The problem with over-compressing images is the loss of data. That doesn’t sound like it applies to images but if we look at the closeups of this image, you can see the damaged areas in the top corners. Those damaged pixels are called compression artefact and are the result of  ”aggressive data compression“.

Technically the pixel isn’t really damaged. It’s lost and replaced by the nearest pixel or, in extreme cases, left white.

For the sake of comparison, click on the images below to get  a close look at the pixellation enlarged 125%.

Did you notice the box effect on the photo of the little girl? That’s the data compression doing its pixel doubling magic, making the file size small enough to email by repeating nearby pixels and destroying the integrity of the image in the process.

To me, it is fascinating how much the human brain is willing to fill in. I am sure its a similar mechanism necessary to enjoy Seurat.

Now that little girl is a full grown woman, a mother  in her own right, and the daughter of my friend Lesli. She sent me this image after a visit with her grand-daughter, accompanied by the whiff of nostalgia…

As there are no other copies of this smushed digital image, I decide to attempt to save and print the image. The problem was its relatively small size and lost pixels.

The NSA and MIT could probably pass this image through some highfaluting algorithm but I just have my trusty Photoshop CS3 to work with.

I tried to suss out as much information as I could, using the Filter > Find Edges and Filter > Glowing Edges, then fix some of the glaring box effect with Filter > Surface Blur.

I am afraid it wasn’t enough. To print an 11×17 at 300dpi, I would have to somehow increase the image 350%.

After much deliberation and testing, I was finally satisfied with the result: the picture now has a dreamy yet vibrant watercolor feel.

Printed on 13×19 Velvet Fine art, paper, the final image looks great, id I do say so myself. (Will add pictures later today)

‘hope Lesli likes it.

Do you have an image that needs this kind of Emergency Help?

10 sheets or less

$ 3.59 each

Priority Mail shipping is $4.95 within the US

First Class Mail (no insurance)  $2.90

10- 100 sheets

$ 3.54 each

Priority Mail shipping is free within the US

101- 200 sheets

$ 3.45 each

Priority Mail shipping is free within the US

For example:

You need 150 labels for your reception. You choose a 6 per page design.

150÷ 6 = 25 sheets

25 × $3.59 = $89.75

$89.75

+ $  7.50 [the cost of customizing the label design]

+  free shipping

= ¢65 per label

Awkward name- yes.

But oh so unique!!

This husband-and-wife team – Joanne andamp; Tony Cheng – custom engrave a white  3-inch pebble with the name of the bride and groom and their wedding date.

More often than not, buying a wedding gift on a budget relegates you to the cheap kitchen appliances or , worse yet, some variation on a vase. andlt;andlt;Yawnandgt;andgt; As if you don’t run the risk of duplicating someone else’s gift….

Definitely not my style.

I would proudly present this engraved stone, wrapped in silk, as a  symbol of the couple’s relationship. “A rock in a sea of chaos”.

And, wow!, wouldn’t this make an uncommon and witty invitation for a small wedding or elopement, wrapped in a piece of paper with directions? Tied with a raffia bow! Too Cute… Too bad its just a little too expensive for a party favor….Maybe for a centerpiece?

Visit Their Etsy Store» sjengraving.etsy.com

Don’t miss out on the nested stone birth announcement available in their store.

Well, Pretty pear. I love the idea- the tactile experience of holding one of your cards must be delicious. Pretty Pear’s line of “touch and feel” stationary are made of soft cotton fabric bonded on fabric. They are cheerful and fresh.

Elegant Fabric Blue andamp; Ivory Damask Bridal Shower Invitation

Check out this lovely wedding invitation.

The design manages to combine all the traditional elegance of a Crane invitation and the opportunity to match the invitation to the wedding reception theme.

Included:

• 5 1/2″x6″ flat cardmade by layering textured heavyweight cardstock on beautiful ornate cotton fabric with four white photo tabs and topped a simple, but elegant white doubleface satin ribbon
• comes with an ivory matching envelope.

Visit her blog» prettypeardesigns.typepad.com

Visit the Etsy store» prettypeardesigns.etsy.com

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