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CREATING
NOTE CARDS WITH YOUR PHOTOS
Text and images copyright Heather Forcier
Wishing to keep my investment to a minimum and not wanting an obligation
for a larger run of a single image, I found some alternatives that
allowed me to create cards on my own in small quantities with images
selected at my discretion.
FROM
PRINTS
An option when using film is note cards from The
Photographer’s Edge. The cards are in a tri-fold format
with a window in one panel. Peeling back strips along the edges reveals
an adhesive surface – merely place a 4”x6” photo
facing out the window and fold the backing over it.
The company offers different shaped window openings, borders, paper stocks, cards blank or with sayings printed on the front, and blank lines on the back to fill in the photographer's information. However, they also offer a small selection of cards with no imprint on the back, and this allows some flexibility in using either vertical or horizontal images for the cards.
A range of supplies is also available for the note cards: envelopes, bags, boxes, card racks and more.
FROM DIGITAL FILES
While having digital files allows for more flexibility, it can also
be more complicated. I prepare my own blank note cards on an Epson
2000P or 2200 printer, and get two cards per 8.5”x11”
page. I cut the page in half and then fold each piece in half. The
resulting card is 4.25”x5.5” in size. The supplies listed
are intended for that size card.
The papers I use are either the Epson Enhanced or Heavyweight Matte paper. I have tested quite a few other papers and my favorite results were with these using the Epson 2000P and 2200 printers. I also glue paper liners inside for a heavier feel, although doing so originally started in an effort to cover up the watermark on the back of the now discontinued Archival Matte.
I order envelopes from PaperDirect. Although they have an assortment of colors for similarly sized envelopes, I have always purchased the formal white coordinating A2 envelope (EVA083). A catalog can be obtained by calling 1-800-A-PAPERS.
To protect the cards individually, I order bags from Associated Bag Company. They are clear, 1.2mil plastic bags (69-1-05). A catalog can be ordered at 1-800-926-6100.
To
package note cards in nice gift sets, I order clear acetate display
boxes from The
Box Depot (BX17). These open from the top and bottom and come
with clear circular lables to seal the flaps. Their phone number is
1-734-453-6986.
Please keep in mind that suppliers may change product specifications and/or numbers. If ordering, please confirm that the dimensions of each product will fit your cards.
When printing the images, I maintain 35mm format and leave a small border on the face of the card. On the back I print my copyright, the name of the image, the location, and a contact phone number in case the recipient wishes to order cards.
Preparing my own cards, I have been able to determine which images people like for note cards without investing in larger minimum runs. It has required a little time on my part printing and assembling, but I feel it has been worth it for the flexibility of creating them with whichever images I want whenever I might need them.
| Text and images on this site are copyright Heather Forcier, all rights reserved. No downloading, hotlinking, or other usage allowed without express written permission. Images contain embedded digital watermarks. |
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