How To Create A Large Print So Cheap & Easy!

This was a project I've been dying to do, but I just didn't know where I wanted a large print.  Then it hit me.

We've been working on our Laundry Room, you can check out our Instant Farmhouse Mudroom Wall, and our gorgeous Stenciled Vinyl Floor! (I have more to share, but I've been on vacation and it's been hard to get back into the groove)

Anyhooooos.... We always leave our house through the laundry room, so I wanted a sign that we would see on the way out.  I love putting Bible verses in our home and thought this was the perfect place for one.

I chose this scripture:

This is my command - Be strong and courageous!  Don't be afraid or discouraged.  For The Lord your God is with you wherever you go.  Joshua 1:9

Isn't that a great verse?! It's one of my favorites!

In order to make a large print, I needed to create a document I could upload.  I used Microsoft Office and created a Word Document.  I'm sure you can also use Google Docs for this.

I typed in my verse and kind of where I wanted it to be in the frame.

Now my frame is a super odd size, 14"x36", but that's not going to be a problem! I'll create it for the length, then cut the width to size.

I'm going to show you how to print this in a poster size for less than $4!! Now, there are some stipulations, in order to get it this cheap...

- It has to be black and white.  You can do color, it will just cost you more, a LOT more!
- It's not going to be super high quality thick paper.  It will be on regular printer paper just super big!

But you really don't need high quality thick paper, when you're just going to put it in a frame.

FYI... this is going to be a heavy photo post... If you just want to pin it for later, when you need it, just click on the "Pin It" button on the photo above. 👍

Here's the step by step tutorial.

Open up www.staples.com
This is what you will see.

You are going to want to click on 'Services & Solutions'.  Then hover over 'Printing Services'.

Click on Blueprints.

This screen will open up.

Scroll down and select size, then click design now.

Then this screen pops up, crazy how it takes you through all these hoops to get to the design page.  Select the Black and white, click 'Buy Now'.

Finally, here is the design page!

First, create Job Name.  You'll notice that it says there are 3 pages, which has changed the price at the bottom.  Don't worry, once you download your document, it will change to 1 page and change the price. 👍

For some strange reason, it changes the size again.... ugh!  Select media and change the size again.

Just select and highlight the size you want and, click 'OK'.

Now you need to select which orientation you want.  I wanted 'Portrait'.

Now for the fun stuff!  In the upper left, Click 'Add File'.

This box pops up, and you'll want to click 'Upload File'.

It will open your documents on your computer, find and select the one you want.

On the next screen, you need to click on the upload button.  I was stumped why it wasn't working until I realized I hadn't clicked for it to upload... 😜

When it's finished, click 'Done'.

We're almost finished!!

Once your document is downloaded and you notice that it isn't fitting right, don't worry!  Click 'Media' again, at the bottom of that pop-up, click the box that says 'Fit content to paper'.

It should fit correctly now.  If not, try adjusting your Word Doc and upload it again.  If all is well, and you're ready to check out.  Add this job to your cart, by clicking 'Add to Cart'.

That's it!  Click 'Proceed To Checkout'.

You'll need to select the store to pick it up at, and you can pay for it online or in the store.  I chose to pay for it at the store, because I wanted to be sure I liked it.  And I did!!

I just love how it turned out!  The little wreath and ribbon give it the finishing touch.

Blessings!