How To Use Digital Stamps, Clipart and Papers
Tutorial: How To Use Digital Cardmaking Resources
It seems some crafters just don't realize how these cheaper and instant resources can be used in everyday crafting. Let's look at what these resources are and how we can use them.
Digital Stamps and Patterened Papers (DSP):
These are outline or pre-colored images that should be thought of as a photo and they will print in exactly the same way. They are usually sold by small, independent artists on various platforms like Etsy, Zibbet and individual sites and blogs. The difference to physical stamp sets and pre-printed patterned papers are:
- A digital stamp or digital patterned paper requires a method to print it out. This can be a personal printer or access to a print service, like a library, office supplier, or even through family or friends.
- Digital stamps and papers will print with the exact same software that you would normally print a photo with.
- Unlike physical stamp sets or pre-printed paper packs, any digital image can be enlarged or reduced in size to suit your project. You are only limited by the printing capabilities of the printer being used.
- With these files being digital, it means you only need to print what you actually need, not the whole sheet or set. This eliminates the need to store large amounts of physical paper packs or stamp sets you may only use once or twice. Digital files are easily stored on external hard drives or USB sticks if you prefer.
- Digital files are also a limitless supply. You can print them as often as you like and you will always have a copy of the image or patterned paper to use over and over. The only limitation is how much ink you have in your printer!
- These digital images are usually available in jpeg and/or png formats. The jpeg format will always have a white background and is a compressed digital file, while the png format will be a larger sized digital file and will often have a transparent background. Both will still print in the exact same way but the png image with a transparent background can be digitally overlaid over other digital images, like background papers or other digital scenes.
- Even cutting files can be used as digital stamps! Most cutting files come with a set of png files. These are no different to other digital files in this format and can be used in the same way, without the need for an electronic cutting machine.
I should point out that all digital resources have an angel policy attached. They are not to be shared with others, even if they are free. It's always expected you will share the link to the site page it was accessed instead, which all artists appreciate. This is to protect the artist's intellectual property and allows the artist to keep track of who and where their designs have been sourced from.
The biggest difference when printing digital crafting products, compared to a regular photo, is the paper/cardstock you print it onto. Substituting photo paper for craft cardstock is usually fine for any printer but it's wise to check the maximum thickness/paper weight recommended for each individual printer to avoid paper jams and potential damage to the printer being used. Any potential damage will come from the cardstock, not from the digital image. Some software will only accept jpeg files but again, that's a restriction with the software program, not the digital image.
When you download a digital stamp or paper and it's printed, it can be used in exactly the same way as you would use any other crafting resource. There are no rules. These digital resources are also particularly suitable for techniques like foiling, thanks to the fact they can be easily printed with a laser printer and toner.
Downloaded Fonts:
These are files that contain an individual style of lettering, similar to what is contained in any software programs like Word, or other typing software.
However, these can be a little more difficult to use as they need to be installed into your computer's operating system before they can be accessed by other programs. They are just as easy to download and once installed, can be used by any software program you have installed. You can use them as you do with any of the pre-existing fonts already in your computer. They can be easily used to type sentiments and card inserts and again, can be sized to suit your project.
Useful digital resources:
Free printing software that will allow and help with resizing images for your projects.
Two tutorials on how to resize and use a digital resource:
Try before you buy!
Our Facebook group has numerous free digital resources that can be downloaded completely free of charge so you can see if digital resources are suitable for you and your crafting.
Don't forget, if you have any questions or problems, please reach out and leave a comment below. We will will reply as soon as we can. Or, if you're a little shy, you're welcome to contact us using the contact form for a more private chat via email.
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