York set. Yes, a Bronx Bombers collector before they were the Yankees. They were actually the Highlanders. The twist? He is a Mantle fan. The problem? The Mick was

You know you have a problem when you are chasing the entire set of 2007 Topps Barry Bonds Home Run History.  756 cards of stressful, anxious goodness.  The thought of doing something like that growing up would have given me great dreams and horrible nightmares!  Imagine trying to complete an entire set of 1989 Topps, but instead of 99% of the cards being commons, they are all of the best player in the world. You know you REALLY have a problem when 756 cards simply is not enough.  I was approached by someone saying it bothered them that there weren't

[EMAIL CHIME] Hello Tanner, I ran across this Jose Canseco card, and was wondering if you would be interested.... [EMAIL CHIME] Hey, Tanner!  A friend of mine just pulled this Canseco!  You can email him at... [EMAIL CHIME] So, you are the crazy moustache guy that makes customs and loves Canseco, right?  If so, I saw this Canseco get opened in a break.... ---------------- I get messages like these every day.  The only way it could possibly be any better is if more of you did it!  I want to SINCERELY thank everyone who has ever even tried to put

Someone posted the question "Why do so many people dislike printing plates so much?" My response was that as this hobby continues to have more and more high end pieces, we collectors see our cards more like art, thus making the aesthetics factor very important to us. Because of this, plates are not at the same level, because they are...well...ugly. I personally love them. I love having a piece that is used to create the entire run of a certain card. I got to thinking though, what if the companies started to instead, chop up printing plates and embed them

In July, a 1963 Topps Ken McMullen rookie card sold on eBay for over $150,000. It was a beautiful specimen graded by 9 by PSA. For those of you who don't know who Ken McMullen is, he signed with the LA Dodgers right out of high school and debuted in 1962 as a 20 year old. McMullen wrapped up his career with the Milwaukee Brewers in 1977. His career statline boasted a .248 average with 156 home runs. So why is his rookie card so expensive?  Because he shared it with 3 other guys. Recognize any of the names? Throughout