SVGs or ‘scalable vector graphics’ to give them their full name are easy and convenient to use in crafty activities of all types. They’re especially suitable for designs that incorporate simple line drawings and text.
Many of the popular (and some free!) design programs can handle svgs, including Photoshop, Illustrator and Inkscape. They are also compatible with crafting software such as Cricut, Silhouette, SCAL and Scan N Cut.
An svg is scaleable, i.e. the image can be created to be as small or as large as you need it to be and it won’t loose any of its detail and definition. There’ll be none of that unattractive pixelation or fuzziness in your finished product like you do with jpeg or png files. So, whether you’re doing something small-scale or need to blow it up to billboard poster size, this is the type you should use.
SVG files can be viewed and downloaded from the internet or sent and received as an email file attachment. Compared to the aforementioned jpeg and png, an svg is a smaller file
They’re the ideal starting point for creating personalised gifts for friends & family and decorative items for yourself and your home. Here are just a few of the ideas that we’ve come up with for using svg files for your inventive projects.
Card making
Celebratory events such as birthdays, Valentine’s Day, Easter and Christmas are often marked with the sending or exchange of cards. You can produce your own with that extra special, personal touch. Also, they’re perfect for designing DIY wedding, party and shower invitations – business cards and flyers too.
Framed wall art
Do you have a favourite quote or are you or someone you know famous for your catchphrase? Create an artwork incorporating this or an inspirational phrase or saying. And then there are word clouds which could be devised via a favourite subject. Print them up and pop them in a frame to make a great wall display.
Stamp making
Carving your own rubber stamps is a great way of creating bespoke designs. Think of those regular multiples such as manually printing your logo on business stationery or stamping your return address on the outside of envelopes and packages.
Fashion & textiles
The scope of fashion and textile items that can be transformed by embellishing them with svg illustrations is almost endless. Add decals produced using svgs to T-shirts, baseball caps, tote bags or baby clothes. Aprons, tea towels and cushion covers can be customised to coordinate with your décor.
Journaling
There are some beautiful examples of Bullet journals on Instagram. Some journal-keepers are blessed with a talent for calligraphy and drawing freehand images. But what if you’re not that lucky and you want to start your own journal? You can decorate it beautifully with colourful washi tape, stickers and paper-cut SVG illustrations.
Embroidery
SVG image files are perfect for use as patterns for creating intricate decorative embroidery hoops. If you’re an embroidery newbie, you can learn by starting with a simple monogramming SVG image template.
Body art
Tattoos are incredibly popular; have you been inked? If you’re not ready to commit to a permanent tattoo, you can toy with semi-permanent henna. Find a SVG file you like and use it as a stencil for your one-of-a-kind henna body art.
Can you think of other projects in which you can use svgs to create something attractive, imaginative and custom made?
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