Post # 1
Member
64 posts
Worker bee
Ok…so I have to finish my wedding invitations by this week, and I’m a little frantic. I need help on how to put an image on the invitation itself. The paper is an 80lb paper with a shimmer to it. When I tested the paper through my Lexmark printer, the lettering came out beautifully. But then when I tried again, the ink was very light compared to the first test run. I don’t know why this is happening. I’ve changed settings and whatnot. I’m not even sure if this printer is an inkjet or laser printer…It’s wierd. Some test runs are great, while others come out so ugly. And now I feel like I should just go to Kinko’s or something and have someone else print them…
I really wanted to do these invitations myself..have that feeling of accomplishment that I made something..but sadly now..I think I won’t get the chance.
Any ideas or comments would help. I’m looking to put an image on the invitation instead of having just plain script lettering…But I don’t have photoshop or anything. Should I just save myself the hassle and have someone else print them for me? Like kinkos? Please help weddingbees!!
Post # 3
Member
7172 posts
Busy Beekeeper
I think you should look into having them professionally printed. I’ve heard about shimmer paper having issues when printed on by laser jet printers (the ink will stick to whatever is pressed on it).
I designed our invites and had them printed and they didn’t feel ANY less of MY entire project.
Don’t get hung up that you aren’t doing the actual printing – you still created them (and will be assembling them, etc!)
Post # 4
Member
3866 posts
Honey bee
honestly, if your printer is being a pain, take them to Kinko’s. the fact that you designed them (i’m guessing you did) still means that YOU did them! Just call the place up, explain your problem, and I’m sure they’ll be able to help you. 🙂
I’m not familiar with adding pictures into word and programs like that, since I use Photoshop (and Adobe Suite) solely for my graphic designing and art.
sorry!!!
Post # 5
Member
240 posts
Helper bee
LukeGirl–I’m a firm believer in saving your sanity and outsourcing! I do a lot of printing/document production for my job so I know what a headache even the simplest of projects can escalate into. One thing to keep in mind is that most at home printers simply aren’t designed to print high volumes at a consistently high quality. Colors will bleed, toners will drip, paper feeders will jam…ugh!
That being said, just because you aren’t printing it doesn’t mean it’s not personalized! You can still create and design the document to your exact specifications and insert whatever image you want, save the doc to flash drive and take it to a Kinkos or Alphagraphics for professional printing. I’ve used Alphagraphics many times before (I think they are nationwide…) and I was also able to provide with the cardstock/paper to be used. It is usually not all that expensive, and trust me, the higher quality and stress you save will be worth it!
Post # 6
Member
64 posts
Worker bee
thanks weddingbees! I think I just need to give them the image and let them do it..lol
Post # 7
Member
1995 posts
Buzzing bee
i would test it at kinkos. when we did ours there they had multiple types of printing – even for black ink. on our paper it looked the same so we got the cheaper one but it might be worth it to check it out! also check staples, local places etc!