New to this forum--a few questions (need help please)

[disneybliss2]

You guys are AMAZING!!!!! After seeing on another forum someone's invitation to a character meal for their child, I started searching because I would love to do the same for my daughters for our upcoming trip. I'm in awe at what all you guys design. I would LOVE to request some character invitations for meals, but I want to make sure I know how to do everything.

So at the risk of sounding like an idiot, here are my questions...
1. Do I just go to threads that have already been started w/ requests and ask for one myself also, or do the DISigners prefer to receive a pm?
2. Once I receive an image, do I copy and paste it into Microsoft word or photoshop? Do I just print from there?
3. I noticed that on some of the threads where people received their image they requested, some images were small, some were big. If the image is small, how do I enlarge it so that when it prints it's not fuzzy?
4. The original invitation I found was by Natalie, but I read on a thread that she's taking a break. If I go to her shared files, will I be able to type my info (names, times, etc.) on the invitations?

Sorry for so many questions. I'm so amazed by everyone's talent here, and I am overwhelmed by everyone's generosity of making things for others. I don't want to request something from someone and then mess it up on my end. I want to make sure I know what to do w/ the request before I request anything. THANKS FOR THE HELP!!!!!

 

[jtanddolly]

1. Do I just go to threads that have already been started w/ requests and ask for one myself also, or do the DISigners prefer to receive a pm?
Preferably go to the DISigners thread and make your request there. Most DISigners prefer not to get pm's with requests.

2. Once I receive an image, do I copy and paste it into Microsoft word or photoshop? Do I just print from there?
It is best to save the image to your pictures...then if you want...insert it into MS Word to print. Do not copy and paste the images directly into Word. If there is white space around the image...it will distort the image shape and/or size when you copy and paste it into Word.

I like to insert mine into word so that I can see how big they will be on a regular sheet of paper. Here is a thread that teaches you how to personalize DISigns using MS Word so that you don't have to make a bunch of requests if you find blank DISigns:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2286193
There are a few DISigners like Wendypooh that prefer to personalize their things.

3. I noticed that on some of the threads where people received their image they requested, some images were small, some were big. If the image is small, how do I enlarge it so that when it prints it's not fuzzy?
Some DISigners like Mel (Bababear) post large images directly to the threads and not links to the images. If they are extra large you should be safe copying them directly from the thread, but if they are linked I would suggest saving them from photobucket or 4shared. Generally if you double click on the image...a new screen will popup to the DISigners shared files or the image itself.

Here are directions for the correct way to save images from photobucket, insert them into Word and change the size:

• The first image that you see is the thumbnail image and you will have to click on that image to open up a second larger version.
• The second image is still not large enough. If you waive your mouse over the image...some gray buttons will appear at the top of the picture. Click on the button on the far left that says something like "full size" or "high resolution".
• Then the image should open up for a third time. This image is the highest resolution image and is the one that you will want to save to your "pictures". Hope that helps!

Insert a picture into word:
• Open up a word document and set all of the margins to .25 inches. You can do this by going to “file” then in the drop down menu click on “page setup” and then click on the “margins” tab.
• Now go back up to the top of Word and click on “insert” and in the drop down menu click on “picture” and “from file”. Then find the image you want to insert, click on the image and click on “insert”.

To change the image size…there are two ways:• Go to “format” then “picture” and click on the “size” tab. Then change the height to make it larger or smaller depending on what you need. Once you pick a height size to try, hit the “tab” key on your keyboard and the width will automatically correct itself. Then click “okay”.
• The second way to change the size is to click once on the picture. Then point your mouse at one of the corner dots on the square around the picture. When you point the mouse at the corner, you will see a diagonally set of arrows. When you see these arrows, click and hold down the left button on your mouse and drag your mouse in or out to make the image smaller or larger.


4. The original invitation I found was by Natalie, but I read on a thread that she's taking a break. If I go to her shared files, will I be able to type my info (names, times, etc.) on the invitations?

You will have to save her invitation to your pictures then using the directions from the link in Question #2 to insert a textbox over the invite so that you can personalize it yourself.

Hope that helps!

 

[disneybliss2]

Wow, jtanddolly, you were very helpful. You gave me a wealth of information. Thanks for answering each of my questions w/ such detail. I really appreciate your time! I'm printing off the information to have as a study guide.

I'm anxious to get started creating things!

 

[Caydence3]

thanks for the info also.