Crafting, Collaboration, and Technology

Technology continues to advance, and thus make our lives easier! In my crafting, I incorporate a lot of photos, especially when I junk journal. A new tool I’ve seen a lot recently among the craft community are mini Bluetooth portable printers that allow you to print a picture right from your phone. Let’s talk a little more about these tools and what I hope to see in the future!

Mini portable printer printing a photo.

Printers … in my Pocket?

I think these mini portable printers are a powerful tool for collaboration among crafters. If you need to print photos, you don’t have to order online or be connected to a printer now. You can work while traveling or take your project out of the house by working at a park or a coffee shop. 

These printers are not entirely a brand new concept, but they have definitely increased in popularity and a lot of models are available. I can’t cover all the printers now on the market, but below are a select few to give you an idea of what options are available. 

Canon Ivy

First up is the Canon Ivy mini photo printer. This printer allows you to connect to your phone via Bluetooth through their app. In the app, the user has the ability to make edits, add filters, or print in a collage style. You can also use augmented reality features when taking photos through the app. This is a popular choice because it prints onto a sticker-back paper, so you can easily peel and stick your photos onto a project!

Canon Ivy printer. Credit: Canon Ivy Amazon

HP Sprocket

Next is the HP Sprocket portable instant printer! This product comes in a variety of colors, including my favorite lilac, which already gives this an extra point in my book. Similar to the Canon Ivy, this product also prints onto sticker paper and has editing tools within their associated app. One cool feature about this product is that it can connect to multiple Bluetooth devices simultaneously, so several people can print at the same time, which is great for crafting events or parties. 

HP Sprocket. Credit: HP Sprocket Amazon

Instax Mini 

Lastly, is the Instax Mini Link printer by Fujifilm. Once again, the associated app allows the user to edit their images and add frames or stickers to their photo. The key difference is that unlike the last two printers using sticker paper, the Instax mini prints on Polaroid film. I think this option is great if you enjoy the look of polaroid pictures, but do not want to carry around your Polaroid camera. 

Instax Mini Link. Credit: Instax Amazon

My Dream Printer

The above printers are great wearables for any crafter because it offers so much freedom in when and where you can print photos for your project. 

However, the tool I would love to see developed is a mini sticker printer! Yes, I understand that the Canon Ivy and the HP Sprocket both print on sticker paper, so I could print stickers at home that way. But, the new technology I am imagining is more than just a sticker printer. The associated app would allow users to create their own sticker designs, and these designs can be uploaded to a community gallery for others to download and print! Maybe one day technology will advance enough where this is possible.

Final Thoughts

Technology is advancing, and it can be such a great tool for creativity and collaboration. If you use a mini photo printer, what brand do you use and how do you like it? Do you have a dream tech for crafting? Share your thoughts below. Happy crafting!