Project kit: Make chic custom cards on your computer

If you're new to card making, or just need a refresher, this page provides basic help on creating cards in your favorite graphics or publishing program, and printing them. Because all programs and printers have their nuances, however, there's no substitute for knowing how to operate the particular tools you own. Take the time to learn them.

While most publishing programs do offer several pre-made card templates, you still need to synch output with your printer—as all printers have unique paper paths and handling. This is why some paper-supply companies, like Avery, provide helpful "Practice Sheets" with their note cards (used in several of our card projects). Use them, so you don't waste misprints on your real cards.

Above all, expect to make a few mistakes when starting a new printing process. I always buy extra materials to have on hand.

On This Page

	Use built-in program features and templates to make cards
	Do it yourself with a standard-size card
	Do it yourself with an irregular-size card

Use built-in program features and templates to make cards

Most programs come with some sort of built-in card feature. Some popular programs include Microsoft Digital Image Suite and Microsoft Office Publisher, both of which include built-in templates for cards.

All of the programs make it easy. To get started in Microsoft Digital Image Suite, for example, on the File menu click Create a Project and then choose Cards.

The templates in Microsoft Digital Image Suite are just one example of how you can use built-in program features to make cards.

Try the card feature in your program to see if you like it, and refer to all the instructions provided.

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Do it yourself with a standard-size card

If you want to be more creative, you can create your own images and put them on standard card stock, which is made for printing. For example, these Avery note cards, which I like to use, are 4 1/4" x 5 1/2", which is half the size of a standard 8 1/2" x 11" page, and easily fit into a printer. I use my preferred method, which can be easily adapted to most programs. I call it "The Old-Fashioned Way," as it's really just onscreen page layout. Start by creating a standard 8 1/2" tall by 11" wide page in a landscape format using your imaging program.

Create and position your images and text on one half of the onscreen canvas. Refer to your program's displayed rulers for placement.

Most programs and printers initiate printing on the left side of an onscreen landscaped page. In that case, drop your Avery note card into the printer width-wise and print.

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Do it yourself with an irregular-size card

Refer to the basic card-making steps above, and you can easily make adjustments for special-sized cards—cards not intended for printing, but rather for hand-writing notes. For instance, the stationery note cards you find at grocery stores, like the American Greetings "Designers' Collection" cards, which I use in my Digitally Embossed Cards project.

1.	Measure: First, measure one, flat out. (Although, I can tell you, most stationery/grocery store note cards are approximately 5 1/8" x 7 7/8".)
2.	Create your canvas size: Make a box this size within your onscreen page. (Note I do it here, in color, just to see the box better. It will be deleted before you print, after you've correctly positioned your image.)
3.	Know where the card will fold: Then, so you can visualize the card's fold line, as you lay out your onscreen image, insert a line halfway on your box. (Remember, this will ultimately be deleted, too.)
4.	Insert the image: Position the image and text you want printed on your card's front. (This card is being printed "tall" when folded. Otherwise, if folded "wide," the image would be upright here, facing you.)
5.	Test for correct size: Do a test print on plain paper at this point, to see if everything is positioned correctly. Do test prints until it is correctly positioned.
6.	Print your cards: When the positioning is correct, delete all but the image you want printed, and print! (Note direction in photo, below, to insert the blank card.)

Tami Peterson Lewiski Tami Peterson Lewiski's first book, Digital Decorating, prompted The Wall Street Journal to draw comparisons with Martha Stewart. That diva's domestic crown, however, is of no interest to Tami. Digital Home Arts is her trademark and, as one magazine reviewer put it, "Tami wields her printer like a great artist wields a paintbrush: fearlessly!" She's shown her innovative techniques for creating sophisticated home furnishings and stylish entertaining as a guest on many Home & Garden Television (HGTV) programs, including The Carol Duvall Show. Visit Tami's Web site digitalhomearts.com, for more creative ideas.

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