Resizing Images in Photoshop

With more and more folks wanting to upload their own images to Polyvore, I get LOADs of questions on how best to do it. The first thing you need to be aware of is that Polyvore has restrictions on which images it will allow you to clip. While most of us are aware of the web sites we can’t clip from, many are not aware of the image file size restrictions. For example, an image that is out of proportion (as in too skinny) cannot be clipped (note the paint brush below).

Polyvore also will not clip an image that is larger than 2 MB (too large) nor will it clip one that is too small. Unfortunately, I haven’t figured out what too small is yet, but if it is less than 2 MB or isn’t too skinny, it’s probably too small. Alicja was having problems clipping an image and asked me what the problem might be. When I looked at it, I realized it was too small (see below) and needed to be resized. How to fix an image that is too small is what this tutorial is all about and if you learn anything from it, be sure to thank Alicja.

How to Clip the Unclippable …

The Polyvore clipper often is unable to clip the item you want to clip. There are several reasons, but most often it’s because the item is part of a Flash application. However, there is a method I use to capture the item I want and I’ve detailed it below. This workaround will only work if the site allows Google to index their images (which some sites don’t allow).

BebeD’s Template

This is just a quick and dirty tutorial for filling in BebeD’s Template. I haven’t even published a set with it yet, but figured I could illustrate it using drafts. This is what the template looks like:

How Chris’ Kimono II Template Works (with French translation)

This tutorial is for the Kimono II template (http://www.polyvore.com/chris_kimono_ii/template?id=47837); however, Kimono I and Kimono II are basically the same template. I am also translating this tutorial into French using Google translate (http://translate.google.com) in the hopes that my friend HapFab can understand how to use this template. I’m also hoping she will get a laugh out of my French.

Ce tutoriel est fait pour le modèle Kimono II (http://www.polyvore.com/chris_kimono_ii/template?id=47837), mais je Kimono I et Kimono II sont essentiellement le même modèle. Je suis également la traduction de ce tutoriel en français par Google translate (http://translate.google.com) dans l’espoirque mon ami peut HapFab comprendre comment utiliser ce modèle. J’espère aussiqu’elle sera faire rire de mon français.

kimono tutoriel … by jilbert on Polyvore.com

Making Frames in Photoshop Using Layer Styles

This is a quick tutorial for those of you who received a gift of Photoshop over the holidays and would like some instant gratification. At the end of the tutorial, I’ve posted 10 frames (1100 x 1100) and the styles file used to create them so you will have something to play with.

Secrets of the Onion Template

Another artistic template that I created is called the Onion Template because of all the layered placeholders. I used this template to create the set below.

world reflected by jilbert on Polyvore.com

The Great Template Debate

There’s been a lot of discussion on Polyvore recently on the use of templates … primarily that their use takes away one’s creativity. While I agree that some templates are rather simplistic, trying to find a different way to fill them is creative. I also believe the creation of “art” templates is not only creative, but rather challenging. I submit the following template as an example of a VERY tough one to create and will try to show you what you can do with it.

This is the set I created using a template …

Julianna wasn’t happy with her latest face … by jilbert

How to fill in a Polyvore template

This is a beginner’s tutorial on using a Polyvore template to create a set.

Step 1 – Find a set containing a template that you like. Click on the template below the set and it will bring up the template’s detail page.