Get creative with your scanner this holiday season to produce one-of-a-kind keepsakes and gifts, such as
calendars, cards, scrapbook pages, and more. Learn how to arrange and scan photos and 3-D objects for
something unexpected and unique.
Unique holiday 3-D scanning ideas
Your photo scanner isn't simply for scanning photos and documents. There's a world of creative possibilities when you
have the proper inspiration. The holidays are full of festive scanning subjects. Here are some projects to get you
started scanning this season.
Holiday crafters can show off the intricate details of their needlework to friends and family who can't see firsthand.
Scanning classic family photos to create a heartfelt gift everyone will appreciate.
Scan the prize ingredient in a favorite holiday dish and use it in a photo recipe card.
Scan strings of popcorn and cranberries, and don't forget to snap a few photos of the kids while they make them.
Scan a favorite wine label to commemorate a special family dinner or other occasion.
Print scans of dried leaves on inkjet fabric sheets and use in creative sewing projects.
Step 1: Scan holiday objects and print as a photo. Step 2: Then mount a snapshot on that print and frame them together. You've got a unique embellishment!
Add a photo gift tag to presents this year.
Once you've got brilliant scans of your holiday artifacts, let the creativity flow.
Add 3D scans as custom backgrounds
Normally you wouldn't be able to add three-dimensional objects as backgrounds. But you can if you
scan them first (see example at left).
Print custom wrapping paper
Scan interesting textures, objects, or even drawings and print them on plain paper for a personalized
(and totally unique) touch.
Attach photo gift tags
Instead of "From Susan" attach a snapshot of yourself and the recipient to their gift.
Give photo clues
Have a little fun by printing and attaching scanned portions of the gifts inside.
Scan old photos
Restore faded or damaged family photos and collect them in a
photo book.
Bring cherished memories back.
Setting your resolution to 300 ppi (pixels per inch) will give you high-quality scans.
When scanning items that aren't flat, covering your scanner with a dark cloth will help keep things dark.
The following are some good general scanning tips to keep in mind.
Do a preview scan
Using your HP scanner software, do a pre-scan to see how everything looks on-screen. Keep
rearranging your items until you are satisfied with the composition.
Use the correct resolution
For your final scan, set the scanning resolution to a minimum of 300 ppi (pixels per inch). This is
high quality enough for most projects, and may even allow for enlargements of your final image.
Cover scanner with a cloth
3-D objects lift up your scanner lid slightly. To compensate for the extra light coming in, cover
your scanner with a thick cloth to keep things dark.
Clean scanner surface
The best way to remove dust and particles from your photos is to avoid them in the first place.
Protect scanner glass
If there are objects that may scratch the scanner surface, place a piece of glass or clear plastic
underneath your object.
With an HP photo scanner
you will get superb color and detail. And using a
HP Photosmart All-in-One—you'll
also be able to make an immediate print of your creation.
Printable version
