How to Create Your Own Transparencies 0 comments  

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Do you drool over the gorgeous transparencies you see in the scrappy stores?  Do you look at the beautiful digi designs here in the ACOT shoppe, but don't know how to use them?  Then, this tutorial is for you! 

   The first step is to gather your materials.  You will need a printer, computer program (such as Microsoft Word, or other photo editing software), inkjet transparency (found in most office supply stores), photos and whatever papers and embellishments you choose.  The most important thing is to get inkjet transparencies.  The kind you write on with transparency markers for an overhead do not work very well.  The one I am using is made by Universal.

Next, you need to find a digital image and download it.  You can find lots of fun freebies here in our digi shoppe:  http://www.acherryontop.com/shop/digital/free?v=4   If you aren't sure how to download and open a digi file, check my tutorial on how to make a hybrid mini album.  The first 3 steps are the same. http://www.acherryontop.com/articles/Hybrid-Heritage-Mini-Album-6926

Now, open your program and choose a page size for 8.5 x 11.  Decide if you want to set it up in portrait or landscape to fit your image.  Insert your image onto the page.  If you are using Microsoft Word, you will have to right-click on the inserted image and choose Format Picture.  Then, you will need to click on the Layout tab and select Tight.  Click on the Advanced box at the bottom of this tab and uncheck the box that says Move Image With Text.  Click OK and you will now be able to drag your image to wherever you want it on the page.  If you are only printing one image, size it appropriately for your layout and move on to the next step.  If you want to insert more images, repeat the steps until you have filled the page.  You can make full-page transparencies, or small,  photo-size transparencies.  It is up to you!  Below are two examples of transparencies I have made:

   When you have your page ready, load your inkjet transparency into your printer tray according to the instructions.  Usually, the transparency has a rough side and a smooth side and you want to print on the rough side.  My brand also has a white strip that helps it feed through the printer, and you want to put that in first.

   Now, select Print and choose your Properties or Preferences.  There should be an option under Paper Options or Paper Type that says Other Transparency.   Select this, so the amount of ink will be appropriate.  Also, if it matters (for example, if you have words or images that can only print one way), you need to select Mirror Image.   It took me awhile to find this with my new printer.  It was on the Finishing tab.  I have an HP printer.  Print your transparency and give it a few minutes for the ink to dry.

   Now you are ready to scrap!  I chose to put my transparency over my photos, but I have seen gorgeous layouts with photos adhered on top of the transparency.  This is the fun part where you get to be creative!  The most important part of scrapping with a transparency is how to adhere it without it being seen.  You can use glue dots behind the printed parts, so they don't show through.  You can use most adhesives behind the printed parts, as long as they are clear.  Scrapper's Spray by Creative Imaginations works well, too.  You can punch holes in the transparency and adhere it with brads.  You can use glue dots and cover them with rhinestones, flowers, or chipboard, like I did in my layout.  You can cover edges of transparencies with ribbon, paper strips,  flowers, and other clusters of embellies.  Have fun and play with your supplies!

Here are a few layouts I have done using printed transparencies:

For this one, the frame is on a transparency, full-page.  I covered the glue dots with flowers and the edges with ribbon.

For this one, the title is a transparency.

For this one, the journaling is printed on transparency.

For this one, the image of Santa and the song verse is printed on transparency.