Thursday, February 11, 2010

Boring Admin Stuff: New Layout

I have been wanting to change my template for a while now, since I've had the same one since I started this blog back in December 2008. The blog itself has evolved a lot since then, and was in need of an update. I've been learning about HTML and CSS in one of my classes, and decided that it was the perfect opportunity to try to do something new.

I set out to simply tweak the template I had before (which was some random one I found online). I didn't think I'd be able to do that much with it. But the farther in I got, the more I figured out about different coding elements. And I started to enjoy myself.

So, 6+ hours later, I have my new blog layout complete. It is a combination of radically changing the initial template's code and adding in all my own design. It looks rather shoddy and "homemade," and I am aware of that-- however, it is my first custom layout, and that at the least is worth remarking on.

The pictures lining the sides are from some of the more important events I've blogged about (with one or two that reference things I hope to blog about in the future). Some of you will recognize a lot of them.

For the sake of keeping a record, here is what my old blog template looked like:

Photobucket
Click here for full size

Change is good. Particularly when it means that I've learned a few new things along the way...

I'm sitting at the library desk right now, watching snow pour down outside, as it has been for most of the way. A miracle for Texas. I have a few new blog posts planned, so watch for them soon. Thanks so much to everyone who reads my blog and shares in my thoughts. Feel free to leave me a comment letting me know if there are any problems with the layout, or even if you just have a comment or some critique on it.

God bless!
- Elraen -

6 comments:

Lethie said...

i love the new outlay of your blog. the pictures are a GREAT idea. will you continue adding new relative pics as you go? very cool that you are learning how to do all that stuff. cant wait for your blogs :D god bless

miruialiel.eternalprincess said...

OK, when I saw the photo of me and you it made my day. Nice new layout!

Can't wait to see you! =)

CMHall said...

That is awesome! I love it. I wish mine could be like it. haha.

Christine said...

It looks nice! I wish I had more time lately to play with the CSS stuff we've been going over... I really need to work with that for my internship. :/ But who knows, maybe this weekend will give me some time to play with it some more.
~Christine

Nimelen said...

It looks great, Mary! Not bad at all for your first theme. I got into it the same way you did and love it. It's such a feeling of satisfaction when you get on your blog and see your own work everywhere! :D

Hugs!

Liz said...

love it muchly!! i know it's def not easy to mess with HTML and CSS so kudos =) ♥