How to make a silhouette
The image for engraving should be sharp, high-contrast black-and-white. One easy method is to stand your subject in front of a bright window, because that will automatically produce a high contrast image.
Most cameras will underexpose in this situation, which is what you want. Make sure that the flash is switched off. Focus accurately. Adjust the pose to get the right profile. Take the picture. The subject should be quite dark against the bright background. If necessary, adjust the exposure to underexpose the subject even more. If the result is something like Pic 1 above, that's fine.
Big photo files are unnecessary - a 640x480 pixel JPG is OK. Keep the file reasonably small because it will be easier to email.
We will process the final silhouette image for you. You may prefer to do it yourself in Photoshop or similar software. First, crop the image (Pic 2). Then make it into a high-contrast greyscale file using brightness/contrast controls or threshold adjustment. (Pic 3.) Sharpening is not necessary. Adjust the image size to about 640x480 pixels, and save as a JPG.
How to order: Email your JPG file to the address below. We'll check the picture and send you a quote for the work. Please be sure to give us your email address, mailing address and preferably a telephone number as well. Standard frame size is 6x8in. Other sizes and styles are available.
The image for engraving should be sharp, high-contrast black-and-white. One easy method is to stand your subject in front of a bright window, because that will automatically produce a high contrast image.
Most cameras will underexpose in this situation, which is what you want. Make sure that the flash is switched off. Focus accurately. Adjust the pose to get the right profile. Take the picture. The subject should be quite dark against the bright background. If necessary, adjust the exposure to underexpose the subject even more. If the result is something like Pic 1 above, that's fine.
Big photo files are unnecessary - a 640x480 pixel JPG is OK. Keep the file reasonably small because it will be easier to email.
We will process the final silhouette image for you. You may prefer to do it yourself in Photoshop or similar software. First, crop the image (Pic 2). Then make it into a high-contrast greyscale file using brightness/contrast controls or threshold adjustment. (Pic 3.) Sharpening is not necessary. Adjust the image size to about 640x480 pixels, and save as a JPG.
How to order: Email your JPG file to the address below. We'll check the picture and send you a quote for the work. Please be sure to give us your email address, mailing address and preferably a telephone number as well. Standard frame size is 6x8in. Other sizes and styles are available.
Handwritten messages and signatures
Essentially, all you do is write your message on a sheet of paper. We then convert your writing into an image which is engraved on to the glassware or crystal. You can choose handwritten only, or a mixture of writing and typesetting. Sketch out your own layout, or leave it to us. Logos and artwork can be included.
Follow these easy steps:
1) When you enquire about an item, we tell you the size of the space available for engraving - 100mm x 80mm for example. You don't have to use a piece of paper that size. Bigger is usually better. Stick to roughly the same proportions, though.
2) Write your message in fairly large script (it's easy for us to reduce it if necessary) in black ink on white paper. Felt pen is good. If you would like a mixture of handwritten and typesetting, underline the words to be typeset. Your design does not need to be precise. We can easily clean it up for you. But please... make sure the spelling is correct!
3) Scan the paper at 200-300dpi in black-and-white, save as a jpg file and send as an attachment to the email address below. Or post the paperwork and we'll scan it for you. A digital photograph can be acceptable, but must be sharp, close-up, and converted into a 200-300dpi black-and-white jpg file no larger than 1MB. Faxes are not acceptable.
4) We make the conversions and do the layout. You will receive a proof by email, along with a PayPal invoice. If everything is OK, let us know and we'll engrave the item. We do not engrave until we hear from you. Engraving is normally completed within 5 working days. We email you to confirm that the item has been despatched.
Essentially, all you do is write your message on a sheet of paper. We then convert your writing into an image which is engraved on to the glassware or crystal. You can choose handwritten only, or a mixture of writing and typesetting. Sketch out your own layout, or leave it to us. Logos and artwork can be included.
Follow these easy steps:
1) When you enquire about an item, we tell you the size of the space available for engraving - 100mm x 80mm for example. You don't have to use a piece of paper that size. Bigger is usually better. Stick to roughly the same proportions, though.
2) Write your message in fairly large script (it's easy for us to reduce it if necessary) in black ink on white paper. Felt pen is good. If you would like a mixture of handwritten and typesetting, underline the words to be typeset. Your design does not need to be precise. We can easily clean it up for you. But please... make sure the spelling is correct!
3) Scan the paper at 200-300dpi in black-and-white, save as a jpg file and send as an attachment to the email address below. Or post the paperwork and we'll scan it for you. A digital photograph can be acceptable, but must be sharp, close-up, and converted into a 200-300dpi black-and-white jpg file no larger than 1MB. Faxes are not acceptable.
4) We make the conversions and do the layout. You will receive a proof by email, along with a PayPal invoice. If everything is OK, let us know and we'll engrave the item. We do not engrave until we hear from you. Engraving is normally completed within 5 working days. We email you to confirm that the item has been despatched.
