Printer Settings for Printables

I'm going to cover just the fundamentals of printer settings in this post so you can better understand why and how your junk journal papers and scrapbook ephemera print the way they do.
If you want to learn more about this topic, keep reading.

First things first, how do you find your printer settings?

Head on over to your Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners or Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Devices and Printers. 
You can also search for "printer" in your windows 10 search bar at the bottom of your screen.

As for me, I change my settings with every print I make according to my project.  When I right click the file(s) I want to print I select print then click on Options...>Printer Properties...

Your settings window may look a little different than this, but you will see a "paper type" and "print quality" options.  This is all you need to change.  As you get more comfortable with your printer you can change up other settings.

What printer setting should you use for your printable?

Now that you know how to change your printer's settings, it's time to have some fun.

Please note that for this little test I used the same paper and printer for all the pages. 
I am using the basic of basic paper - Xerox 20lb paper with a brightness of 92
I am using a HP Envy Photo 7155 printer (I love this printer because of the ink subscription program)
I'm using the same printable junk journal paper from the Winter Songs junk journal paper set from Calico Collage's Etsy shop

You can clearly see the difference between the junk journal papers with the a simple change of the settings.

Lets look a little closer at the individual pages.

This page settings were Plain Paper + Normal Print. (the default setting for so many printers)
It's very light, and it's hard to see the image's fine details, but I can still read the decorative text.  This setting would be extremely useful for someone creating a vintage junk journal or worn styled shabby chic project.

This page settings were Plain Paper + Best Print.
This is my preferred setting.  When you select Best Print, it will take a little longer for your printer to print.  This is due to the fact that it is printing more finer details of the design and using more ink to do so.  This is why the print appears darker.  This, I believe, is a more happy medium print setting that is very universal.

This page settings were HP Photo Paper + Best Print.
Oh my isn't that much richer, but still so pretty.  The reason why this printed much darker is because the printer thinks it is printing on heavy duty glossy paper, so it is using more ink.  This setting does take a lot longer to print because it is making sure to get all the fine details.  I wouldn't suggest this setting if your digital downloads are already dark in color, by doing so may drown out the over all design.

What I want you to take from this.

Don't be afraid about changing up your settings.  And do not feel you have to use the type of paper you selected.  I used the same 20lb paper in all these tests.  Play and have fun!

***

Thank you for stopping by and I hope that you are following Calico Collage on social media.
you can find Calico Collage on Instagram and Pinterest: @calicocollage
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Good day, everyone.
Today I'd like to share another layout from my art journal with you.  This one is centered on the Mystic Maidens printable ephemera that I sell in my shop.  I really like how these turned out and knew I wanted to make an entire layout out of them.  If this is of interest to you, I hope you will continue reading.

Mystic Maidens Art Journal Layout

To create this layout I used:

Printable Mystic Maidens Ephemera Cards

Printable I am Affirmations ephemera words

Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Mist

Curious Glimmer Mist

Watercolor paintbrush, honestly any paintbrush will do.

Random mix of paper ephemera, dried teabags, and washi tape 

Elmer's Craft Bond Glue Stick

 

This layout was inspired from a single piece of crinkled metallic paper that was sent to me in some happy mail.  As soon as I saw that blue I knew it would match my Mystic Maidens and I just had to make this layout.  So first thing I did was pick out what 2 cards I wanted to use from the Mystic Maiden ephemera cards.  

 

After selecting the ephemera cards, I moved on to the paper ephemera and began gluing the pieces down.  Many of them were glued down upside down.  I wanted the focus to be on the Mystic Maidens rather than the words.

Then I started ripping the crinkle paper and gluing it down, followed by some washi tape and the dried teabags.  I was drawn to these teabags because they were round and reminded me of the full moon that appeared on both of the ephemera cards I chose. 

Next, I rounded the corners of the ephemera cards and glued them to each of the pages, followed by the "I AM Bright" and "I AM Effervescent" ephemera words.

 

 

Finally, I took the glimmer mists and removed the bottles' spay tops.  I dipped the paintbrush into the bottle and randomly painted on each of the pages.  I was really impressed with how well the "Curious" glimmer mist matched the metallic paper.  You couldn't really see it when painting with the "Dazzling Diamonds" glimmer mist.  So I put the spay top back on the bottle and spayed both pages...because we can never have enough glimmer mist.

 

 

Thank you for stopping by and I hope that you are following Calico Collage on social media.
you can find Calico Collage on Instagram and Pinterest: @calicocollage
If you are a fan of Calico Collage, come join the Facebook Group - Fans of Calico Collage
If you are a BIG fan, make sure you are on the VIP mail list to receive exclusive freebies and coupons.

 

 

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Alice in Wonderland Junk Journal Kit

Good day, everyone!
Today, I'd like to highlight Shabby Alice, the newest junk journal kit and coordinating ephemera.  I'd been asked for an Alice in Wonderland kit several times, but I kept putting it off because there are so many lovely Alice kits out there, and I just wanted the kit I presented to be a little less traditional.  This pastel and shabby chic kit includes iconic illustrations by John Tenniel, as well as pretty flowers and whimsical patterns.  So, if you like shabby chic and pastels, this junk journal kit is for you!   

Shabby Alice Junk Journal Kit & Ephemera

First, let me show you the main kit.  This kit includes everything you need to make one journal, or you can add your own papers to make a perfectly chunky journal.

 

 

✂️What's Included in the Shabby Alice junk journal kit.
22 Digital Papers in JPG format delivered in a ZIP file.
1 Cover Page, 15 Journal Pages, and 6 Fussy Cut Element Sheets
All Page Print at 8.5x11 inches.

 

You can download your Shabby Alice junk journal kit here

 

Next, let's take a look at the matching pattern papers for Shabby Alice.  This charming collection consists of 12 pages designed in complementary colors and patterns.

Download the matching Shabby Alice pattern pages here.

Let's take a look at my personal favorite item in this entire collection, the Playing Cards.
I actually made these cards before I started working on the main kit.
A deck of cards in an Alice in Wonderland collection seemed natural.
Before deciding on this design, there were three others considered.
This design seems to fit perfectly.

 

 

✂️What's Included in the Alice in Wonderland Playing Card Ephemera:
9 Digital Paper in ZIP format.
Total of 68 playing cards, full set of each suit plus 1 extra design for each face card.
1 full page to be printed on the back of each sheet.
Full Page Prints at 8.5x11 inches.

Grab up these Alice in Wonderland playing cards here.

 

Now lets talk quotes.  Small ephemera with quotes add the perfect touch to any junk journal cover or small ephemera cluster!

 

 

✂️What's Included in the Alice in Wonderland label quotes:
1 Digital Paper in JPG format.
There are over 30 small labels.
Labels are a mix of sizes
All Page Print at 8.5x11 inches.

Snatch up these Alice in Wonderland quotes here.

Lastly lets show the Shabby Alice Drink Me Bottles.  These unusual little bottles have captured Alice, Mad Hatter & White Rabbit! 

 

 

✂️What's Included in the Drink Me Bottle ephemera:
2 Digital Paper in JPG format.
12 Drink Me Bottle with Alice, Mad Hatter, and White Rabbit. 4 Designs in 3 different sizes.
Full Page Prints at 8.5x11 inches.

 

Download these Alice in Wonderland Drink Me Bottles here.

 

The Shabby Alice collection consists of eight sets in total - I just highlighted a few in this post.  You can find the whole Shabby Alice Junk Journal kit and associated ephemera in my Etsy shop.  

 

This tiny Easter egg was caught by a few of you, but in case you didn't, here it is.  On May 21st, International Tea Day, I did release this kit.   

"It's Always Tea Time" - Mad Hatter

 

Thank you for stopping by and I hope that you are following Calico Collage on social media.
you can find Calico Collage on Instagram and Pinterest: @calicocollage
If you are a fan of Calico Collage, come join the Facebook Group - Fans of Calico Collage
If you are a BIG fan, make sure you are on the VIP mail list to receive exclusive freebies and coupons. 

 

 

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Hello everyone.
I'd like to show you something a little different today.  One of my personal art journal layouts using vintage papers, printable paper, washi tape, and stamps.  If this is something that interests you, I hope you will continue reading.

Little Bird Art Journal Layout

To create this layout I used:

Printable Little Bird Junk Journal Papers

Printable Ephemera Words, I used I am Affirmations & Unique Ephemera Words

Vintage Paper, I pretty sure I bought what you see here from Paper Harbor Co.

Washi Tape

Stamps

Elmer's Craft Bond Glue Stick

 

I didn't have a plan for this page; all I knew was that I wanted to try out the new printables.
I love how versatile junk journal papers can be.

 

 

I began by ripping up the vintage papers and gluing them down and then randomly placing the washi tape.  I then ripped up the little bird junk journal papers, being careful to only rip around the cute little yellow birds.

 

 

I glued the cute the little birds down and then added a few more strips of washi tape.

 

 

On each page, I scattered a few sentiments.  I liked the sentiment "Be Still, Listen" and thought it would be appropriate for this layout.  Finally, I smudged the pages with ink.Grungy pages speak to me.

 

 

Thank you for stopping by and I hope that you are following Calico Collage on social media.
you can find Calico Collage on Instagram and Pinterest: @calicocollage
If you are a fan of Calico Collage, come join the Facebook Group - Fans of Calico Collage
If you are a BIG fan, make sure you are on the VIP mail list to receive exclusive freebies and coupons.

 

 
 

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Sunflower Junk Journal Ephemera

Hi all! Hi all!
Today I want to showcase the latest printable ephemera from Calico Collage, Sunflowers!
I love yellow and wanted to create something that has this bright happy color highlighted.
I was going to make an all yellow rose kit at first, but that idea was scrapped when I remembered the story of Clytie, the girl who was turned into a sunflower.

According to Greek mythology, a nymph named Clytie fell in love with Apollo, the God of the Sun.  Clytie was obsessed with the sun and would spend her days outside looking at it.  This irritated Apollo.  As a result, he transformed Clytie into a sunflower as punishment.  But, because she loved him so much, she watched him move across the sky every day, just like sunflowers do.   

There are numerous versions of this story, but this is the one I was told as a child. 

Now with out further ado, Sunflowers!

Sunflowers Printable Junk Journal Ephemera

Sunflower Junk Journal Papers 

First is this lovely set of printable papers. These pages are so versatile that they will look great in any spring or floral journal! Fold the pages in half to fill up your junk journal, or cut them up to collage into your own ephemera embellishments. 

What's Included:
12 Digital Papers in JPG format delivered in a ZIP file.
All Page Print at 8.5x11 inches.

 

Download the Sunflowers Junk Journal Papers here.

 

Sunflower Ephemera Cards

These one-of-a-kind printables would be ideal for a variety of paper crafts, including physical ephemera, mixed media, junk journals, bullet journals, vintage journals, hang tags, and so much more! Allow your awe-inspiring imagination to run wild!

What's Included:
3 Digital Paper in JPG format.
23 ephemera cards.
Full Page Prints at 8.5x11 inches.

 

Download the Sunflowers Ephemera Cards here. 

 

Sunflower Fussy Cut Ephemera

 Lastly there is the sunflower fussy cut ephemera.  These one-of-a-kind printable sunflower ephemera will be perfect for a wide range of paper art work, including physical ephemera, mixed media, junk junk and bullet journals.

What's Included:
3 Digital Paper in JPG format.
36 ephemera fussy cuts.
Full Page Prints at 8.5x11 inches.

 

Download the Sunflowers Fussy Cut Ephemera here.

 

Thank you for stopping by and I hope that you are following Calico Collage on social media.
you can find Calico Collage on Instagram and Pinterest: @calicocollage
If you are a fan of Calico Collage, come join the Facebook Group - Fans of Calico Collage
If you are a BIG fan, make sure you are on the VIP mail list to receive exclusive freebies and coupons.

 

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Bluebonnet Junk Journal Ephemera

Hello there!
I'd like to showcase Calico Collage's newest junk journal ephemera collection today, Bluebonnet.
The scientific name for this flower is Lupinus texensis, but Texans call it the bluebonnet.  In 1901, this flower was designated as the official flower of Texas.  The buffalo clover, wolf flower, and el canejo are all names for this flower.  The sapphire blue petals are said to resemble the bonnets worn by pioneer women to protect themselves from the sunlight.  Another story lies behind this lovely flower, a Native American folk tale about a selfless indigenous girl who sacrificed her beloved doll to save her people and land from a terrible drought.  You can hear the story of this beautiful flower here.  After hearing this moving story, I knew I had to make something that featured this lovely flower.Bluebonnet Junk Journal Ephemera

First, I'd like to share this lovely collection of 12 papers. 

This set includes 12 papers, all papers will print out at 8.5x11 inches.

Download Bluebonnet Junk Journal Papers here.

Let's move on to these Bluebonnet ephemera cards.

This collection includes 3 printable pages with 23 mixed sized cards.

Download the Bluebonnet Ephemera Cards here.

Lastly, Bluebonnet fussy cut ephemera.

This set includes 3 printable pages with 36 fussy cut ephemera.

Download the Bluebonnet Fussy Cut Ephemera here.

Thank you for stopping by and I hope that you are following Calico Collage on social media.
you can find Calico Collage on Instagram and Pinterest: @calicocollage
If you are a fan of Calico Collage, come join the Facebook Group - Fans of Calico Collage
If you are a BIG fan, make sure you are on the VIP mail list to receive exclusive freebies and coupons.

 

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Dancing Dragonflies Junk Journal Kit, Collaberation with Linda Israel

It's finally here!
Linda Israel's shop is now the only place to get the new Dancing Dragonflies junk journal kit. Linda sells a one-of-a-kind junk journal subscription box, and we collaborated this month to create this lovely vivid jewel toned dragonfly themed kit.  Everything you need (and more) to make a beautiful junk journal is included in the subscription box! Physical items are limited, so you must act quickly. But if you're more interested in digital items, keep reading because that's what I'll be covering today.  

Printable Dancing Dragonflies Junk Journal Kit

Linda's shop offers three different printable kits, with the option to save money and purchase all three.

1. The Subscription Kit
2. The Large Junk Journal Kit
3. The Planner Kit

The Dancing Dragonfly Subscription Kit

This junk journal kit contains all of the art and ephemera found in the subscription box.  We were not going to offer this option at first, but with shipping prices as they are, we felt compelled to do so.  Another fantastic advantage of purchasing digitally is that there are no shipping costs! 

The subscription digital kit includes 14 printable pages.  1 Front Cover, 1 Back Cover, 8 Journal Pages and 4 Ephemera Pages.

 

The Large Dancing Dragonflies Junk Journal Kit 

This junk journal kit is massive, with 26 one-of-a-kind printable pages full of beautiful jewel toned dragonflies.
Linda and I wanted to create a kit that would provide a variety of end results while allowing the crafter's creative mind to be the guide.
The crafter could easily create two to three single signature journals or a large chunky junk journal. 

The large digital junk journal kit includes 26 printable pages. 2 Front Covers, 2 Back Covers, 16 Journal Pages and 6 Ephemera Pages.

 

 

The Dancing Dragonflies Planner Kit

Lastly, there's the junk journal planner kit.  This vibrant kit includes everything you need for a one-month planner.  Mix and match it with either (or both) of the above-mentioned kits, and you'll have a journal that anyone would envy!

The digital junk journal planner kit includes 12 printable pages. 1 Front Cover, 1 Back Cover, 6 Planner Pages, 2 Journaling Pages, 1 Set of 6 Journaling Cards & 1 Ephemera Page.

Download the Dancing Dragonflies Junk Journal Printables Here

Thank you for stopping by and I hope that you are following Calico Collage on social media.
you can find Calico Collage on Instagram and Pinterest: @calicocollage
If you are a fan of Calico Collage, come join the Facebook Group - Fans of Calico Collage
If you are a BIG fan, make sure you are on the VIP mail list to receive exclusive freebies and coupons.

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Serene Flora Junk Journal Kit

 

Good day, everyone!
Today I'd like to highlight one of my personal favorite collections, Serene Flora.
This junk journal kit was designed for people who adore the color yellow.
Yellow is my favorite color, and it can be difficult to find nice ephemera that is predominantly yellow.  I chose blue and teal to complement the yellow, and filled this kit with cute birds, playful butterflies, pretty yellow roses and blue irises.

Continue reading if yellow is your favorite color!
This kit will be a hit with you. 

Serene Flora Printable Junk Journal Kit

First lets start with the printable junk journal kit.  This kit includes 7 junk journal papers and 4 ephemera sheets.

Download the Serene Junk Journal Kit here.

Serene Flora Ephemera Packs

I have also create 3 additional ephemera packs that go along with the above mentioned junk journal kit, you know for those that LOVE creating more ephemera embellishments. You know who you are. 😉

 

First lets showcase the fussy cut ephemera pack. 

This ephemera pack includes 3 printable pages with a total of 22 fussy cut ephemera.

Download the Serene Flora Ephemera Pack here.

Now onto the matching tag collection.  This pack includes 2 printable pages with a mix of 16 tags and cards.

Download the Serene Flora Ephemera Tags here.

Lastly we have the Serene Flora Mason Jar tags.  This set includes 2 printable pages with a total of 6 nice size mason jar size tags.

Download the Serene Flora Mason Jar Tags here.

Thank you for stopping by and I hope that you are following Calico Collage on social media.
you can find Calico Collage on Instagram and Pinterest: @calicocollage
If you are a fan of Calico Collage, come join the Facebook Group - Fans of Calico Collage
If you are a BIG fan, make sure you are on the VIP mail list to receive exclusive freebies and coupons.

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