… transparency sheets during my quest for the (apparently) impossible. If my experience can help someone find the perfect acetate sheet for cardmaking with only one trip to the office supply store, then my life will be complete.
Here are the events in order of occurrence.
10/9/07 1618 hrs (4:18pm) – purchased a 100 pk of Overhead Transparency sheets for $16.99. After leaving the store, I discover the sheets are not as thick as I was hoping (how does a card made from this stand up?). Decide it can’t possibly be the one my SCS heroines use so I decide to exchange it for another type.
10/11/07 1936 hrs (7:36pm) – exchange the Overhead Transparency sheets for B/W Copier Transparency sheets, $28.99. This stuff has a strip on one edge that apparently helps the copier recognize it and feed it through the machine properly. It was also thinner/flimsier than the Overhead Transparency sheets. I decide this will not do.
10/13/07 – Posted a desperate plea for help from the masters here on my blog… Tashers/Natasha Trupp and Amy Hoffrogge both offered suggestions. I thought I’d try Amy’s suggestion (Plain Paper Copier Film) first since I could get that at Office Depot (the store I was frequenting already). Natasha recommended a product from Staples, which I can’t get to during my break (and i’m way too disorganized to try before my shift!). Staples was in my backup plan.
10/17/07 2044 hrs (8:44pm) – exchange the B/W Copier Transparency sheets for Laser Copier sheets. There was no Plain Paper Copier film and since laser printers are more spendy, figured the Laser Copier sheets would be better quality, right? Well, these also had the strip on one edge, and there was a dotted coating on one side that rendered the transparency NON-transparent. So this wouldn’t do either – and FYI- I came to realize the strip is removable- so that’s okay after all.
10/23/07 2035 hrs (8:35pm) – Decided this time, I’d speak with an employee at the copy center in the store. But, there’s no one there. So I go back to my favorite spot in the store (you’d think). I look down and see the box I previously returned is there- I know this because the plastic is half-off. Hmm. So they’re okay with partially opened packages on the shelf? Okay- I dig in and begin opening boxes up and after about 3 boxes, wouldn’t you know? The clearest, thickest and seemingly sturdiest were the ORIGINAL OVERHEAD TRANSPARENCY SHEETS. crikey. In line, the same clerk is there from each previous trip. And, so are Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark chocolate bars! He rings me up AGAIN and I leave with a candy bar and HOPE!
10/24/07 1200 hrs (noon) – after watching TruCarma win $50,000 on “Who wants to be a Millionaire”, (yay Carole!!), I proceed to the lab for acetate experimentation. SUCCESS! The Office Depot brand Write On Overhead Projector transparencies works brilliantly! The proof is in the pic below! It’s perfectly clear, no removeable strip, no dots/coating and it’s STURDY! And- it’s not as expensive as the other types. Brilliant! Natasha and Amy, if you’re reading this, Thanks for helping me! Please email me your addresses so i can send thanks properly!
Card Recipe:
Take a Bough, Happy Holidays Card Card base is the aforementioned transparency sheet, cut 10″x5″ (5×5 card) Cardstock- Ruby Red, Old Olive and Whisper White Take a Bough by PapertreyInk, Festive Favorites by SU! for snow. Snow is stamped with White Stazon ink. Images stamped with Chocolate Chip Ruby Red, Old Olive and Silver Finishing touch- Old Olive wide grosgrain ribbon
Shannan Teubner
October 24, 2007 at 15:17
Genius!!!
Jackie Pedro
October 24, 2007 at 21:55
Yay, Denise! I was wondering where to get acetate! Thanks for doing the investigating!!!
AJ/willosmama
October 24, 2007 at 22:24
Wowsers!! this is just fabulous!! I love that set, love your card!! very cute!!
Lauren
October 25, 2007 at 06:36
I adore this card. The acetate is perfect. I’m glad you found your clear match.
Becky
October 25, 2007 at 09:59
I’m glad you did all the hard work for us, thanks! And this card is stunning!
Joan B
October 25, 2007 at 14:28
Your post is so funny. And true! We’ve all been there. I haven’t had the nerve to try transparency sheets but your card is so awesome I’ve got to!
Maria
October 25, 2007 at 14:36
Wow. Thanks so much for sharing this! I love your cards! A new blog to stalk, mmm, visit I mean :)
Menda
October 28, 2007 at 06:52
Ok, so I am just clickin here and there and some how end up on your blog. Thank you Lord thank you Jesus. I am sure they had something to do with it. I have been going crazy trying to find and figure what to use. I have been to the stores and looked at the boxes and prices and have run, not knowing which. The staff is no help, cause they look at you funny when you tell them you want to make a card out of the stuff. I have read every thread about it and still can’t figure out exactly what people were using. I felt like if I posted one more question about it all people would think I was an idiot. Bless you sister, I am off and running in the right direction. Oh I loved the rest of your blog too. I will be back. TFS.
Menda