freespirit

My Other Blog

2009-05-03T04:27:00.003-04:00

I have another blog that I post in a bit more frequently. It is suruha-freespirit. here's a "tag cloud" from there to give you an idea of what that blog is about.

created at TagCrowd.com

3-Column Blog Layout "Generator"

2009-04-09T22:09:00.001-04:00

The 3-column Blogger template just keeps getting better - and easier! In a previous post, I directed you to a site that explains how to turn your 2-column Minima Blogger template in to a 3-column template. "Three Column Blogger" does such an eloquent job of walking the reader through the steps that I wouldn't even try. LOL

Now, after, literally, months of looking for such a thing, I have found a site with a "3-Column Layout Generator". Begin by selecting whether you want it for 1, 2, or 3-columns. Then, by adjusting 4 sliders, which you see the effect as you move the slider, it creates the very CSS code that is your template.

On your Blogger "Layout" page, under "Edit HTML", this code will replace your Minima code. THAT IS ALL THERE IS TO IT!

You get to see the layout as you slide the sliders back and forth. The code is ready right there. It is simply a matter of 'replacing' the HTML, rather than scrolling through the Minima HTML and making changes. (Sorry, "Three Column Blogger".)

So, 4 easy steps:

1 - choose # of columns

2 - move sliders to column widths of your liking

3 - copy the instant code

4 - replace Minima HTML with new code

Have fun playing around with your blog design!

Su

EDITOR'S NOTE: I just found out one of the by-products of playing with Blogger's codes. My "Comments" feature on this blog does not work, since changing my blog from 2-column to 3-column. Ooops. Hmmm...will have to work on that. I'll get back when I find out more.

2-Column to 3-Column Blog

2009-04-02T15:47:00.000-04:00

The Blogger template that I am using is Minima. It comes from Blogger with only 2 columns. In order to get it to 3 columns, like mine, there is some code that will add a column. To see this code and to read all about adding a column, go to

Three Column Blogger

They have devoted the entire blog, almost, to adding a column. If you follow along with their step-by-step tutorial, you can't miss. Give them a visit. You will be pleased with the results.

Blog Layouts from a Scrapbook Kit

2009-04-02T12:58:00.003-04:00

Digital Scrapbooking has been a passion of mine for a while. Perusing the internet and finding all the kits and other components for scrapbooking, one can find a myriad of designs. The community is HUGE! A majority of the scrappers have blogs, where they offer the goodies they have made in trade for some kind words. These folks, mostly ladies, but, a few guys, are talented. Google "scrapbooking" and see what comes up.

Since so many do have blogs it was only natural for the kits, with all the components such as background papers and embellishments, to become designs for the blogs. I've used a kit from Brenda Mascari at Millstream Cottage, "East Meets West". Take a minute and go see what her blog is about and to see her designs.

It is really very simple to use a kit for a blog design. With Blogger, the basic Minima template allows for personalising. Set up your Blogger page with this template. (There are other templates and options, but, a little trickier than these. Also, before you make any changes, you should 'save background' by clicking on this button above the code.) Once you download the kit you wish to use, open your program, like Photoshop, PSP, Image Ready, etc. Scrapbook kit papers are 3600x3600 and the elements are usually around 1000px. This is humongous for a blog layout, so, you might want to start by scaling each component down you wish to use. I use "transform" and pull the corner down to where it fills about 1/4 it's original size.

Here is a basic background template for a two-column Blogger layout. I fashioned it from a background that fit nicely on my particular blog. You may need to experiment - widening, or narrowing, the center to fit your blog page.

Right click and copy, then, open in program and follow the pattern for the background and the center top layer where the type shows. (The rust-colored layer is one I placed in between the top and the bottom of the template layers for a more in-depth looking background. It is not necessary, but, may be added here.)

Add the embellishments, paying attention to placement. The middle type section should be left clear in order to see the type print on the blog. You could fade the top layer or, like I often do, in a new layer, create a white 'sheet' and drop the opacity down low, around 33-50, depending on how well it covers with the design still showing through. Center it over the middle section. This will leave the middle with a lighter backing for your type.

When you are satisfied with your layout, save it to file. You need to also save it to Photobucket, or another image hosting service. Open Blogger. Go to the "Layout" section and "Add a Gadgett". Choose the HTML/Java Script feature. In the pop-up box place this code:

(right click, drag over above , click "copy"; "paste" into code)

Where it says "(Direct Link)". enter the 'direct link' code from Photobucket, making certain you delete the words 'Direct Link". Click save, then, go view your new blog layout.

That's all there is to it. What I like about the code placed in a gadget box, all you have to do to change your layout on your blog is to go into the box to swap out the "direct link" with another.

There are quite a few sites that feature the backgrounds, headers, and entire layouts. Here is a short list of those I have found, so far:

Paisley Cat Scraps

The Cutest Blog on the Block

Allie Brown's Layouts

Shels Scraps

Ashley's Blog Layouts

Mental Imagez

The Background Fairy

Simply Blog It Backgrounds

Cute n Cool Blog Stuff

Izzie Grace Blog Backgrounds

Aqua Poppy Designs 2

Scrappy Blog Backgrounds

Inspiring Free Blog Backgrounds

http://itkupillishop.blogspot.com/

Shabby Blogs

Wow! This is just my list! LOL!

Make certain to follow copyrights when using someone else's designs, backgrounds, etc; some require links back.