Looks basic and plain but I had a whole bunch of editing to do to the html and layout just to get it to this point. All the blogger template design tutorial sites suggest starting with the Minima template as a basic gist. Minima is the skin that is a white background, boxed blog name at the top with a double lined border surrounding it and a whole lot of not much in the 2 column style. For a while I have wanted the text to flow further across the screen so it is easier to read and less scrolling so instead of Minima I started out with Minima Lefty Stretch.
After editing the Hex codes for background, text and link colors it was time to figure out what to do about the header. This was my biggest obstacle to changing from the old design because I really loved the idea of a picture at the water’s edge and the heart was just a sweet addition.
The photo I ended up cropping for it is this one:
This was taken last spring at Revere Beach, all the way at the far end of the strip and I love it because there is not a cloud in the sky and only one very tiny person on the beach. It is serene and with the color scheme I decided on, serene was just the thing.
I am a little bit of a Photoshop nerd so I pulled the photo in and cropped, beveled, dropped a shadow and edited the blog title then put em all together to get the lovely header you see above. While I was at it I took a screen shot of one of my articles in Word, tilted it crooked, made it somewhat transparent and snagged a few components to create the animated picture over on the side bar that leads you to my HUBPages article site. That is another story for another day though.
There are a couple more tricks I am learning as far as changing the post footer text and placing a static border along the sides but I will be getting to those another day as they are a bit trickier. After picking up containers to complete the kitchen job I will be wrapping up soon, hitting the bank, doing all the dishes and six loads of laundry (mind you, going up and down 2 flights each time), I am wiped out and ready for a nice dinner of sushi, a glass of wine and some reruns of Lost from Netflix.
I like this new look though so for now it is a-ok.
I am a little bit of a Photoshop nerd so I pulled the photo in and cropped, beveled, dropped a shadow and edited the blog title then put em all together to get the lovely header you see above. While I was at it I took a screen shot of one of my articles in Word, tilted it crooked, made it somewhat transparent and snagged a few components to create the animated picture over on the side bar that leads you to my HUBPages article site. That is another story for another day though.
There are a couple more tricks I am learning as far as changing the post footer text and placing a static border along the sides but I will be getting to those another day as they are a bit trickier. After picking up containers to complete the kitchen job I will be wrapping up soon, hitting the bank, doing all the dishes and six loads of laundry (mind you, going up and down 2 flights each time), I am wiped out and ready for a nice dinner of sushi, a glass of wine and some reruns of Lost from Netflix.
I like this new look though so for now it is a-ok.
13 comments:
This is much better than the brown. I could never have pulled this off, man, it's all I could do to change to a preformatted template.
Nice work!
I did love the heart dug in the shoreline sand..but, change is good for all of us.
I switched up my former black background to the softer light of grey that I have now.
I reader very nicely complained it was hard for her to see the written words. I protested, and exclaimed.."Sorry, Charlie"..it's your loss! ..and then, I came to my "constructive criticism" consciousness and made the necessary move for all involved; my Ego eventually followed too.
Very pretty. You have talent with html!
It looks great!
I love the color scheme.
It's so pretty and summery! Makes me want to run away to the beach!
It's amazing how I recognize all the individual words, yet have no idea what they mean in a techie context ;). Here'e my translation: The new design is very very pretty. It took lots and lots of complicated work to make it this way :)
Ahhhh yes, it is a refreshing look, much like the soft green of the ocean and cool ocean fog. I've thought about going into the depths of the HTML codes and adding a 3rd column to my blog template, but the truth is I'm chicken. Afraid I'd end up with a blog jig saw puzzle ! :)
You did a great make over.
Anna
This theme is nice and zen. :) I love the colors...
Was wowed by your new Blog look...it is awesome...even though you say it isn't completed yet ! Since I just received the "Kreativ Blogger" award and one of it's requirements is to pass it on to other bloggers that I love and feel are creative, I chose you. Should you choose to accept this award just visit my blog to down load the award plaque and follow the list of simple requirements.
Anna
Wow, you did good. I tell you Jenn, it is lucky I can get a picture on my blog.
Love the color and all..very soft.
No matter what you do, it will be great..
Hey Jenn! I really like your new look...good job. When it comes to editing html I am a failure! I'm with Chris ... changing a preformatted template is a challenge. And, I also thank you for cyber-visiting me in Bend, OR.
I too love your picture. You will smile everytime you post, because looking at it will bring a good memory.
LOVE the new look and especially your header... beautiful picture! I just extended my text area yesterday... it sure does make it easier to read!
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