Craftopoly

WIP Project Update!

2012-02-26T18:50:00.003-06:00

I just wanted to take the time to post some WIP updates. I started my sweater Wednesday and here is its progress so far :D

Center Motif (in daylight :D)

First I made the lovely center motif during Knit Night.

Front panel, sleeve, and Lucky.

And by tonight I have the front and back done, and one sleeve. So one more sleeve to go and then all that's left are blocking and seaming...whoohoo! I think my cat approves so far.

I'm making the small so there are no side panels...I'm still hoping it will fit and not be too stretched. I'm the same measurements as the medium so I decided to make the small so I could get some ease. It looks like its suppose to be pretty snug in the pictures.

Also here is my granny bag as it is right now...I think it might have to wait until my sweater is crocheted though before it gets love again. At least all the squares are done.

New Yarn for my CAL Project

2012-02-16T14:26:00.001-06:00

I bought some new yarn today! As I have mentioned before I attend a local "Knitting Night" here and I enjoy it very much! I showed a few of the regular girls my new copy of Crochet Today from Jan/Feb and told them I was thinking about doing the sweater from the front cover. Seen here:

A few of them liked it so much they decided they wanted to do it with me! So next week we will all start making it together. I'll keep you updated on our progress and hopefully we'll get a cute group picture when we are all done.

I decided against the recommended yarn (Stitch Nation Full O' Sheep) and went with the very similar Sheep(ish) by Vickie Howell in this lovely turquoise color. It took me a minute to figure out what I wanted but after much deliberation in the yarn isle I finally decided on this. There are so many beautiful colors though I would have picked them all! But I don't have many blue things so I went with that. The yarn is 70% acrylic 30% wool as compared to the 100% Stitch Nation yarn but I thought the acrylic blend was softer. Plus wool tends to make me a bit itchy so maybe I'll be more comfortable with this yarn. The hubbie will be proud of me though I managed to wrangle up enough competitor coupons to wrack up a whole $8 in savings! Plus the coupons from my JoAnn's app. I love how they let you use more than one coupon! I feel like a real bargain hunter. In the end this sweater will only cost me about $21.

You can see my project details on my Ravelry: http://ravel.me/Firecracker197/phs

What people think I do: Crochet Artists

2012-02-15T21:57:00.002-06:00

These have been popular, and I thought it would be cute to make one about crocheting. :P All in good fun :D

WIP: Granny Bag

2012-02-09T09:56:00.001-06:00

Please excuse my hipster picture, my iPhone doesn't take the best quality of picture so I figured I would spice it up a little.

A little while ago I got the idea to make a bag with squares. Not a totally original idea, but this will be from my head so I guess you can call it my own design. I hope the complimentary yellows and purples will turn out ok in the end. For now this is all you get, you'll have to wait until I'm done to see my plan for it.

FO: Purple Cowl

2012-02-03T20:34:00.000-06:00

It's funny how much slower I am at "Knitting Night" than I am at home. I guess it has to do with all the talking I do! I whipped the rest of this up this afternoon. It only took me about 2 hours to finish. Just in time to take pictures before the sun came down.

So you can see the shape is basically a tube of curvy ripples. It came together pretty easy and now I can say I know how to do ripples! Too bad it was 80F here today and I was too warm after only wearing it for 10 minutes outside. One can only hope for a freeze in March or April...which is what tends to happen around here.

My Ravelry Project: http://ravel.me/Firecracker197/cbc

In my Queue: February

2012-02-03T14:54:00.001-06:00

Hello all! Since it's the beginning of a new month I thought it might be a good idea to write a post about what I have in my "to do" list. Every month I'll try and write a post talking about what I'm thinking about working on and what I want to try for my next project. Maybe some of you might find some of these projects interesting and inspiring too!

Recently I've been really into Cardigans!

I've never made a fitted garment in crochet before. Up until this point my projects have been shawls, scarves, hats, cowls. Mostly accessories that don't need to be sized or shaped. I thought that my next step in my crochet adventure should be making a cardigan. I think it will be a new challenge for me and I know I'll learn some great things along the way!

Here are some patterns I've been eyeing.

1. Simply Crochet: This book by Robyn Chachula has been on my wish list for quite some time now. I might have to find an excuse to buy it pretty soon. It is a wonderful collection of patterns by many talented designers. I really love her Float Cardigan and the Spa Shawl Top by Doris Chan. I really think the lacy designs of the two cardigans would be fun to do. They would help me learn some new stitch patterns, and they might actually be wearable here in Texas all year round.

2. The Dahlia Top by LilyGo. This top looks so nice and lacy but it's construction still looks very fitted and solid. I'd probably be making myself crazy crocheting my first cardigan in fingering weight yarn, but boy would it be worth it! I really just love how beautiful this top is. It sure would be a great challenge!

3. Drops Design 119-22: Waistcoat. I've always been in love with Drops designs. This cardigan seems like a good way to get started with garments. The construction seems simple enough and I'm actually intrigued by the creativity of the design. Who would have ever thought that you could crochet a circle, add a back, and then boom! You have a cute little cardigan. Perfect for wearing over tanks or dresses.

So those are my favorites for now! Plus I've still got my Trefoil Throw to finish, and an idea for a bag that I'm making up on my own that I would like to do! So we'll see what the future holds for me in February! Looking forward to it though!

WIP: Purple Cowl

2012-02-01T22:30:00.000-06:00

I know a lot of people do WIP Wednesday posts...and I think most of my posts might end up being on Wednesday since that is knitting night for me at the local yarn shop, but I just can't hold myself to always posting on certain specific days. So we'll just try and do a WIP once a week ok? Haha.

Here's tonight's Knitting Night picture:

Its going to be a ripple type cowl. The pattern is here: http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L0482.html?noImages=

The wonderful husband surprised me with this lovely yarn yesterday. I was having kind of a down day so he bought me some yarn to cheer me up! Yarn always makes me happy. This is Lion Brand Tweed Stripes in Orchid. I love purple! At first I was going to make the scarf that's on the label, but I decided I have made too many scarves for now. This cowl from the lion brand site will suit the yarn wonderfully I think. Now if it could just stop being 68 degrees every day I might actually get to wear it this winter.

FO: Items for Baby!

2012-01-25T10:31:00.001-06:00

So for those of you who don't know, I have an extremely large family. Anyone who's parents were baby boomers might be able to relate to my situation. On my fathers side I have 9 aunts and uncles, on my mothers 8. Then add all their spouses, and children, plus grandparents and grand aunts and uncles. That's a lot of people! Some of my oldest cousins are starting to become grandparents! Most of my cousins on my fathers side are in their mid twenties now, at least the first half of them. I'm somewhere in the middle of the pack. So that means for the past few years between my cousins and I there have been lots of weddings!! So now the next phase has begun, queue the babies.

My oldest cousin got the ball rolling before all of us and his little boy is around 8 or 9 months old now. Then the other day I got an invitation to my cousin Sara's baby shower. I had to make something of course! I've been itching for a chance to make some adorable baby items for awhile now! I know not everyone has someone they know who will make a lovely baby afghan for them, and I think everyone should have one! Of course chances are equal she might end up with 5 but then who has too many baby blankets? So anyways that's my story and I hope Sara doesn't read this blog because she'll be ruining her surprise. Don't tell ok!

First I made a quick hat and booties using this pattern from Ravelry found here: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/crochet-baby-warmers-set

I used some discontinued Berroco Lullaby yarn that I acquired and this was the perfect use for it! The nylon fibers make this hat so stretchy and soft! Perfect for a little baby! Its not as durable and washable as acrylic but for a hat and booties lets hope they don't get as much wear and tear. The pattern says it should fit all the way up to one year. It might be a little loose for a newborn but I'm sure it will fit for a majority of that first year! It's absolutely precious.

And finally my One-Pound baby blanket. Found here: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/one-skein-baby-blanket

I made this from a 16oz skein of Caron International in cream. At first I was just going to leave it yellow but I couldn't resist adding the blue so I modified the border and added a puff stitch border instead. I think it turned out lovely. The worsted weight yarn and the cross-dc pattern helped this blanket come together pretty thick. It doesn't drape as well, but I can see it being a great blanket for when the baby plays on the floor. It should provide lots of padding! Since I kept it simple I was able to finish the blanket in 3 days, because the shower is only in a few weeks. I didn't want to start something too complicated out of fear that I wouldn't finish in time! Along the way I did find several patterns I will definitely have to make later when I have more time.

You can find my Ravelry Projects here:

Blanket: http://ravel.me/Firecracker197/osbb

Warmer set: http://ravel.me/Firecracker197/cbws

WIP: Red Trefoil Throw

2012-01-19T09:57:00.001-06:00

Ok I'm holding myself accountable now! Its been about 2 years since I started this throw. I started when I moved in with my boyfriend, who is now my husband, in an attempt to add some decor to his lovely bachelor pad. He has these leather couches which I have to admit are very nice, real leather, and comfy. But they are just so dang masculine. So I thought maybe red would go well with them to give them some color. I added the red pillows and put some red curtains up in the living room window. Then I though oh I'll make a nice throw with a simple pattern that wont take long, it will be my first blanket so I can be proud. Two anniversaries and a wedding later....I'm probably about half way through. But I'm going to finish it now! That's what matters right?

I'm using Caron Simply Soft as you can see in the picture, in beautiful Autumn Red. This yarn is great, I bout six skeins of it for probably less than $20. Its so soft and shiny and looks like silk! But its 100% acrylic, I don't know how they do it. I love to use this yarn when I can especially for big projects.

The pattern is free from Red Heart and you can find it here: http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/trefoil-throw

Nothing against the Red Heart yarn...they just don't sell a very good selection where I live. I would like to try the Eco Ways sometime, but all they have here is Super Saver.

So I'm going to try and finish this up sometime...I don't have any other started projects at the moment so I'm going to try and hold off on anything else until this is done. We will see...I still have to make something from Pinterest by the end of the month...but maybe I'll bake something this time.

FO: Squid Hat

2012-01-17T14:39:00.000-06:00

So my friend finally got his squid hat today! He has been wanting one for awhile! He was really psyched to see this today. I'm glad he liked it. Hes just the kind of person to wear something like this too. He likes hats so I'm glad I could add one of my creations to his collection. He works with my husband at a video game company so he'll fit right in.

I got the pattern from Etsy as mentioned in my previous post: Squid Scoofie

Although I will note that I found the pattern did not exactly turn out like in her pictures. I believe that an I sized hook was too small, and if I were to ever make another one again I would probably try something bigger. The tentacles and hood came out smaller and less "chunky" than in the picture. Even though I used the same Berroco Vintage Chunky yarn as stated in the pattern. But oh well. Also I didn't add suckers on each tentacle because I don't have that kind of patience to make lots of little round circles. Making 12 for the clubbed ends was plenty for me :P

In the end I have to say it turned out good though. And judging from his reaction upon receiving the hat I don't think he cared haha.

Life, As I know it: Do you love Pinterest?! Join our Challenge!

2012-01-17T09:53:00.000-06:00

Life, As I know it: Do you love Pinterest?! Join our Challenge!: It just totally rocks! Are YOU loving this Virtual pinboard as much as me? I thought so. A couple of weeks back at 3 o'clock in th...

So I've decided to join the Pinaddicts challenge! Since I am now a recent Pinaddict! I'm excited to search through boards and look for some fun things to make. This way I can expand my "craft collection" even further. You can do anything, baking, cooking, sewing, paper, anything as long as its a pin on Pinterest and you made it!

Go here to follow my pins: Tricia McIntosh

Check out the blog post I mentioned to join yourself!

Wedding Crafts: Memory Box

2012-01-12T11:39:00.001-06:00

Well since the blog is called Craftopoly I thought it might be a good time to share some of my other crafty projects. So first is a project that was really special to me. For my wedding last November (on 11-11-11) in Kauai, Hawaii I did a few DIY projects, to save money, and because I wanted to have some personal touches. One of them was this nice little box for our guests to place their cards in.

I documented my process a little since it took me a few weekends to complete, so I'll go through it for you. Everything I used can be purchased at your local craft store. The box I used had hinges and a latch which I took off before painting. I put the hinges back on later, but left out the latch.

First I started out by painting the whole thing in dark blue. Then I dry brushed over that with light blue, white, and aqua, that I diluted with a little water. That's what gave it the weathered and multi-colored look. I liked the way that turned out because it really showed off the wood grain. I used acrylic craft paint and I made all the colors myself with only a bottle of blue, red, yellow, and white.

For the letters I took scrap booking letter stickers, (the kind that don't have white space around them) and placed them on the edge. Then I painted the edge with about 3 or 4 coats of white. After it dried I peeled off the stickers with a knife and ta-da! Perfect letters!

I also added the date on the back. The paint did bleed a little under the stickers, but I thought that added to the rustic look of it.

Then I painted the flowers on. I used a computer print out and some white carbon paper to trace an outline on the box and then I painted it in with some very small angled brushes.

I did the flowers on top the same way, and I also painted a border to extend the white a little onto the top because the white edges bled a little.

I also painted the entire inside of the box white, and added ribbons to keep it from opening all the way and tipping over. (I'll add some pictures of that when I get a chance)

So there it is! I'm very pleased with it! I loved doing this too. I might even make a few more in the future if I ever feel inspired again! Maybe for a friends wedding or something! It also serves a purpose after the wedding too because its so personalized. We are using it to keep all our keepsakes from the wedding, like my garter and the cork from the champagne. I guess its like a "memory" box now. We can open it up later and remember our day together :D

New Pictures!

2012-01-11T14:20:00.001-06:00

It was so sunny and wonderful outside today that I had to take some pictures with my newly finished projects. You wouldn't believe it was January from the weather we have been having here in Texas! Its wonderful!

My Pink Cashmere Scarf

And my Raspberry Beret

And my lovely husband :D

Ana and Mark's Hats

2012-01-10T18:25:00.002-06:00

Look at my lovely Sister-in-law and her boyfriend wearing the hats I made them for Christmas! I'm so happy they like them and they look great on them! Making items for other people is so rewarding! It's probably why I haven't sold anything! Since they live in Boulder, CO I'm hoping they will get good use out of them.

This is the same cable hat and puff hat mentioned in my previous post.

Raspberry Beret

2012-01-10T18:04:00.001-06:00

Here is the lovely beret I made yesterday. This is the same sale yarn from before that I used to make the pink scarf. This one was the only skein left and I just couldn't leave it behind! I love the beautiful raspberry color. It was (almost) the right amount of yarn to make this hat.

I used a very interesting and new technique to create this hat, I really enjoyed it. Basically the reason why this hat looks the way it does is because this is actually the "wrong" side of the crochet. But using this technique the "wrong" side is actually the "right" side! It goes to show you that there are no hard rules for anything right! I actually half double crocheted through the back loop and the back horizontal bar of the hdc and it creates this look! On the inside there is a line on each row where the front loop was skipped, which might also look cool but in this case I liked this side better.

I found the pattern on Ravelry here: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sun-ray-slouch and she explains the technique really well in the pattern.

I did find that the yarn I used, which was a DK just like the pattern says, might have been a little to small. I wasn't able to quite fit in the 5 rows of brimming out of my 127 yrds, but I just about made it. I was afraid at first that the hat would be too small but once I blocked it then it got a lot bigger. So I think it will all be ok in the end! I just think my hat will be a little more lacy than hers. Now that I think about it my yarn might be a DK but a baby DK? I'm unsure if that even exists and if there is a difference. But regardless I'm sure different yarn types always end up differently.

I'll have more pictures up once it dries :D

Pink Cashmere Scarf

2012-01-09T00:16:00.000-06:00

I'm really loving this scarf! I bought this really nice cashmere yarn at the after Christmas sale at Holley's Yarn Shoppe here in Dallas. They only had three skeins left that were the same color so that's how I ended up with this lovely pink. I wouldn't normally pick pink but I'm glad I did because this scarf is absolutely adorable. The pattern and the yarn I used give it a nice stretch so it can wrap around your neck and keep you nice and warm! And of course I was so happy to get a fine yarn like this for 40% off it was really a steal! It's not very often I get to work with something this nice so this project was really special.

I found the pattern on Ravelry here: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/urban-shells It seems to be quite the popular pattern! I love seeing all the different twists people put on it. Me, I just left it the way it was written, and I think it turned out very nicely. Ravelry is perfect when you have a few balls of stash yarn to use up, because it lets you search based on the amount of yarn needed for the pattern! That way you can see what you can make with what you have. Its really useful because before I always found myself wondering...oh I wonder if this will need more yarn. You don't want to get half way through your project and run out! Especially when using clearance yarn!

You can find the details of this project on my Ravelry here: http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Firecracker197/urban-shells

Squid "Scoofie"

2012-01-08T16:02:00.002-06:00

Source: etsy.com via Tricia on Pinterest

Even though I found this on What Not to Crochet my friend has been wanting a squid hat for awhile and now that I've seen this I'm really inspired to make one...now I just need to decide if I want to just buy the pattern or just figure it out myself...I guess I could always see how my try works out and if it goes horribly I can buy it then :P The idea of making it a hood/scarf is really cool though, my first thought was to make it kind of like a hat but the way this looks seems like it makes more sense. The creator of this on Etsy calls them "scoofies" haha how cute! Buy the pattern here: Kraken of the Sea

Also on a side note I finally got a Pintrest account today! I'm so excited! I love this site and I can already see myself going on it waaay too much. But what could be better than sharing pictures of adorable crafts! There's also delicious looking pictures of food and all sorts of inspiring things! I think I will definitely have plenty of project ideas now!

How To: Finger Crochet

2012-01-05T22:53:00.000-06:00

Now isn't this great? I might have to try this some time, that blanket looks so warm!

Spiral Motif Shawl

2012-01-04T22:48:00.002-06:00

Its finally done! It didn't actually take me that long really...about 3-4 days over the span of a week during my holiday. Its amazing what you can get done when you have nothing else to do! I have been excited about this piece since before I started it and I'm so happy that its done!!

I got the pattern from this wonderful book:

And I was so happy to get it! This was one of the books I had on my list of MUST HAVES for Christmas presents. Thank goodness for amazon wish lists! I had the yarn all ready to go on Christmas day ready to get started on this baby!
Here is a picture from when I was blocking it so you can get a better idea of the shape.

It's basically worked like a pyramid, starting with a row of 4 motifs and adding one each row. The awesome thing about Kristin's book though is that the whole technique of crocheting the peice is seamless! So you don't have to sew them together at the end you just join them all together as you go making multiple motifs all at the same time. Its wonderfuly brilliant! It's just the kind of thing I love about crochet, I love to do interesting patterns that come together in a challening yet creative way. In the end you get something totally unique. Her whole book is full of patterns using this same seamless motif technique and I can't wait to do some more! She has everything from shawls, to blankets, to scarves and hats!

So there it is! I hope you like it as much as I do! Eventually I'll have to take some better pictures than this but my iPhone will have to do for now!

See the details of this project on Ravelry: http://ravel.me/Firecracker197/blshs

Cat Amigurumi

2012-01-02T21:48:00.001-06:00

Here's the two cuties I made for my husband as a Christmas gift. We both love our cats and these were just too adorable to not make! They are meant to look just like our cats Lucky, and Charm. I think I did a pretty good job! Lucky is brown with white stripes so I just used a multi-colored yarn with the same type of colors. The cat eyes I bought at the craft store and the whiskers I added really made these look perfect!

I got the pattern from Ana Paula's Amigurumi blog here: http://amigurumipatterns.blogspot.com/2007/05/cat-mouse.html

She has tons of super cute amigurumi patterns for sale in books and for free on her blog. Whenever I feel like making an adorable project that is the first place I look!

You can view my Ravelry project here: http://ravel.me/Firecracker197/cm

Ruffle Scarf Project

2012-01-02T21:19:00.000-06:00

Another recent project to show off!

This is a lovely ruffled mini-scarf I made using one skein of baby light weight yarn. I really enjoyed making this scarf and it was my first project that I sort-of created myself. I couldn't have done it though without the hundreds of creative patterns available in this book:

This book was an impulse buy on amazon while I was buying Christmas presents for my family...hey you have to get at least one thing for yourself right? I'm so glad I bought it and I definitively recommend it for anyone that crochets! It has so many creative borders to use for all kinds of things, and I made this scarf specifically so I could use one of these borders and I think I picked the perfect one! The way this border increases the number of chains on each row makes for a beautiful ruffled border. The lighter weight yarn also lent well to the lacy look of it. Of course the baby soft yarn also made it cozy! This scarf can be perfect for all seasons and since I recently cut my hair short I needed it to keep my neck nice and warm.

You can purchase this book on amazon for a great price and the border I used was #40.

You can view my project details on Ravelry here: http://ravel.me/Firecracker197/wrs

New Project! Cable Hat

2012-01-02T21:01:00.001-06:00

Hello followers!

I know I am not the best about updating this blog very frequently but I have been bitten by the crochet bug as of late so I have some projects to post! This first project is a hat I made for my new husband. :D Pictured here, along with our handsome cat Charm.

The cables on this hat were really fun! They seemed pretty complicated at first but once you understand how they work its pretty simple. It was really fun to learn how to do cables and it makes me want to go put cables on everything! The combinations of twists and turns are limitless and I image you can be very creative with how you use them! This is one technique I'm adding to my bag of tricks and I hope to use it again soon! I feel like I'm learning more and more about crochet with every project. I hope to be writing some of my own patterns soon!

I found this pattern on Ravelry here: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cable-hat
She has lots of very popular hat designs on her site and they are all available for free! I loved her patterns so much I also made another cable hat and her puff stitch hat for my sister-in-law and her boyfriend for Christmas gifts. (picture pending)

You can see my Ravelry Project here: http://ravel.me/Firecracker197/ch

Photo Software

2010-07-09T17:39:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to post a few links I found for anyone looking to edit some pictures or make some simple banners. If you don't have Photoshop and can't afford Photoshop (most people can't) you can download it for a 30 day trial here:

http://tryit.adobe.com/us/cs5/photoshop/?sdid=FPWLY&

Photoshop is user friendly...at least to me, but it probably will take awhile for a beginner to figure out. There are lots of features it can do and some of them take more time to understand than others.

If your looking for a cheaper alternative to Photoshop, Adobe does make a program called Photoshop Elements, which is the best alternative to using the fully functional Photoshop. Its directed towards casual users aswell so it should be easier to use. It is $80 (cheap for software) and you can find it here

http://tryit.adobe.com/us/photoshopelements/?sdid=EQAAM

And if you have would rather a free alternative this article lists some of the best free software out there, and while these programs might be limited, they should be able to perform any basic function you need.

http://graphicssoft.about.com/od/pixelbasedwin/tp/freephotoedw.htm

And remember, Photo software can either let you turn a crappy picture into an ok picture...or it can allow you to turn a good picture into an amazing one! Check out this post by another Etsy seller about photography techniques.

http://nerdjerk.blogspot.com/2010/07/few-great-posts-on-how-to-get-your.html

And if you do get a hold of Photoshop, or Photoshop Elements and you don't know where to start I always recommend using the HELP menu, Adobe is always there to explain how to use their software and they are the best source to go to if your trying to learn the basic interface of the program. This is probably true for any software you use.

Banner Advice

2010-07-06T22:44:00.001-05:00

One of the major things I have noticed that could need improvement among newbies on Etsy is the design of the shop banner. Since I went to art school, I inevitably took some graphic design classes, and I am constantly using Photoshop for one thing or another so I hope I can give some advice to those who might not be graphically inclined.

The design of your banner is very important, it is the first impression people get of your shop, it shows them what you sell, and most importantly your creative style. If you have a banner that is not well done, or that is not accurate to your shop, it could put a buyer off. So having a good banner is a must!

First the Do's and the Do Not's

DO:

1. Include your shop name

I cant tell you how many times I have been to a shop to just see a plain picture of something for a banner, or nothing at all. This is your chance to show people who you are! Make them remember the name of your shop! If your name is prominently displayed it will sick in your buyers heads.

2. Include pictures of something you currently sell in your shop!

Do not use out dated pictures, they give the wrong impression to the buyer. If your banner is old and shows a picture of something you no longer sell then its time to update! And please never show pictures of things you never have and never will sell in your shop, thats just not doing anyone any good!

If you have these first two things you are off to a good start! But making a good banner doesn't stop there, there are a few design no nos that you will have to remember in order to make a good impression with your buyers.

DO NOT'S:

1. Never scale up an image to fit the size you need!!

If you find an image that you want to use but it is smaller than the size of your banner, it is NEVER acceptable to scale up your image. This causes the image to become blurry and pixelated and that never looks good! Find high resolution images that you can scaledown to size in order to ensure your images look good. If your using google images to find pictures you can change the search options to only display images that are medium to large size, those should be adequate for use on your banner.

2. Use a font that is readable, and clear!

Choosing a proper type face is a very important part of graphic design, and it has a big impact on how people view your design. There are lots of cute fancy script types out there and I'm sure that they are just adorable, but you have to remember the purpose of your banner is to clearly display who you are and what you do, if your font is too small or two complex it may be hard for people to read and that is not what you want!

3. Never make your text multi-colored or any bright color

Alternating colors on text makes the words extremely hard to read, red text is also hard to read on computers since the color red bleeds very easily. If you want your text to be any color besides black you need to have a background that is light enough and neutral enough to not clash with your text.

4. Choose one type face and only use one

Once you have found a nice type face stick to it, don't confuse readers by using more than one! If you have to use two, never use more than two.

5. Do not compress your image.

A banner that is 760 x 100 pixels at 72dpi should have a small enough file size to be able to save out at 100% quality without compression and still be within Etsy's requirements for file size. When you are saving out your file from your software make sure you check your settings and deselect any boxes or any setting that mentions compression. In Photoshop its very easy to save out an image at 100% quality but I have noticed in other applications sometimes it compresses automatically when saving as a .jpeg. If you are noticing that your file size is still too big then check your resolution, since this banner is for the web it should be no more than 72dpi, you may have opened the document with a default setting of 300dpi which is used for printing. Compressing your image is another thing that can cause your banner to have poor quality, it makes the banner look pixelated and blurry. If you find that your image looks great in your software, but bad when you open it after saving this is probably your problem.

Now that I've pointed out some of the big mistakes I see most on Etsy I want to try and explain some basic design rules to those who might have never heard them, once you take these things into consideration your design sense will become much better!

Design 101

Focus: You can draw the buyer's attention to important elements by using contrasting size, colors, and position.

Directional Flow: The way you organize your text and images effects the way people view your design, this is important to remember when creating your banner.

Negative Space: The space where there is nothing can be just as important as the space that is filled, make sure you pay attention to the way images and text align with eachother and don't forget your negative space.

Kerning and Spacing: You can adjust the amount of space between letters, this is called kerning, some fonts create uneven kerning simply because of the way they are programed into the computer. Always try to even out your kerning and always make sure your letters never intersect each other. Spacing is the amount of space between one line of text and the next, this can also be adjusted and the same rules apply, even and never touching.

Text on Background: Use color and type carefully. Contrast, separation, and vibration are all important issues that effect readability. ( as I mentioned before)

Audience: Remember who you are marketing to, your banner is for the buyer not for you so think about your audience when you think of your design.

Image Editing: There is not a single picture in a design that is straight out of the camera, if you take your own pictures or even if you find them on the web remember there are lots of things you can do to adjust the image. Play with the brightness/contrast of the image, adjust the hue/saturation. Change the opacity (transparency) of the image. There are lots of things you can do to your pictures to better integrate them into your design.

There are many many many more aspects to design than I have mentioned here but hopefully after reading this you will be able to make an attractive banner for your shop that will be clear and easy for buyers to read and look great at the same time!

If you have any questions on how to do the things I have mentioned please ask! I can help you especially in Photoshop to find any tools or menus you may need.

If you still feel you are unable to make a good design, whether because of time or lack of proper software, please feel free to ask me to help you! I don't mind making banners for people if they need me to! Anything to help a fellow crafter!

Welcome to my Crochet Blog!

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I started this blog to go along with my Etsy shop! You can find it at craftopoly.etsy.com That is where I sell crochet and other craft items if I ever have any surplus!

I use this blog to post about projects I'm working on or anything I might find interesting relating to crochet or any other craft projects I enjoy. I hope maybe you might find some of my posts intriguing and maybe you might become inspired to start some of your own projects :D Please feel free to leave comments or link my blog to other fellow crafters.

Tricia