Computer Photo Gift Suggestions

[GreatToBeGrammy]

I'm using Elements 6 and looking for some good ideas to use for gifts. I'm new to this forum and it looks like a great place to learn. Please post ideas and samples if possible.
Thanks,
Terry

[April]

Welcome! Here are some ideas that are on the website. This one (http://www.digitalscrapbookmemories.com/tips/thanksgiving.asp)could be done for any holiday or event. Here is another (http://www.digitalscrapbookmemories.com/tips/christmasbox.asp)you could switch for another holiday.

[montmeag]

Do a quick search on the forum, I know we've had threads about Father's Day, Mothers' Day, I'm not sure about Christmas. They should give you some ideas. Also, I know a couple girls have some pics in their album of various gifts.

[GreatToBeGrammy]

April and Meagan,
Thanks for the responses. April, I like those suggestions, especially the gift box! Do I just print that out on letter size cardstock? If so, about what size will I end up with?

Also, I saw somewhere on this site where I could cover wooden blocks with photos for the grandchildren (or children). Shoot, I'd even want a set too! Could someone lead me to instructions for those please.

Thanks,
Terry

[alb52]

calendars are great.... so are photo books and blocks are fun too. mugs are an option as are magnets, cd albums or more... so many options! :)

[Alishaw]

I've done blocks before for the cousins and they are fun and inexpensive. Go glad you are here!! Welcome!

[April]

especially the gift box! Do I just print that out on letter size cardstock? If so, about what size will I end up with? You can print on letter size but it will only be a couple inches high which is fine if it's an ornament. If you want it to be a gift box your best bet is to print at a place like Costco or something. The box will still only be a few inches high.

[GreatToBeGrammy]

Alishaw, could you please give directions on making the blocks? I think I'd love to make some of those.
Thanks,
Terry

[cjoy2day]

I do tin albums @ Christmas. I usually find them @ Michaels or even Lowes Hardware. Basically any place that sell gift card tins. I measure the interior of the tin and then go in just a little from that. I set up my new page in PS w/ those detentions. Then I create my scrapbook look and add photo's to it. You could just do this w/ photo's. Some websites even sell "tin" albums or "badge" album kits that are pre-done. I just add photo's and change page size.

Once I've printed all the cards I can either attach them together to make an accordion w/ ribbon or just leave them all separate.

[GreatToBeGrammy]

CJoy2Day,
By the way, I LOVE your screen name! I noticed it yesterday when I first found this site!
I really like the tin album idea. Is that like the Altoids tins? If so, I have lots of them saved up! Would you be willing to share your template and how to connect them with me? I'm really new at all this.
Thanks,
Terry

[montmeag]

Jaime, that is adorable. I love it. I may have to do that sometime.

[montmeag]

How many cards did you get in there?

[kmsarles]

Jamie, that is SOOOO cute!!! What kit is that?

[Alishaw]

Terry
all you need are 2' square blocks. I like to use 9 of them (3 wide & 3 deep) then I create 6 - 6X6 layouts and cut them along 2 inch lines. Then I adhere them to the blocks. (Depending where you get your wood-I sand them down a bit and smooth them out so they aren't rough) Then I like to modge podge them on so that they can be handled without getting torn up.
Lastly I send the edges a little for that roughed up look.
Then I can usually find a cute box to fit them all in adn the cousins love putting the pieces together to make photos of each other and the family.

[GreatToBeGrammy]

Alishaw, Thanks for the great instructions on the blocks. Do you have a premade template or do you just crop your photo in Elements or Photoshop to 6x6 and then cut 2" squares? Where can I buy the 2" blocks at? Hobby Lobby and Michaels are closeby, do you think they would have them? Do the photos look better done in color or BW? Also, what type of paper do you print them on? Do you print with a laser or ink jet printer or have them done at a store?

I know this is a lot of questions, but I've never done this before and want them to turn out right! Thanks for the help.
Terry

[supermombritt]

I have many saws at my house so I would just get a board and cut it myself. That may not be what you are thinking, but I would bet a craft store would have them.

[cjoy2day]

Jamie, that is SOOOO cute!!! What kit is that?

It's Shabby Princess, I have the kit and bought the badge album on the fly since I didn't have time to create it myself.
How many cards did you get in there?
I used my kit to add more pages. I think I fit 35 pages in that tin. The tin came from Home Depot. The gift was for father's day so I wanted a manly tin.
Is that like the Altoids tins? If so, I have lots of them saved up! Would you be willing to share your template and how to connect them with me? I'm really new at all this. Thanks,Terry

It's a larger tin I got @ home depot. There are a ton of kits out there though for altoid tins. All you would need to do is measure the inside of the bottom tin. Take that measurment and create a new file in you PSE to fit that tin. I'd advise going in just a littl so that your cards aren't so snug. Then create your pages just as you normally would.

[Alishaw]

Terry, I wouldn't pay craft store prices for blocks. I would just go to home depot or lowes and ask them to cut some for you. They are usually really good about that. Here i can get a 2 inch by 5 ft piece and they will cut it for me into 2 inch sections. It's really inexpensive.
Then I have done some in color or sepia (no B&W yet LOL) and I print on a single sheet then cut them. You can either make separate 2X2 inch canvases and drag them all onto one to print or make a 6X6 with grid lines every 2 inches to separate your sections for creation.
I usually print at home (instant gratification LOL) on an ink jet with glossy paper but you could easily have them done commerically too (like costco or somewhere), cut, glue onto the blocks, modge podge over them, let them dry, modge podge again, and then sand the edges a bit.
Be sure to show us what you make! I'm excited for you!

[chryslergreen]

I love this idea Alisha, I think I'll have to try it too. Thanks!

[brookiewookie]

I am giving personalized calendars (I do every year, they expect it and I'll get in trouble if I don't deliver!! Ha ha!).

There are countless possibilies of things to make. Mini albums, coasters, magnets, clocks, layouts put on tiles or canvas, altered paint cans or boxes....it's so much fun. :) I love the blocks ideas too.

[kmsarles]

Hey, does anyone know where you get the CD cases for CD calendars that have bend backwards and have the little lip? I bought some CD cases yesterday and was SO dissappointed when they wouldn't open backwards and didn't have that channel to hold the papers in.

[April]

I would think you could buy them anywhere Kelly ???

[kmsarles]

They're going slimline now... so finding traditional cases is prooving tricky for me. Especially since I have limited shopping options here in Germany. I thought maybe someone knew of a scrapbooking company selling the specific ones for the calendars.