In yesterday’s article about Sweetie Tags, I introduced you to these great little graphic pieces that can be used as part of your signature. Mama2riley, also known as Melissa, granted me an interview. This is the second part of that interview, and it tells all about what inspires Melissa, how you can get a Sweetie Tag, and some general tips about making your own.
Mary Ann: What inspires you when making Sweetie Tags?
Melissa: Well it depends. I am often inspired by the other talented people out there who make tags. I can also find inspiration in the photos or tube I am using. (A tube is a graphic image on a transparent background). Or it might be I come across a really great scrap kit and have the perfect idea of how to use it! I just love making them for people here knowing that they are able to display their family in a fun and personalized way.
Mary Ann: Do you have any tips for someone who would like to make their own tags?
Melissa: Well first you would need a program to get started. You can download a free trial of Paint Shop Pro from the Corel website. I know some people also use Photoshop. And I would say start simple. Don’t try to start out with a really complicated project. Take a photo and play around with the settings in the program and see what you come up with. There are also thousands of tutorials on the Internet that could get you going. Everyone who makes the amazing tags you see out there started out with the basics and worked from there, so you can too!
Mary Ann: How can someone get a Sweetie Tag?
Melissa: There is a specific forum here called Signature Requests. Please be sure to read the rules before posting. A member must have 100 posts before requesting one. Then you can post your request in that forum. I have a specific thread for my Sweetie Tags but there are several other very talented tag makers here who would also be willing to make you something. I would be happy to make one for anyone who wants one?.
Mary Ann: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Melissa: When requesting a tag it is helpful to have an idea of your likes/dislikes. There are so many possibilities when it comes to making tags that sometimes the more specific you are with your request the easier it is to make. I often get requests that are so general I have a hard time knowing where to start!
I also want to give credit to all the fantastic designers out there who create the materials I use for many of my tags. Without their work it it would make it a lot harder to create them!
Mary Ann Romans also writes for the Frugal Living Blog here at Families.com, where she shares money saving tips for today’s families.
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