{How to Print Large Images Using Microsoft Word}

Hey, y'all!  Tuesday I left you hanging at the end of the post without telling you what happens to Manny and the kid down the street how to tile print using Microsoft Word.  I showed you how to create large graphics using PicMonkey, but I didn't show you how to print those large images.  Today I'm giving you the full tutorial, which is easier than you may think.

  When I made my DIY Vintage Quote Sign, I created a graphic the exact size of the board I was using.  That was great, but when it came time to print that image, which was 16" x 36", I couldn't figure out how to do it.  Yes, I Googled how to print tiled images.  I found a couple of tutorials, but the problem was that none of them used programs or versions of programs that I own.  I have Photoshop Elements, but the tutorial I found for using that program to tile print used a different version of Elements.  I have PowerPoint, but once again, the same problem.  After those fails, I was determined to figure out how to tile print using Microsoft Word.  I probably sat at the computer for two hours until I got pretty angry.  I have patience to a certain extent--I have to have patience because I teach high school students--but when I get fed up, I get angry fast.  So, yeah, I got angry.  And then the clouds parted and the sun shone down (metaphorically of course)!  I realized that I was complicating something that was pretty darn easy.  I guess that should have made me angry too, but I was just happy to have found a solution.  Here's the super simple how-to...

The very first step is to open a new document in Word.  **Please note that I am using Microsoft Word for Mac 2011.  If you have a different version of Word, your program may look a little different, but you should still be able to figure out the steps of the process.**  I like to work on a large image in the "Publishing Layout View," so since the screen shots are using that view, I suggest you use it as well.

Next you want to open the large graphic you created by choosing "Insert," "Photo," and "Picture from File."  A window will open that will allow you to choose your graphic from its file name.

When you open the graphic/image, it will automatically be sized to fit the page.  That defeats the whole purpose of printing a large image, so you'll need to resize the image.

  Under the "Format Picture" tab, change the height of the image to to its original dimensions.  If you have that little box checked next to the height and width measurements, it will automatically choose the correct width measurement.  (The checked box locks the aspect ratio, keeping the height and width ratio.)  Now you have a huge image on a white rectangle the size of computer paper.  The next step?  Print the image.  That's right.  Print the image you see on the screen.  

Look at your printed image and move the graphic around to print out more of the image.  The image on the left is the first part of the image I printed.  I then moved the image to where you see on the right.  You want to print out a bit of overlap so that it will be easy for you to tape your printed papers together.  Continue moving the image and printing until you get all parts of the image printed.  Tape the images together, being sure not to tape over the image because that will make it harder to trace when you begin creating your sign.  Also, you may need to trim off some of the white border around the paper to get the images to line up correctly.  It's kind of like putting together a puzzle.  :)

Once you have the graphic taped together, you can follow the steps I used to make my DIY Vintage Quote Sign to make your own sign. I hope this tutorial helps you the next time you need to print a large graphic or image for crafting purposes.  And please let me know in the comments if you have any tips for printing large images.  I love to learn new things! RELATED POSTS:

How to Create Large Graphics Using PicMonkey

Create a Large Sign without Using a Cutting Machine

{How to Create Large, Custom-Sized Graphics for Signs Using PicMonkey}

Hey, y'all!  Today's tutorial falls under the label (made up by me) of "Crafty-Techy Stuff."  I'm showing you how you can create specific-sized, large graphics for signs and other crafts using PicMonkey.  

  It's no surprise that I love to craft.  One of my favorite things to do is to create custom signs and art work for gifts and my own home.  Most of the time, I use my Silhouette for creating those signs because it cuts down on a lot of work, but recently I needed to design a graphic for a 16"x36" sign (my DIY Vintage Quote Sign), and, y'all, I don't have a Cameo.  Yes, I hear your shocked reactions all the way in South Carolina.  I still have a Silhouette SD, which is like the very first Silhouette to come out.  It only cuts media up to 9" wide, and I have been too scared to attempt to piece vinyl.  (Although I'm facing that fear later this week...)  I decided to design my sign graphic in PicMonkey, print it, and then trace it onto the wooden board.  But you're probably wondering how I did that since when creating a custom graphic in PicMonkey, the measurements are in pixels.  Well, I'm going to let you in on a little secret that my friend Kirsten from Sweet Tea and Saving Grace told me a long time ago: there are inches to pixels converters online that you can use for FREE!

This is the one I've been using: Image Size Calculator from Auction Repair.  I'm really not sure why it's from Auction Repair, but I'm thankful that I can use it for free.  The top section of the page is used to convert pixels to inches, which I guess could come in handy sometime.  The bottom section of the page is for converting inches to pixels, and that's the part of the page that you want to use.  I'm working on a new custom graphic for a project I'll be doing later this week.  The board I'm using in 15.5" x 20.5".  I put those dimensions into the photo width and height section of the calculator, and it magically told me those measurements are equivalent to 1162 pixels x 1537 pixels.  Knowing that is crucial to create my image the exact size of my sign.

Once you know your measurement in pixels, head on over to Picmonkey.  Hover over "Design" at the top of the page.  A rectangle will pop up underneath that for you to choose the measurements for your graphic.  Choose "Custom."  A rectangle will pop up like the one in the image above.  Put your pixel measurements into the boxes provided; then click "Make it!"  A blank image will appear.  Click apply on the left to leave the image white.  (The image may not look all that large to you, but I promise that it's the correct size as long as you used the right pixel measurements.)  Then all that's left is designing your sign.

I give you lots of tips for creating custom graphics using PicMonkey in this tutorial: DIY Personalized Wedding Gift Using PicMonkey.  One thing I want to point out again, though, is the option to use your own overlays.  See the image I was working on in the screen shot above?  A palmetto tree and a South Carolina image are not graphics that PicMonkey offers.  How did I use them then?  I simply found free black and white images online and downloaded them.  Once I created my custom sized graphic, I added those images by clicking "Your Own" as seen on the screen shot above.  And don't forget that you can now use your own fonts with PicMonkey too!  So now that you have this awesome custom-sized graphic that you created, how do you print it out?  Come back Thursday for me to show you how!  

Is it mean to tease you like that?  That's what they do on T.V., right?  "Stay tuned for our next episode where you'll find out why Manny is feuding with his sister's brother's mother's neighbor and why the child down the street is tired of playing hopscotch."  Unlike waiting an entire week to find out about Manny and the child down the street, you only have to wait a couple of days to learn how to tile print using Word.  It'll be worth it.  At least I hope so since I've built up the suspense this much.  ;) Note: The triangle and striped backgrounds used in my title images are from Free Pretty Things for You and The Cottage Market.  I really appreciate these lovely ladies creating beautiful free digital paper that bloggers like myself can use.  :)

{DIY Personalized Wedding Gift Using PicMonkey}

Hey, y'all!  Wedding season is quickly approaching.  I'm sure we all like to give nice, personalized wedding gifts, but sometimes those gifts are a little hard on the ol' pocketbook.  Today I'm going to show you how to make a chic, personalized wedding gift using PicMonkey--an online photo-editing site--and digital scrapbook paper.  Print out your design and pop it in an inexpensive frame, and your gift will be something the happy couple will cherish for years.

First, you need to go to PicMonkey.com.

Click on the design option at the top of the home page.  Then choose the "canvas" size that you'd like your finished print to be.  When you do that, a white page will open.  There will be an option for you to change the color of the page.  Just click apply and the page will stay white.

On the left side of the screen, click on the T's; this is the font option.  Choose a font you like and click "Add Text."  Type the initial of the last name of the couple and resize and reposition your letter.  You want to position it in the top two thirds of your white page.

Next, click the butterfly on the left side of the screen; this is the overlay section.  Click on the geometric shape overlay option at the top. Chose a rectangle.

Change the color of your rectangle to white and then stretch it all the way across the print.  Try to center it in the middle of the letter.

Click on the geometric overlay option again and choose a rectangle again.  Leave this one black.  Make it really thin and then stretch it across the print.  As you can see in the photo, this creates a thin black line that you will use as a border.  Right-click the line and duplicate it.  Position the lines like those in the photo above.

Choose the text option again on the left of the screen.  Chose a pretty font, click "Add Text," and type the couple's last name.  Center it in the white rectangle you just created. 

Click "Add Text" again and type the name of the bride and groom, along with the year they are getting married.  (Sorry that my screen shot doesn't show the text section on the left!)  Now you're done with the hard part.  Make sure that everything is positioned like you want it.  (My trick to center everything is opening a rectangle and using it almost like a ruler on each side to make sure the text is even.)

Click on the butterfly again for the overlays.  This time, you're going to click "Your Own" at the top.  This gives you the option to add any files on your computer as an overlay.  You can add a photo or do like I did and add a piece of pretty digital paper.  (You can find free digital paper downloads online.  There are tons of online sites that sell digital scrapbook paper.  Etsy is a great source as well.)

Enlarge the paper enough to cover the entire print.  Then right-click on the paper and choose "Send to Back."  This will put the paper in the background and move your letters to the top.  You may decide that you're finished after this step, but I had to do a little more tweaking because I'm a tweaker when it comes to digital creations.

I changed my white rectangle to a pretty salmon/coral color.  I recolored all my text gray and put a white shadow behind all of it except the large L.  I also added two more border lines around the rectangle.  Then I saved the print.  To do this, simply click save at the top of the screen.  (I would choose the largest file size so that it will look great printed.)

After you save your print, all that's left to do is to actually print it out.  You can print it on photo paper with your home printer if you have a good printer, or you can save the file to a jump drive and print it at any photo center.  Buy an inexpensive frame, pop the print inside of it, and you have created a very special gift for mere dollars.

The couple will LOVE the gift and will have no idea that you created it yourself inexpensively.  That, my friends, is the beauty of DIY.  :)

{#MFB Zombie Edition: Free iPhone Wallpaper}

Hey, y'all!  I'm excited today that a few of my bloggy friends and I are bringing you a special zombie edition of #MyFavoriteBloggers in honor of The Walking Dead returning after its mid-season hiatus.  I have an awesome iPhone wallpaper to share with you today.  

I have a confession to make.  I'm a huge scaredy cat.  I hate scary movies because, well, they're really scary.  I was totally against The Walking Dead when my husband started watching it because of all scary things, zombies are probably the scariest.  My computer is in the living room, though, so when my husband would watch the show, I would be at the computer with my back to the TV, but I could still hear what was going on.  The more I heard the story, the more intrigued I was.  So I started peeking at the TV here and there until the most recent episode of the show when I pretty much watched the entire thing.  If you're a loyal fan of the show, you know that this season Hershel risked his life in order to take care of the sick in the prison.  His lines about risking his life were really inspiring, so I thought they were perfect for my creation.

You can download the wallpaper {HERE}.  (I created the wallpaper for the iPhone 5.) Please note that any files shared here at Pitter and Glink are for personal use only. Before you go, check out these other zombie-inspired projects from My Favorite Bloggers!

Top Row, from left to right: 

Brain Shaped Ham and Onion Cheeseball‏ from Happy Hour Projects

Zombie Warning Yard Signs from 4 You with Love

Zombie Warning Door Hanging from It Happens in a Blink

Middle Row: 

Free Zombie-Inspired iPhone Wallpaper from Pitter and Glink 

Bottom Row, from left to right: 

Friendly Crochet Zombie Doll from Repeat Crafter Me

 Free Printable Zombie Valentine from Do Small Things with Love 

Zombie Makeup Using Basic Household Items from Creative Capital B.

Happy zombie crafting!

{How to Use PicMonkey to Improve Your Photos}

Hey, y'all!  Today I want to talk about a subject that's a key to having a successful blog: photography.  (This post can be useful to non-bloggers as well, though.)  If you take a minute to browse some of the most successful blogs on the web, you will notice something they all have in common: excellent photos.  When I first started my blog two years ago, I was just writing posts to try my hand at blogging, but as I've gotten more serious about my blog, I've been trying to steadily improve my photography skills.  I have a Canon Rebel DSLR that my husband bought me, and I've learned how to use the manual mode, which has made a huge difference in my photography.  But since I'm nowhere near a perfect photographer even with all my improvements, sometimes I need a little help to make my final shots more blogworthy.  And that's when I turn to PicMonkey, an online photo editing program.  You can use many of the program's tools for free or you can get full use of all the goodies by paying a small fee.  Before I begin, let me make it clear that PicMonkey is not paying me to say any of this.  I honestly just really love the program, and I use it ALL THE TIME.  So let's talk about the tools the program has that I turn to often.

PicMonkey is very easy to use, so I'm assuming that you already know (or at least can figure out) how to open a photo to begin editing and even how to crop the photo.  I want to focus on those "hidden gems" that you might not realize can help you out a lot.  (Please note that you can click on any of the images in the post to enlarge them if needed.)

Sometimes I try to get overly artistic with a shot by taking the photo a little askew.  When I begin combing through the many photos I took to use in a post, I sometimes realize that the image I want to use is a little too askew and isn't visually pleasing.  Something as simple as straightening the photo a little will improve that.  To straighten a pic, open it in PicMonkey.  Under Basic Edits on the left, click on the little icon that looks like a molecule.  Then click the Rotate rectangle.

As in the image above, you will see the straighten bar.  You can slide that circle left or right to straighten an image.  

Something important to note is that, as in the example above, the tool zooms in on a photo to do the straightening magic, so you may lose some of your subject matter.  Because of that, straighten a photo before cropping.

A huge key to taking great photos is natural light.  Photos taken with natural light versus artificial light look soooo much better.  Sadly, I can't always craft at a sunny window.  Often, I'm crafting at night by candlelight.  Just kidding.  It's by lamplight, but I wanted to see if I'd lost you in this somewhat wordy post.  ;)  Anyway, lamplight can cause photos to have a very ugly tint.  You can fix or at least improve that with the temperature bar.  We're still under Basic Edits, but this time we want to click on the Colors rectangle.

You can see where the temperature bar is located in the photo above.  If you slide the circle to the right, you can warm your photo up if it's too blue looking from a fluorescent light.  (I've exaggerated this in the photos below so that you can understand what I mean.)

If you slide the circle to the left, you can cool down those orange tints that come from conventional lightbulbs.  

If you have white in your photo and just can't seem to get the white just right, you can try to use the neutral picker, which will pick the temperature your photo should be to get a pure white.  If you have a lot of different shades of white, though, sometimes this doesn't work, and you'll still need to tweak the image with the temperature bar, but at least you have a starting point.  If I do all this and still can't get the white right, sometimes I just put a filter on the image (Found under the beaker icon.) and go on with life.

When I'm being all artsy with manual mode and trying to blur the background or if I have my shutter speed too low, I sometimes get a little blur on the subject matter of my image.  I have taken all the photos for a post before only to find that this was the case.  Sometimes the pictures are unsalvageable, and I have to start from the beginning, but sometimes if I sharpen the image a little, I can make it presentable enough to at least use as a process photo.  (I try to make sure my final photos are as perfect as I can get them, so I would retake any blurry final pics.)  We're still under Basic Edits, and this time we're clicking on the Sharpen rectangle.

You can only slide the circle to the right on this bar.  The farther right you slide the circle, the sharper your image will get.  But don't sharpen the image too much or you will end up with a really weird looking photo.

I already talked about how important it is to use natural light in photography, and since I don't have the best lighting in my house, I often take photos on a stool in front of a window or outside.  I love to use scrapbook paper and a white foam board as a little backdrop for my crafts.  Sometimes when I'm in the moment taking photos, I might not realize that some grass was showing in the pic or my scrapbook paper ended and you can see the white foam board.  Instead of having to take the pictures all over again, often I can use the Clone tool to remedy the problem.  You can find it two different places: under the beaker icon or the lipstick icon.  In the photo below, I'm using the one under the beaker icon.

In the photo above, there is grass showing in the corner.  To fix it, I clicked on the Clone rectangle.  The cursor will become a circle like it is in the photo above.  You need to click the part of the photo you want to copy and duplicate.  I just clicked on the white part of the picture.

Then another circle pops up.  That circle is the one you use to fill in the grass with the white.  You are cloning the dotted circle and placing it where the complete circle is when you click your mouse.  It's easy to do with a big white area, but you can use it for other colors and patterns.  You just have to get used to the tool.  I have used this tool before to remove a goose lawn ornament that was in a portrait I took.  Yeah, I'm not kidding.  An entire goose.

When I'm working in manual mode, sometimes the final pic looks a little different on my camera than it does on the computer screen.  I might think my exposure is perfect on my camera, but on my computer, it just looks a little too dark.  So we're going back to the Basic Edits molecule icon, and we're clicking on Exposure.

Above is my original image.  It's a little too dark for my taste, so to fix it, I'm going to slide the circle on the Highlight bar to the right.

I have made the highlights brighter than I normally would in the image above to show you what I mean.  You can adjust the Brightness a little, but I've found that if you do that too much, it's like having to squint to look at the sun.  (Jack up the brightness in a picture with a lot of white, and you'll see what I mean.)  There are other bars to work with under the Exposure section, and you really just have to play around with them to get used to what each does to your photo.

If you have always just uploaded pictures to your blog without editing them, I encourage you to give PicMonkey a try.  Once you get used to the program, you will be amazed what you can do with it!