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This post may contain affiliate links for products I love and recommend.This week, we created a high impact-low cost art project with loads of personality that I hope you’ll love. These oversize kid poster prints created a unique gallery in our living room that really sets the tone for the whole house. Our house is loud, chaotic, creative, and fun so we hung these photos in leu of traditional staged family photos,
We seriously had the best time making these and hope you will too!
When I started this project, I wanted huge, fun, black and white pictures of the kids for the blank wall on our living room. We get family photos done every year and while we try to add personality to them, getting the photos done is still stressful. This method of getting family photos allowed us to have fun taking them without leaving our house, get pictures on our own time, and the kids had a blast to boot. The wall of pictures is anything but traditional, but our family has never followed a mold anyways.
It was really important to me that the photos showcase that energy and each kid’s unique personality. To get these photos, I had each kid stand with their backs against the white wall in our front room and make silly faces.
I used my Canon Rebel T5 Camera (it’s on sale right now!!!) to get high quality photos that didn’t turn grainy when I blew them up. I have used this camera for years and it’s never let me down. It’s been super easy to use, especially if you are a beginner looking to get started with a DSLR.
Next, I edited the photos just a little. I turned them into black and white images and brightened them just a smidge with Adobe Photoshop. From there, I headed over to Staples.com to get them printed.
Boston is one of the cutest kids I’ve ever seen but makes the craziest faces as soon as the camera comes out. It was awesome to have fun with it instead of nag him over and over again to “look at the camera”…… “”Smile with your teeth.”……..”That’s not a smile”………. “Don’t cross your eyes”….. you get the idea.
Milo has always been a little monkey. She is so incredibly strong and coordinated and from the day she and Boston met, she has been scaling walls, climbing door moldings, and doing countless push-ups with her dad. She pressed her back against the wall, stood up straight, and immediately began kissing her biceps.
Harper is an all around goof-ball. She is silly and giddy and brings up the mood of the whole house almost instantly. She took the crazy faces to heart and I think it suits her perfectly.
Zoe had to hold Milo’s hand to stand still long enough to get the picture, but with her sister beside her, Zoe stood in place, looked straight into the camera and gave a big “cheese!!!” I ended up having to edit Milo’s shoulder out of Zoe’s picture.
From there, I went to Staples.com and selected the size of engineers print I wanted. I did a little bit of research first and found great frames from Amazon that fit the space well and kept the entire wall of photos under $80 including the prints. I chose the smaller size prints to fit the frames I bought, submitted my order online, and picked them up the next day. My total bill for 4 enormous prints was under $14.00
When you go to pick up your order, be aware that these are not printed on photo-quality paper (that’s why they’re so inexpensive) and be gentle when you bring them home. Your prints will come in a huge roll but the paper is standard printer-paper quality so be careful not to bend them before they are framed.
These prints were printed to the 24″ x 36″ size and I used these huge frames for less than $20 each.
Thank you SO much for reading this little DIY and as always, if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask in the comments below. If you liked this post bt sure to check out these as well:
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Are you an aspiring children’s book author looking to bring your stories to life? Choosing the right children’s book printing service is crucial for creating high-quality, captivating books that will enchant young readers. We will guide you through the process of selecting the ideal children’s book printing service, exploring customization options, comparing costs, and offering design tips to help you create the perfect children’s book. Let’s embark on this exciting journey together!
Choose a quality children’s book printing service with customizable options and cost-effective solutions.
Consider size selection, paper choices, binding styles, and eco-friendly practices for optimal results.
Utilize print on demand services to bring your story to life and reach readers worldwide.
The first step in creating a beautiful children’s book is finding a children’s book printing service that offers high-quality printing, customizable options, and competitive pricing. With numerous services available, it’s essential to research and compare their offerings to find the one that best meets your needs. Luckily, you have found Dazzle Printing.
One crucial factor to consider when selecting a printing service is the quality of the printed books. For optimal results, ensure that your print file is:
Following these guidelines will contribute to a high-quality final product.
Cost is another vital consideration in choosing the right printing service. It’s essential to evaluate the minimum order quantities and compare costs across different services to find the most competitive pricing. At Dazzle Printing, our minimum print quantity is only 25 copies, and you can order in increments of 1 copy. Plus, we have online pricing calculators so you can instantly get a pricing quote once you have input all of your printing specifications.
Lastly, don’t underestimate the importance of excellent customer service. At Dazzle Printing, we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee and authors always retain complete creative control over their work. Be sure to check out our over 150 5-star Google reviews, many of which talk about our outstanding customer service. By carefully considering each of these factors, you’ll be well on your way to finding the ideal children’s book printing service.
Customization is key when it comes to creating a unique custom children’s book that will stand out on the bookshelf. In the following sections, we will explore various customization options for children’s book printing, including size selection, paper choices, and binding styles, so you can create the perfect book tailored to your vision.
Selecting the right size for your children’s book is essential for ensuring it appeals to your target age group and aligns with industry standards. While the size range for children’s books is 3.74” to 11.69” in width or height, the recommended size options for children’s book printing are 8.5 by 8.5 square or 8 x 10 inches. Other frequent size options include 7” x 10”, 5” x 8”, or 8.5” x 11”, so there is plenty of flexibility to accommodate various book types and audience preferences.
However, it is ultimately up to your discretion to choose the size that best fits your vision and the needs of your young readers. Keep in mind that some sizes may be more suitable for specific age groups or book formats. For example, larger sizes may be more appropriate for picture books with full-page illustrations, while smaller sizes might work well for chapter books or early readers.
By considering your target audience and the content of your book, you can make an informed decision about the ideal page size for your project.
The type of paper you choose for your children’s book can significantly impact the vibrancy of illustrations and the overall appearance of the final product. Gloss or matte paper is recommended for children’s books featuring colorful illustrations, with gloss paper being preferable for books with full-color spreads and minimal text, and matte paper being better suited for books with more text and fewer illustrations.
When selecting paper weight, consider options such as 70#, 80#, or 100# coated paper. These weights are suitable for children’s books and can provide a professional finish that enhances the overall look and feel of the book.
For drawing, coloring, or activity books, uncoated paper stock is recommended, as it provides a better surface for writing and coloring with pencils or crayons. By carefully choosing the right paper type and weight, you can ensure that your children’s book is both visually appealing and functional.
Binding styles play an important role in determining the durability and overall appearance of your children’s book. Options such as:
are available for children’s books, each with their own advantages and suitability for different book types.
For picture books, saddle-stitched binding and perfect binding are popular choices, especially when using thicker paper. These binding styles allow the picture book to lay flat when opened, making it easier for young readers to enjoy the illustrations. On the other hand, perfect binding is suggested for chapter books, as it provides a more cost-effective and lightweight option for longer texts.
In certain circumstances, plastic coil and wire-o binding can also be good binding options, especially for children’s coloring books.
In the end, the choice of binding style will depend on the specific needs of your children’s book project and your personal preferences. By considering the book’s content, target audience, and desired durability, you can select the binding style that best suits your vision.
As an author, you want to create a beautiful book without breaking the bank. Comparing costs for paperback and hardcover children’s book printing can help you find the most cost-effective solution for your project, considering factors such as page count.
Paperback and hardcover books each have their own advantages and cost implications. Paperback books, for example, are more cost-efficient to manufacture than hardcover books, making them a popular choice for authors looking to save on printing costs. Hardcover books, on the other hand, feature a more durable cover constructed from binder’s board, heavy paperboard covered with cloth, heavy paper, or occasionally leather, providing a higher level of resilience and a more premium feel.
When comparing costs, it’s important to consider factors such as:
By analyzing these factors, you can make an informed decision on the best option for your children’s book.
Creating a visually captivating and engaging children’s book is essential for capturing the attention of young readers and making your stories memorable. Professional illustrations can greatly enhance the visual appeal of a children’s book, bringing the story to life and making it more appealing to young readers.
An age-appropriate and engaging cover design is equally important. When designing your cover, consider the age range of your target audience and the general theme of the book. Utilizing vivid colors and prominent fonts can help draw attention to the cover, while ensuring that the illustrations are congruent with the story line will create a cohesive and appealing overall design.
The overall layout and pacing of your children’s book also play a crucial role in its success. Consider the age group of your intended readers and the length of the book when determining the layout. Strategically placing illustrations to help the story progress and employing page breaks and other design elements to create a sense of flow and movement can greatly enhance the reading experience for young readers.
By keeping these design tips in mind and focusing on creating an eye-catching and engaging children’s book, you will be well on your way to captivating the hearts and minds of young readers everywhere.
You can find online templates that will make it easier to design children’s books. A book template will help you plan a page-by-page layout quickly. Using a template ensures you won’t forget any important elements of your book.
However, an online template should be considered a starting point for your own creative efforts. It can’t replace the storyboard. An online design will help you get organized, but it won’t give you a sense of what the finished, printed book looks like. That’s where the storyboard comes in.
You can get these templates from:
When you design a children’s book, your design must include these standard book elements:
As authors and creators, it’s essential to consider the environmental impact of printing and strive to utilize eco-friendly practices. When selecting a printing service that emphasizes sustainability, consider the following eco-friendly practices:
By implementing these practices, you can reduce the environmental impact of your printing and contribute to a more sustainable future.
By implementing eco-friendly printing practices, you can lessen the environmental impact of printing your children’s book while still creating a beautiful, high-quality final product. This not only benefits the environment, but also sets a positive example for young readers who will enjoy your book.
Remember, every small step towards sustainability counts. By choosing a printing service that prioritizes eco-friendly practices, you are contributing to a greener future for our planet and the generations to come.
Many children’s book authors have achieved remarkable success through self-publishing, using high-quality printing services to bring their stories to life. One such example is Karen Inglis, a highly successful self-publishing author with five children’s books to her credit. Her inspiring journey demonstrates the potential of self-publishing for aspiring children’s book authors everywhere.
By utilizing high-quality printing services and taking advantage of the opportunities offered by self-publishing platforms, you too can bring your children’s book dreams to life and share your stories with readers around the world.
Remember, the success of your self-published children’s book is in your hands. By investing in high-quality children’s book printing services and embracing the possibilities of self-publishing, you can create a lasting impact on the hearts and minds of young readers everywhere.
Print On Demand services have revolutionized the world of children’s book publishing, offering authors the convenience and flexibility to print and distribute their books across the globe. With such services, you can print your books as needed, eliminating the need for large print runs and reducing the costs associated with inventory management.
By exploring Print On Demand services for children’s books, you can:
In conclusion, finding the best quality children’s book printing service is crucial for creating captivating and engaging books that will delight young readers. By considering factors such as printing quality, customization options, and costs, as well as embracing eco-friendly printing practices and the opportunities offered by self-publishing and Print On Demand services, you can create a children’s book that will stand the test of time and leave a lasting impression on the hearts and minds of your readers. Now is the time to bring your stories to life and share your unique vision with the world of children’s literature.
On average, you should expect to invest around $5,000 or more when self-publishing a children’s book, depending on the amount of additional services needed.
These services can include editing, cover design, formatting, and printing. It’s important to factor in these costs when budgeting for your project.
Create a children’s book for free with Mystorybook.com. The online storybook creator allows kids to write stories and add characters, scenes, images, and drawings to bring them to life.
Then share the stories online for free.
When selecting a children’s book printing service, consider the quality of printed books, customization options, costs, and customer service.
Look for a service that offers high-quality printing, with options to customize the book to your needs. Consider the cost of printing, as well as any additional fees for customization. Finally, make sure the customer is happy.
Customers can select the size, paper type, and binding style for their children’s book printing project to achieve a unique, personalized product.
Using eco-friendly printing practices for children’s books helps protect the environment and ensures that production is done responsibly, creating a better future for our kids.
By using these practices, we can ensure that our children’s books are printed in a way that is both sustainable and ethical. This helps to reduce our environmental impact and create a better world for our children to grow up in.
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