Holiday Cards

Scrapbook style Christmas cards are Big this year. I am finding them all over the web,

but, have trouble finding tutorials so I am writing this quick tutorial for anyone who would like to give it a go.

Let's start, we will be making 2 images. One image will be 8.5 inch by 11 inch and we will set it aside for now.

The image we will be working with the most will be

8.5 by 5.5, or tall standing card 5.5 by 8.5, at 300dpi if you are going to print it.

This is the front of your card you can decorate it in any scrapbook style you like. I also have added some drawings for ideas.

Make sure your spot for photo has nice clear edges so folks can cut it out easily with a craft knife,

or if they can only add pictures in Photoshop or PSP let people know that.

Now if you are making these for folks in groups you know have editing programs like Photoshop, PSP, and so on

you can fill the entire front with no problems and create as you would a scrap page,

but, if offering in a store or on site for everyone on the web then read notes below.

a little note  if you are making these for web folks that may not have an editing program you may want to set up as a web page or make it to fit one page in word for their easy printing. Also if you do that, understand that edges will be cut off so don't put words or images too close to edge --or center in word so as to allow white area. And always give it a quick check by printing it yourself or like I said earlier you could just let people know the programs they can print this in, so many have PSP and Photoshop anyways, LOL.

OK, now lets go to your big image that we made first.

Merge the layers of your work, then

copy and line up and paste on your big image as shown below.

You can also have fun creating your own logo to add, also shown below.

  

 

 

Some things you may want to add to your printing page is the size of your card, if it is all set to print, that it is best on card stock (which you can get on sale through the holidays), what size card stock is best to use (usually 8.5 by 11) and if it should be glossy or matte finish or textured. I always say textured or matte is best for cards, for post cards use glossy.

Also include how to add photo. Describe how to plop the photo (using Photoshop or PSP) or cut out and tape photo inside the card. Some folks actually like this style (taped Photo) because people can remove photo and put in photo book wallet and so on.

 People will appreciate all this above information, but the most information you can include in the fewest sentences the better they will absorb it.  They won't read it if the instructions are too long.

Postcards can be done 2 per page most people knock off an inch so would be 8.5 by4.5 place 2 on your 8.5 by 11 page for easy printing.

This is an example of post card I think we have all gotten  these from family and friends over the years, they have been around for at least 40 years. I know this because my mom sent them when I was a baby LOL.

Always remember to let folks know to center the card if they are going to a print machine in a store or if they are using word.

In all cases, remind people to print one  test on regular print paper to be sure it is ok before printing a lot of them. So they can be sure that all is lined up properly.

 

Happy card making and have a wonderful holiday season.

 

 

Copy Right tutorials by LJ