Creative holiday scanning ideas
Use your scanner to create holiday gifts and keepsakes
Support & Drivers
Introduction
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.
Get more 3-D scanning tips for fun projects all year long.
More creative ideas for your holiday scans
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.
Learn more about holiday photo activities and ideas.
Scanner composition and resolution
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. To make an immediate print of your creation, scan objects using an HP Photosmart e-All-in-One.
Choosing an HP scanner or All-in-One
HP Scanjet G3110 Photo Scanner
$99.99
- An easy-to-use, entry-level scanner that’s ideal for families who want to get great, quality scans at home.
HP Scanjet G4050 Photo Scanner
$199.99
- Get superior color accuracy and use the extra-large scanning bed to scan 3D objects and up to four 4" x 6" photos at one time.
- Great for creative scanning and everyday use.
HP Photosmart 7510
e-All-in-One Printer
$199.99
- 4.3" touchscreen
- Print, scan, copy, eFax1
- HP ePrint—now, print from virtually anywhere2
- HP Print Apps allow you to print PC-free3
Find the HP photo scanner or HP All-in-One that's right for you.
Learn more
- It's easy to print 12" x 12" and 8" x 8" scrapbook pages and backgrounds. Learn how.
- What do you do with all you child’s mini masterpieces? Get tips for scanning your kid’s artwork.
- Become a scanning master with our quick tips for scanning.
- 1Web-based fax service requires an Internet connection to the printer and registration with third-party service. Up to 20 inbound and 20 outbound pages a month. Additional terms and restrictions apply; see www.hp.com/support.
- 2Requires an Internet connection to the printer. Feature works with any connected Internet- and email-capable device. Print times may vary. For a list of supported documents and image types, see http://www.hp.com/go/ePrintCenter. And for additional solutions, see www.hp.com/go/mobile-printing-solutions.
- 3Requires a wireless access point and an Internet connection to the printer. Services may require registration. App availability varies by country, language and agreements. For details, http://www.hp.com/go/ePrintCenter.