Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Inkscape Tutorial for creating a frame or border around a saying.



Many of us like the welded letters and framing around words and sayings and I've been asked how to accomplish this using Inkscape. So I'll try to explain the steps I use to do this.

For this tutorial I'll use the phrase Baby Shower.



After selecting the font you want (this one is Curlz MT)
Path > Object to Path
Object >Ungroup

Use the Arrow Keys to connect letters


In my final version. I enlarged the first letter of each word. (I use the ctrl button to maintain proportion.) I also lengthened the lower serif on the H so it wouldn't be too close to the O.
I used the Edit path by node tool to select the two nodes on the lower serif of the H to extend it and create addtional space between letters

When satisfied with your tweaks, select all the letters
Path > Union
Path > Outset



As you can see, using Outset was too much weight so
Edit > Undo
Zoom in
Path > Dynamic Offset

Using dynamic offset gives one node that can be used to add weight in a more controlled fashion but I usually zoom in to see it better.



Move node by small increments until you're happy with the letters
(save your file)
Path > Object to Path






Now we want to create the frame so
Edit > Duplicate
Change color of duplicate and move.
Select your original image
Path > Dynamic Offset
You can also use Outset and keep selecting it until it has enough weight. I move the duplicate up to see if I like the size of the border.
Once I'm happy with it then
Path > Object to Path





I don't want the extra white spaces in the black frame so I'll edit the nodes and eliminate them.

If you feel ambitious and want an additional layer duplicate the lettering



Path > Outset
Path > Object to Path




Hope this helps those new to Inkscape to create their own special headlines!


By the way this file is here, seventh post!

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Hatching in Inkscape...still



Some techniques are fun to experiment with and the hatching option using the Calligraphy tool allows for a wide variety of effects. I've discussed how to do this technique in a post from May 2011 on Hatching. In the middled samples I've overlayed the two top designs, one using the Tremor option. There is Wiggle, too. Try different settings and play with it. The speed you use drawing over the letter or image will also affect it. In these sample I duplicated my letter and applied union to the lines and used the Difference option to create a different look from my previous samples

Monday, January 23, 2012

2012 Calendar - February




Well, in the February calendar I experimented with the hatching feature again in Inkscape and will try to post some new examples in using the Calligraphy tool to create a variety of effects.

Balloon Bonanza






I had an order for several balloons in blue tones...these are in 11", 8" and 4". Won't they be fun in a nursery?! Thought I'd share a few pics...

Friday, January 20, 2012

Life is fragile, Handle with Prayer

I couldn't settle on one design so made several...zip file available with png files, individual as well as a full page. Files here...












Saturday, January 14, 2012

Little Owl and Butterflies Digital Paper Freebie





I created this image using a wonderful digital paper with owl, butterflies and little hearts. The post is from October 2011 but new to me and such an adorable image! If you want the digital paper follow the link below!

Friday, January 13, 2012

Another day in paradise







Well here are a couple of other options for the paradise heading...files in fourth post.

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Paradise



A request for the phrase paradise, incorporated the palm tree in the lettering...in Sayings and Phrases_2

Friday, January 6, 2012

Owl Always Love You

Well, I haven't done that phrase yet but playing with my swirly owl design so here's another idea...





In these samples below I took my owl in Inkscape and in the Objects > Pattern > Objects to Pattern to create my own custom fill for the letters...whoo doesn't love that!! Whoo Hooo!




And speaking of things I love here is a great link to a printable 2012 calendar for all of you Owl Lovers!


Owl Lover 2012 Calendar

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Thinking of You and Memories



Here are a couple of sayings you might have a use for...files here!

Photobucket