Cover Paper Process
While our shop launch tonight includes offering ALL cover paper options we’ve had in the past, I thought I’d show you the process it goes through before it makes into your order.
We now receive our cover paper in rolls that are 21cm x 100m. Initially they were 1m x 100m, so you will never know how happy we were to be able to work with our supplier to get them provided this way.
Trying to cut a roll that was 1m x 100m into manageable strips was more than just a task. It involved a full clear dining table, masking tape to mark cut lines & scissors. Once it was more manageable, it then needed cutting on all 4 sides to get crisp lines for the printer.
This new way is not as much of a daunting task and results in a lot less wastage.
To get these rolls ‘printer’ ready, we need to cut them into lengths of 31.5cm. This is more of a work out on the arms than realised and I really need to try and make some contraption to hold the roll and let it flow, rather than using my arm. Each full roll is cut approximately 320 times, and this week I’ve cut 5 of them. (yes 500m of cover paper).
Now I have lots of cover paper ‘printer ready’ the pretty part of the process begins. Our design is printed onto the page and the edges are trimmed off to have a finished design of 20cm x 30cm. If you choose the 2 piece option, this is then packaged and sent to you.
Our most popular option of 16 pieces: 10cm x 7.5cm needs a bit more work though, with a final few trims to its desired size. I counted that I make 16 cuts to get one pack ready from start to finish. Luckily our trimmer is a beast of a machine and was made to be a work horse.
My right arm has muscles that not all do, and this weekend you’ll find me printing and trimming to 20cm x 30cm all cover paper ordered. The final size designs will be cut as I process your orders to ensure you get the sizes requested. It’s a good job I enjoy the process and with the weekends projected sunshine, music flowing and snacks a plenty I’ll be having fun.
What do your weekend plans look like?
