Using our printables is as easy as 1, 2,
3. Save, print, and cut! At times you'll
need an adhesive. Most of the printables available
are in .gif, .jpg and .png format. Below are some handy
tips to help you along with your projects.
Saving a
Graphic: Click on any of the links
and a new browser will open displaying the file.
Right click and save the graphic to your
computer.
Printing:
All of our printables are designed to be printed with
inkjet or laser printers using 8.5" x 11" paper unless
otherwise indicated.
Doing a test print in draft or
grayscale to see if the graphic prints out to the
correct size in the program you are using saves time and
money on ink and expensive specialty papers. Since
each printer varies, size can be adjusted in your
printers settings so that the outcome fits the size you
desire.
When using inkjet printers, keep in mind
that colors will run if the paper gets wet.
Laminating some printable projects will prevent
this from happening and make them more durable.
Always check the highest or best
quality print setting to get the clearest and
brightest graphic.
Let the ink dry completely before cutting
and folding your projects.
Cutting and
Trimming: Make sure you have a good
pair(s) or scissors. Use these only for your paper
craft projects. Paper Trimmers, craft or x-acto
knives are a great investment and will give you smooth,
clean lines.
Folding:
Coated and heavy papers have a high tendency to
crack. Before folding, scoring a fold line before
you fold your project gives a neater finish to your
project. A bone folder or thin tipped embossing
(stylus) tool will work well. With a pencil make a
small mark at the top and bottom where you want to place
your fold. Place a ruler where you have made your
marks. With the point of the bone folder or
embossing tool (stylus), score a line along the ruler
edge. Use an old computer mouse pad underneath to make
scoring easier.
Paper:
The brightness of a piece of paper is
usually rated on a scale of 1 to 100. 1 being the
lowest and 100 being the brightest. Bond paper
used for copy machines and desktop printers usually has
a paper brightness in the 80s. Photo papers are normally
in the mid to high 90s. Using the brightest
white stock will give you the best prints.
Cover and Card Stock are
heavier thicker papers and are great for using when
creating business cards, greeting cards, postcards,
boxes, bookmarks, gift bags and tags. You can
purchase them in reams at most office supply stores such
as Staples. The higher the number, the heavier and
thicker the paper. Hammermill 110 lb. card stock
comes in 250 sheets and works great with the above
projects. Staples Card Stock comes in 67 or 110
lb. reams.
Photo Glossy Paper works
great with greeting cards and delivers crisp vibrant
colors.
Bond Paper is typically
used in copy machines and for letterheads, letters,
legal documents and business forms which generally come
in 13 to 24 lb. reams.
Other Specialty and Standard
Papers: Standard 20-24 lb weight paper
works great for envelopes, lists, stationery and
wrappers.
Using your imagination, use Vellum
transparencies, stickers, or specialty papers to your
projects.
