Firstly, thank you for grabbing a handprint craft from my Etsy shop or my freebie subscription!
(If you’re not signed up to get a free printable on the 1st of every month, you can do that here!)
Need help printing your craft? You’re in the right place. There are a few ways to quickly print your templates, so I’ll walk through all your options in this article.
Skip Ahead:
Download Your Files From Etsy
If you haven’t already downloaded your purchases from Etsy, do that now!
Click here for simple instructions on how to download or watch the 5-minute tutorial below.
Choose Which Size To Print
I include both an 8×10” and Letter Size with most of my handprint crafts to make it easier for you to print either at home or with any printing service!
So, which size should you print? Here are a few things to think about:
US Letter Size Prints
Letter size paper measures 8.5×11 inches. In the United States, that’s a standard-size sheet of computer paper.
This file size is most convenient to use if you are printing at home. Just load up your home printer with 8.5×11” cardstock and you’re ready to go!
Your Letter Size file will be named accordingly so you can identify it in your Etsy downloads.
8×10 Size Prints
The file labeled “8×10 Size” in your downloads is specially sized for printing on 8×10-inch paper.
If you’re planning on framing your handprint craft as a gift, the 8×10 size may be easiest to find frames for!
Use Cardstock Paper
I recommend printing on cardstock paper to prevent wrinkling and tearing when you apply paint to it.
On Amazon, I like this white cardstock.
If you want to shop around locally, just look for cardstock that is 216 gsm/80lbs or greater to ensure that the paper is thick enough.
You can also ask for cardstock at the print company or office supplies store you are printing at.
What if I don’t have cardstock?
Use any thicker paper you may have available to you.
I’ve had customers print on construction paper, matte photo paper, and even 2 sheets of regular copy paper carefully glued together to thicken it up a bit.
If you are using an ink pad instead of paint for your handprints, regular thin copy paper won’t wrinkle so you should be good to go!
Print At Home
If you have a home printer (or a printer in your office), this is the cheapest and fastest option!
Printing Letter Size At Home
Again, the US Letter size file in your downloads is the best fit for 8.5×11″ computer paper.
Open your PDF file with any program that’s already installed on your home computer. Personally, I use the free version of Adobe Acrobat.
Here are what my printer settings look like:
I recommend selecting the “Fit” setting, rather than “Actual Size” or “100%.”
Some printers (my Canon for example) do not print ink all the way to the edge of the paper. This is why selecting “Fit” will ensure that none of your design gets cut off.
Look what happens when I select “Actual Size” in the printer settings. See the gray area around the preview? That beautiful watercolor border will get cut off!
Printing 8×10 Size At Home
Personally, I always print my 8×10” handprint art at home on my Letter size cardstock paper.
Because the cardstock measures 8.5×11 inches and the print is only 8×10 inches, there will be extra space around the design after it’s printed. I just cut off that white border, reducing the page size to 8×10” so I can frame it!
It’s faster and cheaper for me to print this way, but Office Depot and Staples do a great job printing on cardstock as well!
Print Locally
Office Supplies stores that have printing services do a great job printing either your Letter size or 8×10 on cardstock paper.
I find it easier to print my Letter size files locally.
Whenever I’m out of ink, I run over to Office Depot because they have the best price in my neighborhood. It’s relatively inexpensive and fast if I need a next-day gift.
Other local options for you may include:
- Staples
- Office Max
- FedEx
- UPS
- Walgreens
- Wal-Mart
- Costco
- Sam’s Club
Print Online
Another option for you is to upload your files to an online printing service and have the prints mailed to your house!
If you have a little more time to get your craft done, this is a very convenient option.
I find it easier to print my 8×10 files online.
Some options for printing online include:
- Amazon Print
- Vistaprint
- GotPrint
- Snapfish
Add Handprints To Your Craft
You’ve got your handprint craft printed out and ready to be painted!
Depending on whether you have a baby, toddler, or older child, there are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years to get the best handprint possible.
Check out all my tips and tricks here!
