Synopses & Reviews
The Arts and Crafts Computer shows you how to use your personal computer, scanner, digital camera and color printer as artist tools to create beautiful graphics and artful objects for your home, school and work. You'll learn how to:
- Understand the basics of digital image-editing, typesetting and graphic design.
- Gather the right tools, both digital and traditional.
- Use the new inkjet printing media including cloth, decals, stickers, magnets, transparencies and more.
- Work with art materials safely, avoid computer-related stress and find environmentally-friendly materials.
- Create unique greeting cards and envelopes, artist books, games, toys, home decorations and gifts.
If you're a crafter looking for computer ideas or a designer or teacher looking for hands-on projects
The Arts and Crafts Computer is for you!
Synopsis
This book is comprised of three key sections. The first section covers craft materials and tools needed, explains digital tools, and provides resources for arts and crafts supplies. The second section covers scanning, image editing and typesetting skills. And the third section presents techniques and projects that combine printed computer output with traditional media and tools.
Some of the projects covered include:
-- mixed media art
-- collages and family memorabilia
-- gifts, boxes, bags, games, toys
-- business and personal stationary
About the Author
Janet Ashford is a free-lance writer, artist and musician who has written seven books on computer graphics, including Start with a Scan: A Guide to Transforming Scanned Photos and Objects into High-Quality Art (Peachpit Press, 2000). She has worked in graphic design and desktop publishing since 1986 and has written regular how-to articles for many computer and design magazines. She lives in Mendocino, California.
Table of Contents
(NOTE:
Table of Contents not finalized at time of printing.)
GETTING STARTED. 1. Gathering Art Supplies.
Drawing and Painting. Appreciating Paper. Using Adhesives. Basic Craft Tools. 2. Understanding Digital Tools.
Choosing a Computer. Understanding Bitmaps and PostScript. Choosing Software for Graphics. Understanding Resolution. Working with Scanners and Cameras. Using Personal Printers.
COMPUTER WORK. 3. Working with Digital Images.
Computer Drawing and Painting. Scanning Photos, Art and Objects. Basics of Image Editing. Altering and Enhancing Images. Combining Images. 4. Using Type and Design.
Basics of Computer Typography. Using Type as a Graphic Element. Basics of Computer Layout and Design. Creating a Business Identity. Designing Small Printed Pieces. Designing Packaging.
CRAFT WORK. 5. Designing Cards and Artist Books.
Creating Decorative Greeting Cards. Making and Using Envelopes. Accordion and Pamphlet Books. Bookbinding Methods. Decorating Ready-made Books. 6. Creating Games and Amusements.
Custom Board Games and Activities. Making Toys and Other Amusements. Creating Special Dolls. Costumes and Fantasies. Folded Paper Objects. Decorating Ready-Made Items. 7. Making Gifts and Decorations.
memorabilia for Family and Friends. Designing for Clothing and Fabric. Creating Home Crafts. Making Household Labels. Decorations for Parties and Holidays.