I think I've mentioned a time or two on here that I've never had my digital layouts printed, with the exception of a few pages that I printed here at home for hybrid layouts. Recently, though, I took the plunge and ordered a number of layouts from Scrapping Simply. I was so excited to open the package -- and they looked absolutely amazing!
The layouts are shipped in a sturdy cardboard box so there's no fear of them getting bent or damaged in the mail. The inside package, which includes your photos inside a cellophane envelope, is even taped down to prevent it from sliding or bunching up at one end of the box. This is a company that definitely takes care with their packaging.
The layouts are a true 12x12, and the colors look absolutely amazing. During the uploading and ordering process (which is really seamless, I should add) there's a tiny blue line around the edge of the layouts that shows what will be trimmed during printing, since the company prints full-bleed. However, I was pleased to find that in reality the trimming was so slight -- much less than what was shown. I was a little hesitant to get some 2-page layouts printed because I was afraid that some elements that carry over from one page to the next might get cut too much. Seeing the prints, though, makes me much more confident to place that next order.
One of the things I'll be paying closer attention to as I design my own layouts is font size and element size. I don't do enough backing up and looking at my layout in terms of "real size," so the fonts on a couple of these layouts are bigger than I'd prefer. There's no reason for me to ever use larger than a 12 pt. font, unless it is for title work or some other special effect.
The crispness of these images is fantastic, though; take a peek at the two close-ups below. The shadows, the textures, everything looks great. Plus, the prints are 100% guaranteed, so if you're ever not satisfied with your prints -- you can return them for a full refund or reprint, your choice.
To top it off, Scrapping Simply is having a birthday sale right now -- check out their great deals!
And to make things even sweeter, I've got a $10 gift certificate to give away. Just leave a comment here on the blog and I'll use a random number generator to select one person to win! Comments will be closed at midnight EST Sunday night, 3/14/10.
Oooooh, I would love to win! The prints looks fabulous! Thanks for the heads up on the sale!
Posted by: Rachael Giallongo | March 13, 2010 at 02:44 PM
meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeetooooooo!!
Posted by: Macy Goode | March 13, 2010 at 02:49 PM
Wow the crisp look of the elements is awesome. I'll have to check out that printer!
Posted by: Jill | March 13, 2010 at 02:53 PM
I just finally printed some of my layouts and it was awesome to see them IRL! Just today I got an email about their sale and was thinking of placing an order with this company, glad to hear your prints turned out so good :)
Posted by: Jennifer | March 13, 2010 at 03:04 PM
....and you got quite a number printed, good for you. That is exciting!
Posted by: Donna U | March 13, 2010 at 03:11 PM
Your layouts look like they printed fabulously! I'm going to have to print some more of mine. I'm so behind.
Posted by: MandyR | March 13, 2010 at 03:12 PM
I love Scrapping Simply too. I orderd once from them and I loved how my prints turned out. Plus how about that flat rate shipping? I live in Canada so shipping prices are something I really have to take into account, and you can't beat Scrapping Simply's prices. I hope I win, I have a bunch of layouts I want to print! Thanks for the chance!
Posted by: Christelle L. | March 13, 2010 at 03:28 PM
I am shopping for a new printing company and have a short list going but will sure to add this company as one to try! Thanks for the giveaway!
Posted by: EvelynB | March 13, 2010 at 03:30 PM
I would love to win I actually ordered pages from them this morning. But I can make more :) Thanks for the font tip!
Posted by: chrissy | March 13, 2010 at 03:31 PM
Wow. Thanks for sharing your experiences with this company. Loved looking at your layouts and your comments of what you learned in the process about font sizes. Thanks for the chance for a coupon.
Posted by: flowersgal | March 13, 2010 at 03:49 PM
i just placed an order and one of my files has something wrong with it. CS called me up and told me what was up:) excellent customer service! i can;t find the file now....but that's not their fault:) LOL.
i highly recommend them!!!!
Posted by: arimacias | March 13, 2010 at 04:06 PM
They are my favorite too. :) And I love your layouts; you have the best sense of design.
Posted by: Kellie | March 13, 2010 at 04:37 PM
Wow, your layouts look great. Thanks for the heads up on the sale. I'll be getting my layouts ready tonight!
Posted by: Dana N | March 13, 2010 at 04:44 PM
I haven't printed any either so thanks for posting about this!
Posted by: Melinda Wilson | March 13, 2010 at 05:35 PM
Your prints turned out great! So true about the font size... I always forget and end up with jumbo-sized journaling.
Posted by: Denise | March 13, 2010 at 06:08 PM
I'm so glad to hear good things about Scrapping Simply. I've used them for over a year and am always amazed at the high quality of prints!! I agree with arimacias - their customer service is personal and amazing (and, no, I'm not at all affiliated with Scrapping Simply - just a happy customer).
Posted by: jenbreeze | March 13, 2010 at 06:14 PM
It must be so great to see your layouts in print!
Posted by: belle | March 13, 2010 at 07:20 PM
I ordered an 8x8 framed from them and it turned out beautifully!
Posted by: Pamela | March 13, 2010 at 07:33 PM
I'd love a chance to win! Thank you so much!
Posted by: Heidi D. | March 13, 2010 at 08:28 PM
I keep meaning to try them out. Thanks so much for the reminder!
Posted by: Megan {Shabby Blogs} | March 13, 2010 at 08:40 PM
I need to get my layouts printed. I've never done it either..
Posted by: Tina O'Flynn | March 13, 2010 at 08:53 PM
I'm hoping I can find some time to get some printed. I've heard only GREAT things about Scrapping Simply. Thanks for your review!
Posted by: Liz | March 13, 2010 at 09:30 PM
I've heard great things about Scrapping Simply. I'd love to try them out!
Posted by: Bonnie | March 13, 2010 at 09:54 PM
Your layouts are so pretty. And you are right! Scrapping Simply is awesome! I don't order anywhere else!
Posted by: Nicole Freer | March 13, 2010 at 11:20 PM
This is EXACTLY what I needed to hear..like you, I've have so many layouts waiting to be printed, but have been hesitant to get them printed after hearing so-so reviews of various printers. Big thanks!
Leslie
Posted by: Leslie | March 14, 2010 at 08:39 AM
I would live to win!!! I appreciate you sharing this!!
Posted by: Leeann S. | March 14, 2010 at 11:22 AM
I've been wondering about Scrapping Simply - thanks for the review. I may have to give them a try! I too have not printed many of my digital pages - I need to get on that :)
Posted by: Amy M. | March 14, 2010 at 12:52 PM
Thanks for the chance to win!!
Posted by: nrussell | March 14, 2010 at 01:06 PM
I only get a handful of layouts printed full size, but these look awesome! I also like to frame my favorites. Thanks for the chance to win, Aud!
Posted by: Cathy P. | March 14, 2010 at 01:29 PM
oh, this is so great! thank's so much for the chance!
Posted by: Maygirl (Natalia) | March 14, 2010 at 02:04 PM
Great review. I have a couple places I order from but I'm due to put in another order and should give SS a try.
Posted by: Amy Wolff | March 14, 2010 at 03:56 PM
I use them all the time! Love them! the prints are so gorgeous! :)
Posted by: Julia Spencer | March 14, 2010 at 05:13 PM
Awesome layouts!! I've never ordered from Scrapping Simply, but would love to give them a try! Thanks for the chance to win!!
Posted by: 52scrap | March 14, 2010 at 05:21 PM
Thanks for the heads up on the sale. Your layouts looks great.
Posted by: Amy H | March 14, 2010 at 05:56 PM