Thursday, March 10, 2011

 Picking Your Parchment

So I finally finished the owl adoption cards, but before I jabber on about that I wanted to share a little something with you…
My thoughts about printing paper, (I know you are on pins and needles to hear what I have to say).  
Such an exceptionally exciting topic.  
If you're like me you do all of your printing at home.  I only head to a print shop when something is too large for my printer.  It keeps me from having to run another errand and let's be honest… sometimes when I'm "crafting" it's late at night, I'm in my creative mode and breaking it up with a trip somewhere is annoying, my son is napping, or I look super sexy in my crafting sweats.   So when I make lovely party printables, invitations etc… I'm picky about what paper I use.

Many of you may already be aware of this, but I thought I'd give my thoughts for anyone who might not.  And now that I actually have something worth printing nice in my etsy shop I feel better knowing I've spread the word.

When I'm printing out something I want to be particularly pretty or special I use
matte photo paper or matte brochure paper.  
I also make sure it is at least 45lb or 170 g/m.  (Be careful here… speaking from experience, I've bought the wrong weight before, and it's still great for printing, but it's weight is more like normal paper).  
It prints color bolder and richer, the details are finer and it looks awesomer in general.   
(Yes I know awesomer isn't a word).  
Here let me show you the difference.
I printed my adoption cards with the same printer, using both brochure and card stock paper.
On the left regular card stock, on the right I printed on brochure paper.
Ummm… there is a HUGE difference! 
Here is a link for the paper I used on the right. HP Brochure paper
Here is another link of the Cannon version. Canon Matte Photo Paper
Those are just a couple. 

So in a nutshell….
Con's
-It's more expensive.
-It isn't quite as thick as card stock.
-It bugs me if I run out;)

Pro's
-Looks far-eaking awesome.
-The colors are more accurate.
-The texture is smoother than card stock.
-Did I mention it looks amazing?

Alright so there is my opinion about printing paper. 
And if you're interested in taking a look here is the link for the 


9 comments:

  1. That is good to know! Now I just need a color printer! :)

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  2. LOL... where ARE your priorities?

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  3. Adorable adoption cards, Anj. You crack me up with your paper preferences. :)

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  4. Oooh - this was great!! There is a huge difference between those. I'm definitely going to pick some up. Thanks!!!

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  5. Absolutely Adorable!!! Can't wait to print them!!! Thanks for the printing tips too - would have NEVER known!! You're AMAZING!!!
    ~Laurie Ayers

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  6. Now do you have a color printer preference?! I think it's time to invest in one. Thank for the paper tips :) you are AWESOME!

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  7. I agree with you - paper type makes a HUGE difference! I'm glad I'm not the only one who has paper preferences ;)

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  8. Way creative! Now more than ever I want to see your studio.

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  9. I can't wait till I get my patterns for the owls and the cards. I am really excited to help make these for my granddaughter. I might have to make a few more!

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Comments are like a giant blog tip jar. Not necessary, but they sure make me feel good. Thanks for your thoughts!