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