Saturday, January 5, 2013

How to Miniaturize an Image

I'm really struck today by how much we learn from and are inspired by others through blogging. On Thursday, I was reading Julia's most recent post on Postreadiccion blog, when I saw that she had posted a free printie: a Cath Kidston-style washi tape holder. I left a comment that my dollhouse needed one of these darling tape holders too and could Julia help me?

It's chocolate chip cookie time!

A little while later, Julia emailed me with the full-size file and a 1:12 scale version of the printie and told me it was really easy to resize an image in MS Word. Not only did I print out the miniaturized version of her printie, I followed her instructions carefully and miniaturized a bunch of images! Wow! It opened up a whole new world to me!

Cath Kidston-style washi tape holder!

In case you're interested in trying this at home, here are Julia's instructions for making a miniature image:

 "If you want to change the size, just open the file in Word, click on the image and then push the right button of the mouse and click in "Size" and just change it, it's very easy."

BTW, I have an earlier version of Word, so for me it was open the image in Word, click the image, right click and choose "Format Picture," then choose "Size" and then change the size. As Julia said, it's very easy. What I love about this method is that the image maintains its clarity and aspect ratio, so it looks just as good as the original. Yay!

Thank you so much, Julia! Be sure and check out her blog for that freebie printie and also to see her gorgeous work. She's an amazing food decorator specializing in cookies, cupcakes, and pops. She also teaches classes in this gorgeous art form and makes party kits that are amazing. Prepare to be blown away!

My own Nestle Toll House chocolate chip bag!

Remember I said that I used Julia's instructions to miniaturize other images? Well, I recently purchased these sweet chocolate chip cookies on a tray from Allies Minis on Etsy (her food is so cute!), and then today when I was "stalking" Beverly's Cute in Miniature Etsy shop, I saw this darling set of heart-shaped chocolate chip cookies with a mini Nestle Toll House chocolate chips bag. 

Matching Cath Kidston mini bunting!

Yes, using my new-found miniaturizing skills, I made my own little chocolate chip bag. Again, I'm so inspired by both of these mini food artisans (too inspired by their work to try making the food myself, but inspired to build on the skills that I do have!). ;-) Thank you, Allie and Beverly!

OK, I am really overdue in showing some beautiful gifts I received from special blog friends, plus there is major dollhouse news at my house, so I'll tell you about all of that in my next post. Until then, keep it fun! xoxo Jennifer
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55 comments:

  1. Victoria StitchJanuary 5, 2013 at 12:44 AM

    the washi tape and washi tape holder are exquisite! It's great that you have discovered miniaturizing things on MS word, as you say it will open up a whole new world of exciting miniature things! Ooh maybe you could even make a miniature book using that method!

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  2. PAKYJanuary 5, 2013 at 12:47 AM

    Hi! Recently I was visiting the blog of postreadicción and I also downloaded the printable. I also do my printable and, in Word format, because it is true that they lose nothing of its picture quality. I was surprised with this blog, is fantastic and has many ideas for cakes and cookies to make miniatures. To you I have been very pretty ribbons, and the package of chocolate chips. Kisses and happy weekend.

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  3. 17-17January 5, 2013 at 1:00 AM

    Hi Jennifer,
    your tiny tapes in the box are so lovely, my friend! Scenes are simply cute! inspirations it one, but make new thing that looks great, it's two :o) ...
    hugs!!
    Magda

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  4. Alice - Wisteria LodgeJanuary 5, 2013 at 1:42 AM

    Hi Jennifer, thanks for sharing that info :) please excuse my ignorance, but would you just divide the measurement by 12?

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  5. mcddissJanuary 5, 2013 at 2:57 AM

    muchas gracias por compartir como cambiar el tamaño de las imagenes , lo probare
    feliz año nuevo

    besitos

    Mari

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  6. AnnaJanuary 5, 2013 at 3:11 AM

    great ideas!!! love them! all these mini foods...just adorable! :)

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  7. IlonaJanuary 5, 2013 at 3:32 AM

    Hi Jennifer, thank you for the link, I've never heard of it until now ;)! Julia is a lovely blogfriend!
    The blogworld is heartwarming indeed, I treasure the friendship of many blogfriends too!
    Congrats to your new purchases, they are really wonderful.
    Warm hugs, Ilona

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  8. Melli HobbyJanuary 5, 2013 at 3:45 AM

    Congrats to your fantstic purchase!
    And thank you for the link!
    Your baking scene is wonderful!
    Greetings
    Melanie

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  9. The Old MaidJanuary 5, 2013 at 3:48 AM

    Need to try this! Thank you for sharing Jennifer!:)
    Hugs

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  10. Jeni GrayJanuary 5, 2013 at 4:13 AM

    You're SO busy over here!! I love all that you are doing. Terrific photos and great score on the sizing instruction!! You go girl! :)

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  11. Julia GuarchJanuary 5, 2013 at 5:43 AM

    I just love it! I'm sharing it in Facebook. I'm so amazed you could cut and assemble it in such a tiny size, you're great! I love the little chocolate chip bat too :-D
    Hugs,

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  12. EvaJanuary 5, 2013 at 6:35 AM

    I have also the Julia's printable in real size. In mini look sooooo cute, you have had a wonderful idea.
    Your bought looks deliciosus

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    Replies
    1. EvaJanuary 5, 2013 at 6:37 AM

      Sorry! I haven't finished! I was saying, that your purchase look delicious ^_^ happy new year dear Jenniffer

      Delete
    2. EvaJanuary 5, 2013 at 6:38 AM

      I have some problem with my keyboard Jennifer ^_^

      Delete
  13. A. WrightJanuary 5, 2013 at 6:52 AM

    Everyone needs Nestle tollhouse cookies :D

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  14. CandyJanuary 5, 2013 at 7:27 AM

    Thank you so much for your help! I also saw the blog of postreadicción bog and I download the image, but I didn't know how to miniaturize it:) Thank you again:) Your new things are also so cute:)
    Hugs, Candy:)

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  15. CandyJanuary 5, 2013 at 7:27 AM

    Thank you so much for your help! I also saw the blog of postreadicción bog and I download the image, but I didn't know how to miniaturize it:) Thank you again:) Your new things are also so cute:)
    Hugs, Candy:)

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  16. Drora's minimundoJanuary 5, 2013 at 7:58 AM

    You did an amazing job with the tape holder. It's wonderful to learn new skills. Thank you for the links and warm hugs, Drora

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  17. BegoñaJanuary 5, 2013 at 8:14 AM

    muchas gracias por el link, he ido al blog y me ha encantado y a mi hija más, le encanta hacer postres, la cajita te ha quedado preciosa, voy a intentarlo.

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  18. BiWuBärJanuary 5, 2013 at 8:47 AM

    Thank you very much for sharing this - I've never thought so far about trying this in MS Word... but it's so easy and comfortable! Your tape holder looks fantastic and your whole scene is lovely as always. Ah, I would like to have one of those chocolate cookies now... ;O)

    Greetings
    Birgit

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  19. MANUALIDADES ARTISTICAS DE AMPAROJanuary 5, 2013 at 8:58 AM

    Hola guapa vengo a desearte un feliz 2013, que todos tus proyectos se realicen y que los reyes te colmen de regalos y si no has escrito la carta que recojas muchos caramelos en la cabalgata. UN FUERTE ABRAZO.

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  20. LucilleJanuary 5, 2013 at 9:19 AM

    Thanks for the tip on sizing, Jennifer! The boxes are lovely!

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  21. Maria IrelandJanuary 5, 2013 at 10:02 AM

    Thank you very much Jennifer for the tip and the link. Wonderful scenes as always. the cookies are beautiful. I love the ribbon tapes holder and bag. Fantastic work.
    Hugs Maria

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  22. BeverlyJanuary 5, 2013 at 10:09 AM

    Ohhhhh, this is such nice work on the tape holder! Everything is so precise and perfectly assembled. I'm sure you're really excited about all the new possibilities!

    Also love the chocolate chip layout, which is very cute! Thanks for the acknowledgment and I'm honored to be an inspiration:)

    Hugs!

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  23. *Mieke*Petitevictorianrose*and*PastTimeChildhoodJanuary 5, 2013 at 10:34 AM

    Hi Jennifer, thank you sooo much for sharing this and for the link.
    Your tape holder looks great and the colors are wonderful, you did a great job !
    The pictures are lovely as always.
    Have a great weekend !!

    Hugs Mieke xxx

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  24. Winkel's Crazy IdeasJanuary 5, 2013 at 11:47 AM

    hello again, the follow button turned up on my computer this ev. and so now I am a very excited new follower :) Your miniatures and little animals are truly wonderful :)Pam xx

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  25. afairytalecometruewyrnaJanuary 5, 2013 at 12:35 PM

    Thank you sooo much for sharing this and for the link.
    Your tape holder looks great, you did a good job. The pictures are lovely as always.

    Hugs
    Wyrna

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  26. JacquelineJanuary 5, 2013 at 4:29 PM

    OH MY!!! This is really wonderful!!! I am so in love with that the washi tape and washi tape holder!! And the new found way to mini size a photo....it's just awesome!!! Thank YOU Thank YOU for sharing!! I have always wonder how people do those mini prints of life size food labels!! Have a beautiful Sunday and love to you!!

    Jacqueline
    http://jqlinesocuteithurts.typepad.com/

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  27. rosethe-minimaJanuary 5, 2013 at 10:34 PM

    vos petits animaux sont adorables. Maintenant, je vais suivre leurs aventures et découvertes avec plaisir. rosethé

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  28. AnonymousJanuary 6, 2013 at 5:12 AM

    My daughter got a dollhouse from santa claus, so I will be visiting here to steel ideas ;D
    Happy new year!

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  29. DinskuJanuary 6, 2013 at 7:38 AM

    Oh what great advice! :) Thanks so so much:)

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  30. Jane ChérieJanuary 6, 2013 at 8:18 AM

    Hi Jennifer, Thank you for sharing that information! What a great find :D

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  31. PiikkoJanuary 6, 2013 at 8:47 AM

    Hi Jennifer, thanks for sharing the link. I also really needed this kind of advices. Now, I must try something...
    Jennifer, all your works are so pretty and I ♥ your photos!
    Looking forward to your next post!
    Hugs, piikko

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  32. miniacollectionJanuary 6, 2013 at 8:54 AM

    Thank you for the tip! I will have to try one day. the result is amazing and I love what you've just done. Lovely photos!
    Geneviève

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  33. UnknownJanuary 6, 2013 at 9:33 AM

    Hello from Spain: thanks for sharing that information. You make great scenes with all elements. Julia is very pleasant. I really like your scenes and all accessories. I cant wait to see your new gifts. Keep in touch

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  34. maribelJanuary 6, 2013 at 9:50 AM

    Gracias por compartir esta información nosotr@s. Besos

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  35. MelyGiuntaJanuary 6, 2013 at 11:08 AM

    Hai fatto un bellissimo lavoro, sono perfetty per il cottage!!
    Un bacio,
    Mely

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  36. RosieJanuary 6, 2013 at 12:22 PM

    Your blog is adorable!
    You are talented!
    So following!

    Rosie

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  37. SanneJanuary 6, 2013 at 11:31 PM

    Thank you for sharing this! Julia's blog is so cute, as are your jolly, colourful pictures too! Have a great 2013!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Maria Blanca "AyamontinoMaria"January 7, 2013 at 1:58 AM

    Gracias Jennifer por compartir el modo de cambiar el tamaño de las imágenes..lo probaré. Voy a ver el blog que nos has recomendado..Las cintas mini te han quedado perfectas..¡Feliz Año 2013!Un beso

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  39. GiacJanuary 7, 2013 at 6:13 AM

    Hello Jennifer,
    Thank you so much for the great tips and references. The cottage is looking more and more beautiful every time I see it. I can't wait to hear about the big dollhouse news. I hope you are well and i send you a great big hug,
    Giac

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  40. ilovelittlethingsJanuary 7, 2013 at 7:09 AM

    I love the washi tape. So pretty!

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  41. MarisaJanuary 7, 2013 at 7:37 AM

    MS word and a Printer is all I need for a good time making mini's :)

    thanks for the tip
    Love
    Marisa

    ReplyDelete
  42. AscensionJanuary 7, 2013 at 7:42 AM

    Gracias por se tan generosa y compartir la informacion.
    Feliz Año Nuevo!!
    besitos ascension

    ReplyDelete
  43. My Journey To Celebrating LifeJanuary 7, 2013 at 2:03 PM

    Awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  44. MALINIKJanuary 7, 2013 at 9:29 PM

    Hi Jennifer,
    thank you for sharing with us. Love your colorful ribbon tapes :)

    ReplyDelete
  45. Cinderella Moments January 8, 2013 at 3:49 PM

    That is an awesome tip!! Thanks for passing it on. I wonder if it would work for wallpaper too?? The washi tape holder is perfect. I love everything. And now that you shared the trick to shrinking those images, I feel like trying some stuff out.
    Thanks Jennifer (and Julia)!
    hugs♥,
    Caroline

    ReplyDelete
  46. FloraJanuary 9, 2013 at 2:09 AM

    My dear Jennifer, some mornings, like this, I dedicate myself to reading your post back, as I lose constantly updates.
    From a certain point of view, it is very funny, because I can do an overdose of sweetness :-)
    Besides the fact that your cottage is more adorable, known now that we have the same kitchen table :-)
    I really like how you use it from time to time, to show all the new (and your new skills!)
    Mini lovely hugs,
    Flora

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  47. CocoFlowerJanuary 10, 2013 at 6:17 AM

    So cute ♥♥♥

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  48. Den MotherJanuary 10, 2013 at 7:37 PM

    What a great post, Jennifer! Thanks for the instructions and the links to all the lovely makers of small things out there! I do love Allie's Minis! I could gaze at her stuff all day! Yours too! I need to make small things, too, but a little bigger than 1:12 for monstres...!

    Speaking of which, I did my first set dressing for a Christmas photo shoot that I'm dying for you to see. I posted photos on FB, but not on the monstre blog yet. It seems a little late to do it now that it's January, but lets just say, our visit to the Dollhouse show was inspiring!

    I still want to get together with you soon! Let's be in touch!
    xoxox
    Lise

    Lovely lovely photos as always! You're brilliant!

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  49. Fi.PJanuary 11, 2013 at 5:24 AM

    Thanks so much for the tip Jennifer!
    Fi x

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  50. AngeJanuary 11, 2013 at 7:37 AM

    I'm so glad I found your beautiful blog, Jennifer - and this post was so timely for me, because I was trying to make little plate printies and they kept coming out blurry. I can't wait to try this suggestion:)

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  51. UnknownJanuary 12, 2013 at 8:35 AM

    Yes, Jennifer, it is so easy to shrink a Printie. It is so funny so see the little things.
    Your washi tape holder is amazing.
    Hugs from Craftland

    ReplyDelete
  52. PlushpussycatJanuary 12, 2013 at 9:23 AM

    Hi Everyone! Thank you for your sweet comments. First, I wanted everyone to know that the miniature washi tapes were made by asukasakumo on Etsy. She is very talented! :-)

    Then, to answer Alice - Wisteria Lodge: in my version of Word, it uses percentages. When you go in to size the image, it says it is at 100%. Play with the percentages until you get a size that looks right. If you want it to be 1/12 of the original, make it 8.3 percent. :-) Since my critters are a little oversized, I might just make it 10%. lol Hope that was helpful! xo Jennifer

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  53. UnknownJanuary 13, 2013 at 12:13 PM

    Thank you for telling me about this easy way to miniaturize an image :)
    Mona

    ReplyDelete

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