How to Create Photo Custom Greeting Cards

Use special paper for your greeting cards.

Greeting cards can easily be purchased from a store, but they can seem impersonal. Adding a photo and customizing the card lets you reach out in a more personal way, whether the card is for a birthday, or a holiday, or just to let your friends and family know you're thinking of them. Microsoft Publisher, along with photo editing software, can help you create your card.

Things You'll Need

• Microsoft Publisher Photographs Photo editing software Printer Special paper

Instructions

1. Get a workable picture to use. Take a number of photos of the person or subject, using various angles, distances, backgrounds and lighting.

2. Edit the pictures. Download them to your computer and use your photo editing software to make any needed adjustments.

3. Select a photo or photos to use for your greeting card. Save the photos in an accessible file.

4. Open Microsoft Publisher. Access the Publisher Catalog to create the card with a wizard. Choose "Greeting Card" and then the specific type of card. Follow the wizard's directions to complete the greeting card.

5. Customize your card with the photo. Decide where you'd like to place the picture. Select "From File..." under "Pictures" in the Insert Menu.

6. Find your photo on your computer and select it. Click on the "Insert" button. Use your mouse to adjust the placement of the photo, if needed.

7. Print your card on regular paper first. Check it over and make changes as needed. Print it on the special paper.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the various options in your photo editing software to alter the appearance of the photo. Change the look, shape and colors of the picture to suit the greeting card you are creating. If you do not have a photo editing program, download a free copy of Picasa. Use the link provided under Resources.

• Save all of your photos before making any adjustments. Save another copy if you make any changes to a photo. Remember to rename the file when doing this.

Resources

• Google Picasa: free photo editor