Tartan inlays (1 Viewer)

[DJ Mack]

Hiya, longtime lurker, first time poster and all that...

I'm just starting to play with the idea of a custom CPC set. I've got samples in hand, but I'm curious if anybody has ever done a tartan as a background? Given the textured finish of the inlays I wonder if the detail would tend to wash out or otherwise look funny. I've got a 300 dpi base image that looks good, but again curious on how it would translate to a 7/8 inlay.

 

[detroitdad]

Not all inlays are textured

 

[Psypher1000]

I wonder if the detail would tend to wash out or otherwise look funny

I don't think the detail would wash out provided the quality of the base image was good enough. Where I think you'd have to pay attention to detail is in properly outlining/setting off the text from the patterned background so that the text properly stands out from the background.

I'd normally recommend the FDL mold for something like this, save for the fact that I don't associate the FDL with a tartan background in the least. Those seem more like clashing opposites vs. complimentary items.

 

[DJ Mack]

Thanks - I'm looking at CSQ actually. FDL and HHR crossed my mind as well, but HHR is a bit rough for my tastes. As to FDL, it was on the table until my wife said "wait a minute. You're talking about surrounding our Scotish tartan with the French, right?" The lady has a point and since to some degree her consent will be necessary given the expenditure level I can't argue with that

I'm fortunate in that our tartan is very dark, mostly greens and blues, so contrasting is easy with white characters.

Which inlays are not textured, or is it an option when ordering? I've got samples of the circular 7/8" and 1" and both are textured. Or is it more the case that the inlay is not textured but the surface of the underlying mold is causing it to be?

 

[200 Motels]

Given the textured finish of the inlays I wonder if the detail would tend to wash out or otherwise look funny. I've got a 300 dpi base image that looks good, but again curious on how it would translate to a 7/8 inlay.

I believe that it's recommended to print your prototype label at it's actual size, hold it at arms length and see how it looks.

 

[DJ Mack]

I believe that it's recommended to print your prototype label at it's actual size, hold it at arms length and see how it looks.

Indeed - things seem to look great on smooth label paper, but it will be tough to see how it would look if there was a 3D crosshatch on it.

 

[200 Motels]

Indeed - things seem to look great on smooth label paper, but it will be tough to see how it would look if there was a 3D crosshatch on it.

They can get quite a bit of detail on a CPC inlay. My only concern about a tartan inlay is that it may take away from the edge spot pattern on the chip. Perhaps instead of having the background be a tartan, you could have a crest or shield or lion or something relevant but have it contain the tartan pattern. Or, since a tartan pattern repeats, try on horizontal line of tartan and an intersecting line of tartan.

Like this.

or

 

[hod]

Thanks - I'm looking at CSQ actually. FDL and HHR crossed my mind as well, but HHR is a bit rough for my tastes. As to FDL, it was on the table until my wife said "wait a minute. You're talking about surrounding our Scotish tartan with the French, right?" The lady has a point and since to some degree her consent will be necessary given the expenditure level I can't argue with that

Google 'Auld Alliance'... for historical accuracy!

 

[DJ Mack]

I like the intersecting lines idea. My challenge is capturing a thin red cross that is an integral part of the pattern. Here's a 2 minute sample. The M will ultimately be different. I'm looking to see if we still have the electronic version of the M we used on our wedding invitations 13 years ago. It was an embossed character but the original was a 2D rendering with a gold outline, I'd probably switch it to black.
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Oh and yes, I know about the Auld Alliance. Unfortunately in modern times it's small comfort when you find yourself in the middle of a sports riot!

 

[hod]

Oh and yes, I know about the Auld Alliance. Unfortunately in modern times it's small comfort when you find yourself in the middle of a sports riot!

Ah apologies! Also I like the intersecting lines idea too, a full tartan background I felt would be too kitsch or busy at least.