September 23, 2011

Sharp MFPs – For efficient copying, printing and scanning

By Databazaar Blog

Sharp has introduced four mid-volume workgroup MFPs - Sharp MX-4110N, MX-4111N, MX-5110N and MX-5111N. Aimed at catering to the printing needs of the mid-sized business enterprises, these powerful multifunction copiers present features such as smart-screen user interface, fast print speed, high print resolution, large paper capacity, multi-level document and MFP security suite.

These MFP models use Sharp’s enhanced second generation micro-fine toner technology to facilitate professional quality images and printouts. The ImageSEND technology allows printing of up to 50 images per minute both in black and color. This technology also allows scanning of documents to up to seven different destinations. The Send-to-Group functionality enables users to send broadcast messages through emails, Fax or internetFax in a single operation. The 86 GB document filing system with thumbnail view and image preview features help to identify and search for documents easily.

It has a special “End of Lease” security feature through which all the confidential and secure information can be erased just at the push of a button after the print\copy job is done, ensuring that the information is always secure.

Summary

The Sharp MX-4110N, MX-4111N, MX-5110N and MX-5111N series’ interactive touch screen, high performance and security features makes them an essential member of your office environment.

Manufacturer

Sharp

Product Page

Sharp MX-4110N

Supplies

Toner

MX-51NTBA (Black), MX-51NTCA (Cyan), MX-51NTMA (Magenta), MX-51NTYA (Yellow), MX-51NVBA (Black Developer), MX-51NVSA (Cyan/Magenta/Yellow Developer), MX-51NRSA (Drum), MX-51NUSA (Drum)

Specs that matter

Notable Features:	large high resolution touch screen, customizable home screen, data encryption and 7Xoverwrite protection, Send-to-Group, Send-to-USB features, ImageSEND features
Green Features:	Energy efficient belt fusing for lower power consumption, Energy star qualified
Pages Per Minute:	41 ppm for both black and color
Resolution:	1200 x 1200 dpi
Paper Trays:	One bypass tray, an exit tray
Paper Capacity:	100 sheet capacity for bypass tray, Main output tray 500 sheets (face down), 100 sheets in optional Job Separator Tray, and 1,000 sheets in optional finisher (output tray is user selectable)
Interface:	Interface Type RJ-45 Ethernet connection; 10/100/1000 BaseT; USB 2.0
Compatibility:	Windows, MAC, Linux and Citrix
Weight:	276.5 pounds (base model)

About Printer News
Your one stop source for information about new business- and consumer-class printers, Printer News covers everything you need to know. Well, almost everything. If you have anything to add to our report, please post it below.

August 01, 2011

Lexmark X548dte – printing solutions for midsize workgroups

By Databazaar Blog

X548dte is the latest offering from Lexmark. It has been designed for midsize workgroups looking for better color print quality, enhanced paper handling and faster scanning facilities. Printing and scanning are handled by the Lexmark Home software on the PC. This printer also has driver and documentation support for Mac and Linux. Built in features like 550 sheet Duo Drawer with 100-sheet MPF and large hard disk capacity make this printer a very efficient workgroup color laser multifunction.

The text pages are printed at a speed of 14.5 pages per minute (ppm) on the PC and 14.2 ppm on the Mac. The 7-inch color LCD control panel is an excellent model to adjust the printer settings. Consistent color tones are ensured with the help of PANTONE calibration and Named Color Replacement makes color matching easy. The quick color scan option is up to three times faster than the other multifunction printers available in the market. Moreover, scanning to multiple destinations like email, FTP, fax, network and USB can be done with ease. Another notable feature is its secure printing options, which support user authentication and authorization controls like IPSec, SNMPv3 and 802.1x network security.

X548dte has excellent paper handling features. The automatic document feeder can hold up to 50 pages for the scanner. The duo drawer facility comprises of an input tray with 250-sheet drawer and a 550-sheet input tray with a fold down front panel. The option to print on multiple paper types is an added advantage. However, few minor glitches on the design front, like the placement of the output tray and the scanner lid, pose an inconvenience to the user.

Summary

Lexmark X548dte with its excellent paper handling facility and performance can prove to be an invaluable asset for a workgroup.

MSRP: $1749

Manufacturer

Product Page

Lexmark X548dte

Supplies

Toner

Extra High Yield Black (C546U1KG), Cyan (C544X1CG), Magenta (C544X1MG), Yellow (C544X1YG), High Yield Black (C540H2KG), Cyan (C540H2CG), Magenta (C540H2MG), Yellow (C540H2YG)

Specs that matter

Release Date:	June 20, 2011
Notable Features:	versatile paper handling, quick color scanning, easy compatibility on PC, Mac and Linux systems, flawless monochrome prints and copies, large 7-inch color LCD touch screen
Green Features:	Energy Star partner, Energy Star typical Electricity consumption of 5.13 Kilowatt-hours per week
Pages Per Minute:	25 ppm (monochrome), up to 23 ppm (color)
Resolution:	1200 x 1200 dpi
Paper Trays:	3
Paper Capacity:	900 sheets
Interface:	Ethernet, USB
Compatibility:	Windows, Mac, Linux
Dimensions:	19.37 x 27.99 x 25.86 inches
Weight:	84 pounds
Warranty:	1 year

About Printer News
Your one stop source for information about new business- and consumer-class printers, Printer News covers everything you need to know. Well, almost everything. If you have anything to add to our report, please post it below.

July 29, 2011

World’s fastest printer – MachJet from the house of LG

By Databazaar Blog

LG Electronics in collaboration with Memjet (global provider of high speed color printing technologies), recently introduced the Machjet LPP6010N to the Korean market. This is the world’s fastest A4 color desktop printer. Memjet’s high density page-wide print heads and components facilitate the printers to operate twice as fast at just half the cost of any other color printer.

The MachJet delivers high levels of color performance, uses lesser energy and is more affordable when compared to other traditional laser printers. The LG MachJet uses the Page Straight Array technology, which uses more than 70,000 ink nozzles on one print head. This is about 17 times the density of normal printers. The MachJet also soars over other printers by providing high-quality color output in 1600x800 dpi resolution at 60 pages per minute.

This Memjet powered printer uses only about 32W of electricity as opposed to an average 600W electricity consumed by the other laser printers. Machjet’s Hyper Small Drop Technology helps in minimizing the amount of ink required to provide clean and crisp images and text at high speed.

Memjet’s core technological competency coupled with LG’s brand, corporate capabilities and vast distribution network has achieved a significant breakthrough in office printing technology.

Keywords: fast printers, latest printers, printers consuming less electricity, printers and color performance, LG printers, MachJet

About Printer News
Your one stop source for information about new business- and consumer-class printers, Printer News covers everything you need to know. Well, almost everything. If you have anything to add to our report, please post it below.

July 27, 2011

The latest HP printers reach for the clouds

By Databazaar Blog

HP announced a whole suite of printers that are web-enabled, cloud aware and possess an email ID to receive print commands from anywhere at any time. The HP ‘ePrint’ platform allows you to send files that need to be printed from any mobile devices like Smartphones, iPad, netbooks and more. Sending a print command is now as simple as sending an email. Files ranging from Microsoft Office Documents, Adobe PDFs and JPEG image files among others can be printed in this manner.

The HP ‘ePrintCenter’ is an online hub for all HP customers to browse through new services available for all their HP printers. You can register your products here and receive updates, configure devices and track ‘ePrint’ Jobs.

A new study called Scheduled Delivery was announced after a successful pilot study in two major cities. This service allows you to schedule your print jobs in advance. A file can be pushed to a printer and scheduled to print at a specific time every day or week. For example, a news feed can be scheduled to print at 7:00 AM everyday at your office printer. You only have to register for the news feed through HP ‘ePrintCenter’ and schedule the day and time and frequency of the delivery.

The new HP ‘Photosmart’ printers are available in a wide range of prices to suit differing needs. They provide you the freedom to access content and print from anywhere. All the printers in this category use an innovative reusable bag for packaging and are also ENERGY STAR qualified.

You also have a selection of new print apps to choose from:

• Yahoo! And MSNBC for daily news
• Crayola and KoL.com for coloring pages for kids
• Picasa Web Albums for printing photos from a user’s personal account
• Math and Science activities
• Facebook for printing from the user’s photo album
• MapQuest for Maps
• Arrival Guides for travel guides for a variety of destinations across the world

This new generation of printers from HP gives you a unique printing experience. You can access content, customize your printing requirements and get them printed anytime, anywhere…even without a PC. Sounds exciting?!

Keywords: latest printers, printing from Smartphones, printing from iPad, ePrintCenter, ePrint technology, Photosmart printers

About Printer News
Your one stop source for information about new business- and consumer-class printers, Printer News covers everything you need to know. Well, almost everything. If you have anything to add to our report, please post it below.

July 22, 2011

3D Chocolate Printers – For geeky foodies!

By Databazaar Blog

So we had inkjet printers, laser printers, multi function printers, printers which scan and copy. One of the latest and delicious additions to this illustrious list is the 3D chocolate printer! Has that tickled your taste buds enough? Yes! This is a printer that has unique software embedded, which allows you to create your own designs and get them printed in 3D on chocolate.

Scientists (or should we call them chocoholic scientists?) from the University of Exeter, in collaboration with the Brunel University, have built a viable model for a printer that can print 3D designs in chocolate. 3D printing is a technology where successive layers of material (so far plastic and metal) is laid down to produce a three dimensional object. This principle has now been extended to chocolate by the scientists at Exeter.

Sweet though it sounds, the texture of chocolate posed a big challenge for the scientists. Chocolate requires accurate heating and cooling cycles, which then have to be integrated with flow rates for the 3D printing process. These roadblocks were overcome with the use of new temperature and heating control systems.

This machine can print any design that is sent to it. So the users can create and see their designs being modeled in chocolate right in front of their eyes. Cost effective and yummy too!

Keywords: 3D chocolate printers, 3D printing, chocolate printers, latest printers

About Printer News
Your one stop source for information about new business- and consumer-class printers, Printer News covers everything you need to know. Well, almost everything. If you have anything to add to our report, please post it below.

November 26, 2008

Photographer Mark Robert Halper Does Not Capture. He Creates.

By Kara Hiltz

PrinTales: Mark Robert Halper Thinks Color Management Is Too Difficult (and We Agree)

When you think of a photographer, you may think of weddings or perhaps hipster galleries. But what about the photos you see every day — people in magazines and products in advertisements? Commercial photographers like Mark Robert Halper can shape your perception of the world and people around you.

Mark Robert Halper has worked as a commercial photographer since 1989, shooting for a variety of companies and publications, including newspapers and teen magazines. He works either from his own studio or on location. He also presents workshops in the Los Angeles area on portraiture.

You can learn more about Mark Robert Halper and see his work on his Web site, studiomark.com. We stole a moment of his time to learn more about his career and how the printer industry can better serve the needs of photographers.

How did you get started as a photographer? In which areas do you specialize?

I decided to enter the field of commercial photography in 1988, about a year after I graduated college. I am fortunate to have a range of clients that enable me to work in the fields of people, architectural and still life photography, although portraiture is my strongest field and the area I most love to work in. I have also recently begun doing private portraits that involve print sales, rather than digital file deliveries.

What make/model of printer do you use? Do you use your printer only for proofs or also final prints?

I own an Epson R2400, which I use for internal purposes. I send out imagery that needs higher-end printing. I actually print all of my documents on a laser printer, which offers both better quality and is far less expensive to operate.

What improvements would you like to see in future printers?

Better and smarter color management without having to resort to expensive third-party software. Color management needs to become less confusing and be executable in one consistent interface. Like many, I am looking forward to the day when color management on a printer doesn't require expensive software and large investments of time. I'd also like to see ink prices become appropriate to the fair cost of ink, even if the printers get more expensive.

Do you have a photography tip to pass along to amateur enthusiasts reading this interview?

Learn the basics. Auto anything is no substitute for a real understanding of aperture, shutter, exposure, color balance, focus, and the differences those settings will make in your photos. Don't let your camera make your decisions for you.

A good photo is about one idea or perception, and one idea only. Every choice you make should support a single vision of whatever your subject for that photo is. The better your technical skill, the more effectively you will be able to communicate your vision of the world to others through your photography.

If, like me, you create rather than capture photos, I suggest bringing your laptop on location. Many people just glance at the back of their cameras, and later spend hours trying to correct problems they would have seen had they previewed their images on their laptop and spent a minute or two really looking at their image before really beginning to shoot.

You can do a great deal with inexpensive equipment. For example, hardware store worklight bounced into a white sheet can create a soft light no less beautiful than some of the most expensive strobe accessories in the right situation.

Artist statements don't matter, and shouldn't. A great image stands on its own. While a few words to establish context may be important for some photos, if you have to explain your photos you are working in the wrong medium.

About PrinTales
If every picture tells a story, then every printer must contain several bookshelves' worth. In PrinTales, we bring these stories to you by profiling people who use their printers in a creative manner. Think of it as "once upon a time" for the digital generation.

November 19, 2008

Photographer Joseph Squillante Captures the Hudson River From Its Source to the Atlantic

By Kara Hiltz

PrinTales: Joseph Squillante Wants Dye Prints That Last as Long as Pigment Prints — and White Ink

Some subjects hold so much complexity and beauty that you can't seem to photograph them enough. Joseph Squillante has devoted his 30 years of professional photography to capturing the Hudson River, though he has also dabbled in other subjects.

Joe has exhibited his photographs during special events commemorating the Hudson River, such as the American Heritage River celebration, presided over by then New York Governor George Pataki. Beyond capturing the river's beauty, he also works to create a community of people who want to protect the Hudson River, such as Scenic Hudson and Riverkeeper. Joe and his wife Carol started the Hudson River School of Photography, which gives presentations, slide shows, workshops, lessons, and exhibitions to expand people's understanding and appreciation of the Hudson River.

Perhaps best of all, Joe's work is available to everyone regardless of budget. On his Web site, HudsonRiverPhotography.com, you can view his photos, order a collection of blank greeting cards bearing his photos (including the one above), and order original prints. We recently asked Joe about his take on printers, and also tapped his extensive knowledge on photography.

How did you get started as a photographer? In which areas do you specialize?

I started at the request of a business associate who persuaded me to photograph his brother's wedding. Backing down the aisle it dawned on me that I was earning money at something I enjoy doing and which captured my senses. Soon after that I quit my job at the bank and began assisting a still-life photographer in Manhattan.

My focus is primarily in landscape and architecture, particularly in creating fine art images of the Hudson River — my life's work for more than 30 years. I also photograph people and still-life. Enjoying photography as much as I do, I choose not to specialize but rather to be open to all creative possibilities.

What make/model of printer do you use? Do you use your printer only for proofs or also final prints?

I use two Epson 13 x 19-inch printers: 1280 & 2200.

The 1280 is a dye printer, which I use for portfolio prints, proofs, match prints for outsourcing to service bureaus when I need sizes larger than 13 x 19, and text (correspondence, billing, etc.).

The 2200 is an archival pigment printer, which I use for making exhibition quality prints. I happen to prefer the look of the dye prints over the pigment prints because of the finer detail it yields. However, I am limited in its use because the dyes are not archival.

I do still use the darkroom to make silver gelatin prints when I feel the image calls for it.

What improvements would you like to see in future printers?

I'd like to see:

1. A commercially available, dedicated black & white archival printer with cartridges of black and multiple shades of gray. And why not a white cartridge so that you would not have to be tied to the base color of the paper you select? This would enable printing on black paper.
   
   
2. A black & white printer with permanent dyes rather than pigments to drastically reduce clogging and allow for a finer spray than pigments allow. (My 1280 dye printer delivers a more subtle range of tones also allowing for better shadow detail, but unfortunately does not print for permanence.)
   
   
3. A printer that does not clog and cause wasted time, ink, and paper in cleaning cycles. Pigment printers have to be used daily to minimize clogging. This is not practical for my workflow.

Do you have a photography tip to pass along to amateur enthusiasts reading this interview?

I teach photography to a wide range of people, from children to seniors and students with special needs. I always suggest these tips to anyone who is interested in photography:

1. Think about what is most important in your life, what interests you, and make that your subject.
   
   
2. Be aware of light and how it plays on your subject. Photography is all about light. If you have a great subject with poor, uninteresting lighting, your picture will be mediocre. Conversely, an ordinary subject can be made extraordinary with proper lighting.
   
   
3. Shoot the same subject in color and in black & white. Then decide which image you respond to better. Often people shoot in color without even considering the idea of shooting in black & white. With this exercise of shooting consecutive frames of exactly the "same" subject you can decide which you like better. Color can be a facade, a barrier that keeps you from entering deeper into an image. Unless an image absolutely screams color, I prefer to go black & white.
   
   
4. Don't overshoot because it can lead to visual garbage. Especially with digital photography and the freedom from the expense of film & processing, people tend to overshoot. You need to sharpen your eye and pay attention to what really moves you and your creative imagination. Having said this, it is also important to practice, practice, practice, but pay attention to what you do and keep reference notes on what you did. Tracking your progress will serve as a catalyst for your growth and development.

About PrinTales
If every picture tells a story, then every printer must contain several bookshelves' worth. In PrinTales, we bring these stories to you by profiling people who use their printers in a creative manner. Think of it as "once upon a time" for the digital generation.

November 13, 2008

Photographer Issa Sharp Offers Shooting Tips, Laments Black and White Printing

By Kara Hiltz

PrinTales: Issa Sharp Captures Everything From the Nitty-Gritty to the Classically Beautiful

Photographers often specialize in a certain type of photography, such as children's portraits or nature landscapes. But Issa Sharp captures weddings and events, portraits, candids, and more.

Her photographs grab your attention because they often surprise you. For example, her collection, The Dichotomy of Hollywood: The Glamor and the Grit, is a strikingly honest portrayal of Hollywood. These photographs shows you a side of Hollywood that the Big Screen never reveals (the above photo comes from this collection).

Issa's experience ranges from photojournalism to production stills to wedding photography. She has won several awards over the past five years, including the Camera Club of New York 2006 National Photography Competition.

At Issa's Web site, IssaSharp.com, you'll find a great display of her work, along with her blog and contact information. Databazaar Blog caught up with Issa to find out what she wants from a photo printer, dig up advice for blossoming digital photographers, and more.

How did you get started as a photographer? In which areas do you specialize?

I started as a radio/television engineer at ABC in San Francisco. Photography was always a love of mine — but not a career. After several years of working in television, I decided to pursue photography in a more serious manner. I spent months working on self-assigned news stories to build a portfolio of work. I got my first news assignment after the LA Weekly Photo Editor saw my pictures of homeless kids on Hollywood Boulevard. I went on to start my own wedding and event photography business in addition to my work as a freelance editorial, portrait, corporate, and news photographer.

What make/model of printer do you use?

I use an Epson Stylus Photo 2200.

What improvements would you like to see in future printers?

I'd like to see faster printing, better black-and-white capabilities, and better color rendition.

Do you have a photography tip to pass along to amateur enthusiasts reading this interview?

Try shooting the same thing a lot of different ways — a long shot, a close-up, odd angles, etc. Digital photography is great for experimenting with flash and long shutter speeds.

About PrinTales
If every picture tells a story, then every printer must contain several bookshelves' worth. In PrinTales, we bring these stories to you by profiling people who use their printers in a creative manner. Think of it as "once upon a time" for the digital generation.

September 15, 2008

Use Your Printer to Dress Up Your Kid's Textbooks With Customized Vintage Covers

By Kara Hiltz

PrinTales: Laya Garcellano of Scraps Away! Makes Going Back to School More Fun

While brown paper book covers may get the job done, they don't exactly show off your kid's creative side. In this edition of PrinTales, Laya Garcellano of Scraps Away! shares her custom book covers project, which you can create with your printer.

Laya came to scrapbooking and paper crafts by way of being a collector (i.e., pack-rat). When she started a family, she found another reason to start hoarding mementos and keepsakes. But instead of just collecting them, she began to use them for projects and personal gifts. "I would make my own bookmarks, birthday gifts, cards or mementos for family and friends on special occasions," Laya told us.

Making the Move to Digital Crafts

Traditional scrapbooking blossomed out of Laya's personal collections, but her transition into digital scrapbooking came about when she and her husband felt overwhelmed by the number of pictures they snapped of their new daughter. "Aside from the all the photos being so adorable, it would still be incredibly expensive on a monthly basis, had we even succeeded in picking out which ones we'd really like to be printed," recalled Laya.

Suddenly, the realization hit her — go digital. "Now, I can layout as many pictures as I want without fearing for the family budget. I can send them as email or just post them on my blog!" exclaims Laya. Naturally, the next step came about in April when she started her Scraps Away! blog to share her scrapbooking projects.

Laya uses an Epson Stylus C67 BubbleJet printer for her digital printing, along with Epson paper. She believes that projects you want to physically share with family and friends make the best candidates for printed projects. "Holding your project, showing it and passing it around to people who take pleasure in what you've made makes all the effort worth every minute," says Laya.

Wrap Books in Personalized Covers

For this project, Laya uses older pieces of yellowed or faded paper to give her wrapper a vintage feel. "You can also use new paper and treat it with coffee or tea to age it," Laya suggests.

Supplies

• Paper (Letter-size/A4)
• Scissors
• Glue or double-sided tape
• Book or album
• Straight rule
• Printer
• Patterned paper ("I would recommend two contrasting/complementing paper patterns for the body and spine, and a neutral/plain pattern to provide accent," Laya told Databazaar Blog.)
• Frame for the cover
• Photo-editing software such as Adobe Photoshop
• Puncher (optional)
• Ribbon (optional)
• Cardstock (optional)

Steps

1. Measure your book or album and set your parameters accordingly with allowances to spare on each. "In this case, I printed on three letter-sized pieces of paper, one each for the front, back and spine pattern."
2. In your preferred computer program create an 8.5 x 11-inch canvas in landscape format for the front cover. Set your margins according. Add the paper pattern and insert the frame embellishment. Then, insert your text into the frame.
3. Do the same for the back cover. "You may want to leave it bare."
4. Do the same for the spine.
5. Print your three pages on old, stained paper for a vintage look. "Crumple it for added texture — but if you do this, I recommend printing the title frame on a separate sheet and gluing it later so the textures contrast nicely," suggests Laya.
6. Cut your paper sheets according to size.
7. Spread a thin layer of glue on the book or album cover (or apply your double-sided tape).
8. Lay the printed sheet over the cover and smooth out any wrinkles or bubbles carefully. Repeat for the back cover.
9. Cut out the pattern for the spine and for the corners. Then, glue or tape a thin piece of accent paper to overlap the edges.
10. Spread the glue over the spine and whatever portion of the front and back covers you want to overlap.
11. Lay down the spine cover and smooth it out carefully.
12. Trim the edges all around the book or album to 5 centimeters.
13. Fold over the edges and glue them neatly in place.

You can also add a "lock" to your book by punching holes near the outer edges of both the front and back covers. Then thread a ribbon into the two holes and tie the ribbon to give the book or album a ribboned "lock," recommends Laya.

They say you can't judge a book by its cover. But thanks to Laya, you can certainly make a book look a whole lot better.

About PrinTales
If every picture tells a story, then every printer must contain several bookshelves' worth. In PrinTales, we bring these stories to you by profiling people who use their printers in a creative manner. Think of it as "once upon a time" for the digital generation.

August 27, 2008

Welcome the Newest Kid on the Block with a Baby Bliss Photo Frame

By Kara Hiltz

PrinTales: Lauren Meader of My Time, My Creations, My Stampendence Explains How to Use Your Printer to Create a Photo Frame

Tired of hunting for the perfect frame to show off your favorite family photos? Instead of trudging from store to store, buy a simple white frame and then adorn it with help from your printer and some innovative stamping.

Lauren Meader of My Time, My Creations, My Stampendence started creating paper crafts in 2004 as a stay-at-home mom. After helping her oldest child battle leukemia, Lauren developed a new outlook and resolved to "live for today, and go for my dreams."

One of her dreams entailed sharing her love and talent for stamping and all things crafty on a larger scale so she launched her blog in March 2007. Now she designs personalized projects for her family and friends by combining stamping with printed photos and text.

Lauren designs projects for several companies, including All That Scraps Store, Lizzie Anne Designs, My Favorite Things, Papertrey Ink, Pink Cat Studio. She also belongs to the Scor-Pal Design Team and the Splitcoaststampers Dirty Dozen Alumni.

You don't need a high-end, fancy printer to create beautiful projects. Lauren uses a Canon PIXMA iP4000, primarily for photos. "I love using my printer for things like printing patterned paper from a PDF file, but I especially love using my photos of my children to incorporate into gifts for my family," exclaims Lauren.

Baby Bliss Photo Frame: Create a Photo Frame For Your Favorite Newborn

Lauren shared a special project with us that she created for a friend's new baby. While Lauren included one of her own children's baby pictures to give the full effect, she encouraged her friends to change out the picture on the photo placemat with a photo of their own newborn (see above photo). Use the steps below to duplicate Lauren's project and free yourself from the same old overpriced frames.

Supplies

• Basic White Frame
• Color photo printer
• Kodak photo paper
• Unity Stamp Company stamps
• Brown StazOn Ink
• White Stazon ink
• Chocolate cardstock
• Sweet blush cardstock
• Liquid pearls
• Buttons
• Adhesive
• Vellum cardstock
• Flower punch

Steps

1. Choose the color scheme for your project. "I chose pink and brown," says Lauren.
2. Select a photo to put in the frame and edit it to your liking using a digital photo editing program. "I cropped down the photo to focus on the fingers. I then changed the color to Sepia."
3. Set your photo size (Lauren uses the standard 4x6 inch size), and click Print Preview to make sure it looks the way you intended. Print the photo on photo paper.
4. Stamp the design you want on your cardstock and layer the photo accordingly. "I also used special inks to stamp on the glass," explains Lauren.
5. Select a font type, size, and color in your favorite word-processing program for the baby statistics.
6. Print your baby statistics on the colored cardstock. "I used a die cut to get the embossed border."
7. Position your baby statistics on the frame and finish the rest of your stamped design, adding any other finishing touches you'd like.

Of course, the creativity need not stop with new bundles of joy. You can customize a picture frame in the same way for other events, such as weddings and graduations. Just find stamps to suit the occasion, print any commemorative text and photos, and off you go!

About PrinTales
If every picture tells a story, then every printer must contain several bookshelves' worth. In PrinTales, we bring these stories to you by profiling people who use their printers in a creative manner. Think of it as "once upon a time" for the digital generation.