Digital Patterned Paper

[scrapper girl]

I am thinking about printing some of the patterned papers that i have created to use in cards but was wondering what would be best to print them on. Would you use just regular printer paper or a textured cardstock or photo paper? Any suggestions, would be appreciated.

[lbjiowa]

I am thinking about printing some of the patterned papers that i have created to use in cards but was wondering what would be best to print them on. Would you use just regular printer paper or a textured cardstock or photo paper? Any suggestions, would be appreciated.

I make my own cards too! To answer your question:

I would recommend a heavy weight text paper with a smooth finish if you are using the 'papers' as pieces to layer...like you would if you bought a background scrapbooking paper at the craft store.

If you design your entire card front in your software, then I recommend getting an 80# smooth finish cardstock and print it right 'on' the card ... then cut and fold...it will look just like a card from the store only BETTER! ('cuz it's custom designed!)

Photo paper...I would only use that if the print was going to be the 'top layer' on the card face/front...my opinion on that...

Are you going to post photos of your creations? It would be fun to see them!

[scrapper girl]

I make my own cards too! To answer your question:

I would recommend a heavy weight text paper with a smooth finish if you are using the 'papers' as pieces to layer...like you would if you bought a background scrapbooking paper at the craft store.

If you design your entire card front in your software, then I recommend getting an 80# smooth finish cardstock and print it right 'on' the card ... then cut and fold...it will look just like a card from the store only BETTER! ('cuz it's custom designed!)

Photo paper...I would only use that if the print was going to be the 'top layer' on the card face/front...my opinion on that...

Are you going to post photos of your creations? It would be fun to see them!
lbjiowa,

Thanks for the response. Is their a specific brand of heavyweight text paper and where would be the best place to find some? The 80# cardstock - would that be available at an office supply store? I might post some if i ever get some time. :)

[Samara]

I recently purchased some Epson Premium Presentation Paper. It's fairly thick and prints wonderful! I would definitely suggest that for printing cards. I got mine at Staples.

[scrapper girl]

Samara, thanks for the tip. I will definitely check that out. Have you ever printed any of your patterned papers on it? If so, how did they turn out?

[Samara]

Yep!!! Hold on while I find the links....

http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=199632&cat=500&ppuser=6001
http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=199194&cat=500&ppuser=6001
http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=199168&cat=500&ppuser=6001
http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/university/tutorials/craft_christmas4pack_sg/craft_christmas4pack_sg.shtml

All of these projects were completed with the Epson paper.

[lbjiowa]

lbjiowa,

Thanks for the response. Is their a specific brand of heavyweight text paper and where would be the best place to find some? The 80# cardstock - would that be available at an office supply store? I might post some if i ever get some time. :)

Having worked in a printing/office supply company I'd make the following recommendations:

If you are using an inkjet printer, find an office supply store that sells paper FOR your printer. HP sells HP inkjet paper, Epson sells Epson paper etc... You might also try online sources for the branded paper...
Use only ink make for your printer...not the generics...if you want the best quality...esp important if you are doing cards for resale...
Another excellent paper is called Navigator and it comes in lots of different weights ... you'd likely have to find a printing company or maybe online source for it ... then just be sure to buy 'inkjet' or 'laser' depending on the printer you have.


The printer manufacturers spray/coat the papers with a special finish that is engineered to work perfectly with their inks in their printers...that is THE major contributing factor to outstanding prints coming of demo equipment in stores...or...of the printer in your home (if you are using the full set of 'designed' products). You change any one of the items and you won't get the same fantastic results.

[Samara]

and I'll add that I have an HP printer.....

[scrapper girl]

Samara,
Those projects are just beautiful!! I especially like the 4 pack bottles. I will definitely be going to Staples or Office Depot soon. :)

Thanks for the info!

[scrapper girl]

lbjiowa,

Thanks for the info, I really appreciate all the advice. That really helps.

[lbjiowa]

Yep!!! Hold on while I find the links....

http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=199632&cat=500&ppuser=6001
http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=199194&cat=500&ppuser=6001
http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=199168&cat=500&ppuser=6001
http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/university/tutorials/craft_christmas4pack_sg/craft_christmas4pack_sg.shtml

All of these projects were completed with the Epson paper.

VERY fun projects! I can't wait to try them! My favorite was the candles, but will definately be making those 4-packs up as gifts...TOO TOO fun!

[Samara]

I'm so glad that you liked them. They were so much fun to make!

[lbjiowa]

The really great part is . . . you are actually ahead of the game for this Christmas! You've inspired me to start early! Thanks!

In fact, I recommended the candle project for our steering committee for the local MOPS (Mothers of PreSchoolers) group...every August they have their planning retreat where they finalize all the details for the years' agendas, guest speakers, craft projects, etc. At the retreat they generally have time set aside for a craft project...just for fun...I thought the candles would be just PERFECT!