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Thursday, March 18, 2010

Blog Makeover

Hey guys! I need your input. I think I want to get a blog makeover but I'm not sure where to go for it. And honestly, I don't even know what I want it to look like exactly. I have some ideas:

Pretty, but not girly.
Simple but not boring.
Colorful but not too colorful.
Bright but not garish.
Shaken but not stirred.

You get the idea.

Have any of you had a good experience with a blog designer that you would recommend? Or do you have any good ideas for a design?

25 comments:

maren said...

Though I am in the process of (trying) to develop my own, I really like this gal's portfolio... http://www.dirtandlacedesigns.com/. She's very reasonable too.

Sara said...

Probably not cheap, but here's one blog designer. http://www.flickr.com/photos/frecklednest/sets/72157622150324849/

Might be good for ideas at least. I made my friend Stephanie's banner (http://www.flickr.com/photos/frecklednest/sets/72157622150324849/) and I taught myself a little bit of html so I can mess around with my page format, but that's about it!

Natalie said...

The girl who did mine is giving away another blog makeover this week, if you're interested.

http://the-mortensen-family.blogspot.com/2010/03/round-two.html

Deb said...

Bailey over at B's Blog Boutique (http://bsblogboutique.blogspot.com) just redone my blog last week (www.justshortofcrazy.blogspot.com). She listened to what I wanted and created a place that I am very happy with. She is quick, efficient, and very reasonable. Think I paid around $45???

Check her out.

Valen Hunter said...

Aquapoppydesign

not t0o pricey.... I was gonna go with her before I just decided to do something myself.

Drake said...

Blogging is where web design meets scrapbooking. As a guy, I have no useful advice here...

CB said...

www.designsbyjamiek.blogspot.com

Mine was $35. You also have to pay for the cost of the design kit (usally less than $10) or istock image. I used an istock image which costs more but I had a hard time finding a scrapbook kit I liked. So many of them are just so flowery, busy, and just gawdy in my opinion (at least for a blog), or else the colors are too muted and blah. Although you only need a nice background paper and a few elements to work with, it's hard to really see that when you look at those kits that are just full of stuff. It might be a better idea to just come up with some colors or style that you like and then browse the digital scrapbook sites based on those colors/styles and go from there. If you need help with sites that sell kits, let me know, I looked at a gazillion of them when I was trying to decide on a new blog design.

I will say that I love my blog after having it redesigned, it really inspires me to write more because it's so cute :) But then again, I'm a weirdo!

Good luck!

Anonymous said...

I am with drake on this one. I thought the current layout is pretty good. Functional and easy to read.

I think it just needs more pictures of the author. Like the pictures from the shoe experiment. Are you still wearing the shoes in public?

An admirer from the distance. ;)

Unknown said...

First the hair and now the blog?? What's next? I hope we will recognize you when you are done! :) I think the layout is working for you as it is.

Elizabeth Downie said...

Thanks for the tips everyone! And to those of you who said you like it as is, don't worry. Whatever I choose, I'll make sure it's not too busy looking.

Anonymous, I did wear the shoes to work again today! I'm still self conscious about them. But they seem to be working. :)

Jules AF said...

I just got a free makeover from someone.... Other than that, I have no idea.

Anonymous said...

Found you via Friday Follow blog hop...

I actually have a giveaway going on right now for a blog design!

http://reviewsfromthenuthouse.blogspot.com/2010/03/lucky-girl-design-studio-giveaway.html


Even if you don't enter, you should check out Lucky Girl Design Studio (luckygirldesignstudio.com)
Tonya does great work and she's very affordable (in my opinion, as I've seen blog designs go for $300 or more!)

Life Without Pink said...

You have to check out The Frilly Coconut at www.thefrillycoconut.com. She is amazing and super reasonable! I just had her do my header, blog button and twitter background. Please tell her Life Without Pink recommended her...you will love her designs!!

Mary Burnette said...

Again...why mess with perfection? You could design blogs for other people...GEESH!

I am Harriet said...

Hi there.
FYI-I'm having a blog makeover giveaway on my site...
Stopping by from Friday Follow to say hello.

Have a great Friday!
http://harrietandfriends.com/2010/03/good-family-life/

Country Mouse, City Mouse said...

Looks like everyone has lots of opinions and options for you:)

Have fun whatever you decide.

New follower this Friday!

Unknown said...

Hey girly! Following you now from Friday Follow...I am going to do a blog redesign myself, but waiting until I fix some other things. I do have a recommendation for you, Lee Block from http://www.headacheshormonesandhotflashes.com/
She is also a web designer, check her out!

then...come visit POM!
http://thepursuitofmommyness.com/

Unknown said...

I Love My background, Have a look on it!

Following you from FF,
Please, check out my blog and follow me back ?

Cheers!

Half Brazilian-Half Irish
http://halfbrazilianhalfirish.blogspot.com/

Ká.Entre.Nós
http://kaestoueu.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Oh Elizabeth, you do know that if you hit "customize" at the top of your blog there's somewhere there - where blogger give you a choice of templates...also google "blogger backgrounds" to even jazz that up...but you probably knew that huh? There are some pretty trick out blog, but darn if I know how they do it. Anyway, Happy Follow Friday - I'm following you now, maybe you will follow me? http://hauplight.blogspot.com/ Great blog. Thanks

♥Yaya's Mommy ♥ said...

HAppy Friday follow hope you can follow me back. :)
http://littleyayasandblessed.blogspot.com/

Erin said...

Found you on Friday Follow. Good luck with the blog makeover. I want to get one to but don't know who to go with. I hope you'll stop by our chaos soon. http://www.erinamundsen.blogspot.com

Jennifer said...

I’m your newest Follower from Friday Follows
Come visit me!
Enter my giveaway to win a pair of Freshwater Pearl Earrings
HERE: http://whodoesntlovecoupons.blogspot.com/2010/03/perfectionscom-review-and-giveaway.html

Thanks
Jenn

:: ashley :: said...

found you via follow friday, I am way excited to read your blog! follow back at http://adailydoseofdieting.blogspot.com/
can't wait to get to know you!!

Anne said...

coming over for Friday Follow.

http://lunaj1456.blogspot.com

~SHANNON~ said...

I'm your newest follower, I found you through Friday follow! Only it's Sunday now! Do I still count?

I hope you will come follow my blog out as well!

PS. I would check out rentageekmom.com She did my page and she is VERY professional and wonderful to work with. She also offers two weeks of free help after the makeover which can be invaluable!

Have a great weekend!
Shannon
http://milkandcuddles.com/