Only Free things

because sometimes you just need to print things.

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Only Free Things

because sometimes you just need to print things.

Among all the holiday promos, gift guides and wish lists…
What if we just stepped away from the screen and made something instead?

Nothing elaborate. Just simple things.
Printer. Some paper. Scissors… glue. and maybe a few postage stamps to share with friends?
Simple postcards that would look lovely on the fridge.. the mantle … in a frame.

Screen to paper, idea to holding it in my hands… that’s what calls to me this time of year.

Today, a handful of print projects you can hold in your hands, hang from a tree, or tie to a gift. So satisfying.

If you're tired of the noise, welcome. Pull up a chair. Scroll through - for access to my printable library that will continue to grow.

Only free things today.

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And because I like to teach what I'm learning… Here's how I created some of the printables using GenAi.

(specifically Gemini Nano Banana)

The Prompt & the Progression

Create an original winter illustration in a primitive folk-art style. Style ☐ Simple, flat shapes, slightly stiff poses ☐ Small, neutral faces (small eyes, simple nose, closed mouth, no blush) ☐ Muted, dusty colors: cream, brown, dark green, soft red ☐ Soft textured lines, like pencil or an old storybook ☐ No cartoon look: no big heads, no big eyes, no shiny highlights Scene and composition ☐ Two characters only: one young woman and one young man ☐ Side profile, both facing to the right ☐ Standing side by side, feet on the same level ☐ Walking in the same direction, about one head-width apart Woman (left) ☐ Long cream winter coat or dress with a dark green folk pattern on hem and cuffs ☐ Brown scarf, knit hat with small pom-pom, mittens, brown boots ☐ Carrying a dark green fir tree over her right shoulder, tree extending behind them Man (right) ☐ Cream knitted sweater with a simple dark green geometric band ☐ Brown pants, lace-up boots, knit hat, scarf, gloves ☐ Carrying a green wreath with a muted red ribbon over his left shoulder ☐ Holding a small vintage lantern in his right hand near his leg, softly glowing Background and file ☐ No background color, no rectangle, no beige, no rounded corners ☐ No checkerboard pattern ☐ No scenery, ground, trees, or sky ☐ Only a few tiny snow specks around the characters ☐ Output as a high-resolution PNG.

It came back with this.

It didn't quite follow my instructions, but pretty close overall.

Anyhow, I uploaded it to Photoshop, removed the background (in one click). Then selected 'the boy' … scooched him over beside 'the girl'… End result. Completely darling…Happy Holidays postcards... ♡

4×6 Happy Holidays Printable Postcard

6×4 (notice the wardrobe switch)

I also uploaded this holiday diptych and nano banana made 2 illustrations.

4×6 Evergreen Postcard

4×6 Festive Bowl Postcard

Elevated Paper Chains

A lovely collection of paper chains made from sheet music popped up on my Pinterest…which is lovely.
But I wanted something a little modern-ish…. Double-sided printing on Kraft light stock. But I'm thinking I should try cardstock… next time.

scripted paper loop printabe page

First, Silent Night printed on both sides.
Then, Twas the Night Before Christmas.

Simply double-sided printing (8.5x11), cut into 11 - 1” strips.
I used a glue runner to make the loops…

A Few Favs from the Past

This vintage postcard is still my favourite - 4 years running.

One more Generative Ai art card….from a few years back

Oh and I thought this sweet couple would be lovely on gift tags…

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Thank you for being here.

It's always so lovely to know you're on the other side of the screen.

If you print any of these, I'd love to know. Drop a comment and tell me which one you're making first…

Share the Love

If you think a friend might enjoy this collection, please share this post with them.

Until next time, enjoy the quiet. Enjoy the making.

xx

Kim

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