~*~HOLIDAY RECIPE COLLECTION~*~ (there are lots of images on this page - so it might take a minute to load) ~*~CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD the ALL-IN-ONE zip~*~ (approximately 51 megs) -or- ::CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD the MULTI-PART zip files:: (for slower connections)   Download Part ONE Download Part TWO Download Part THREE Download Part FOUR Download Part FIVE   here, I filled the printable recipe card box with all of the finished cards...punched a hole in the flap and tied a ribbon through and around the box...a super simple gift, ready to give! the printable recipe card box will hold lots of recipes, and is the perfect way to give this gift, over and over. here, I simply worked with Velcro for the recipe card box closure - then added felt flowers and buttons - super cute! How fun is this?  Even more than that - it is sooooo practical and makes a PERFECT and inexpensive gift or stocking stuffer!  How many times have you been at a holiday celebration and had someone ask for your RECIPE?  It happens all the time, and now you can share those recipes with everyone, IN STYLE!  In this HOLIDAY RECIPE COLLECTION, we include pretty much everything you need to create a complete gift - right down to the printable recipe card box/envelope!  The cards are all 4x6" at 300dpi (high quality and ready to print). All you will really need is a printer, paper and adhesive.  Of course, other embellishments like ribbons and buttons only add to the fun :o)  We did our very best to make this super simple!  Hey - even if you aren't a digital scrapper - you can simply print out all of the cards and handwrite your recipes if you like :o)  But, if you are a digital scrapper (or at least have the necessary software and are willing to try) - you will find lots of wordart that you can add to the cards - or create your own! I am going to include LOTS of info on this page, in an attempt to answer any questions you may have :o) Please understand that we will NOT be able to answer emails regarding this free collection. Our free items are downloaded so many times and we just do not have the staff or resources to handle all of the emails.  So, I have spent a lot of time putting this page together - full of TIPS, SUGGESTIONS, PHOTOS and other INFO to help you complete this project.  Please do not be upset that we cannot answer individual emails about this product - we truly wish we could - there just aren't enough hours in the day.  So, please ENJOY this super fun holiday project...and be sure to share with us what you create at theShabbyShoppe.com gallery! since the recipe cards are 4" x 6" - many standard and readily-available recipe boxes will work with this collection.  here, I simply added the cards to a clear, acrylic recipe box and finished it off with a ribbon and tag (handwrite a message on the back of the tag for an even more personalized gift) there are so many options when it comes to assembling and gifting the recipe card collection!  you can simply place the recipe cards in a 4x6 recipe box - add it to a goody gift basket - give the recipes along with a cool frame - place the cards in a photo album or brag book (simple since the cards are 4x6) - or simply place the cards in the printable box envelope we provide, and wrap it all up with a ribbon! add the recipe cards to a holiday gift basket, filled with treats and goodies.  here, I added various holiday treats along with an embellished recipe card box...and even included the recipe of some of the treats (like BBQ pecans)! here you can get a good look at the final, assembled recipe card box/envelope - super simple to put together (just a few folds and some adhesive) - and best of all, it prints on ONE 8.5" x 11" piece of paper we include fourteen recipe cards - if you need more, simply re-use the cards for new recipes :o) there are also multiple cover options, gift tags and lots of wordart so you can truly customize these! another view of the final, assembled recipe card box/envelope.  this one was simply tied with a ribbon.  you can also use Velcro to make it simple for the gift recipient to open/close. In the example photos below, I worked with the awesome products from Calendar-Case.com!  They offer great products...and these 4x6" frames/cases are no exception - especially when it comes to working with them for the HOLIDAY RECIPE COLLECTION! They are very similar to CD jewel cases...only sized to fit 4x6 photos and cards. I LOOOOOVE that these frames/cases not only hold all of the cards in one tidy little spot - but they also act as a STAND for the recipe card you want to work with.  How convenient is that?  When cooking, it is so nice to have the recipe standing up and easy-to-read!  Best of all, these are very reasonably priced, and you can order varying quantities.  They also offer mailers for these as well, making it super easy to send to friends and loved ones that you will not see in person this holiday season. At this time, the smallest quantity you can order of the MAILERS is 100 - but smaller quantities will be available within a week or so (thanks calendar-case.com)!  The frames/cases are available in quantities as low as 10 for $9.99 (how great is that price?!).  And, even BETTER...the wonderful folks at CALENDAR-CASE.com are offering a special 10% discount for all of our Shabby Princess visitors (thanks guys)!  To receive your 10% discount, simply use the code:  shabbyprincess This should be added during checkout in the field titled COUPON OR DISCOUNT NUMBER.  The coupon expires on December 31, 2010. side view of the frame - as you can see, this frame will hold lots of cards, making it a perfect way to present this gift.  best of all, it is like having a built-in stand for the recipe card while in use! if you choose to gift the recipe collection in a clear frame/case - simply wrap with a ribbon, tie on one of our printable tags...and embellish with a candy cane (or here - a chocolate covered peppermint stick). just another view of the frame/case while in use.  these are super sleek and compact...and inexpensive - perfect if you are creating LOTS of gifts! Please check out all of these tips and suggestions, as most likely, they will answer any questions you may have :o) :::DOWNLOADING:::: When you click on one of the download links above (we offer both an all-in-one download for those with fast connections, and a multi-part for those on dial-up), you will be taken directly to the download itself. This is where you choose the location in which you want the file saved...then click save (you do not want to choose the 'open' option). After the download is complete, you'll need to find the .zip file on your computer and extract (with WinZip) the files. Voila - you are finished and ready to scrap!!!! :::DOWNLOADING ISSUES/PROBLEMS:::: Please know that we check our download links MANY times (and with many scrappers) before ever making them live...then we continue to check them several times a day to make sure all is working well.  So, please rest assured that we are on top of the site and servers...and only provide good links :o)  With that said - the first couple of days after a new release - the site and servers are VERY BUSY and might be slow at times.  Remember that this download (like all of free digital scrapbooking downloads) will be available for a LONG time, so there are no worries...if the site is busy - please just try back later :o)  If you continue to have issues, read below for additional help and suggestions. The majority of the time...download problems are the result of a poor or interrupted connection, software firewall, anti-virus, download manager, etc. These types of issues are more likely to occur with large downloads...but, can also show up with small files as well. It is also not uncommon to download many files successfully, and then have one that has issues. So, believe it or not, download errors are somewhat common. Many times...they do not show themselves until you try to 'unzip' your file. They will generally result in a corrupted file/password request/invalid archive error message. Again - all of these are pretty common and do NOT mean that the download file itself is bad (99.9% of the time...the file you are attempting to download is perfectly fine). This just means that for some reason...the file did not download completely OR correctly to YOUR computer :)  Many times, even if it appeared that your download completed successfully, it might not have. So – here’s how you fix this :) Or...at least it's a good start :) If you are running a personal firewall or antivirus software on your machine (i.e. Norton), please disable it just long enough to download the file. It really does work most of the time – so, please give it a try :) FIRST – be sure to delete the ‘old’ zip file from your computer and even from the recycle bin as the new file will automatically revert back to it if it is still present! Also - it's always a good idea to make sure that you have a strong connection, etc. Of course, customers who are on dial-up will probably encounter more download issues than others. But, another culprit is wireless connections. They often experience interruptions and can result in an incomplete download. So, again - all of these are things to consider when you are experiencing problems! :::WINZIP/.ZIP FILES:::: WinZip is the software that allows you to "unpack" all of the files that are included in your purchase. When you download the files - they are all "zipped up" in a ZIP file...so you use the WinZip software to unzip them...and then you will see all of the individual paper and element files :) You can download the evaluation version of WinZip for FREE.  Once you have downloaded our zip file, you simply need to EXTRACT the files to your computer! :::PAPER:::: This is really a matter of choice and preference.  You can print your recipe cards and box/envelope on lustre, glossy, matte, cardstock, press - whatever you like. I always look at it like there is a different paper for every purpose. When I want something to look super slick and professional - I go glossy. When in doubt, I say go for matte or lustre. Matte does not have a texture or sheen, just flat and very saturated. Lustre has a slight texture and sheen to it, but not as slick as glossy paper. Whether printing at home or with an online lab, look at your options and your project, and decide what works best for you as there really is no wrong answer. For my example photos above - I printed on EPSON HEAVYWEIGHT MATTE PAPER :o)  One thing to keep in mind when printing on matte paper or cardstock - since they 'soak up' the ink - they tend to be very saturated and can print darker than lustre or glossy photo paper.  So, I always suggest you print one small test page first.  I tend to lighten my final prints before printing to matte or cardstock paper, to balance out the saturation - you may or may not need to do this.  This would be achieved differently in different software - but you would use the same technique that you do when adjusting the lightness/darkness of a photo. :::PRINTING:::: On my examples above, I printed at home on my EPSON STYLUS PHOTO PRINTER.  However, you may of course print with any photo lab you like.  The cards themselves are a very standard 6" x 4" size - so printing is simple and economical.  When it comes to the printable envelope (needs at least an 8.5" x 11" piece of paper) and tags - you will want to place them on a standard print size canvas if sending to a lab.  For example - if your photo lab only prints standard sizes - they will probably not offer an 8.5x11 print - so you will need to place the printable envelope on an 11" x 14" canvas before sending off to print.  And, with the tags - you can place as many as you like on any standard size canvas.  So, place all that you want on an 8x10 canvas (or any other standard size) to have printed.  Then, you simply need to trim the tags when you receive the prints.  All of this can be achieved in Photoshop and Photoshop Elements - and other software that supports .png and .jpg files.  You may wish to contact your photo lab if you have specific questions about how to have odd-sized images printed with them. :::TRIMMING:::: Whether you print at home, or have your collection printed professionally - you will have to do some trimming.  You can use any kind of paper trimmer, or simply work with scissors :o)  :::ADHESIVE:::: Again, this is really a matter of choice and preference.  Just about any kind of adhesive will work for the printable box card/envelope.  You only have to apply adhesive to the side tabs...and you will want it to be a permanent adhesive so the box stays in place.  I worked with a DOTTO - but there are many options available.  Generally, double-sided tape would work - but due to the thin strip of paper that you will be applying adhesive to - I believe the tape might be too wide. :::THE CARD BOX/ENVELOPE:::: The RoyalNerd created this specifically for me and this project.  I wanted to be able to include something for you to keep all of your recipe cards in...without having to purchase anything like an album or recipe box...but we just couldn't find the perfect envelope as none would hold enough cards!  So, we thought hey - why not design our own lol!  That's what we did and I'm thrilled with how it turned out!  And best of all - it is super simple to put together, and prints out on one 8.5x11 sheet of paper.  Please see below for more suggestions on how to close the box.  We have included a .jpg file titled "SP_HolidayRecipeCollection_CardBox_INSTRUCTIONS.jpg" for your convenience.  This illustrates the location of the flaps, etc.  After printing your envelope - you will need to cut it out along all edges.  Then, you will see faint white dashed lines on the printable box/envelope - these are to indicate FOLD lines.  We also illustrate this on the instruction file.  This is where a bone folder or ruler will come in handy as they really help to give you a perfect crease.  Fold along all of the fold lines and then you are ready to assemble.  You will only need adhesive on the two side flaps (as shown on the instruction image).  Please read above for more information on adhesives. Be sure to apply adhesive along the entire length of the flap for the best hold.  You may fold the flaps to the inside of the box, or the outside - your choice.  In my opinion, adhering to the inside offers a more polished look...but adhering to the outside is a fun look, too. Please see the photos above for a better idea of how the box comes together.  We include one envelope with wordart already included, and one that is blank so you may add your own. :::BOX CLOSURE:::: There are many options when it comes to a closure for the printable box/envelope.  You could simply add adhesive and seal it like an envelope.  However, this means that the box will not be re-usable - so other options are preferable :o)   One of my favorite suggestions is to work with Velcro.  You can purchase the little circle velcro tabs and adhere them to the flap.  You can also simply tie ribbon around the entire box - OR - punch a hole in the flap and tie ribbon through the flap and around the box (as I did in one of the examples above). :::CARDS WITH PHOTOS WINDOWS:::: Some of the recipe cards included in this collection have a space for a photo (or more).  I realize that we do not always have a photo of a specific recipe/food readily available - so be creative :o)  I generally do because I enjoy taking photos of special food that I cook (it's just finding the photos later that is the hard part lol).  Instead of a food photo - why not include a family photo?  Or, for many of the more common recipes - you can easily find a stock photo that will work.  There are even free stock photo sites like THIS ONE!  So just have fun and be creative.  Of course, you can opt to not work with those cards and re-use some of the others instead. :::KITS:::: We worked with several kits in the creation of this HOLIDAY RECIPE COLLECTION.  They may all be found at theShabbyShoppe.com.  For the majority of the collection, we worked with the following products:  BELIEVE, 'TWAS THE NIGHT, JOYFUL TIDINGS and AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER. :::FONTS:::: As always, with any SP product or free kit - you can find font information in the TERMS of USE file included with each download.  There will always be a section titled FONT CREDITS (if I worked with any fonts on the product) - so check there for specifics.  But, for convenience - I will also list them here.  For the wordart and titles included in the Holiday Recipe Collection - I worked with:  LD ADORNMENT, LD FIERRO, GARAMOND, DB ARTSY and SP SHABBY SQUIGGLES.  All are available for purchase at LETTERING DELIGHTS - with the exception of SP SHABBY SQUIGGLES which is available at the SHABBY SHOPPE :o) :::RESOURCES:::: When it comes to purchasing fun items to embellish with - or to package with your recipe collection - there are lots of great resources.  I thought I'd list a few of my favorites!  Joann.com is great for purchasing scrapbooking supplies and other fun embellishments.  OrientalTrading.com is perfect for inexpensive and fun holiday candies and treats (that's where I purchased the adorable marshmallow snowmen lollipops) as well as other embellishments (check out their scrapbooking section).  NashvilleWraps.com is AWESOME for all kinda of packaging items, gift basket supplies and more (that's where I purchased the green box/basket as well as all of my cello treat bags).  Amazon.com is perfect for purchasing printer and photo paper, as well as ink.  Don't forget Calendar-Case.com for ordering those great clear 4x6 frames that also double as stands (they also offer mailers for the cases, too)!  LetteringDelights.com is a super resource for inexpensive fonts that are perfect for scrappers.  And, of course - I love ADOBE products...so check out Adobe.com for great scrapbooking software. :::SOFTWARE:::: The most common question we are asked is WHAT SOFTWARE DO I NEED TO START SCRAPPING DIGITALLY?  While there really is no ONE program that you have to have - what you need to keep in mind is that the software/program needs to be able to work with both .PNG and .JPG files.  This allows for working with 'layers' which is necessary for digital scrapbooking.  Layers allow you to 'stack' embellishments on top of papers and photos, etc.  .PNG files have a transparent background so that you are able to stack without any kind of border or background.  So, your software will need to work with these kinds of files so that you can do just that. From our experience, PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS in the most popular and commonly used digital scrapbooking software.  There are good reasons for this :o)  It is reasonably priced and offers digital scrapbookers TONS of functionality.  I personally work with Adobe Photoshop CS4 and while I LOVE it - it is really not necessary for the average digi scrapper.  There are also other software brands and titles available for digital scrappers, though I am not personally familiar enough with them to add anything helpful :o)  Google can be your best friend when trying to learn more about digi scraping and the software available - so have fun searching! :::DIGITAL SCRAPBOOKING:::: While this fun holiday recipe collection is intended for DIGI SCRAPPERS, it really can be used by anyone by just printing out the cards and handwriting your recipes, etc.  But, if you are new to digi scrapping and want to know what it is all about - please visit this page for more info :o) :::TUTORIALS and HOW TO:::: While none of our TUTORIALS are specific to the holiday recipe collection - I think you will find them helpful!  We have a WONDERFUL tutorial which guides you through the process of creating your first digital layout.  I highly recommend this for anyone interested in giving digital scrapbooking a try.  And while the tutorials are specific to Photoshop and Photoshop Elements - the concepts shown will be beneficial regardless of what software you work with.  We also have a great tutorial which shows how to work with our piece-a-cake products.  Although these recipe cards are not full size layout pages - again, the concepts will be the same. :::TERMS OF USE/LICENSING:::: Please understand that the HOLIDAY RECIPE COLLECTION (as with all of our free kits at ShabbyPrincess.com) is strictly for personal scrapbooking use.  We do NOT allow ANY kind of professional use with our free kits, EVER.  So, please ENJOY this recipe collection for your own personal use...and to create gifts for friends and family members.  Under no circumstances may these digital files be shared (as you received them), sold, etc.  You MAY share your FINAL and FLATTENED digital files with family and friends - however, you may NOT share the original cards and files.  You may NOT create these items to share or sell whether it be online or locally (again, with the exception of sharing YOUR recipes with your personal family and friends).  I am trying to be clear as again, we will not be answering emails about this product.  If your question is not answered here, then it is a NO <smiles>.  In a nutshell - PLEASE ENJOY this recipe collection for yourself and to create and give gifts to family and friends (in both digital and printed form - as long as the digital files contain your recipes, photos, etc. - do not send the blank cards/files to anyone, please direct them to this page so they can download for themselves).  Do NOT share our original digital files, claim them as your own, create products to sell or share online, etc. MORE QUESTIONS? Be sure to check out the extensive FAQ section at theShabbyShoppe.com!  We have answered so many questions there about digital scrapbooking, printing, software, downloading and more...so there is a good chance that you will find the information you are looking for! HAVE FUN CREATING...AND AS ALWAYS - THANK YOU FOR VISITING OUR SITE! SHABBY PRINCESS