QR Codes...Say What?!

You may have noticed digitized crossword puzzle-looking blocks popping up everywhere that look like this:

They are called QR Codes and have been all the rage in Japan and Europe for quite some time and are now very popular in the United States. I created the one above for KnitOnePearlOnion. I used the site www.qrstuff.com to create the KoPo QR code and here are the simple steps to follow so you can create one too:

1. Go to the above site
2. From the radio button choices, select to what you’d like to assign a QR code…I selected “Website URL”
3. Type in the website URL
4. Download the code’s image!

To scan your newly created code, or any QR code, download a scanner app to your smart phone – I downloaded ATTScanner. The application will allow you to scan the image of your new QR code. You will be prompted with the question “Do you want to open this web page?’ say “YES” and off you go on a cyber reference extravaganza....or at least to your website.

The website www.grstuff.com explains that “a QR Code can also contain a phone number, an SMS message, V-Card data (which is an electronic business card) or just plain alphanumeric text, and the scanning device will respond by opening up the correct application to handle the encoded data appropriately…”

These patterns might make snazzy table linens.

I’ve seen QR codes used in museums, restaurants, retail stores and just about anywhere a third party wants to encourage a visitor to download instant information about a product or service. For instance, let’s say you see a painting in a museum or gallery and you’d like to learn a bit more about the theme of the piece, the artist and his/her work. You notice that there’s a QR code on the little white card next to the painting. Just scan the code with your smart phone and the information appears right on your phone! For purposes of this illustration, I’ll use a painting I have in my home.


Here’s the painting called “Four Lovelies”


Here’s the QR code that tells you a little bit about the painting and it’s artist.

How cool is that?!

This is what that crazy patterns says:

This fanciful and vibrant painting was commissioned by the owner and is called “Four Lovelies.” The figures represent the owner, her two daughters and her sister. It was painted by Lambertville, NJ artist, Tony LaSalle, who’s joyful and passionate paintings -- using acrylic on canvas – include small portraits, people and massive bountiful gardens, many of which were inspired by the Tuscan countryside. Dr. La Salle's work has been exhibited at many local venues including Haverford School, Main Line Arts Center, and Delaware Valley College and Le Bus in Manayunk where the owner of this painting first saw his beautiful work.

Thanks to my friend Jenn S. for explaining all this to me!