Fifth Grade Frenzies: How to Print on Patterend Paper

In my last post I showed you my Teacher Toolbox. When I was looking for ideas on Pinterest for this project, I noticed different bloggers posting about the amount of paper they wasted to get their toolbox to turn out just right. How terrible!!! Trust me - as a scrapbooker - any wasted patterned paper is a tragedy.

I wanted to show you an easy way to print on patterned paper when you only want to print on a small piece... This can be done on a shape, tab dividers, labels for a shower or party, or on birthday cards! (Click here for my post about the birthday cards I made for my class!)

First I laid out the size boxes I needed in Microsoft word and set them with one of my favorite free fonts - Howser. Once I was happy with the font/size/spacing I printed the page with the text boxes outline included. This will be the template for the patterned paper.

Next I cut down my patterned paper to fit the box that was printed on my sheet.

Next I taped the patterned paper down. But before I did that I put the tape on my forearm (or cheek!) to keep it from being TOO sticky on the patterned paper. No one wants to tear their pretty paper!! (Consider it a mini-facial while crafting!!) :)
I don't know if the picture shows - but I barely put the tape on my patterned paper. (You can always hold your paper and template up to a light source to double check that your tape won't get any ink on it when you print again.)

Once all the patterned paper I needed was taped down I ran it back through the printer AFTER I turned OFF the outline of the textboxes. This way it only prints the words I wanted and I know it will print it exactly where I want it. (Sorry if the bigger font was too dramatic... but it's a biggee!)

Lastly I CAREFULLY pulled off the patterned paper. And wah-lah! You have personalized patterned paper!

Once you get the hang of this you can use it on practically every label in your classroom! I know it "wastes" ink by making the template... but incase you don't know... remanufactured ink is dirt cheap on Amazon. I have been using it for awhile now. It is definetly something worth looking into!