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Help for Greeting Card Novices

Greeting Card Help

Hi There, I am a total novice at making greeting cards myself; but I have a design that I would like to print in greeting card format, complete with verse.

I would like the card to be 6" x 8" when folded.

The colors are very vibrant and I would like to capture as much of this as possible.

Could you suggest software and also what printing method I should use to get the best results?

Is there a separate procedure to score the cards, to create the half fold? Your advice would be most appreciated.

Jaclyn

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If you have a wide format printer such as the HP DeskJet 9800, you can produce a 6” x 8” card yourself. Otherwise you probably have to get your card printed and copied at an office center.

Your card stock needs to be 12” x 8” or larger assuming a traditional fold. If you’re planning a non-traditional fold for a top fold card that is 8” tall or a side fold card that is 8” wide, the card stock needs to be at least 6” x 16”.

Notice that if you are planning a traditional fold (which requires 12” x 8” card stock), you are very close to standard 8 ½” x 11” size. The finished card could be 5 ½” x 8” using this size paper.

Would anyone really miss that half inch? If not, you will keep your costs down substantially. No large format printer required. Standard size card stock is easier to find and more economical.

After trying several printer brands for producing greeting and calling cards, I now use HP exclusively. Read my reasons in this article, Computer Printers.

For the best quality and most vibrant colors, print using the Best or Maximum dpi (dots per square inch) printing mode.

For greeting card software, I recommend Broderbund’s Print Shop.

Read my full review of greeting card software programs. Find directions on scoring and folding your cards in this article.

There are many other articles about making greeting cards on The Artful Crafter website. If you can’t find them, do a search of the site using the search box.

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Recommended Site

Make Your Own Greeting Cards!
Cardmaking site covers all aspects of making greeting cards at home from basics to advance techniques. Includes tips, design ideas, detailed instructions, and templates. Make Your Own Greeting Cards!

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