random DIY printing question

[AceP]

hello all - looking for some experience and/or expertise. i''d like to DIY menu cards for our reception, and i''d ideally like to use circle-shaped cardstock that fits into the interior of the plates. i went to kinkos, and they said they can''t print on circles - only on standard 8 1/2 by 11 paper. is that going to be the case at every print shop - that they can''t print on odd-sized/shaped paper? am i better off just using regular rectangular paper and cutting it into circles, if circles are what my little heart desires? thanks much.

 

[Independent Gal]

Hmmmm... well, do you have access to a laser printer? I wonder if you could try running the circle through yourself? I really don''t know. But I could see how paper jams could ensue, oh so easily...

 

[jfus]

Hi there.. Most likely a print shop will not be able to print on a circle. Usually what happens is a "print vendor" will print on a larger sized paper.. rectangle.. perhaps..and then they will create a DIE to cut it out.. this is really expensive.

Can you show me an example of what you are trying to do?? I have some circular elements in my std''s.. I bought two "CIRCLE CUTTERS" to create this.. The one is a GINORMOUS hole punch 2"... the other is a circle cutter with a blade. I got both of them at AC moore in the scrapbooking section.

 

[AceP]

thanks, jfus, for the expert weigh-in. basically, i saw these fun circles and thought they''d make nice menu cards. i''m not aiming for anything as complex as what you''re endeavoring! but it sounds like my best bet is just to buy standard 8 1/2 by 11 card stock and a circle cutter and create them myself, right?

 

[jfus]

those are really cute! BUt it can be pretty tricky to make them work...

The circle cutter I got is really good.. but I had some issues with it...

I hope this makes sense... here it goes..

I am not sure if you saw my STD post on here.. but at any rate on the front of my STD I had a logo I designed that said "STD 10-18-08" and under that circle was another circle sorta creating a border... for the the first.. think a MAT..

Anyway on the circle that had the words.. the inner one.. I used the giant whole punch because it lines up with ease..and cuts perfectly.. The other cirlcle cutter I purchased, I can''t remember the name but the one wiht the blade.. is hard to line up on already printed materials (for blank stuff, like shapes it''s great).. but the one I bought was really basic... didn''t have much of a guide or anything to it. I have seen some since with a guide.. that cuts all different sizes... SO do your research on the circle cutters first then decide..

Now the reality of this is... it''s a menu card. Yes we like all this stuff to look fab, but you know what? Chances are no one is going to take this home, so you may be spending a ridiculous amount of time trying to make these really clever menu cards when you may be better off.. using a square piece of paper.. with maybe some sort of circle design printed on it.. instead of worrying about printing and cutting..

I am going a little more all out on my STD''s becausE I figure people will have them for about 10 months..for my invitations I may just choose to outsource some of the work to save my sanity..

If I can be of anymore help please let me know. I seriously live for creative projects!!!!

Hey do you have a theme??? Is the circle part of the theme?

 

[AceP]

Date: 12/4/2007 11:39:43 AM
Author: jfus
those are really cute! BUt it can be pretty tricky to make them work...

The circle cutter I got is really good.. but I had some issues with it...

I hope this makes sense... here it goes..

I am not sure if you saw my STD post on here.. but at any rate on the front of my STD I had a logo I designed that said ''STD 10-18-08'' and under that circle was another circle sorta creating a border... for the the first.. think a MAT..

Anyway on the circle that had the words.. the inner one.. I used the giant whole punch because it lines up with ease..and cuts perfectly.. The other cirlcle cutter I purchased, I can''t remember the name but the one wiht the blade.. is hard to line up on already printed materials (for blank stuff, like shapes it''s great).. but the one I bought was really basic... didn''t have much of a guide or anything to it. I have seen some since with a guide.. that cuts all different sizes... SO do your research on the circle cutters first then decide..

Now the reality of this is... it''s a menu card. Yes we like all this stuff to look fab, but you know what? Chances are no one is going to take this home, so you may be spending a ridiculous amount of time trying to make these really clever menu cards when you may be better off.. using a square piece of paper.. with maybe some sort of circle design printed on it.. instead of worrying about printing and cutting..

I am going a little more all out on my STD''s becausE I figure people will have them for about 10 months..for my invitations I may just choose to outsource some of the work to save my sanity..

If I can be of anymore help please let me know. I seriously live for creative projects!!!!

Hey do you have a theme??? Is the circle part of the theme?

thanks, jfus, and i definitely hear you. i may abandon operation circle menus - not worth the time and effort. i don''t have any sort of "theme" - i really just saw the cards and liked them. but sometimes you just have to abort mission before the mission becomes too hard... i''m not a DIY-er by nature - so far we''ve taken the lazy road bought everything we''re using - STDs, invitations, centerpieces, the whole shebang. the only thing we''ve DIYed so far are envelope liners for the invitations, and my fiance made all of them!

a separate question: do you recommend any web sites where i can download (preferable free) flourishes and such, to be used on programs, menu cards, etc.?

 

[jfus]

AceP I don''t know of any FREE ones persay.. but I do know istockphoto.com is really good and cheap.

You basically buy some credits on there I think the minimum you spend is $12 (to me that is cheap) But I''m not sure if this site will be good for you because most of the formats are in "illustrator formats" (design program).. however I just looked and it seems that when you download some you do get a jpeg included..What program do you plan on making your menu and programs??

Maybe I can help you out.. I just don''t know how to get in touch with people form pricescope outside of the boards..do you have any suggestions??