Acetate meets copy machine for cards, decorations

Sunset, Dec, 1987

Acetate meets copy machine for cards, decorations

By photocopying designs onto clear acetate sheets--sold as wet media acetate at art supply stores and many photocopy centers--you can print distinctive gift tags, invitations, greeting cards, and tree or window ornaments.

To make a master set, first choose your design--perhaps a child's drawing or something from a book of copyright-free art. Then photocopy it (reducing it, if needed) onto an 8 1/2- by 11-inch sheet of paper. If the design is small (remember to allow extra-space for writing), you can fit several onto the master set.

To make the acetate tags, place your master set in the photocopier, slip 8 1/2- by 11-inch acetate sheets into the drawer that holds the paper, and then print as many photocopies as you want. Cut out the designs and color them with felt-tip pens-- those labeled for overhead projection provide strongest color without beading.

For gift cards, punch a hole in the acetate, then loop a thin ribbon through the hole and tie it to the package.

Photo: Reduced copies of child's drawing from master set appear on acetate sheet. He checks reproduction before directing technician to set counter for destred number of copies

Photo: For stained-glass effect, color the cutout gift tags with felt-tip pens--those made for overhead projection give the best color

Photo: Snowman tag, made from reduced photocopy of child's drawing, stands out against solid-color gift-wrap