One of the most frequently asked questions that I get asked is about where I get my graphic files and how I make things.  Here’s a crash course in how you too can create your own WWII paperwork.

What you need – glue, a metal ruler, a computer, a printer, a razor cutter / paper cutter / scissors.

Step 1. Find your original.  For paperwork, this might be a picture on the internet or something that you own.  NOTE – working off of photos from the internet is the least desirable way to make a repro because you can’t feel it or touch it.

Step 2. Measure it.  You may find that making a photocopy is helpful, so that you can write in all the silly measurements.  How wide is the margins, how big is the sheet of paper, etc.?

Step 3. I use Adobe Illustrator, but you can download a software program like Inkscape.  In fact, for most forms, you can just open up an office program like Word or Open Office.  Set up your page size and margins from your measurements.  Type in all of the stuff on your form.

Step 4.  Match your fonts.  If you can desperate, you can use a font finder for help.

Step 5.   This is the part that requires the actual original.  Take your piece of paperwork and figure out what kind of paper it’s printed on.  I recommend using a store like AC Moore or Office Max, depending on the document. Scrap booking departments sell fancy, textured paper, like the stuff used on Id’s.  Office Max has the type of paper that you’ll need to make simple forms.  Both stores sells card stock in bulk.  You’ll need a light card stock for items like passes, postcards and calling cards.

Step 6.  Print your finished reproduction on paper.  Use your ruler and razor cutter, scissors, or paper cutter to cut it to size.
Voila, you’ve made your own piece of reproduction paperwork.   Our free area has some passes, forms and other documents to get you started.