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How to Make a Quilt Using a Printer

by admin on Dec.01, 2010, under Ink Cartridges For Decorations

There are many ways that your printer can help you make a beautiful piece of artwork. One of those is to act as your assistant as you craft a quilt. Even this one task can be aided in many ways with the simple use of a household printer. Inkjet safe cotton sheets are now available in printer-sized sheets (8 ½ x 11”). This unique concept allows you to print any image, design or pattern you find appealing directly on the fabric that will be used in your quilt. As an added bonus, these sheets are also fitted with a backing that is sealed with the use of a common iron and creates a bond with other fabric, cardboard, wood and other porous surfaces. The fabric sheets cost about ten to fifteen dollars for a five pack and can be purchased at a large variety of retailers, including discount stores, craft supply stores, and sewing supply stores. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to ask. If you’re shopping online, most sites offer a chat-style help interface so you can find these great little tools.

In order to use the fabric sheets, you will of course need a pattern to print on them. Free patterns can be found online. An easy way to locate them is to perform a search for “free printable scrapbook paper.” Obviously you are not looking for scrapbook paper, but the patterns are quite beautiful and can easily translate to fabric. You might also consider making your own. Many people have been known to use printable fabric to put portraits on quilts, but you might also take photos of patterns that you like, pictures of the grass, sky, leaves, water, etcetera, and print these on your fabric. Another way to create patterns is to draw them- either use a painting software or draw them on paper and use a scanner to translate them to the computer.

Creating your own pattern is not the only way that your printer can assist you as you quilt. There are companies that sell quilt patterns on CD Rom or in downloadable file formats. Once purchased these templates can be printed on paper and used to cut the fabric to create a quilt. For those who like to add decorative stitching to their quilts, there are also quilt pattern stencils available, that can be printed on paper and transferred to the material as a guide for your stitching, or can be printed directly on the fabric sheets discussed previously. And for those who are less eager to possess another blanket, and would rather try their hand at other sewing patterns, these are also available in the printable variety. Many of these can be found by performing a simple internet search. Try searching “printable sewing patterns.”

As you can tell, even the quilting industry is feeling the effects of the technological age. Why should you be left behind? Let your printer work for you and get busy making something beautiful.

Should I Print My Own Holiday Cards?

by admin on Nov.15, 2010, under Ink Cartridges

As the weather starts to turn colder, people who like to prepare ahead of time are already starting to think about the holidays. During the holidays, one tried and true way to get in touch with all of your friends and family, and to let them know that you’re thinking about them, is to send some holiday cards. It used to be that the only way that you could send holiday cards was to purchase generic cards at the store and to fill in all of the information. Now, however, its possible to send personalized cards, which include a photo of your family, with a bit of time and a modicum of effort.

Starting Out

In order to print your cards at home, the first thing you need to have is a great picture. You can use a great family photo, or you can be silly and use a fun photo of your dog. You could even take a few beautiful scenic photos and use those. A great idea is to actually create a small collage of photos from the previous year, as this helps your friends and family to see what has gone on in your lives with just a glance at the picture. If you choose to do that, make sure that you have your collage the right size for printing, such as a size that corresponds well to a 4×6 print.

The Background

You can now choose to have a background behind your photos or to leave it white. If you’ve got tons of stuff going on in the photo, it may be best to stay away from a background, as it could distract from the beauty of the photo. Sometimes, however, a light colored background with a slight gradient can look great.

The Wording

Once you’ve got a picture (or multiple pictures) picked out, make sure that you have room for some words. You can stick with classic holiday greetings, such as “Happy Holidays”, or you could say something a bit more personal. Make sure that you type out either the name of your family or your individual names, as it is very messy to have to write them into the picture afterwards.

To Print At Home or Not?

The biggest debate about making homemade holiday cards is whether to print them at home or not. Some claim that it is much less expensive to print holiday cards through a company than it is to print them at home. This is not necessarily so. It can actually be extremely inexpensive to print cards at home, especially if you get a great deal on ink and on the photo paper that you’re using. It will cause a bit of wear on your printer, but as long as you make sure that you refill the ink before it is fully emptied, and that you maintenance the printer before and after you begin printing everything, your printer should hold up to the task just fine.

Printing the Pattern for your Jack ‘O Lantern

by admin on Nov.04, 2010, under Ink Cartridges For Decorations

The air is getting cooler and the leaves are starting to turn. It’s October and that means goblins, ghosts, jack ‘O lanterns, and trick-or-treaters. Fall is one of the most popular seasons to decorate for, other than Christmas. Creating the spookiest or even friendliest jack ‘O lantern is so easy to do. If you’re not the crafty or artsy type, you can still be up there with the best pumpkin carvers.

First, you will need to figure out what theme you want for your decorations. Will you want to scare your guests or make them giggle? Traditionally, pumpkins are carved with mean and frightening faces on them, but that isn’t the case anymore. You can make them as silly or friendly as you want and still be in the Halloween spirit.

Once you have decided on a theme for your pumpkins, go on the internet or look through magazines to get ideas. There are some pretty amazing images carved on pumpkins these days. When you find something you like, search the internet for “pumpkin carving patterns”. You will be surprised at how many websites have free patterns for you to download and print. You might have to sign up for their newsletter or join their website, but it is worth it to get the pattern you want. Some websites even give instructions for carving the pumpkin once you have printed out your pattern.

In order to print that much awaited pattern, you will need a good printer. A laser printer would be the best choice, since the ink doesn’t run like an inkjet’s ink does. However, if an inkjet is all you have, then you will just want to make sure that the pumpkin is dried completely before you tape your pattern to it to punch out your image.

When you have found the image you want for your pumpkin, the website will most likely let you download it to your computer. You can probably print it straight from the site, but it may not turn out right. You can open up the document instead of saving it, if you aren’t sure it is really what you want. Whatever program is chosen to open the document, use the printer setting, “grayscale”, to make the image print in black and white. Since you won’t be leaving the paper on the pumpkin, there is no reason to waste color ink on the pattern.

Now, all you have to do is carve out the inside of your pumpkin, tape the pattern to the smoothest part of the outside, and start punching holes and carving. Make sure you use the inside of the pumpkin to make a great pumpkin pie and roast the seeds; they’re delicious that way.

The fall season is a pleasant reminder of the symbols of how the earth gives us a bountiful harvest to enjoy. A great way to give back is by making sure you save that color ink for the next project that needs it and by using recycled ink cartridges whenever possible. Make this one the most enjoyable fall season ever.

Printers and Paper for Eco-friendly Students

by admin on Nov.03, 2010, under Ink Cartridges For Students

In the last few years, it has become obvious that we need to preserve as much of our natural resources as possible. It is clear that our use and misuse of our environment is starting to take a visible toll. Luckily, our children are being educated about this fact, and companies manufacturing products that are considered by many to harm the environment are stepping up to the plate and making a difference.

Hewlett Packard, for example, has developed a personal printer that is both economical and eco-friendly. The HP DeskJet D2545 is made from approximately 83 percent recycled plastic and even uses black printer cartridges made of at least 75 percent recycled material. This printer also uses about 40 percent less power than its previous counterparts while it is in “sleep” mode. This is a great model for students going off to college or even high school students doing homework in their bedrooms at home. It only costs around $45, so it will make both the kids and parents happy.

If price isn’t such an issue, there is the Epson Stylus Office TX510FN. When it is introduced in stores in the coming months, it will cost around $180. With this increased price, come more features than just a simple printer. Considered an all-in-one printer, it prints 38 pages per minute and includes a scanner and color fax. Approximately 87 percent of the Epson Stylus Office TX510FN can be recycled and is claimed by its manufacturer to be the most environmentally friendly printer coming out on the market.

Another printer to consider for your home or office might be the MP980 from the Canon PIXMA Series. At a price of around $280, it may be more expensive than the others, but has the Canon name and many great features to think about. Using LED technology, it has no “warm-up” time as others do and is about 20 percent smaller than its forerunner. Environmentally speaking, this cuts down on the amount of packaging needed to ship it. This printer automatically prints on both sides of the paper, resulting in a need for less paper to print. Of course, like the others, this printer saves energy by powering down when not in use. Canon offers reusable ink cartridges that can be sent back to them to be refilled and thus, recycled.

Buying one of these printers is a great start to being eco-friendly in your everyday work. However, you can further that endeavor by buying chemical-free inks and recycled ink cartridges when they are available. Recycled paper is a great alternative to paper made straight from the tree. Better yet, is paper made from other materials, such as cotton or even, rock. These papers aren’t readily available in office supply stores, usually, but it is possible to find them; either on the internet or in specialty stores.

It is feasible to find an environmentally friendly printer for you or your student. It just takes a little effort on your part by looking and educating yourself on the alternatives to the rule.

Using HP Ink Cartridges

by admin on Aug.05, 2010, under Ink Cartridges

Purchasing the right ink cartridges for your HP printer is not as complicated as it might seem when you first get your printer. As a matter of fact, there is a very easy way to know what HP ink cartridges would be best and work best with your printer. Every HP printer has the code number of the specific ink cartridges that work well with it on the inside of the machine where the HP ink cartridges will be placed when you install them.

You also have other choices when it comes to ink cartridges for your printer. The brand HP ink cartridges will work best, but there is also the option of using a generic brand that was designed to fit more than one printer. These generic brands may work, but will run the risk of not dispensing the ink in the necessary amount, possibly making your prints look spotty, gritty, too dark, or too light.

When you make the decision to use HP ink cartridges, you still have a choice in what type you will buy. You will need to buy the ones with the code number specified on your printer, but you don’t necessarily have to buy them brand new. Ink cartridges are now among the many things that can be recycled. Recycling them is helpful in remanufacturing to make a less expensive, yet high quality product. It may also give you a small recycling fee back, and contribute to the improvement in the world, making it a better, cleaner earth for all of us to enjoy.

When you take your HP ink cartridges to an office supply center or other recycling place to turn them in, they will be tested to make sure they are of high quality and in the best working condition before they are remanufactured, refilled, and sold. Remanufactured HP ink cartridges are high quality, and should work well with your printer and will be able to handle all your printing needs. As a matter of fact, they may end up working as well as new ink cartridges and will give you great results at a lower price.

One of the great things about HP brand products is their integrity in manufacturing products that keep getting better. Printers and high quality printing are important to many aspects of our daily lives. HP printers and HP ink cartridges can take care of everything you need in printing, copying, and faxing, for both home and office.

How to Print a Do-it-Yourself Wall Clock

by admin on Jul.28, 2010, under Ink Cartridges

Do–it–yourself projects are great, and this one is no exception. Here’s one maybe you haven’t thought about. A personalized wall clock might be just the ticket to take a space from great to oh-la-la. Why not make a personalized wall clock as a gift? Following these few easy steps you will have that special project finished in no time.

For the background of the clock, select one of your favorite photos or images. As you are selecting what will be used as the background remember the center will have the clock stem sticking up – maybe that wouldn’t be the best place to have the main focal point of the photo or image. You will be able to use any frame as long as you can resize the photo to fit inside of it. The clock kit you will need can be purchased at most arts and crafts stores and on the internet.

1. In your photo editing software open the image or photo you have chosen for this project. Reduce/Enlarge the photo or image to fit the measurements of the frame. If you are working with a photo this would be the time to get rid of any imperfections of the photo such as red eye.

2. There are a number of ways to get the numbers placed on the background. Use your photo software making sure the numbers are aligned and are at the correct angle. If you have selected not to use the photo software a word processor program will work, not at well but it will work.

3. Select the color of the numbers that will be a high contrast to the background of the clock face. The idea is to select a color which will allow you to be able to see the numbers from across the room.

4. Select the kind of photo paper you are going to use for this project. Glossy photo paper is a good choice if the clock is not going to be placed where light will be reflecting off of it. Print the photo or image after you have made sure the focal part of the photo or image is where it will be visible and you have selected your numbers and properly placed them. Using craft glue or double sided tape, attach the photo to the frame backing.

5. Here’s the trickiest part: drilling so the hole is dead center of the frame. You either have to drill the hole perfectly in the center or enough off center so it is apparent that is what you meant to do. If you are going to drill the hole off center did you take that into consideration when you were placing your numbers?

6. After the hole has been carefully drilled, fasten the clock mechanism to the back of the image. Once the mechanism is securely attached to the back you will work from the front while attaching the hands.

7. Secure the image in the frame.

You now have a personalized clock to use yourself or give as a gift.

How Your Printer Can Save You Money

by admin on Jul.14, 2010, under Ink Cartridges

The economy today makes it necessary for most people to cut corners wherever possible. That means finding out where you can save money, what you can do differently to save money, and becoming creative in the ways you can save more and spend less.

One thing that may help you save money is taking advantage of the electronics you have right in your own home. HP electronics and all the accessories that go with them, including HP ink cartridges, can help you save more and spend less.

Saving Money:

You can use your computer, HP printer and HP ink cartridges to print out coupons that you find online for common household items and groceries. Printing coupons yourself will give you the advantage of being able to search for and choose the products you want. You can then redeem the coupons wherever you shop. You can also print coupons that are available for particular places, such as restaurants and specialty shops, making those special items less expensive.

When you are looking for a big ticket item, you can comparison shop over the Internet, and print out the price lists you find for the items you want, using your HP ink cartridges in both black and color for the best results possible. This would be especially helpful if there is a store near you that matches their competitors’ prices. You could even print the weekly flier that some stores put out, and take it with you while you shop. HP ink cartridges in color give you the best shading and vibrant colors to make your fliers and coupons come out looking great.

Many products offer rebates for those who purchase their products. You can look on the websites of the product manufacturer, or do a search for particular products with the brand name and the word rebate together. Your HP ink cartridges will be perfect to print out rebate forms and online purchase receipts. When you print out a rebate, you will want to make sure you also save your receipt at the time of purchase. If you purchase your rebate item online, you will need to copy your receipt for the product, too, and send it in along with your rebate and any codes it might ask for from the product. Rebates generally take anywhere from a couple of weeks, to a couple of months to come in the mail, and may end up saving you a good amount of money.

Create a Personalized Coloring Book Using your Printer

by admin on Jul.01, 2010, under Ink Cartridges

Children’s coloring books come in so many themes, shapes, sizes and varieties now that the aisles at the store can become overwhelming. Most of the time children become quickly bored with these store bought books anyway. So, if you want to create a one-of-a-kind coloring book that is sure to be your child’s favorite, keep reading.

For this project you will need standard 20 lb. copy paper, 8×10” label paper, a report cover (or a three hole punch and a three ring binder although these can be dangerous for little fingers), and, of course, a printer.

The first task is to choose pictures that will be used as the pages of the coloring book. There are many sources for clip art, and television station websites will frequently have free coloring pages associated with their most popular cartoon characters. You can visit each site individually or perform an internet search for “free coloring pages.” An excellent way to find a lot of selections in a hurry is to use one of the popular search engine’s image search functions. You might also consider searching for free activity sheets to include as well.

For a truly unique approach, however, consider using black and white digital photos of family members, friends and pets. If you opt for this alternative, you can make the photos more coloring book-esque by opening them in photo editing software and adjusting the brightness and contrast. Increasing both will produce a more fitting image for your coloring book.

Once the images are chosen and altered as needed, save them to a place where you will be able to easily find them again. Then, open your word processing software. Next, find the “Insert” tab, then select “picture,” “from file.” Locate and insert your image. Use the corner point of the resizing box to drag the image until it fills the page. You may want to now save this in a special coloring book folder as “page one,” for instance. You can now load the printer with the copy paper and print. Repeat this process for as many pages as you feel necessary to create a worthwhile book. If you want a real challenge, try creating your own mazes for the child to create as well, with a starting point of your house and an ending location of grandma’s house, for example.

Finally choose a cover page, insert and resize it in your word processing software, and print it on the label paper. Be sure to load the paper so the image is printed on the correct surface.

When all the pages and the cover are printed, you can assemble your coloring book (you will need to three hole punch all the pages if using a three ring binder). Begin by sticking the cover label to the front of the report cover (or the three ring binder). Then load the pages in and you are finished.

You now have a special gift for your very special little one and he or she is sure to enjoy it for some time. The best part is that the different cover will make it easy to find on the bookshelf full of less appealing coloring books.

Creative Printing Endeavors

by admin on Jun.22, 2010, under Ink Cartridges

If you are a creative, artistic person, you may have always prided yourself on the things you create and your ability to make anything beautiful. One thing that may add to your artistic and creative abilities is using your HP printer and HP ink cartridges to make creating art easier.

Some of the most creative outlets have been those that are artistic in nature. Maybe you are talented with drawing, painting, or something similar. Using those mediums to create the things that you have ideas for is wonderful. One thing that may make it even more wonderful is printing copies of what you have created so you can hold them in your hand and review them. You can make copies of your artwork using your HP multi-function printer and HP ink cartridges. You can get great quality prints of your work by copying it.

When you make copies of the artwork you create, you can use the copies as gifts, try to sell the prints, and even save one as a backup just in case something happens to the original. People love gifts that reflect time spent and talent exhibited by the giver. Sharing copies of your work would enable you to keep the original and give the copy, or the other way around.

HP ink cartridges and printers also make a great to medium in themselves. Computer art work has a different look and appeal than using paint and a pencil might. Learning how to use the paint program, do graphic artwork, and create your own designs with your computer would give you another creative outlet to use. You can then print out your creations using your HP ink cartridges and printer.

If you are a parent, you may find it helpful to introduce your kids to using the computer and printer to make their own creations. When kids are encouraged to learn new ways to express themselves, you may be surprised at how much talent you find they have. Using the computer, your HP printer and HP ink cartridges to help your kids discover their creative talents may be the first step to a future of creative and artistic endeavors that will last a lifetime.

Whatever creative endeavors you and your family want to try, your printer may be something to help give you the results you want. You may be pleasantly surprised at how much talent you and your kids really have. HP products are high quality and will give you the best results with all your printing, creative projects or not.

Making the Most of Memories With Printing

by admin on May.26, 2010, under Ink Cartridges For Decorations

printing pictures

There is one thing you can do to make the most of trying to keep mementos and sentimental keepsakes; use HP printers and HP ink cartridges to give you the best quality with all your sentimental printing needs.

Different people have different ideas about what it means to keep sentimental things. To some, it means keeping photos that show the special times, to others it may mean keeping a journal where you may have kept track of your thoughts, opinions, emotions, and memories of that special day or event. To still others, it may mean tracking down some electronic means to save memorabilia that will help keep the memories flowing. Whatever your ideas are of ways to keep memories alive, HP can help make it easier to do.

HP printers and HP ink cartridges are the perfect electronic gadgets to help you when you want to create something special to keep memories alive for a lifetime. When you print using HP ink cartridges, you can make copies of the special things you want to keep. These might include pamphlets of a special trip made to a historical site or art museum, brochures that have pictures of the special things you saw on a family vacation, or special quotes that increase the meaning of something special. Your sentimental favorites might also include photos taken during a family celebration, birthday, graduation, wedding, day at the park, or visit with grandparents. What about those cute things the kids made, such as cards, drawings, and notes to tell how much they love you? Those are definitely keepers.

HP ink cartridges have the stunning color you want when you print special things. The photo quality printers and photo quality HP ink cartridges will be the best to bring what you want in priceless memorabilia. Whether you are printing from the Internet, copying special things, or printing photos, your results will be amazing.

When you are trying to preserve your memorabilia so that you can share it, organize it, or simply save it for later in life, the best results will come from using HP printers and HP ink cartridges. Journaling your memories, feelings, opinions, and emotions, in your computer word program, and printing out the priceless memories will help keep track of all the other things you have to save. You can then organize them all in boxes, a scrapbook, or albums. HP can help you make the most of what it means to keep your memories alive.

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