The average inkjet printer now produces the kind of quality that rivals commercial printing. The printing results are so good that your printables can look just like the products in the stores. Plus you can decorate and personalize to your heart’s content. And that makes printable crafts so great as one of the contemporary creative pastimes.

It is the hobby of choice for frugal crafters. Easy, quick, cheap and fabulous! How many crafts have such credentials? You can create special stationery, favors, packaging, gifts and scrapbooking for each favorite holiday and event at budget-beating prices.

Holidays and occasions provide high points to the year and are nice events to look forward to. The retail shops would like you to spend a lot of money on each special day as it rolls along, but printable crafts are a much better option. You can enjoy and get into the spirit of each holiday or event for very little effort or cost.

Printable crafts is an easy hobby and available to all with access to a computer. If you are new to printable crafts, you need a few basics. You will need a computer, printer with color ink and graphics. If you need less customization, you can print straight from PDF or JPG formats. For personalized creations you will need graphics software, ranging from free (Gimp)to expensive (Photoshop.

Further basic equipment to get started includes a steel-edged ruler, craft knife, scissors, cardboard to cut on and glue. When you have tried and like the hobby you can invest in all sorts of equipment like a guillotine, fancy edge scissors, punches and a cutting mat.

The availability of speciality papers, cardstock, label paper, as well as printable fabric and iron-off paper make for printable heaven! The possibilities for creations are endless. And don't forget that you can turn this popular hobby into a home business too!

If you are new to printable crafts, the list below gives some idea of what can be created with little more than your computer, a printer, scissors and glue.

• Greeting cards
• Special stationery
• Little gifts and tokens of appreciation
• Chocolate and candy wrappers
• Candle and soap wrappers
• Favors for special occasions
• Distinguished wedding stationery and favors
• Packaging
• Gift-wrap, tags and printed ribbon strips
• Kid's birthday party printables
• Other party and anniversary printables
• Printables for entertaining, wine labels and decorations
• Labels for bath products
• Food labels for gourmet goodies
• School and classroom essentials
• Business identity
• Office stationery
• Home decor
• Decoupage
• Calendars
• Coloring pages
• Seasonal specialities for Halloween, Christmas and more
• Decorations and ornaments
• Scrapbooking elements and backgrounds
• Products for weddings
• Iron-off printables
• Printed fabric sheets
• Paper dolls

Inspired to start with this fascinating hobby? Further articles in this series focus on some of the above printable crafts categories.

Anni Arts has professionally designed and illustrated printable crafts, templates and graphics for crafters. Licensed art is available for home business crafters. Free samples too. http://www.anniarts.com Anni Arts