I had random.org pick a winner early today and then I got lost in trying to figure out the best quality, most cost efficient and problem free color printer. I never thought it would be so hard to come up with a list but I’ve posted my findings below because so many people have asked me about printing the pattern paper from our new CD. Scroll down to see my thoughts and findings…
First, I have to announce the winner from my post yesterday, so congrats to Random.org Winner #86 Renee VanEpps, who has won our new CD, our Mini Vintage Creative Scraps and 12 Peel-Off Stickers!
Before I talk about printers I need to clarify that YES – our CD, Creating with Vintage Patterns works for both PC and Macs with any compatible with software that supports jpg & PNG files for Windows or Mac. So, as long as your computer will open a jpg and PNG file – you can print all of the designs! YOU can also print any of the 24 Black PNG Design Patterns in B&W on any color cardstock and not even use color ink.
If you want to use the CD for digital projects then you need to have software that also supports those formats. The most popular digital software right now seems to be Adobe Photoshop Elements 9 and Patty Debowski from thedigitalscrapbookteacher.com wrote a step by step tutorial included on our CD on how she created this digital layout using the program. She also has classes, software, her new book and a link on her site for a $20.00 rebate, so it’s only $99.00 – but more importantly for those of you curious that just want to try digital out, there is a link to a free trial version Elements 9 HERE!
Okay, now on to printers... I think amazon.com is one of the best places to research printers and possibly buy one - if you can't find the model you like best locally. They have candid reviews posted by the general public and you can search under 'Best Selling' and 'Highest Reviews' for different brands. It's really mixed, but the overall ratings from 602 reviews is 4.5* out of 5 for the Canon Pixma MP560 Wireless Inkjet Printer and the other newer Pixma MG5220 model seems to be good. I bought a new Pixma MP560 printer today for $83.11 and $16.11 S&H new from a store on amazon, so be sure to look at all of the options, as they have refurbished models on many printers as well.
I've heard about the Kodak printers that save money on ink but the reviews are way more mixed and less positive. Amazon has the Kodak-ESP-6150 all in one Color Printer for $149.00 from amazon.com (includes S&H) Do any of you have feedback on these printers?
If you read the bad reviews, many people seem to complain about setting up the wireless connection and they have suggestions that seem helpful.
Here is a link to bestselling wide format printers with all the reviews.
I would love to hear your feedback about printing paper and printers!!!
PS - Thanks for all the kind comments yesterday! The weather held out for Katie's birthday BBQ and later we play pictionary and used an easel for everyone to draw on and it was the perfect party game.
I'm excited to see what the Design Team creates tomorrow for our Childhood Challenge!
Sandy Redburn
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Crafty Secrets
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13 comments:
Congrats to the winner :) Can't wait to see some projects tomorrow :)
We use a Canon MP620B and fill the ink cartridges manually with a non-needle syringe, it saves tons of money and makes really nice copies.We get our ink bottles at Staples online.
As for photo paper, I have found it cost efficient to use Office Max glossy-everyday photo paper- it comes in 8 1/2 by 11 sheets, 50 count, and it is 200 grams or 9 mil thick. Hope this is helpful to you!
Here's a question I can't seem to find an answer for......why does my printer print ALWAYS on almost any weight, thickness of WHITE cardstocks, but only on some colored ones or design papers.......when it won't print, the colored cardstock just whizzes through the printer, and then the next paper in line (usually cheap printer paper) gets the image. There must be a fix for this, but noone seems willing to share "the secret" with me!! Is it just a matter of changing the guidelines for the printer?
Thanks for the printer info!
Thanks for the printer update. I will use Amazon for additional information.
Another good paper to use is Printworks Photo Paper Matte. You can buy it at Target for a good price. Copies come out great. Colored design papers are a problem with Epsons and I don't know why, Seems instead of printers doing more they are doing less.
I use an HP Deskjet D1650. It works just fine. I don't think I'd use it to print photographs, but I print vintage images on it all the time, and they look great. I don't think it was very expensive, but printers have gotten really reasonable lately.
Oh I can't tell you how excited I am to win this!!! Thank you so, so so much!!! And Lynn - I have wondered the same thing! If you find out let me know! I'll stay tuned to your blog!
I haven't tried digital printing for full page imagaes. But I do print images for my scrapbook pages on my Kodak All in One Printer. I love it, it makes great photo copies. I have also read not such good reviews on the Kodak printers but any problems I have had with the printer you could have with any printer. Kodak gave me full support and fixed any problems I had without any questions, even called to make sure everything was working great. Great customer service, online and on the phone.
Maybe today, who knows? Thanks for the chance to enter!
Thanks for this article. I also did a lot of research before buying and I now have the Canon Pixma MP560 and LOVE it! And our local Costco does ink cartridge refills for this model. I can refill all the inks for $40. All our photos and printable images have come out excellent. My only complaint: I wish it would print 12" by 12." Great printer!
Ok, as a former Canon rep ;) I recommend Canon over Kodak any day. Kodak has huge issues with performance (they were actually sued in NY) and good luck with their CS. Their ink is cheap but you go through a lot of it. I have a Canon 640R and LOVE it. Their customer service is also on the West Coast ;)
@Lin is there a setting that you can change to tell your printer your printing on a different format?
I just love the little girl in the tea cup. What a lovely card. And I like that you give us all the details of your research for a great printer. Thanks
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