Hello my friends!!! I’m here to talk hybrid with you!! I’m sure you have seen the many hybrid projects floating around in our hybrid gallery. We sure are hoping that these marvelous creations have piqued your interest…..AND…..are fingers are crossed quite tightly, just hoping you will want to take a walk and ultimately a long journey down the hybrid road.
The hybrid approach encompasses using your computer/device plus digital designs to turn them into actual physical items to be used in a physical layout that may also include more traditional scrapbooking or crafting supplies (think—scissors, glue, stamps, hand journaling, etc). Some would say hybrid is where the best of the digital world meets the best of the paper world. As you can tell from the gallery, the hybrid approach can be used in card making, scrapbooking, planning, journaling, and many craft and/or DIY type projects or whatever else sparks your creativity.
Getting started with hybrid does not have to be intimidating and I recommend starting simple. By starting with the few simple basic tools for your toolbox, it allows you to get started in this wonderful world of hybrid and its a great springboard to explore and grow your hybrid toolbox.
Printer
A good quality printer is very important to the hybrid process as the right printer makes all the difference in the world. I also recommend finding a printer that meets all your needs, especially if you need it to cross over and work for you in the regular day job. Some things that I would consider over all are: print quality, cost of ink cartridges/refills, scan function, ability to print on different types of paper, double sided printing, ink cartridges vs eco-tank. There are many printer options to choose from, the most common for hybrid projects are: Canon, Epson and HP. Some specific models to consider: Canon Pixma models, Epson XP 15000, Epson Eco-Tank ET 4800 or Epson Eco-Tank Pro 16600.
Tip: Please research any printer you are interested in and check out reviews/feedback. There are many forums with feedback, including here in our hybrid pad area. These reviews/feedback can offer some time saving insight.
Paper
Good quality paper goes hand in hand with a quality printer. Sure there are some things you can get by with if you choose to use regular printer paper, however regular printer paper will not stand up for color intensive projects. Even regular cardstock can be used if you are looking to have more muted colors. Overall and generally speaking, you want to use a paper that really enhances the pigment and the detail that can be found in the digitals designs. I recommend the following paper for hybrid projects: Epson Premium Presentation Paper MATTE (S041568), Bright White
Tip: You do not have to limit yourself to one paper type, mixing in other types like vellum, sticker paper, tissue paper can also create added depth to your projects.
Cutting Devices
When it comes to hybrid projects, there are so many options for cutting designs. All the gadgets/machinery can be super enticing, overwhelming and make you giddy all at that same time. While I sure do love a good gadget and love playing with all the different machines out there, I’m going to reiterate—when it comes to getting started, start simple. There’s a lot to discover in the world of hybrid and until you figure out what works the best for your or what will be the best fit for your skill set—start simple. How do you start simple? Scissors and a Kraft Knife. Sharp detail scissors are perfect for fussy cutting in/around the detail of printables and that Kraft Knife is my FAVE for those clean, straight edges. I admit, using scissor adds time to finishing a project, BUT by using scissors, you start to understand what type of detail is important to you and it will help guide where you want to go or additional purchases you may want to make. (I have lots of gadgets and I have discovered even with all the gadgetry that I have—I still prefer and choose to fussy cut by hand A LOT). There are various detail scissors and Kraft Knife options out there and remember, it does ultimately come down to a personal preference. Here are some scissors that I have tried and like: Singer 00557 4-1/2 inch Pro Series; EK Success EKCB01 Cutter Bee Precision Scissors, Small; We R Memory Keepers Basic Tools-Detail Scissors and I even have a pair of cuticle scissors that works great for vellum. Here’s my go to for Kraft Knife: Cricut True Control Knife Kit
Miscellaneous Supplies
The self-healing cutting mat and a metal ruler are a must when using a Kraft Knife. When I use my Kraft Knife, I always have my self-healing cutting mat and my metal ruler in hand. Any metal ruler will work, I tend to prefer a safety ruler just to try to protect from slicing my fingers (I tend to get clumsy at times). Some good options are: 12″ Architectural Scale Ruler Aluminum Architect Scale Triangular Scale Ruler for Architects or the Cricut Cutting Ruler 18”. For the self-healing mat, my all-time favorite has become the:American Crafts Double Sided Self-Healing Cutting Mat.
Note: There are paper trimmer options that are available to, I have discovered that some of the trimmers don’t give me that sharp crisp edge that I prefer so I tend to not use them in my hybrid projects (this is a personal preference).
Adhesive
Last but not least, are adhesives. Adhesives are literally the glue to all hybrid projects (no pun intended) and it’s important to know that NOT all adhesives are created equal. If adhesive is “too” wet during application, it can leave weird drying ridges in your projects (please say “no” to Elmer’s school glue). When it comes to precision gluing, my all-time favorite is: Bearly Art Precision Craft Glue, plus that little pin that sticks in the top of it, prevents the glue from drying in the tip. Scor-Tape is my all-time favorite adhesive for photos, heavier elements and even when creating my mini albums-this is a pretty heavy-duty adhesive. You will not be able reposition with it. It comes in various widths and while a little pricey it’s worth it. I also use foam dots and squares to make elements/layers pop a bit—I don’t have a particular preference for these, I usually just grab the ones on sale.
I hope this helps you start hybrid toolbox as you get started with exploring the world of hybrid projects. If you have questions, feel free to drop them down in the comments or pop them in the hybrid pad forum.
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