Graphics Crafts Tips

Tips to Help You Improve Your Computer Graphics Skills

Graphics Page Design

I do my designs on a "Blank Page" in my software program; print; and cut to size, if needed, with a paper cutter. I get nice sharp edges unlike what you get even with laser-scored business card and greeting card stocks.

For quarter-fold size cards, I print two-up on a page - another cost saver that also gives you a more elegant and professional look compared to an 8 1/2" X 11" page folded in four.

As a craft project idea, small squares of printed transparencies make pretty little windows on the front of greeting cards. You can also print on them and mount them on colored or exotic art paper.

Another source for graphics craft supplies, ideas, patterns and templates is your (or for that matter, any) computer printer's manufacturer's website. They all have computer craft tips, patterns and designs for you to read about and download. For example go the HP Activity Center where you will find pages full of ideas.

For more information about free tips from printer manufacturers, please visit, Patterns for Your Computer.

Think creatively about other things you can run through your printer. I've printed my logo on strips of flattened bias tape to fashion cloth labels for my tote bags.

I've used cotton treated with Bubble Jet Set and Rinse. This product treats fabric so that computer printer ink will adhere to it.

If done right the printed fabric is washable. You will find that you can make your own sheets at a substantially lower cost than buying pretreated ones, plus you will have more choice as far as the type and size of fabric you can print on.

Nother way to print on fabric is by using Lazertran Silk Decals. Create your design on a computer and print it out on these decals, which become fused to the fabric for a very durable bond.

Quilters use their printers and these products to make truly unique squares for their projects. Read my pointers and tips on how to use Bubble Jet.

My most popular craft product to date (200 sold and counting) uses Bubble Jet products. It is a nylon tote bag that folds into a little zipper pouch. The pouch, which is basically a square piece of cotton, can have any design the customer requests printed onto it.

Company and club logos have been popular choices. Please visit Customized Tote Bag Pattern for more information.

More Craft Supplies Ideas

Check out the computer printing supplies section of you local office supply store for project ideas as well as to brainstorm less expensive craft supply substitutes. You'll find things like computer-printable magnets, stickers, transparencies and so on. Many of these same products can be bought for less elsewhere, especially online.

Be creative in your search for craft supplies. For example, I've found that the less expensive packets of stick-on labels, not specifically designed for computer printers, come out just as nicely. Use your printer's directions for envelope printing if the sheets are narrow.

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