Welcome to print week! As promised, we are going to give you some ideas on how to get those photos (or lettering, now that you know how to digitize), off of your computer and into your hands. We’ll try to keep it easy and approachable, and we hope you’ll chime in if you have any questions. Keep an eye out for some diy gift ideas along the way, since the holidays are now approaching at lightning speed!
I always like to have a few small gift cards on hand, in case a gift-worthy occasion pops up unexpectedly, or simply to save me from spending way too much time picking out cards, since I have to look at every single card in a shop before choosing one. In fact, I bet most people would like to have a few gift cards handy, so why not consider turning your favorite Instagram photos into gift cards then package a few up to give as gifts themselves? That photo of your sweet pup, adorable kiddo, or the nature scene that made you pull the car over, is much more personal than a card of someone else’s design, and there’s likely a story behind it so it’s already more interesting.
These gift cards were ordered through the Print Studio app by Social Print Studio. It’s well-integrated with Instagram and a piece of cake to use. Just download the app, select a product (gift cards are called tiny cards), choose the photos you’d like to print (and how many of each), then place your order. That’s it! My cards arrived in just over a week, but they can take a bit longer than that so make sure to plan ahead if you’d like to use them for holiday.
As for quality, the card stock is much sturdier than I expected, the kraft envelopes were a pleasant surprise, and the blacks printed beautifully. My lighter photos with pale backgrounds arrived with some grain, but I don’t mind it for such petite cards. Tristan likes that there’s only a small heart logo on the back of the cards instead of tons of text and clutter.
Including tax, the cards ring in at just under $1.00 each. Not bad for a custom printed product on decent card stock. So take a peek at your Instagram stream, could a few of those photos dress up your next thoughtful gift? If you end up printing some let us know, we’d love to see!
Miss Michelle P. is a photographer, designer and co-professor for Souvenir Foto School. She lives in the Pacific Northwest. Her muse is light.
Thanks for the great info. Michelle! I am always looking for good quality printing sources. I was wondering…how do you usually find your sources for printing, supplies, etc. I get some great insight from blogs, Instagram, etc. but I always feel like other artists have some secret network of sources. Thanks for sharing and reviewing for us.
Hi Pamela!
Happy to help! You are on the right track with blogs and Instagram, I WISH there was a secret network of sources. Unfortunately it’s a lot of trial and error, and keeping your ear to the ground (or rather, eyes on the internet). I can tell you that when I’m in a bind, I pop over and search the Etsy forums. A lot of sellers are fairly generous with information, and very honest in their reviews. I also head to our local camera store (Glazier’s) and ask them lot’s of annoying questions about the different fine art papers, they are a wealth of knowledge!
I’m so glad I found this post. Thank you for the recommendation for the Print Studio app. I just transferred a few square prints from my computer to my phone specifically so I could get some cards printed. I can hardly wait. Next time I’ll order the mini cards but for now I ordered their square greeting cards. So excited. Thank you.
We love to hear when a resource works out! I need to do some more printing too!