Sara Renae Jones Cardmaking

In recent times the availability of digital downloads of card making papers, card toppers and card making embellishments has started to change the the world of card making and scrap booking.

Instead of having to go out and buy a set of papers, and perhaps finding when you get there that the stockist does not have exactly what you want, you can now simply turn on the computer and browse to your heart’s content until you find the perfect product for your project.

Using digital products also gets over, what for many people, is the problem of storage space. You simply download your chosen product and file it into your virtual library on your computer, ready for printing off as you require it.

Another advantage digital products have over physical products, is that once downloaded, you have the ability to print off the product as many times as you like. Purchase a physical product and once you have used it it has gone. The digital product, once saved, can be used over and over again. This is especially cost effective when you have to produce a large quantity of cards, such as Christmas cards.

Provided you purchase your digital product from a reputable on line retailer,then the quality will be just as good as any physical product you can buy. The key to getting a good result is simply to ensure that your printer settings are correct, for example using a best quality setting rather than a draft quality.

You must always make sure that you print off on a good quality paper or card stock. Although you can print out on any paper the heavier the weight, the better will be the result. I would recommend a minimum weight of 90gsm, but a 160gsm card stock weight is perfect for most projects. Reams of this paper can be bought quite cheaply at any reputable office stationer.

Do not be afraid to experiment with a few different paper weights and finishes to see which best suits your needs, and which you prefer.

What many people do not realise is that once you have purchased and downloaded your product there are software programmes freely available on the Internet which give you the capability to alter the size of what you are printing. If you do not require a full sized sheet you can print off just half the design, a quarter of or go even smaller. This helps to save on ink and wastage.

Card making and scrap booking has just entered the new digital age!

Susan Hazell is an experienced card maker who owns and operates http://www.cardmaking-ideas.com.
Cardmaking-Ideas is a site packed full of wonderful downloadable printables to help you create the perfect handcrafted cards and scrap book pages time after time. The vast majority of the products are exclusive to Cardmaking-Ideas so visit it now