Jenieshell's Design Challenge

Neglect

2010-07-28T19:04:00.000-07:00

I know I've neglected this blog for a while and have been contemplating on what I should do because blog design is not my passion any more. When I first started "tweaking" blogs it became addicting! I wanted to see what else I could learn to spruce up my blog! It was fun. I felt like it was a puzzle I was putting together! Sadly over the past year it's just not fun anymore. I want to thank all my followers. Honestly I am blown away by how many people follow this blog even though its been so neglected. Thank You!!

As for now, I probably won't be writing posts here but I will keep it in tact so people can use the tutorials. I am so happy I have been able to help so many learn to tweak their own blogs! If you would like to keep up with me, please feel free to follow my personal blog! And again Thank you!!

200 Followers!!

2010-04-13T19:53:00.000-07:00

I just realized I have 200 followers on this blog!! WOW!!!! Honestly I am in shock because I feel like I've neglected this blog and my readers!! I want to thank all of you for following me. I hope the tutorials have been helpful!! I am constantly getting such positive comments and feedback!! I also realize some of you have asked questions and I apologize if I've not gotten back to you with answers. Blog design has always been something I do for fun and as a hobby. Recently it's just not been something I enjoy. I know in time I'll get back into it and when I do I'll write more tips and tutorials. If there's something you're interested in knowing how to do, let me know and I'll see if I can write up a new tutorial. I can't guarantee I'll have the answers but I will try!

Thanks again for taking the time to read and follow this blog!! It really means a lot!!

It's About TIME!!!

2010-02-07T00:18:00.000-08:00

This blog FINALLY has a new look!! It's about time!! It's only February and I finally took the Christmas look down. I am please with the over all look! It's simple, clean and PINK!!

I also re-designed my sister's blog. It too is simple and clean! I love the photos of my nephews!! My Brother-in-law is learning how to be a GREAT photographer!

I want to apologize to those who have sent emails or comments about specific blog design questions recently. It's a super busy time for me in my job right now and this blog has been severely neglected (Hints the fact I am just barely changing out the Christmas look!) I will try to respond to these questions as soon as I can, until then please refer to my tutorials!!

Thanks

It's Been Awhile

2009-12-06T11:59:00.001-08:00

Wow! I can't believe the last I am wrote on this blog was back in September! I guess I haven't been doing much with Blog Design lately!! Well, actually that's not true! I've now redone both this blog and my personal blog. They both needed a new look especially THIS one!! I still had my Spring theme up and it's almost Winter! I've also done a couple of blog makeovers for Brandi at Autumnfawn Lane and Rachelle at Rachelle's Writing Spot! Go and check them out and say hello!!

Another reason I haven't written is I haven't had any tutorials to write!! Well today I have one and it's SUPER easy!! Have you seen blogs that are snowing? If not pay close attention to this one and my personal blog too!! It's such a fun little embellishment that's not too overwhelming!! It's also perfect for the Christmas season!!

I am going to send you over to Blogger Buster because they have a great tutorial and all you have to do is click on the button that says: (make sure you're signed into blogger)

Add Snow Effect to your Blogger Blog

It will add the snow effect widget to your blog!! All you have to do is click save and viola you have SNOW!!!

I hope you're having a wonderful Holiday season!!

Want a Blog Makeover?

2009-09-25T10:51:00.000-07:00

If you have been wanting a blog makeover but don't want to spend a lot of money on it here is your chance!! This past Summer I "met" Leah through the Button's for Lily fundraiser I had a few months ago! I created this button for her blog through this event.

I quickly became a follower of Leah's blog and am so excited about her journey of adoption. Leah and her hubby are raising money to help bring their baby home! Today, they are having a raffle on their blog to win a Blog Makeover by ME!! Head on over to their blog for the details! I hope one of my followers is the winner!! Good Luck!!

Post Signature

2009-08-03T09:52:00.000-07:00

If you are wanting a cute signature for the bottom of your posts here's a quick and easy tutorial on how to add one to your blog!

You will need an image that has your signature. I use Photoshop to create mine. I know there are other programs, such as Microsoft paint. You'll want the image to be about 100x50 pixels. The size can vary it's really up to you and what you want. You can also add a cute image like I did here!

Next you'll need to up load the image to the internet. You can do this by using Photobucket, Flickr, Picasa or you can do as I did, and put it in a post right here on blogger! You will need to copy the URL address of the image and paste it into the code below.

Now you will need to copy the following code:

Now you will need to go into your layout page and click on Settings.

Once in Settings click on Formatting:

Scroll down to Post Template and paste the code from above in the box and click the Save Setting button.

(To enlarge images click on the pictures)

Enjoy your new post signature!

FYI: Your signature will not appear on previous posts. It will only appear on posts from this point on. There is away to add your signature to all your posts, however it's not quite as simple as this! If there's enough interest on how to permanently add a signature to all your posts I'll write up a tutorial on how to do so in the near future!

2009-07-18T22:25:00.001-07:00

I recently mentioned in a previous post, on my personal blog, I've been reading the blog An Ordinary Miracle. This is an incredible family that has been through a lot these past few years with trying to complete their family! They have a sweet boy named Owen, who they adopted from Russia a couple of years ago. They are now in the process of adopting a little girl from South Korea who they've named Lily Soo!! They are raising money in order to bring Lily Soo home! They hope to be able to have her home by her first birthday in November!

For a couple of months now I've really felt the Lord calling me to use my hobby of Blog design for His glory! I have never charged for any of the blog design or blog services I have done thus far! I would however like to help this family bring Lily home so I thought I would do a Buttons for Lily Soo Sale!!

If you are interested in getting a button for your blog, NOW is a great opportunity to get one!! It can be a button and grab box for your personal blog or it can be for some special event happening on your blog too! Each button will only be $5! You can get a button and scrolling box to grab the code underneath for only 5 dollars!!

If you would like to purchase a button please email me at jenieshell at gmail dot com and pay the $5 fee by clicking on my paypal donate button at the bottom of this post. This sale will be for this week only and 100% raised will be donated to Bring Lily Home Fund!! I will transfer the total amount raised next Sunday, July 25th.

If you are not in need of a blog button but would still like to help out this great family please feel free to donate through my paypal button! I will make sure to include it in the final amount raised next week!

So now is the time to get your button and help bring Lily HOME!!!

Wow! It's been a month since I last posted!!

2009-07-18T13:26:00.000-07:00

I realized this morning it's been exactly ONE month since I last posted!! Thank you so much for all the well wishes and prayers!! I am feeling better but still dealing with headaches. I am grateful to feel more like myself these days!! I feel the need to write a tutorial since it's been awhile since I posted one! So let me know what blogging question you are wanting answered and if I can answer it I'll try to write a tutorial on it!!

Under the Weather

2009-06-18T22:43:00.001-07:00

Hi all! I am writing to let my wonderful readers and fellow blog buddies know these past few weeks I've been under the weather and I've not been able to keep up with all the emails and comments I have received on this blog. I have recently received several emails and comments on how to tweak blogs but I just don't have the energy to respond to each of your questions right now. I apologize for not being able to help you with your specific blogging needs . Please know I read all your comments and emails. I would ask you to refer to my tutorial section as I have lots of tips and hints there. Hopefully I'll be back to feeling like my normal self and can help with your blogging questions soon! I wish you the best of luck and please send me links to your blogs so I can see what you are doing and the success you have made!!

Happy blog tweaking to all and thanks for understanding!!

Navigation Bar Images

2009-06-06T21:12:00.001-07:00

This tutorial is to be use AFTER you know how to create a navigation bar! If you don't know how to create a Navigation bar please click here!

Ok, now that you know how to create a Navigation Bar let me explain how to add images* to your navigation bar instead just using text, similar to the one above! Each navigation link such as About me, Blog Roll etc were each different images. So for the above navigation bar I had to create four different images, one for each link!

Remember the HTML code you added in a widget under your header? That's what you are going to tweak in order to have an image for your link instead just text. Your current code in your widget should look something like this:

<div id="newnavbar"> <ul> <li><a href="http://all-about-me.html">All About Me</a></li> <li><a href="http://blogroll-html">Blog Roll</a></li> <li><a href="http://giveaway-html">Giveaways</a></li><li><a href="http://contact-me.html"\>Contact</a></li> </ul></div>

Now you are going to replace the WORDS that appear on your navigation bar (YELLOW words)with this code.

After you have replaced all the Words such as All About Me etc with your new code including the url address of your images then click save and enjoy your new customized navigation bar!

On a side note, the padding and margins may need to be adjusted in order to fit the new images!

*You will need to upload your images to the Internet. You can use flicker, photobucket, picasa or simply upload them in a post on Blogger!! There you will be able to get the URL address for the image! That address is what you paste into red html code above!

I hope this was easy to follow! Any and all feedback is always appreciated!

How to Make a Navigation Bar for Blogger Blogs

2009-05-17T20:32:00.000-07:00

I recently received several emails asking how to install a navigation bar. I thought the easiest way to help my blogging buddies would be to try to write a tutorial! I say the word try because honestly it's a little tricky and I am still figuring out the kinks!! In fact recently, while changing the look of my personal blog, I kept getting stuck while installing the navigation bar. It kept putting my links and a box and I couldn't figure out how to get rid of that BOX!!! Thankfully after taking a break I finally figured it out!! Hopefully after all my frustrations, it's still fresh in my mind and I can write this tutorial !

This is a picture of my personal blog! Isn't it pretty? You can see my navigation bar directly below the tree branch! This is an example of a navigation bar where I used images for my links! In order to make this tutorial as simple as possible I am going to start by showing you how to create a navigation bar just using text. Similar to the one on this blog!

Ok, let's get started and install that navigation bar!! (Hope I haven't scared you off! Honestly it's not too hard!!)

Go into your layout page and click on edit HTML.

It's always a good idea to download a copy of your template before changing your HTML.

I also recommend clicking on preview before saving your newly edited template!!!!

You will need to look for the html code that needs to be edited. Click on the link below to see what needs to be changed.

Click here for further instructions

Now go ahead and click save! It's ok to click save THIS TIME because there isn't anything to preview!!

What you just did was make it possible to add a widget to your header!! This is where the navigation bar will go!! If you go back to your layout page this is what it should NOW look like!

Now that we are able to add a widget to our header lets go ahead and add the code for the links of the navigation bar in a new widget. Click Add a Widget and select HTML/Javascript. In the text box you will copy and paste the html code for the navigation bar.

Click here to get the Code

Once you have added and personalized this code go ahead and click save! This is what you will see!!

Don't worry are not done yet!!

Are you still with me?

Let me clear up a couple of things before we move on:

First if you want your navigation bar to be centered in the middle of your page you will need to add the code below in red, to the html code you just saved in your header widget:

<center> in front of your code.

and

</center> at the end of the code.

If your links are appearing above your header and you want them below the header then

simply go into your layout page and drag the widget below your header and drop it! Just like you do when you are arranging your widgets on your sidebars.

Now we need to edit your html code in order to get the links to appear in a line on your page instead of a list!!

Go into your layout page and click on Edit html. Once again if you haven't done so download a copy of your template and her e's where the preview button , I mentioned earlier, will come in handy!!

Look for the Header section of the CSS code. It should look something like this:

Click here for the code that needs to be added and further instructions.

Now click Preview and if you are happy with what you see then click save!

It's should look something like this!

Soon I will write a tutorial on how to add an image to your navigation bar! I hope this tutorial was helpful I would LOVE any and all feedback! I hope it's easy to follow! Please don't hesitate to contact me if anything I mentioned in this tutorial was unclear! All I ask is that you be specific in your questions so I can better help you!

Scrolling Blog Buttons

2009-04-10T15:09:00.000-07:00

Update: There are several comments below about problems with only the first 3 buttons scrolling and it starting over!! Well, I too ran into that problem when working on a blog makeover. Honestly I am not sure exactly what was causing the problem. I had to remove the widget and reinstall the code. It seemed to work! I am sorry I don't have a technical answer, I'd just say if you still running into this problem. Remove the widget and start again! If I figure out why it's doing this I'll let you know!!

-----------Original Post----------------

I recently learned how to create a widget where all my favorite blog buttons can scroll through a smaller space on my sidebar therefore making it look less cluttered!

They scroll like this:

Here's a how YOU can make your blog buttons SCROLL too!!

1. Go into your layout page and click on Add a New Gadget

2. Choose HTML/Javascript

3. Add the following code in the text box:

<center><div class="textwidget"><marquee direction="up" width="200" onmouseover="this.stop()" scrollamount="5" onmouseout="this.start()" height="400" align="center"> THIS IS WHERE YOU ADD THE HTML CODES FOR YOUR FAVORITE BUTTONS! (You can add as many as you like!) </marquee></div>

The colors in red can be adjusted to fit the space on your sidebars.

The number 5 in yellow adjusts the speed of how quickly the buttons will scroll! The higher the number the faster they will GO!

4. Click save and Viola!!

Enjoy your scrolling buttons and a lot less clutter on your blog!

JDC goes Springy!!

2009-04-05T17:36:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned last week I've been working on a new look for this site!! It's Springy and I am happy with the end result!! I really like the cute little caterpillar!! Isn't he cute!! I have to give a shout out to Andrea! She's the one that create this amazing kit called Think Spring!! As soon as I saw it I knew I'd have to play with it!!

I did however create the blue stripped background and the pink bird on my own! Maybe one day I'll be as good of a graphic designer as Andrea!! (I highly doubt it, but a girl can dream right?)

New Blog Button

2009-03-29T20:02:00.000-07:00

I have a new blog button for this site!! If I have worked on your blog and you would like to change out the old button then please feel free to grab the code!! If you just want to put my button on your blog, even if I haven't worked on your blog, by all means GO AHEAD!!

This new button is s glimpse of what I've been working on for this site! Stay tuned!! It's cute and springy and it's a completely new way to code the template so I am excited!!

Blog Makeover Giveaway!

2009-03-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

Wanna win a FREE blog makeover? If so head over to my personal blog, Following the Footsteps, for a Free Blog Makeover Giveaway!! It's Part of SITS Spring Fling!!

Contest ends March 10th at Midnight!

Freebie (Butterflies)

2009-02-07T17:24:00.001-08:00

Once again today I've been playing with blog templates!! I just love being challenged to learn something new!! I had to completely re-do this one to make it look right but I am really happy with the end product! Again I really hope someone out there in can enjoy this template!! If you grab the code please leave me a comment and put my blog button on your blog!! That's ALL you have to do!! Enjoy!

Download

More Freebies! (Knitted Flowers)

2009-02-06T16:53:00.001-08:00

I've been playing on my photoshop today, so here are some more freebies!

Download

Download

Another Freebie!! Rounded Corners

2009-02-06T14:34:00.000-08:00

I've been working on this one for awhile! I am all about learning how to do new things! I learned how to make rounded corners! It was not easy and I still have somethings to learn but at least I got this one to look decent. I hope someone out there can use it for their blog!! If you grab the code don't forget to leave me a comment so I can stop by and say hello!!

Jen

Download

Adding a Blog Button to your Blog

2009-01-24T15:11:00.001-08:00

Have you noticed blog buttons popping up all over the blogosphere? They are the new cool thing to have on blogs!! It seems like everyone has a grab code box on their blogs!! Once you've grab the code how do you get it on your blog? Here's a tutorial on how to add that special blog button to your blog!

First, of course, you need to highlight and copy and the code inside the scroll box.

Now go to your layout page and click Add a Gadget.

The Add a Gadget Page will now pop up!

Scroll down and click on HTML/JavaScript.

Once the HTML/JavaScript box pops up paste the code in the box.
(the one you grabbed from the scroll box)

Last click save and enjoy!!

You can then go back into your layout page and move the blog button where you want it on your sidebar by dragging and dropping it!! Don't forget to click save at the top of your layout page!!

Amy this was for you!! Hope it was helpful!!

Amazing Graphic Designers

2009-01-17T11:04:00.000-08:00

I've been fortunate to get permission from some fabulous graphic kit designers!! I've dabbled a little in graphic designs and I am here to tell you it's NOT easy, so these ladies have my up most respect!! I wanted to give them a shout out here! So if you're in to digi-scrapping go and check them out!! Several of them design for free and the kits for sale are always reasonable!! So go now and check them out!!!

Designs By Ramona

Love Birds-Freebie

2009-01-11T11:27:00.001-08:00

Download
(To download all you have to do is copy and paste the code!)

Just in time for Valentines Day!! I have a new freebie for you!! It's called Love Birds!! Andrea at Here a Scrap There a Scrap has graciously given me permission to use her My Love kit for this Freebie! All I ask is for you to leave me a comment letting me know you snagged the template code and don't forget to display my Blog Button on your blog once you have the template installed!! (Easy step by step instruction on how to install your new template are included in the download!)

Enjoy!!

How to change the favicon on your Blogger Blog

2009-01-10T18:38:00.000-08:00

My good friend, Anne, asked if I could write a tutorial on how to change the favicon on a Blogger Blog! If you're wondering what a favicon is, let me explain! It's the graphic next the url address in address box! You know this......

Click picture for better viewing.

It's actually quite easy to change the blogger image to one that is unique and fits your blog. Here's a step by step tutorial on how to do it!

1. You need an image that ranges from 16 x 16 to 32 x 32 pixels in size. You can create this on Photoshop and then resize the image. When saving it to your hard drive save it as PNG file.

2. Once you have an image, upload it to the internet. You can use Photobucket, Flickr or you can even publish it in a post on your blogger blog!! (You'll need to get the url address once it's been uploaded.)

3. Now you are ready to change the favicon. You will need go into your layout page and click on Edit HTML. Scroll down just a bit (It's pretty close to top) and look for this code:

Once you locate the code you will REPLACE it with this code:

(You will need to add the URL address for your image inside this code where is says, URL of your image, in black)

4. Now you are ready to PREVIEW your page, to see if the favicon has been changed! If it is has successfully changed go ahead and click on save!

Enjoy!!

How to add authors to your Blogger blog.

2009-01-03T13:41:00.000-08:00

Did you know more than one person can be an author on a blog? My sister and I recently started a blog together and I realized it's pretty easy to have more than one author! Here's a tutorial on how to add an author to your blog.

1. Log into your blogger account.

2. Click on the layout or customize.

3. Next click on the Settings Tab.

*Click on images for a better view

4. Once in Settings, click on Permissions.

5. There you will be able to add an author by entering a gmail address. (The other person MUST have a google account.)

6. Now the new author must accept the invitation to be an author by logging into their gmail account.

Now there will be more than one contributor to your blog!!

Granting Administrator Privileges:
(This allows the new author to edit or change the template code)

If you need or want to grant your new author administrative privileges simply go back to the Permission section, after new author has accepted invitation, and click on "grant admin privileges."

And if for what ever reason an author needs to be removed all you have to do is click "remove" under the Permission Section.

Hope this tutorial has been helpful!

New JDC Header

2009-01-01T20:02:00.001-08:00

Another Holiday Look!!

2008-12-14T08:25:00.000-08:00

My personal blog had another makeover yesterday and it even matches this blog! It took a lot longer than I am proud to admit but now that it's all complete I am extremely happy with it!! Instead of working on the template here like I normally do, I just tweaked it there! I am realizing that's a lot easier than having to reinstall all my widgets when installing the new template. I wanted to document the makeover here! So go check it out and let me know what you think!

Blog Award

2008-12-07T11:08:00.000-08:00

My good friend Amy gave me the "Your Blog is Fabulous" Award!! I was super excited!! It's my first award for this site!! Thank you Amy!! I think your blog is fabulous too!!

If you want to read more about this award I wrote about it and full filled the rules over on my personal blog, Following the Footsteps!!

Go Check it out!!

How to display unreadable HTML code?

2008-11-22T12:43:00.000-08:00

When I first started creating scroll boxes for html code, my computer would read the html code inside the box and display the image inside the box.

Like this:

I realized my computer was reading the html code inside the scroll box! I researched and found you have to alter the html code so your computer doesn't read the html code but display it instead! It's actually pretty simple to fix the code.

Here's what you do!!

So if a code looks like this unaltered:

it will now look like this once altered:

That's all you have to do so your computer won't read the html code in your scroll box! Just change the brackets!!

While researching I also found a really helpful site that will change your code with a click of a button. It's a lot less time consuming and it allows for less errors! All you have to do it paste in your html code and press the convert button. It's that easy!!

Hope this tutorial was helpful! Please give me feedback!! Thanks

Jen

How to make a scroll box?

2008-11-22T11:49:00.000-08:00

This is how to make a scroll box similar to the one on my sidebar called Grab the Button.

Here's the code you will need for the scroll box.

You can change the color of your border by changing the color from pink to another color, or the size of your box by changing the number of the height and width. (example: 200px)

You will need to copy this code into your side bar or post where you are needing the scroll box. You will also need to add text that fits your needs where it says YOUR TEXT HERE! If you are wanting to make a scroll box for a "grab the button code" you will then add the code for your button here also. If you want to know how to make a blog button click here!

Once you've added "Your Text" you are now ready to copy and paste the entire code into your blog post or sidebar.

If you are installing it to your Blogger sidebar you will select Add a New Gadget in your layout page. Next you will select HTML/Javascript and paste your code. Click save and enjoy!

FYI: If you are wanting to display HTML code inside your box, such as code for a blog button, you will need to alter the code so your computer won't read the html code. To learn how to alter your HTML code GO HERE!!

JDC Happy Holidays

2008-11-16T09:54:00.001-08:00

A Holiday Theme for Jenieshell's Design Challenge!!

TTC Buttons

2008-11-14T19:20:00.000-08:00

The Two Coins

2008-11-11T20:28:00.001-08:00

I am still working on Jenny's blog, A Tale of Two Coins. Here are some pictures I was working on for her sidebar. Jenny let me know what you think!! We are getting close to the final product!!

Jen

Jenny, I am not sure why Blogger is putting a white border abound the picture in with the borders. I am pretty sure I can get it to work right when we put it in the sidebar! I am really tired, I think I am calling it a night for tonight!!

Jen

A Tale of Two Coins

2008-11-10T11:33:00.000-08:00

I am very excited to be working on my new friend, Jenny's Blog! She is an incredibly strong women and has been through an extremely difficult time in her life recently! Her blog is called A Tale of Two coins. She said she wanted something Whimsy and likes soft colors so We'll see if I am close to what she was wanting!! Jenny here we go!!

Following the Footsteps Grab Button

2008-11-09T12:57:00.000-08:00

How to Make a Blog Button

2008-11-09T09:44:00.000-08:00

This is an update to a post I wrote a while ago on my personal blog! I've actually realized it's much easier to make a button since I wrote that post!! So here we go! Here's how to make a clickable blog button using html!!

Before we get started on the actual html code there are somethings you will need to do first:

First, you need to create an image. I made mine on Adobe Photoshop. There are several websites that specialize in buttons if you don't have photoshop. Google "Blog buttons or chiclets" in order to find these websites. You will then need to save your image to your hard drive!

Next, you will need to upload your image from your hard drive to the internet. You can do this by uploading it in a post on your blog. You can also use Picasa, photobucket or Flicker.

Then, you will need two URL addresses to insert into the html code. The first address is the site you're linking to. The second is the address where your image is located on the web. (To find this address, click on the image in your published post. Then right click on the image, scroll down, click on properties and copy the URL address.

Now we are ready to create the html code and to install it on your blog.

Go into the layout section of your blogger account and create a new Gadget.

Choose HTML/Java Script.

Copy the code below and paste it into the text section of your new HTML/Java Script Gadget.

Replace the sections in red with the two url addresses that meet your needs.

click save.

Enjoy your new button!

Hope these steps where helpful!! Let me know if this tutorial was useful, confusing or unclear!! Thanks

Now, if you want to learn how to make a scroll box under your button so others can grab your code GO HERE!

How to Contact me!

2008-11-09T09:10:00.000-08:00

If you have any questions email me and I'll get back to you as soon as I can!!

Jen

jenieshell at gmail dot com

Tutorials

2008-11-09T08:23:00.000-08:00

Everything I have learned about blog design has been self taught and I've learned it through GOOGLE!! As my hubby says, "Google is your friend!" When I wanted to know how to do something in order to improve or tweak my blog I would google it!! I have come across some fantastic tutorials and some that were really overwhelming and confusing! I figured I would start writing tutorials as a way to help fellow bloggers and a place where I keep all my learned knowledge!!

I hope these tutorials are helpful!! Please give me feedback as to what was unclear or confusing! Thanks for stopping by!!

Jen

How to Create a Hyperlink

How to Make a Blog Button

How to Make a Scroll Box

How to display unreadable HTML Code

How to add authors to your Blogger blog

How to change the favicon on your Blogger Blog

How to add a Blog Button to your Blog

How to make blog buttons on your sidebar scroll

How to De-Clutter your sidebars
Brought to you by Following the Footsteps!

How to add a Navigation bar to your blog

How to add images to your Navigation Bar

How to add SNOW to your Blog

Check back soon for more blogger tutorials!

How to Make a Hyperlink

2008-11-09T07:54:00.000-08:00

I just realized creating a Hyperlink is really easy! When you are unable to simply click on the link button, like in the comment section, here's how you do it!!

Copy and paste the code below and change the sections in red to meet what you needs.

<a href="http://URL address.com">word(s) you want be linked</a>

For example:

<a href="http://shaemata.blogspot.com">Following the Footsteps</a>

(Don't forget to put the http:// in front of the url address. I forgot to put those little letters when I first started learning how to hyperlink and it didn't work!!)

This is what it will look like:

Following the Footsteps

Hope this tip was helpful!! Let me know if it was useful or unclear!!

Free Blogger Template-Pink Daisies

2008-11-08T18:49:00.000-08:00

Download

This template was inspired from the Bubble Gum Template I used on my blog this Summer!! I loved the design so much I decided to make it public!! I started this template from scratch because I feel I've learned so much more since then!! It's a two column template! If you're interested in this template click the download link for the the code and instructions on how to install it on your blog!!

Once again this template is completely FREE, all I ask is you leave me a comment letting me know you grabbed the code and display my blog button on your blog!! Enjoy!!

Working on Another Freebie

2008-11-08T14:27:00.000-08:00

Working on another Freebie!!

This one is called Pink Daisies!

Free Blogger Templates

2008-11-01T00:54:00.000-07:00

I hope you enjoy these blogger templates!! Please take a minute to review my TOU! Thanks!!

Use of Terms:

These blog templates are for Blogger Blogs only. It is for personal use only! All I ask are for you to leave a comment letting me know you grabbed the code and display the JDC Blog Button on your blog, while you are using my design. You can grab the code for my button on the sidebar.

This template may NOT be used for any blogs that are used to make money. It may not be used on blogs that displays or support pornography, illegal activity or any other immoral behavior.

If you have any questions regarding my TOU please contact me at jenieshell@gmail.com

I hope you enjoy your new blog look!

Download

Sorry this link is temporarily unavailable.

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Check back soon for my templates!!

Aqua Marine

2008-10-29T14:37:00.001-07:00

For the first time I am working on a design this THIS blog!! Since the conception of Jenieshell's Design Challenge I've NEVER created a template just for it!! The idea behind this blog was to have a place to learn and tweak html without messing up my real blog! When I first created this site I didn't even know if it would see the light of day but now after several new blog templates I've finally decided to give it blog make over!!

Free Blogger Template: Simple Elegance

2008-10-26T20:00:00.001-07:00

As I mentioned in my previous post, I am playing around with the idea of making some of my blogger templates open to the public! I finally figured out how to make the template code accessible for download! I'll be adding more templates in the near future but for now enjoy this one I call, Simple Elegance!

Download

If you are wondering this template is FREE!! All I ask is for you display my Jenieshell's Design Challenge Button on your blog and show me a little love by commenting and letting me know you grabbed the code!

Enjoy!!

Old Templates Revisited

2008-10-26T08:58:00.000-07:00

As most of you know over the past several months I've been dabbling in blog design. The word I use is tweak because I am not designing, it's more like tweaking! I am proud to say I've learned a lot since I started last Spring and now I am considering opening them up to the public! It's not offical yet just an idea. That's why I am revisiting some of my old templates that never made it's way anyone's blog!!

Keeping Up with the Schultz Family

2008-10-19T19:13:00.000-07:00

dMy friend, Amy, has recently started a blog and has asked me to design a blog look for her. So here's what I've come with, lets see how it turns out!!

The Bond of Sisterhood

2008-10-19T12:36:00.000-07:00

I am working on a special blog called "The Bond Sisterhood!" It's actually a blog that my sister and I are going to co-author! I am really excited about it and of course love that I get to design another blog!!

Seriously? Fall!

2008-10-11T14:03:00.000-07:00

My friend Bonnie has asked for a new look on her blog. She was the VERY first blog I tweaked back in February!! I searched for some cute graphics that had fall colors and Bonnie's favorite color, purple. It wasn't an easy task but I finally found a graphic that had purple!! Not sure if this is what Bonnie had in mind but I think it is definitely FUN!! Let's see how it turns out!!

Here we go!!

Happy Fall

2008-10-07T19:52:00.000-07:00

I am playing around with another blog design because I came across a great Fall/Halloween graphic design kit. I am really happy with my current blog design on Following the Footsteps but thought I would come up with something for fun!!

Little Miss Sunshine goes Cupcake!!

2008-09-21T11:55:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned in my last post my friend Patty was wanting a her blog tweaked just a little!! She really LOVES her header so she was wanting me to incorporate it with cupcakes!! She's a huge cupcake fan!! So here's what I've come up with!!

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Playing around with fun backgrounds!

2008-09-19T17:21:00.000-07:00

I found a GREAT website that had tons of fun backgrounds that are super easy to install!! It's like getting a new blog makeover in seconds! To check it out click here!

My friend Patty has been wanting a new fresh new look so I am playing around with the backgrounds to see if I can integrate it with the header she already has!!!

Gone Country Buttons

2008-09-13T14:03:00.001-07:00

Gone Country

2008-09-13T09:40:00.001-07:00

With Fall on the horizon I've been contemplating give my blog a new look! One that has an Autumn feel! I've been playing around with photoshop and came up with a header. It's not really what I was envisioning but I have to say I like it!! I don't know if I will actually use it for Following the Footsteps but I figured I'd play around and see what happens. After all that is the point of this blog!! So here goes!!

About Me

2008-08-29T15:24:00.000-07:00

Hi My Name is Jen! I am a self taught blog tweaker! It all started when I was playing with the look of my personal blog! I was tired of the the blog templates blogger had to offer so I started tweaking the look of my blog. This site was created as a place to learn and tweak without the fear of messing up my REAL blog!!

I am an elementary teacher. This is my 8th year of teaching. I have taught: 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, Special ed and now I am proud to be a literacy coach. My job deals with EVERYTHING that involves literacy at my school. In August 2008 I received my Masters in Educational Administration and hope to be an Assistant principal one day!

I have been married for almost 10 years to my best friend. We don't have any children yet, but we do have a miniature pincher named Charger! He brings us lots of laughs and I can't imagine my life without him!I have been a blogging since July 2006! It all started as away to document the special events taking place in my classroom and now it's SO much more!! Please feel free to follow me over there, as I update there more often! Following the Footsteps

Welcome! Feel free to look around and of course I would love to know what you think! So don't be shy LEAVE ME A COMMENT!!

Portfolio

2008-08-13T14:36:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my Portfolio!

Here are some of the blog templates I've had the privilege to work on! I've learned a lot and had a blast working on them!! I hope you enjoy looking around!! Any comments or suggestions are always welcomed!! There are even a few Freebies in the mix!!

Freebie, Grab the code here!

Freebie, Grab the Code here!

Freebie Grab the Code Here!

Freebie!! Grab the Code here!

Freebie: Grab Code Here!

Freebie: Grab the Code here!

It's Been Awhile!

2008-08-13T14:22:00.000-07:00

I was just thinking that's it's been awhile since I've worked on a blog design! So I thought I would take the opportunity to let people know that if you are interested in a blog makeover leave me a comment with your email address and I will get back with you! Oh and if you were wondering, right now it is completely free! I haven't gotten brave enough to actually venture out and make it a business! So now's your chance to get a blog make-over for FREE!!

Another Design

2008-07-22T23:11:00.001-07:00

I am just playing around. It's been awhile since I created a new design! This one will most likely just be for this blog, Jenieshell's Design Challenge! Lets see what I create!!

BG Blog Buttons

2008-07-05T10:52:00.000-07:00

One of the very first things I learned how to do with html was create a blog button. I was so proud I create several for my blog. So now every time I change the look of my blog I have to also change the buttons!! This makes changing my blog a difficult task! But I am liking Bubble Gum So much I have decided to make some buttons!!

Bubble Gum Buttons

Bubble Gum

2008-07-04T23:23:00.000-07:00

Oh I really like this design so far!! I've decided to call it Bubble Gum!! For some reason I think of bubble gum when I look at it!! I am liking it so much I am thinking of making it my template for my personal blog, Following the Footsteps. I really like my current template but this one just seems fun and cute. Perfect for Summer!! I have a feeling my blog will be have lots of fresh new looks as this is becoming my favorite hobby!!

So here's the header I've created. I have a feeling it's not going to be easy getting it to center properly!! I guess I'll just have to dive in and see how it turns out!!

Just for Fun!

2008-07-04T14:29:00.000-07:00

Now that Happy Fun Pants is up and running I am playing around with a design just for fun!! This look was inspired from what I learned when working on Anne's design!! I am still working on a header but here's what I have as far as backgrounds go!

Issues with font

2008-07-02T15:02:00.001-07:00

So I've been working Anne's new design for her blog and we discovered an issue with font!! Did you know that some fonts you can see on a PC may not viewed on a Mac!! See I learn something new all time when working on these templates!! It's something about them not be compatible!! So I've put the title of Anne's blog in the font Tempus Sans, instead of using the bloggers header font. It's not exactly what Anne was hoping for but now it's all I can do.

A, Let me know if this ok. If not we may just have to settle for the font, Georgia!!

Happy Fun Pants

2008-06-29T11:32:00.000-07:00

Well I am starting a new design for my good friend Anne!! Her blog is called Happy Fun Pants. She wanted something simple and she is a huge lover of daisies!! I have a feeling this may be too country or cutzie for her but this is what I've come up with so far!! Anne, give me some feedback and let me know what you think!!

Continuing on In the Wheelhouse!

2008-06-21T13:57:00.000-07:00

My sister Amy, had some other ideas for her blog. She was wanting a picture in the header of her boys. She shot this picture on their family vacation earlier in the month!! Let's see how it looks with the few changes!!

Bug Barn Final

2008-06-19T12:53:00.000-07:00

Well here's the final product for Bug Barn!! I am pleased with the end result and I think Ginger is too!! So here it is!! If you want to read more about baby Jack head on over to Bug Barn!!

Bug Barn

2008-06-18T12:20:00.000-07:00

My Best Friend Ginger is starting a new blog called "Bug Barn!" It's a blog about her new and precious son, Baby Jack!! I am honored to work on Jack's blog!

This is what I've come up with so far!! Ginger let me know what you think!! Again be completely honest with me. I can tweak anything or scrap the entire thing and start something new!! This is a special blog and it needs to be perfect!! So let me know!!

Starting Over

2008-06-14T10:28:00.000-07:00

There is something about the original design for Following the Footsteps I'm just not happy with. I've changed the background and tweaked the header but it just doesn't excited me! I found this website with a great design kit and decided to start over!!

If anyone out there likes the original design I'll be happy to send you the template code and change the name to fit your blog. Just leave me a comment with your email address and the name of your blog and I'll email it to you!!

So here's what I've come up with for the new Following the Footsteps design!!

The header

Background Papers

Well we will see if I am satisfied once it's all put together!! Any suggestions or advise are always welcomed!!

FF's Blog Buttons

2008-06-08T09:40:00.001-07:00

Working on Blog Buttons for my new blog's name and design!

New Header for FF

2008-06-01T10:04:00.001-07:00

There was something about this header I wasn't liking. I couldn't really put my finger on it, but I continued to tweak it and here's what I've come up with so far. I am liking it better now. Let's see what it looks like on the blog now!!

Following the Footsteps

2008-05-31T15:14:00.001-07:00

I've been playing around with a new design for my personal blog!! I am changing the name of my blog from 2Bee's Hive to Following the Footsteps. So with a new name comes a new look!! I've had an idea in my mind for this new look. It's not exactly what I wanted but it's pretty close! So here it is the new header!

I am not sure about the background. I was thinking maybe one of these...

Black bacground

2008-05-27T17:54:00.000-07:00

My sis was concerned that the black and white stripes were too busy and wanted to see what it would look like all black! So here it is!! I do like the contrast between the all black background and the white of the main blog! I do however like the stripes too!

What about you Ames, what do you prefer?

Changes to In the Wheelhouse

2008-05-25T20:46:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love it when I get some constructive feedback about my designs. Usually the changes are great which make the look so much better!! Amy, liked the idea of a referee so I changed it to a black and white theme. Lets see if how it looks!

Here's the new header....

And of course the black and white ref strips for the background.

In the Wheelhouse final

2008-05-25T13:45:00.000-07:00

Well here it is...

Wow! It didn't take me long at all to put this together!! I am pleased with the end result but now we just have to wait to see what my big sister thinks!! So far my "clients" have had some really great ideas and see the small details better than I do, so we will just have to wait and see what she thinks!!!!

So Ames, let me know!! All suggestions are welcomed!!

In the Wheelhouse

2008-05-25T12:47:00.000-07:00

My sister Amy has trusted me to work on her blog, In the wheelhouse. When asked what she wanted, she told me something simple, bright, bold and NOT GIRLY!! Unlike me, Amy is not a real fan of pink, flowers or frilly things. She's more of a tomboy who's athletic and likes simple things. Her family is a crazy sports family! Between soccer and hockey they are always on the go. With that and the title of her blog, In the Wheelhouse, I came up with a sports theme! And it's definitely NOT girly!! It's a start! Here's what I have so far!! Amy let me know what you think!!
I was thinking we could do this for a background. It might be too distracting though. One thing Ames mentioned is she wanted something simple for the background. So we will just have to try the stripes and see what you think!!

I went with stripes because it made me think of a referee!!

Ok It's time to get started!!

New Header for Stuck in the Seatbelt

2008-05-24T21:50:00.001-07:00

Heidi over at Stuck in the Seatbelt has asked me to make a few changes to her blog header. I have to say I agree the gray flowers were pretty drab!! So I've added some color to them and it makes them look a lot better. So Heidi let me know if this is better and again don't hesitate to make more changes if there's something that doesn't seem perfect!

A Name Change

2008-05-21T19:09:00.000-07:00

Ms Bonnie had decided to change the name of her blog from Bon's Blog to Seriously? This totally suits her as she is always saying "seriously?!" In fact she has gotten me to say it too!! So with this change came a change on her header!! So here it is...

Little Miss Sunshine's Final Product

2008-05-18T17:01:00.000-07:00

Well here's the final product of Little Miss Sunshine. I really hope Patty likes what I've come up with! I can make ANY changes so don't hesitate to let me know!!

Here's what I have so far...

I am really pleased with the end result!! As I keep practicing, it getting easier however, I am also pickier with the little details!! This is the first design I created all my own! The only thing I borrowed was the Pink-a dot font and the little metal flowers!! I am pretty pleased with what I've created, but I am exhausted!!

Between working on Stuck in the Seat Belt and Little Miss Sunshine's Blog I've been on the computer practically ALL weekend! My eyes are killing me so I am going to call it quits!! For today anyways!!

So who's next! If you want a blog makeover, leave me a comment with your email address so I can get in touch with you to see what you want!!

Another Background

2008-05-18T14:44:00.001-07:00

I wasn't crazy about the first crisscross background. I am not sure what is what but it just didnt go. So I came up with this backgroud...

It's a work in Progress!!

Criss Cross Background

2008-05-18T12:52:00.001-07:00

I am still working on a design for Little Miss Sunshine and came up with this background.

She was wanting a criss cross background so here it is. We will see if she likes it!!

Little Miss Sunshine New Header

2008-05-18T09:51:00.000-07:00

Well Little Miss Sunshine Liked her header but asked for a few changes, which thrilled me! It gave me a challenge but more importantly I want her to love it! So here's the new header for Little Miss Sunshine!

Let me know what you think Patty, I still have to work on the background. What do you think of the font of the title. I had to place each letter individually but I think they are cuter than just the basic fonts on my photoshop. I can always change them if you don't like them!!

Let me know!!

Jen

Little Miss. Sunshine

2008-05-17T16:55:00.000-07:00

Since I finished the blog template for Stuck in the Seatbelt so quickly today I was inspired to work on something for a my good friend Patty. Last night we had a girl's night out at Starbucks and the topic of blogs came up! She didn't tell me she wanted me to work on her blog but she did mention how she was getting tired of so much pink and wanted something in browns, pinks, greens and I think Blues. Again I have NO idea if she wants a blog makeover but maybe after she sees what I've come up with she will want the full makeover!! So here you go Patty!! This is special just for you!!

What do you think? So far this header was the most challenging but I am pleased with the end result! Patty do you notice the special something just for YOU?!

I was thinking maybe we could use this as a background...

Well Little Miss Sunshine, I hope you like it!! Let me know if you want me to keep going with your blog makeover!!

Stuck in the SeatBelt Final

2008-05-17T09:57:00.000-07:00

I've finished another blog template!! This time I was able to put it together in half the time. I guess with practice it's getting easier!! So here's Stuck in the Seatbelt's final product! I just hope she likes it!!

Heidi let me know what you think!! If you like it I'll send you the instructions and the template code so you can install it!!

Getting started on Stuck in the Seatbelt!

2008-05-15T20:55:00.000-07:00

Once again I am working on another Blog design! This time it's for one of my sweet and faithful readers! Her name is Heidi from Stuck in the Seatbelt! This one has been harder for me since I don't know Heidi personally, so trying to figure out her style has made it more difficult. I may be completely off but I hope she likes what I've come up with!

So Heidi here you go, here's your new header!

And I was thinking we could use this for your background...

Let me know what you think? Please be honest you won't hurt my feelings!!

Any suggestions or ideas are always welcomed!! Don't be shy this is for your blog!!

Bon's Blog Final Product

2008-05-11T21:38:00.000-07:00

After another full day of blog tweaking I have finished Bonnie's Blog! It was so much fun!! I think she is happy with the end result and that's what's important! So here it is Bon's Blog!!

Heidi you are next!! Let me know what you are interested in, so I can get started!! Blog Tweaking is just SO much fun!!!

Green Header for Bon's Blog

2008-05-11T18:40:00.001-07:00

In order to create a contrast with the purple background I am trying out the same header except in green! Will see how Bonnie likes it!

Bon's Blog

2008-05-11T11:27:00.000-07:00

I am just working on a design for my dear Friend Bonnie. She has asked me to play around with her blog. So this morning I've been working on a header for her.

So here we go Bonnie! Now that I have your header I am going to start playing around with the template. I was thinking this for a background:

Or
Maybe this:

And
This will be the color of the main body:

OR
Maybe Purple, Bonnie's Favorite Color!!

I think we have everything we need to get started! So let me know what you think, Bonnie!!

Final Product

2008-05-04T19:58:00.000-07:00

Well I must admit after a full day's work I am pleased with the final result of my blog tweaking project! I copied and pasted the template code into my Personal blog and I am very pleased with the end result. I'm thinking the idea of creating a new blog was a good idea. I can tweak the template code without the worry of messing up my blog!! I plan to continue this blog! If you become a frequent visitor please realize the look will be probably be changing often as I am learning how to change the template.

If you are interested in being my guinea pig for a new blog look, then leave me a comment and I'll get back to you! Just please be patient I have no idea how long it will take to get you a final product!!

Header

2008-05-04T13:04:00.000-07:00

Here's the new header!!

Background

2008-05-04T10:51:00.000-07:00

I am trying to see if I change the background of this blog go this...

And

I am going to try to get this color as the background of the Body and side bars of the blog.

In order to this I need to upload the image to the "sky" so that I can get an URL address which then goes into the template! Lets see if I can figure it out!!

Design Challenge

2008-05-04T10:21:00.000-07:00

This blog had been created simply for me to try to learn how to create and tweak blog design! It's so I can learn how to play with html without messing up my REAL blog, 2Bee's Hive!!

So here's to the challenge!!

Let's see what I come up with!!