Inkjet Printing, Anyone?

[robertwgross]

My printer is busy knocking out a 650MB print job, so I don't think I'll be doing any real work here for a while.

It is a 12-page calendar printed on 13x19 paper, and the majority of each page is a collage of nature photos.

Then it will be about thirty copies of the whole thing. I'll be up to my hips in empty inkjet cartridges by the time the whole thing is done!

---Bob Gross---

[LarryB]

What paper are you using?

What printer?

Did you use specialized software for the layout? Or did you create it from scratch?

Do we all get a copy of the calendar???

[robertwgross]

What paper are you using?

Epson Photo Quality Injet, 13x19 Super A3

What printer?

My ancient Epson 1270, which I think I purchased sometime during the Harding administration.

Did you use specialized software for the layout? Or did you create it from scratch?

Microsoft Word with the 2005 calendar template, modified a bit for photos.

Do we all get a copy of the calendar???

Not.

---Bob Gross---

[LarryB]

Sorry if these seem like stupid questions, but.....

Is the calendar laid out such that the photo is on the same page as the days of the month?

Or is the photo for one month on the back of the page for the previous month?

In which case, is the paper you are using capable of two sided printing?

How are you binding the pages?

I had given some thought to making a few calendars for friends and family but I keep getting hung up on the two sided printing part.

[sparker1]

For the past several years, I've been making personalized calendars for friends and family (Christmas gifts). I use a Broderbund greeting card program to create the calendar pages, selecting a version that makes a full-page per month. Each day is a little more than an inch square. Birthdays of people close to the recipient are marked by a small photo of the person born on that date. Official holidays are marked by cartoons that signify the occasion.

On the other side, oriented for viewing when the page is flipped, is a photo from my travels that year, landscapes, wildlife, etc. Including a cover, 13 photos get it done. I put the recipient's name on the cover also. The photos used in each calendar are selected based on the individual's favorite kinds of scenes (some prefer wildlife, or waterfalls, or whatever).

For binding, I use a clear plastic cover and the plastic comb-binding system. I bought inexpensive binding equipment (Staples) that is easy to use. The comb binder allows pages to easily be flipped, displaying a full-page photo and a full-page monthly calendar simultaneously.

I estimate each calendar costs about $7 in materials, including the plastic cover, the comb binding, HP glossy brochure paper (works well for this), and printer ink. Kinkos or Ritz camera will make a calendar for $25, you supply 13 photos. Of course, the personalization they won't do, and I think that is a valuable feature.

I will be happy to answer any questions.

[robertwgross]

Is the calendar laid out such that the photo is on the same page as the days of the month?

Yes. The paper is 13x19. The main photo goes in the top, and the calendar grid is on the bottom. Then minor photos get scattered around as the mood suits me, each with a caption. Only January photos go on the January page, etc.


Or is the photo for one month on the back of the page for the previous month?
In which case, is the paper you are using capable of two sided printing?


No. As I wrote elsewhere, this is paper with one good side and one poor side.

How are you binding the pages?

That is the problem. I checked with various binding services, and I could not find anybody who would do that single service without lots of cash.

I'll likely end up with the same solution that I had last year. I built a little cardboard jig, and it allows me to neatly put a stripe of Glue Stic glue along the top edge of the paper, on each sheet. Then all twelve sheets get pressed together neatly.

When the user changes months, they have to tear off the sheet.

---Bob Gross---

[LarryB]

Stan,

I am sitting here looking at a 13x19 calendar that is folded and stapled in the middle. A photo is at the top (back of previous month's page) and the actual calendar part is full page at the bottom. The days are about 1 inch square as you described. This layout would require being able to print on both sides of the paper.

Since you mention turning pages I'll assume your calendar is similar and that you are printing on both sides of the paper. This would then lead me to assume that the HP Glossy Brochure paper is two sided media? Yes? No? Maybe so? Hmmm...I wonder if there is an Epson equivalent in either glossy, luster or matte.

Stapling the middle sounds easiest at first, but then you would need a stapler with a 10 inch reach to get to the middle and the ability to staple through 12 rather thick pieces of media. The spiral or plastic comb binding sounds like a workable approach. Shall I assume that the kit you purchased included a paper hole punch?


Robert,

I'm assuming your calendar is 13x19 but not folded in the middle? Since I was looking at the folded one I have here on the wall from last year I really hadn't thought of just making it flat. I don't see why that wouldn't work just as well.

As far as the binding, I have tear off type pads made for my price sheets at the local PIP Printing place, each consisting of 50 sheets glued at the top and a stiff sheet of cardboard for a backing. I think I pay $5 to have 12 pads made. I suppose the same principal would work for 12 sheets but I would think I could get a couple dozen calendars glued for about the same price. Although, the spiral/plastic comb approach might work with this design as well.