Archives for February 2010

Blogger Code Tweaking; the Sites That Helped Me Survive…


For the past 48 hours, I have been swimming in html code, attempting to make my blog look just like I want it to look.

I have a medical degree – html is not something I know… even a little.
Could I have paid someone to do this for me and saved myself a lot of time? Yes. However, I do not regret my efforts. Although my page is not exactly where I want it, I learned much about coding, and about myself. Turns out I love playing with code. Putting that with my love for graphic design… web designer in the making? We’ll see. I never pictured myself in this area at all. Anything is possible.
Here, I would like to share the links that helped me the most in my changing code adventures…
  1. Get a 3 Column Blog: I originally had the blogger minima template. I wanted to go to three columns, which I learned via this tutorial at Three Column Blogger. It was very helpful, although I had to make my outer wrapper width smaller than its suggested 940px in order for my page to load correctly in my safari browser. I found it is wise to stay at 780px or less. Then I had to decrease my main wrapper, sidebar wrapper and new sidebar wrapper widths to fit within the 780px. I found a wonderful diagram explaining margin, padding, wrapper width and how to put them all together here at Blog Buster.
  2. Adding a Horizontal Nav Bar: As you see, there is now a horizontal nav bar under my page header pic. This web tutorial is the best I have ever seen, and really is why I am writing this post. Nicole at The Pixel Boutique did a superb job, and has my full attention.
  3. Adding background image: At Tips For New Bloggers, I found a great tut on this fairly simple tutorial (click here). There are many helpful tutorials on jazzing up your blog on this site.

I also found a site with a list of top blogger resources here at Blogger Plugins. I plan to make the background for my sidebars a different color than for my main post area. I am also considering placing both sidebars on the right and main post on left. Undecided. There are some widgets I plan to add, like blogs i heart, and so forth. I am trying to figure out how to put all of my favorite links in one spot accessible by a link in my new horizontal nav bar (which may just have a new background color next time you see it).

Ok, my husband is giving me that look. You know the one. The -are you seriously still on the computer… really- look!”
So grateful for all of the awesome tutorials I found out there. Much love!!

Quilted Wall Hanging

SONY DSC
My first quilted wall hanging, inspired by an organization that has helped millions.

This was fun and easy. Debbie hooked me up with a bunch of old fabric scraps and I was on my way. I made the circle triangle in the center in photoshop, then printed it on fabric made for inkjet printers. I attached the pieces, layered and quilted, then attached a dowel rod and ribbon to the back for the hanger. I am super excited about mixing my love for graphic design with fabric for customized funky wall hangings. Busy girl. Busy…

 

Inspired Photoshop Grunge Art


God’s faithfulness abounds! Feeling inspired and blessed. Some of my favorite verses, + photoshop…

These are done using many layers and some cool halftone brushes I found here at Brusheezy. For free. Many things are going on currently. Still on track with Bible in 90 Days. Tutorials and giveaways coming! Blessings and joy…

First Attempt at a Quilt… Project FInished



So here it is. Not bad for a first time. It only took 5 days from beginning to end. And that included touching a sewing machine for the first time.
I got frustrated at some point, because the in almost all of the instructions I found during this process really emphasized perfection. I was getting stress at imperfect seems, alignment, puckering… By the time I got to the binding, I quit fighting the fact that I am kinda sloppy, and really just wanted it finished and on my bed 🙂
It got more fun at that point. If you examine closely, and imperfections bother you, you will be horrified. I am just so excited to have this piece to accent my room, and inspiration for all kinds of sewing projects spinning in my mind. Making stuff rocks. Blessings,
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