Ink Cartridge Tips - Make Your Own Greeting Cards

Have you ever received a greeting card in your life? Of course you have, but how many times have you received a greeting card that is made by the own hands of the sender? A few would be a safe guess. How did it feel? Special would be a dead-on guess. Of course, you would feel that way. Just thinking about the time that someone tookput to create a very personalized greeting card just for you is a very exhilarating thought. With that in mind, why not share that feeling and make your own greeting cards for your loved ones?

Do-It-Yourself greeting cards are such a marvelous spare-time activity. DIY greeting cards have become the latest fad even before Martha Stewart started doing it.

Making your own greeting cards is very easy. A lot of people are already doing it, and so can you. You can make your own cards and even stamp them with "Especially Made by (Your Name)" at the back of the cards. How cool is that!

What's even better about this hobby is that it is not expensive at all because most of the supplies are already available in your home. Basic supplies are paper, scissors, and adhesives; basic equipment are just your computer and printer and, of course, yourself!

Creating that special greeting card is quite easy. Here are some tips to point you in the right direction:

1. Suitable Software: Your goal is to make the process of creating cards as fun and enjoyable as possible. You have to be familiar with the software that you will use before you begin.
2. Set up a Card Layout and Style: If the software that you will use already has a blank template for the layout and style of the card you want, that's good; or you can create your own from scratch - with your preferences. Even if you already know what kind of greeting card to make, it is still best to have a plan to ensure that the time spent will be as fruitful as possible.
3. Fonts and Graphics: There are thousands of free graphic images from the Internet to choose from. Font styles are usually easier to decide. It is best to choose the right one that goes well with the theme of your greeting card. Too much of everything will make it distracting.
4. Consistency of Text and Graphics: Each has its share in completing the look of your card. It is advisable that each is arranged in such a manner that it complements each other.
5. By-line: Own your masterpiece and let the world know - but of course, it is still best to keep it simple. You put your name on the bottom back of your card. If you intend to sell, a little contact info will not hurt.
6. Last-Minute Check: Printing can be very tricky. You should not waste precious ink cartridges, printer life and paper in the process. Check, double-check, and triple-check before you print that final copy. It is best to print a draft copy to check for possible corrections.

A lot of printers can be used for this project. Here are a few suggested printer brands:

• HP OfficeJet 5610 - It's a 4-in-1 printer; it can print, scan, photocopy, and fax. This printer is good for you if you run a small business. You can easily print your cards for your family, friends and even clients, and still have other features that you can utilize for your small business. Officejet 5610 hp ink cartridges are a pretty good value, and won't cost you an arm and a leg.

• Canon Pixma iP4500 - This printer is good for those people who use their printer for craft and photo purposes because this is truly made for photo printing. Printing your greeting card using the Pixma ip4500 canon ink cartridges and it's 5 color ink system will give life to your designs.

• Ink cartridges can be bought at an online store. There are compatible ink cartridges and genuine brands to choose from and, more often than not, price is the only difference.

Basically, the ultimate benefit of making your own greeting card is the time spent doing it with your family and friends. That, in itself, is priceless.