Craft Edge

I just finished watching the tutorial on how to trace an image. This looks like it has way to many "nodes". How do I decrease them?

I used despeckle at 100 it did make this better, but still not good. I am trying to get a clean cut and having a horrible time.

In order to remove nodes use object/simplify.. Checking your picture in inkscape you would still need a little cleaning up in the image..But let me commend you on taking the time to learn from the videos.. They do really help.

Here is your project all cleaned up..

Joann! This was TRULY a random act of Kindness. I was so fustrated. I now know that I need to spend some time, learning the software, and THEN a project! I was so fustrated! I promised a bride I could do this, and then cut and glass etch for her center pieces. My pooooooor expressions cut for a hour I sware on the cut I did do, it turned out beautiful, but was HORRIBLE to punch out. I was quite amazed that it turned out as good as it did. You have made a Bride very happy, and me! (should teach me not to promise things I have never done before!) Bless you Bless you Bless you! Going now to cut!

With an image like that you are probably better off using the Bezier tool to get smooth lines with minimal nodes (much faster than cleaning all of those nodes up). Another thing to try if your image isn't jet black is to increase your brightness cutoff when you are tracing. HTH

Glad I could help..

and as Heather stated.. the bezier tool is really helpful.