Techie Technique

I've been creating graphics in Microsoft Power Point and in MS Paint for I don't know how long.  It's good, but the graphics can get a little fuzzy after resizing and editing in Microsoft Picture Manager.

I discovered something wonderful.  PICNIK!

If you are not a blogger that is looking for a simple (FREE) way to create and edit your blog buttons this website is awesome for creating fun clipart and editing those pictures.

If you are looking to create a blog button follow these simple directions.

Click HERE to download a 200 x 200 blank white image.  When you click on the link it will probably open up a new browser window and look like nothing is there.  If you right click in the top right corner of the blank white page you'll see the option to "Save Image As"... click that and save it to your computer.

Next go to Picnik and create an account.  No need to upgrade to the premium account.  You can do plenty of fun stuff with the basic account.  Once you get acquainted with the program you may decide to upgrade later.

Now you are ready upload your blank white image that you saved in the 1st step.  Once uploaded the on thing that helped me was to apply a border around the image so I could see my boundaries when designing the button.  You can remove this once you are done if you'd like.

You can add stickers and font to create your blog button.

Now, lets say you want to add a little more detail to your button, play around with the effects.  My favorite is the Soften effect.  It kinda makes the edges of the color fade into the colors around them.  Just play with it and see what you like. 

Also, if you decide that you don't want a white background, right click the blank white image file on your computer and open with MS Paint.  You can fill it with any color you'd like and then start this process over.

Just a few samples of what I did with my button from To Do Thursday link up.

I hope this post helps you!  If you make anything with Picnik and post about it please, let me know, I'd love to see yours!