Would you like to be creative without having to spend a lot of time or money? Just warm up your computer and grab a copy of Broderbund’s PrintMaster Party & Crafts Creator. Whether you have your own imaginative ideas or your creative talents need a little coaxing, this program will have you making some great little personalized items in no time at all.
Party & Crafts Creator is packed with more than 850 professionally-designed project templates. I found these to be quite unique and very impressive. The designs were much more extensive than just greeting cards and invitations. They included banners, masks, table decorations, place cards, stickers, recipe holders, ornaments, garden stakes, party hats, bottle labels, even party straw decorations. Those that need to be folded or otherwise put together like the origami projects, paper hats, and paper airplanes, come with easy-to-follow directions.
Even ordinary items get special treatment in this program. Instead of just plain foldable cards, the templates create unique cards that can be cut out – like the lemon-shaped card that says “So you got a lemon… next time it will be a peach.” Of course all the templates are customizable, so you can easily add your own sayings, photos, or other creative touches. Even if you don’t use the templates, just perusing through them will help get your creative juices flowing.
The program installed easily and the clean interface makes it easy to find a project and create your cards and/or decorations. You can use the included templates, or start your project from scratch to create your own masterpiece. There is plenty of interesting clip art included with the program, or you can import your own photos to use in your projects. The program includes step-by-step tutorials to guide you through the entire process.
I especially liked the party set templates that were included. These grouped together party items with the same theme. For example, first you choose an occasion like birthday, retirement, mother’s day, or other get together. Then you choose a theme, like balloons, flowers, animals, etc. You are them presented with matching invitations, banners, table decorations, hats, and place cards. Whether you are giving a Mother’s Day party for Mom or a Retirement Party for Grandpa, there is something for almost every occasion.
You can even make gift bags, boxes, and wrapping paper. With the high price of ready made party goods, this $19.95 program will pay for itself in no time.
