As I’ve mentioned, I’m not a hybrid expert. I’ve officially made 4 cards now – yay! Over the past month, I’ve learned a lot about my computer, my printer and the world of tangible supplies.
1. Always print a test page. Use the “fast draft” setting on regular paper to reduce waste. Print several iterations until your project looks just right.
2. Choose the right paper. Printing on card stock will result in slightly muted colors. I use a thick textured card stock, because I like that look and the extra dimension. If you want more realistic images with super-saturated color, then choose photo paper.
3. Print borderless, if you can. Borderless printing will ensure that you print a project at the exact dimensions a designer created. Most newer color printers will have this feature. Mine does, but it doesn’t always work perfectly. Because of this, I don’t print full bleed (i.e. all the way to the edges).
4. Be an ink saver. Every single project doesn’t need to use the maximum amount of ink your printer can dump. Be wise in your use of resources by choosing the best setting for the job. Generally, the “best” setting provides great quality and also doesn’t use excess ink.
5. Get friendly with your printer. Normally, I shy away from software that is bundled with hardware. However, the printing application that came with my printer is not too shabby. While I could accomplish the same tasks through Photoshop, I found the included tool much more user-friendly.
6. Paper cutters cut straighter lines than I am able. It was only on my 4th card that I realized my Fiskars trimmer was not going to goof up the background and paper strips like I frequently did.
7. Use smaller scissors. I’m sorry that all of my Scrappers Give Thanks projects have little flowers. They are a pain to cut. I discovered last night though that smaller scissors make it easier. If you’ve got those teeny paper-cutting scissors then you probably don’t need this tip anyway.
8. Glue on something. Always use a piece of paper or cloth under an item you’re glue-sticking. Use a new area with every piece, so you’re not picking up stray glue on the front of an embellishment.
9. Think 3D. Hybrid projects, especially if you’re only using paper, can look a little flat. Add your own dimension by gently folding up the petals of a flower or inking the edges of a piece.
Do you have any tips for hybrid fun?
In other news
I’ve got a tiny little guest post over at Traci Reed’s blog today! (Secret Tip: It may just include the 4th free template for Scrappers Give Thanks.)
Great tips, Jennifer!
That means a lot coming from the hybrid goddess!
Jennifer, these are excellent tips! Hybrid is so much fun!
Hey Jennifer! Fabulous tips and I can even add a little something to number 8. I read this somewhere a long time ago and it works like a charm. I use an old phone book and use that to glue on. I just flip the page and use a new page every time I glue.
I received this tip by email:
I always place a nice rectangle of tissue paper inside the card to keep the ink from transferring onto the opposite page. In the past I have sent myself a test card to see how well my new design survived the mailing process. Sometimes I use different glue or need to protect the front of the card embellishments with thin foam or the puffy protective cushion that comes inside a box of candy. Corrugated coffee sleeves work well for some cards also. Most cards may be sent first class as long as they are not over the weight or thickness requirements. I always weigh and measure my new cards to be sure. For a slight fee you can send thicker envelopes. Square cards need more postage than rectangle cards. Thanks for your useful and fun blog. It continues to offer great tips and information.
Thank you for your time,
Toad Toed Princess
My fav things to use are:
1. glue dots (or the adhesive roller) — no glue to deal with and holds great!
2. pop dots —- circle or square shaped (small, 1/4″ or smaller), they are great for adding dimensions to cards
3. stickles —- what can I say? these are just the best thing EVA!! similar to puffy paint, but its glittery. Adds dimension and shine and comes in almost every color imaginable.
I havent done alot of hybrid with the digital stuff because I still cant get the hang of printing. When I print straight from photoshop, my colors are more true to the screen image. When I print from my printing program, it always tries to make my image smaller… so one of these days, I will get it down pat. thanks for all the great tips.
Thanks for the tips, you actually reminded me of a hybrid project I had almost forgotten to finish. Oh, and I have a very simple tip for you too, referring to your #8: http://www.anke-art.de/en/?p=227
😉
Greetings from Germany
Anke