When I started printing my own cards, I had so many questions! It seemed kind of overwhelming. But now that I’ve been doing it for a while, I’m loving the Print, Cut, Fold, and Go! of printing the cards I give. Besides, if I need one in a pinch, it’s super easy to pull it together.

CARDSTOCK

My biggest eye-opener has been the difference cardstock choice makes. 80#-100# cardstock is what I recommend for greeting cards, but make sure your printer can accommodate what you choose. You can use regular copy paper but, of course, it will be flimsier.

A coated cardstock normally provides a sharper image. An uncoated cardstock is more absorbent and creates a softer image. It’s nice to have at least one side uncoated (known as C1S paper – Coated 1 Side) to not have to worry so much about ink smudges when you write inside the card.

There’s white and then there’s WHITE. Some cardstocks are “creamier.” It’s all a matter of preference. For some types of cards (sympathy, get well) I want a white that is a little softer.  Most of the time, however, I love a bright white card for a clear, crisp image – seems more like a celebration!

My Favorite Cardstocks

a.      I love Koala 85# Matte White Cardstock Paper. It is a nice, bright white paper and my images come out crisp and clear. It’s also coated on one side. Win/Win!

b.      Astrobrights Astro White Cardstock. Even though this is 65#, it feels more like 80# and has a nice soft-white look. (Note, the difference in the thickness feel of cardstock can vary tremendously within a weight class.)

For someone who prints a lot of cards, I am also a fan of Red River Paper’s 60lb Polar Matte Photo Paper that I buy on their website. Even though it is a lighter weight, it feels heavier and gives a luxurious, professional look, but there is a shipping charge if you don’t meet prepaid.

My Suggestion: You do you! Find what you like. Maybe buy a few sheets at an office supply store to experiment a little. It’s interesting.

ENVELOPES

Since I print a lot of cards, I stock up on 5”x7” envelopes and use them, BUT …

You can make your own envelopes. I always include a template with downloads in my Etsy shop. I use standard copy paper weight when I do make envelopes. I am more inclined to make an envelope when I want to dress it up a little with a colored copy paper to match the card.

To seal the deal: If you choose to make your own envelopes, there are all kinds of adhesives and double-sided tapes you can use. They all pretty much do the same thing. I find liquid glues a little messy and “warpy,” if that’s a word! My go-to adhesive is the UHU Stic. Easy to use, dries clear, and works like a charm.

PRINTER

A printer isn’t a printer, isn’t a printer … but, as long as yours will accommodate the weight of the cardstock you use, you should be fine. Changing to the correct type of paper in settings and adjusting the print quality will help you create a card you are proud to give. Most downloads that I’ve seen on Etsy, say to keep the setting when printing at “Actual Size” and not to resize in any way, including Fit-to-Page. This is true for the PDFs you get from me, too. I am kind of Type A, so I’m inclined to really look at the preview before printing, especially if I’m low on cardstock!

IN CONCLUSION

I hope sharing what my years of trial and error have taught me about printing my own greeting cards will help you a little. Have fun printing your cards. Please check out my Etsy Shop and follow me there if you want to see new cards, etc. as I add them and other goings-on. JoHudsonPrintables.Etsy.com

Happy printing, cutting, folding, and card giving!

Jo