I just started playing stardew valley and am really loving it! however, i was really looking forward to finding some mods to download to it. specifically, i REALLY wanted to find a mod that added guinea pigs in some way shape or form. I know Abigail has one, but it's in a glass cage with a wheel like a hamster ;~; i've seen several people discussing implementing a mod with g pigs, but none that have actually come out. i started looking at how i could make my own mod, but got very overwhelmed very quickly. i know i could do the pixel art, but can anyone help explain to me how i might just replace assets for the rabbit sprites, for example?
First step. Make sure you are posting in Stardew Valley Forums. Unfortunately I don't know the rest of the steps - so I am moving the thread to the Stardew Valley Forums.
Unfortunately, there is no single type of mod that stardew has, but from your description, I would suggest looking at the http://community.playstarbound.com/...-and-general-modding-discussion-redux.109131/ thread or the http://community.playstarbound.com/threads/beginners-guide-to-xnb-node-and-graphics-editing.110976/ thread for information.
I was actually working on a video tutorial for .xnb and Advanced Location Loader mod creation along with preparation, shortcut keys and photoshop basics for xnb replacements however I used Fraps and all the text came out unreadable so I canned it. Well, after redoing it with CamStudio with the same results.. I may do it again if I come up with the right tools. I've uploaded some documentation and things to the Modder's Resource that may be helpful. I'll continue to update this with new findings.