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January 24, 2014

Tips for Creating a Professional Certificate

Sienna Specialty Certificates by PaperDirect

Creating professional certificate templates for use in workplace award ceremonies is a great way to let your employees know you appreciate them without having to spend a fortune on expensive prizes. Here are a few tips to help you create certificates that people will display proudly.

Pick the Right Paper Stock

A lot depends on the kind of paper that you use when creating a professional certificate. Lightweight paper feels flimsy and can therefore give the impression that your recipient isn’t very valued. Heavier paper stock, on the other hand, feels a lot more substantial and can have a more positive psychological effect.

Delicate Standard Certificates by PaperDirect

Choose an Appropriate Color Scheme

There is no one size fits all method of creating professional workplace certificates, but one thing you definitely want to pay attention to is your use of color. Some colors, like neons and pastels, look great but bring across a more lighthearted feel than others. If you’re creating an official workplace certificate, stay away from loud colors and stick to a more conservative color, like black, gray, and blue on white paper. If you’re giving away a series of slightly more goofy awards for things like “Funniest Person in the Office” or “Best Boss Ever,” feel free to experiment.

Don’t Clutter the Layout

When you’re making your own business certificate, you only have so much room to work with. Instead of trying to fit as much information as possible onto it, be sparing and make sure to leave plenty of white space between words. Otherwise, you run the risk of creating something that looks unprofessional.

Intricate Scroll Standard Certificates by PaperDirect

Use Several Fonts, but not Too Many

The use of different type fonts and sizes in certificates is commonplace – but the one thing you absolutely want to avoid is overdoing it. How many is too many? Set yourself a three font rule and stick to it just to be on the safe side. Going crazy with fonts can make a certificate look unprofessional, cluttered, and impossible to read.

Spell the Recipient’s Name Correctly

Few things in life are as disappointing as receiving a certificate so badly spelled it looks like it belongs to someone else. When presenting an employee or close business partner with an official certificate, take great care to ensure their name is spelled accurately. Leave no room for doubt. If there’s any question, ask the individual to write down their name for you.

If you need help creating certificates or just want to explore your options, pay a visit to Paper Direct and check out our variety of custom and standard certificates available today.

February 16, 2012

Print Templates for Any Occasion

Filed under: Designing Your Invitation — Tags: , , — PDWriter @ 8:00 am

Fiesta II Casual InvitationsWhether you’re printing wedding invitations, business flyers, brochures or greeting cards, PaperDirect has printable design templates for just about every occasion. You can download our designs and instantly print anywhere for a  low price.

In just a few minutes, you can go from a blank sheet of paper to a professional-looking, beautiful, colorful invitation or flyer that will catch everyone’s attention. You can also make brochures to launch a new business, note cards to send out a party reminder, business cards to get your name out there or border paper to announce just about anything you can think of!

Design print templates Adventurous Border Papersare perfect for last-minute invitations, birthday parties, baby and wedding showers, company posters and thank you notes.

PaperDirect is your one-stop online store for everything you need for your office, party or event.

February 15, 2012

Make Certificates at Home: Save Money and Time

Fireworks Casual CertificatesDid you know you can save money by making your own award certificates for virtually any occasion? PaperDirect is not only able to explain the step-by-step instructions for making professional, attractive award certificates, but our one-stop online store has just about everything you need to make just one certificate or hundreds at a time (all you need is a word processor). Whether you’re making certificates for employees, students or to honor someone on a special occasion, you have come to the right place.

  1. The first step in making certificates is to choose a blank certificate from our extensive line of certificates with decorative border designs in many different styles. You will find blank certificates with traditional borders, seasonal borders like snowflakes and autumn adornments, and certificates in both portrait and landscape format. With almost 500 blank certificates from which to choose, we’re sure you’ll find one you’ll love.Jets Photo Casual Certificates
  2. The next step is to download a template for the certificate to be used in your word processor. All you have to do is include the personal information such as the recipient’s name, the reason for the award, the date, and any other additional information you’d like to add. PaperDirect even has a certificate template CD to assist you in the formatting and printing of your certificates. The CD will automatically set up your margins, borders, tabs and font once you’ve made your selections.
  3. When you have created the certificate to your desired specifications, simply hit the “print” button, and in no time at all, you will have a professional-looking personalized award certificate that anyone would be thrilled to receive.
  4. To jazz up your certificate even more, simply add graphics such as a company logo, tagline or some other image to add that “wow” factor.
  5. Finally, choose one of PaperDirect’s many certificate accessories such as an embossed certificate seal, certificate holder, or certificate frame to ensure this special award from the heart lasts forever.

Football Photo Casual CertificatesHave you ever wondered how to make a certificate for an employee, colleague, student or special friend? Making certificates is easy with PaperDirect! If you’re looking for some creative ideas, please read some more helpful blogs about making certificates such as “How to Word a Certificate Award,” Printable Certificate Templates to Use Anywhere,” and “Ideas for Student Classroom Rewards.”

February 8, 2012

Certificate Design Ideas for All Occasions

Renaissance Standard Certificate PaperPaperDirect has a large variety of certificates you can design yourself for just about any occasion you can think of! If you are looking for some certificate design ideas, you have come to the right place. You can use certificates for so many different occasions, and they’re also a great way to show your appreciation for an employee’s hard work or your child’s improvement in school.

PaperDirect has certificates based on theme, occasion, professions, seasons and holidays. The dozens of choices we offer allow you to pick the ideal certificate design to mark the special occasion you’re acknowledging or celebrating.Scroll Specialty Certificates

We have casual certificates, specialty certificates, cachet certificates, award certificates, gift certificates and letter top certificates in a variety of lovely designs for all tastes. We have floral and tropical designs and plain designs, so you can choose the style that best fits the occasion. Certificates are often used to recognize and motivate employees and students, but they are also an excellent marketing tool to offer special deals, promote your new business or announce an upcoming event such as a big sale or grand opening. Certificates are so versatile that they can be used for virtually any occasion just as a flyer would be used.

Above Beyond Deluxe Embossed Foil SealsPaperDirect also has a large selection of certificate holders and frames to jazz up your certificate design. Employees and students will be proud to show off their award certificate, and for an added touch you can add an embossed certificate seal. Adding certificate seals to certificates you’ve designed and printed makes them look professional and elegant. Use a word processor, download the free template for your certificate and then custom print a certificate for the special recipient. Apply an embossed certificate seal and voila’!  It’s that simple with printable certificate designs from PaperDirect. Creating certificates using templates is easy and inexpensive. You can create a single certificate or hundreds in just a few minutes. Why spend a lot of money on a variety of certificates when you can make them for any occasion right from your home computer?

PaperDirect has everything you need for great certificate design ideas to celebrate an achievement, recognize a much-improved student or employee or give a gift certificate at the holidays. Shop PaperDirect, your one-stop online certificate headquarters, today!

January 23, 2012

Do-It-Yourself Certificate Tips

Filed under: How to Design Certificates — Tags: , , — PDWriter @ 8:00 am

Scrollwork Standard CertificatesCertificates are an excellent means of recognizing someone’s good work, improved academic standing, superb attendance, work promotion, retirement or any other type of achievement you can think of. Designing and wording your own award certificates is a great way to save money, expend creative energy and make someone feel good all with one piece of paper and a few minutes of your time. And the great part is that you can do all of this by shopping PaperDirect’s online store.

If you have been asked to prepare award certificates for your company or you have decided to reward your employees or students with award certificates, you have come to the right place. PaperDirect has some great do-it-yourself certificate ideas and everything you need to get started creating your own certificates today!Above Beyond Deluxe Embossed Foil Seals

Certificate Tips and Accessories

PaperDirect offers a huge selection of printable certificate paper, and using certificate templates is super easy! PaperDirect has award certificate templates to help you design and print certificates. Free desktop printable templates actually format your certificate automatically and set up the margins, borders, tabs, and font. Our certificate template CD is a great idea if making certificates is something you do often or will now be doing regularly at work or at home. The certificate template CD includes 25 headings in three different styles and includes suggested wording for over 20 different types of awards. Once you design and print your certificates, you can jazz them up even further by placing them in a certificate folder, certificate holder or placing an embossed certificate seal on them. The possibilities of DIY award certificates are endless with PaperDirect on your team!

Lexington Certificate Diploma FramesDo-it-yourself certificates can be printed using a word processor in a matter of minutes. The templates do all the work for you—all you have to do is fill in the personal information such as the recipient’s name, date, etc. Just hit the “print” button and voila’! You can print one single award certificate or generate several with the touch of a button.

PaperDirect has DIY certificate templates for virtually every occasion, and if you have an occasion that may be a bit unique, you can simply make changes to an existing template to custom design a very special certificate. By placing the award certificate into a frame, the honoree will certainly feel special and appreciated. Check out PaperDirect’s selection of DIY certificate frames; we’re sure you’ll find one you love!

September 1, 2011

Upcoming Graduation? Print Your Own Diplomas

Filed under: How to Design Certificates — Tags: , — PDWriter @ 8:00 am

Star Photo Casual CertificatesIf your private school, academic group, or summer camp is winding down, and it’s time to think about ordering diplomas or certificates of completion, it will be less costly to print your own diplomas through PaperDirect’s extensive selection of diplomas, certificates, and diploma holders. You can choose a template, customize your message, download full color diplomas and print. It’s easy and fast!

Here are some diploma and certificate ideas:

  • school diplomaSpecial Day Casual Certificates
  • certificate of achievement
  • special occasion diploma
  • humorous diploma
  • kids’ party diploma
  • sports diploma
  • pet diploma
  • kindergarten graduation
  • employee-of-the-month certificate
  • student-of-the-year certificate
  • man/woman-of-the-year certificate
  • top salesman certificate

Basketball Photo Casual CertificatesPaperDirect has all your diploma and certificate needs in one convenient online store.

April 20, 2011

Free Certificate Templates for Student Awards

Filed under: How to Design Certificates — Tags: , — PDWriter @ 8:00 am
Reading Award Casual Certificate

When it comes to finding ways to encourage students and to boost morale in class, awards and rewards go a long way. But today’s school budgets leave little room for anything but what is needed to help teach your class, let alone anything to show students their efforts are appreciated. And some rewards like candy are being frowned upon because of the health implications. So what can teachers do to help the kids know their work is really good? One inexpensive way to do this is with certificate awards you can make with school certificate templates.

Honor Roll Award Casual Certificates

Certificate stock is very inexpensive to buy and the styles vary from the very fancy to specific themes, so finding certificates that will fit your school theme is a “snap.” Plus, certificates make a great award because it gives the student something tangible they can receive during an awards ceremony and/or take home to show their parents, friends, and relatives. Since they are inexpensive, even the tightest budget has enough room for them.

Creating the certificates is a “snap” as well. All you have to do is download our FREE school certificate templates for your blank certificates. These are available for your favorite word processor which makes creating certificates for your class very easy. Once you’ve downloaded the template, simply fill out what the certificate is for, place the graphic for the school on it if desired, put in the child’s name, and print it. It only takes a few minutes to make a great looking certificate that your students will appreciate! Templates also mean making changes is even quicker.

Fireworks Casual Certificates

It only takes a little typing and a few mouse clicks–along with our FREE certificate templates–to create certificates of appreciation and congratulations in a few minutes that look great and will make your kids feel great too. Check out all the great school certificate templates available and see which ones your kids will like best. Giving kids the encouragement to continue to progress in their education by studying harder is easy when you’re giving them rewards and awards for their efforts. Certificates created with certificate templates are a great way to do just that.

March 30, 2011

Certificate Jackets Complete the Professional Awards Presentation

Filed under: How to Design Certificates — Tags: , — PDWriter @ 8:00 am

Above and Beyond Certificate JacketsWhen giving out certificates to employees for recognition programs, HR departments create a sense of belonging and helps employees feel wanted and validated. As an inexpensive method of rewarding employees for their efforts and accomplishments, certificates are a very inexpensive way to build morale and improve employee retention. Certificate jackets are one way to take that appreciation and recognition to the next level.

By putting the certificate in something to protect it, you’re showing the employee that the You Make a Difference Certificate Jacketsrecognition and appreciation is worth more than just a piece of paper with some fancy words on it. The drawback to using a frame is the fact that it adds a lot of expense to the program While a certificate can cost as little as a couple of dollars to produce, adding a frame can increase the expense dramatically. Even the least expensive frames can easily run the cost up five times what a certificate alone would cost.

Aside from the expense, frames take quite a bit of effort to put the certificate in. You have to take it apart, usually by removing little nails from the back that holds in the frame inserts and after placing the certificate into it, you have to put it back together. This process can take quite a bit of time and hassle. Even if you’re using a slide in back, it still takes time. And frames have glass inserts to protect the certificate as well. Not only does this make it a lot heavier to mess with, but there’s always a chance the glass can break while putting it together, or sometime before the presentation.

Dancing Stars Certificate JacketsHowever, there is a simple way to take certificates to the next level without adding that much expense. Using a certificate jacket makes the presentation a much nicer production and gives the employee a deeper sense of appreciation for their efforts. Plus, certificate jackets give them some protection from accidents. And an added bonus, it also makes them easier to hand out during the presentation. And they cost significantly less than a frame.

Check out all the great certificate jackets available. You’ll find some that will suit your presentation perfectly, look great with the certificate and the expense will be a lot less than that of a frame. Simply slide the certificate into it and you’ve made a regular certificate into something special.

March 23, 2011

Printable Certificate Templates to Use Anywhere

Filed under: How to Design Certificates — Tags: , — PDWriter @ 8:00 am

Certificate Templates SoftwareWhen it comes to giving someone a little acknowledgment for an achievement, whether its big or small, a certificate to commemorate that achievement is always a nice touch. They may receive a monetary gain, whether as an award or bonus, but having something that is more tangible makes the effort more memorable. Plus, with a certificate, they have something to show others as well. And being able to create your own with printable certificate templates means we don’t have to spend a lot of money to add that special touch.

Whether it’s a graduation from a training class, congratulations for an accomplishment or Simple Border Specialty Certificate Paperachievement or simply as recognition, a certificate makes sure the person is being recognized for their contributions and efforts. Being able to print your own means you can create one whenever its needed instead of having to order ahead and wait days or weeks to receive it from a printers. Not only that, but you can customize it for any occasion and make changes to it all the way up until a few minutes before it has to be given out. That means certificates can be created and handed out while a competition is still in progress, enabling the awards ceremony goes off without a hitch and no one has to wait for their certificate.

With all the great certificate blanks available and all the printable certificate templates that go with them, creating a certificate only takes a few minutes. Simply load the appropriate template into your favorite word processor, set up the graphics, lay out the text, input the name for the recipient, and print it off. If you have multiple certificates, all it takes is a few seconds to make a change and print another one. That means you can create one certificate or a hundred and have it completed in as little time as it takes for your printer to print off as many as you need.

Certificates are a great way to show someone you appreciate their efforts. Whether its an employee, a child in school that’s done well, at a dog or cat show or even as a joke certificate, being able to use printable certificate templates to create your own means you can do anything you want with them. Check out all the great certificate designs available and see which ones you can use for your projects. You’ll be amazed at how great they are and how easy they are to make.

March 9, 2011

Creating a Memorable Volunteer Certificate

Filed under: How to Design Certificates — Tags: , — PDWriter @ 8:00 am

Volunteer Casual Certificate PapersWhen it comes to America, especially in the local communities, you’ll find that in a moment of need, you’ll have a plethora of volunteers willing to help. Whether there’s a crisis like a fire or flood, or a specific need like a blood drive or a school fund raiser, volunteers come out of the woodwork to lend a hand. After a successful project completion, there’s nothing more appreciated than having that hard work acknowledged and rewarded, and having memorable volunteer certificates is a neat, and inexpensive, way to do that.

Volunteers don’t expect anything in return for their time and effort. A simple “Thank You!” Tracery Gold Specialty Certificate Papera smile and even a pat on the back or a hug is an ample reward for their efforts. So being recognized and rewarded with anything, even something as simple as a certificate of appreciation is an acknowledgment beyond anything they’ll expect. While any kind of certificate or award is going to be deeply appreciated, doing a few little things will make for a memorable volunteer certificate.

For instance, taking the time to make them with the logo of the school or specifying what the volunteer agency or event was is a key element to tying that certificate to the volunteer action. Next, having the volunteer’s name specified is important as well. Lastly, having names of either people who were affected by the efforts or, as with school events, having members of the board or outfit to sign the certificate is important as well. This shows the volunteers that their efforts are being appreciated by specific people. Although a volunteer certificate or award doesn’t have to be framed, having it framed so the volunteer Mini Stars Standard Certificatescan have it hang on the wall to show others is important as well.

Making a memorable volunteer certificate isn’t a difficult prospect, but making sure the volunteers feel that gratitude and appreciation makes sure they’ll be willing to volunteer again in the future. Volunteers are part of what makes America great. Letting those volunteers know they’re appreciated is what makes that greatness worth it.

January 5, 2011

Fashion a Meaningful Employee of the Month Certificate

Filed under: How to Design Certificates — Tags: , — PDWriter @ 8:00 am

Renaissance Standard Certificate PaperToday, finding ways to keep talented employees is a necessity for every company.

Having a meaningful employee recognition program to motivate and encourage improvements is a sure-fire way to keep your talented employees.

One way to show employees they are appreciated is to have an employee of the month program, and give an employee of the month certificate or award that gives them a permanent record of that appreciation.

Why Appreciation?

Employees want to know their efforts and loyalty to the company are appreciated. And while those Achievement Specialty Certificateswho excel should be financially rewarded, often times large bonuses and salary raises aren’t in the cards. Why should you do?

When you’ve got programs in place that are designed to show employees recognition, they strive to do a better job, and having employee of the month certificates that reflect that appreciation is an easy and inexpensive way to help keep employees motivated and loyal.

Excellence Specialty CertificateCertificates don’t have to be complex.

All that is required is the person’s name and an explanation of the award, in this case the Employee of the Month. Make it on good quality bond paper to start, or even certificate paper, which usually has fancy edging. Not only will this show employees the appreciation they deserve, but will impress on them the quality of the award you’re giving. Making it suitable for framing or even going that extra step and framing it, gives them something they can hang on their wall and show to others that the company does pay attention to their employees.

All in all, awards and certificates will give the employees that added impetus to do much more during their day. Employee of the month certificates gives them the acknowledgment on a month to month basis that their efforts are appreciated. Employee recognition isn’t difficult or expensive to do, but as a method of quality employee retention, it’s a necessary step.

December 22, 2010

Very Special Award Certificates

Filed under: How to Design Certificates — Tags: , — PDWriter @ 8:00 am

Looking for a great way to recognize employees that go above and beyond, use our award certificates for employee of the month, special achievements, or employee appreciation.

Blue Ribbon Specialty CertificatesBlue Ribbon Specialty Certificates

Star Power Specialty CertificatesStar Power Specialty Certificates

Festive Star Casual CertificatesFestive Star Casual Certificates

Border Foil Stamped MiniAwardsBorder Foil Stamped MiniAwards

Traditional Blue on Blue Gift CertificatesTraditional Blue on Blue Gift Certificates

December 1, 2010

Affordable Recognition: Printing Certificates In-House

Filed under: How to Design Certificates — Tags: , — PDWriter @ 8:00 am

Baroque Standard Certificate PapersWhen it comes to boosting employee morale and increasing productivity, nothing is quite as impactful as a good recognition program. Employees respond to the “carrot” method of encouragement a lot better than they do the “stick” method, so finding ways to reward them for their efforts and skills is important to the health of the company. However, it can get expensive to have awards and rewards for employees on a monthly basis if you go for gifts and rewards that require money. That’s where printing certificates and awards in house can save money in all kinds of ways.

While employees want recognition for their work, farming out the job of printing Removable Star Awardcertificates or making awards to an awards company can cost a lot of money. Even inexpensive awards and certificates from these companies can still be twenty or thirty dollars apiece. That could absolutely kill a budget if you’ve got a lot of employees that deserve recognition.

However, if you want to be just as effective with a much more realistic budget, printing your own certificates is what to do. Not only will you save money, but you can custom design each certificate or award any way you choose. There are lots of great looking certificates and awards available. All you have to do after that Is download the template for Word or some other word processing program for that certificate and simply fill in the blanks. Fill out the employee name, the reason for the recognition, etc. Then have the CEO or President of the company sign the certificates, and you’ve created an award that the employee will appreciate and that he or she can hang on their wall so others can see.

Purple Stars Specialty CertificatesEmployees do appreciate the recognition. Plus, they like being able to have something tangible to show others that the company did give them something special for their efforts. It helps them to feel important to the company and shows others that they can be important too. And since the certificates were created and printed as a part of the regular company processes, the cost is minimized and the positive impact on the company is maximized. That’s a smart way to do business.

November 10, 2010

Make Your Own Award Certificates

Filed under: How to Design Certificates — Tags: , — PDWriter @ 8:00 am

Traditional Certificate PapersIn today’s economy, having to make every dollar in each department’s budget stretch as far as possible is more important than ever. But cutting programs could actually cost more in collateral damage than it would to even increase the amount being spent. For instance, employee recognition programs are vitally important to the health of the company. An employee that feels appreciated is one that will work harder and will be more loyal, even during times of financial struggles. So having to find ways to make your HR budget go farther can sometimes mean bringing things in-house to lower the expense. This is especially true when you make your own award certificates.

Confetti Stars Casual CertificatesMany times, an award or certificate is all the encouragement an employee needs to feel their efforts are being noticed. Even though it may be a blank certificate purchased and then filled out at the job, the point of recognizing the employee is still uppermost. And the process to get the certificates, fill them out and give them to the employee is little different than if you were to have a third party do it. It merely takes a little longer.

Above and Beyone Specialty Certificate PapersFirst, choose a great blank certificate. Next, download a template for the certificate to be used in your favorite word processor. After that, all you have to do is put in the employee’s name, the reason for the award and hit “Print”. You’ve created the certificate in a matter of minutes. You can even have the company logo, motto, and other graphics on it with just a few clicks of a mouse.

After having the CEO or President of the company sign the certificate, you have something that is suitable for framing. Whether you frame it, or you let the employee frame it is up to you. The point is, the certificate is done, it cost a fraction of what it would if you had an outside company make it, and the employee gets that appreciation and validation they deserve. And you look like a hero, because you’re doing things that will help keep the budget under control when you make your own award certificates for your employees.

September 19, 2010

Easy Certificate Layout Designs

Filed under: How to Design Certificates — Tags: , — PDWriter @ 2:04 pm

When it comes to a quick and easy way to boost morale around the office, You Make a Difference Certificate Papernothing helps like recognition. Knowing your superiors are paying attention to your efforts is definitely appreciated and having that recognition validated by even something as inexpensive as a certificate is appreciated as well. There are even things that can be done with the certificates beyond saving them as recognition validation as well, and your certificate layout designs can reflect what it’s being used for.

Most certificates are simply used for recognition purposes, and the layout is generally the same. Having the company logo up top, the award heading under that, then the person’s name who won the award and a description is usually under that. Other things that can appear on the award are signatures of corporate officers, the company slogan or even the mission statement can be on it. Of course, having everything laid out in a nice script font and that has a scalloped edge or at least some kind of laced border lends an air of sophistication to it as well.

Great Job Certificate PapersHowever, other layouts are perfectly acceptable as well. Logo left or right, text opposing is acceptable, and even doing a reverse order for everything, as long as it makes logical sense will work. Certificates are meant to be an expression of the company’s appreciation of an employee, not a straight jacket. Especially when the company is using the certificate as incentive as well as recognition.

When companies do that, not only is there the appreciation for the award, but by setting them up as “cashable” incentives, encouraging an employee to earn multiple awards and exchange them for a bonus or prize like a vacation trip, days off, or other nice incentives, employees have added desire to try to get those certificates.

Certificates like that can have a more “open” layout since there could Renaissance Standard Certificate Paperbe areas to put incentive program stickers or add-ons, and there’s no set way that has to be done. Certificates are meant to encourage the employees to be better at their jobs, and making your own, using your own layouts and ideas, lets them know the employer is paying attention to their efforts as well.

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