Well, I've done it... kinda

Well, its not very original (in fact its just an edit of the one I selected).

But, it has been a learning experience.

Had to host the images externally, couldn't find a work-around.

Is there a 'premium' blogger account or is the whole of blogger free???

Guess I'll have to do some research...

Cheers,

My Website

My blog is named after the business I run with my husband, whitecatsolutions - graphic, print and web design.

I have just changed providers and have just re-designed it, and am currently in the process of writing new content. Should be up in a couple of weeks. Our company also provides custom-made software. This is found at whitecatsoftware. Again, a change of providers and a massive redesign.

Learning HTML and CSS has been quite a learning curve for me, as I come from a fine-arts background.

Here's a screen shot of what it should look like when done:


[EDIT: was able to link it to where it is hosted, rather than directly upload it!!!! :) :) ]


Will upload a screenshot later... for some reason I can't upload images.... :(

Anyway,

Cheers

What is it about uploading images???

I've been doing stacks of research on uploading images (for templates).

So far, I've only been able to find out that the only way I can have an individualized template is to upload or 'hotlink' from another site.

I don't like hotlinking.

I know photobucket allow linking to blogger.com, but I kind of feel uncomfortable doing that.

Ohhhh, I dunno, I'll have a go....

I will try to see a work around.

Cheers,

Research and more research

Well, I am already sick of looking at the default template and have swapped it about 3 times now.

Sad, Eh?

I am now doing stacks of research on creating my own template. I know how to create a Joomla template, and have done it from scratch.

The the principle seems similar, with regular HTML plugged with module placement tags. Haven't really looked at Joomla for the last couple of months though. A lot of the designs used tables for layout and structure... although I believe they are trying to get away from that and are trying to get people to use css to control the structure and layout.

Many people would disagree, but as an art teacher (rather, an ex-art teacher), I personally believe that structure and layout have much to do with the style, many people believe that style and structure are two separate things. My argument is that without structure, there is no style and that structure is an inherant part of style! But each to their own beliefs.

Famous last words: creating a blogger template seems simple enough......

Hmmm......

Now, just need to get my head around the blogger concept.

I found the best way for me to learn how to make a Joomla template was to take the default one apart and restructure/redecorate it.

Mind you, I did a lot of that before I really understood the principles of html and css. I have been reading and doing, doing and reading html and css. HTML For Dummies, the Famous Elizabeth Castro book, the w3c Schools site. I only very recently purchased two books from Sitepoint.com: HTML Utopia: Designing Without Tables Using CSS and Build Your Own Website The Right Way Using HTML & CSS. You learn new things every day.

I think I might just start with little steps and modify this template I am currently using - I'll have a look under its hood to see how it ticks. I kind of like the layout.... maybe I'll join the tutorial brigade and write a few myself.

Anyway, as they say: watch this space!

Cheers,

First Post!

Yay! My first post!

Yeah, kinda sad.... but as they say: watch this space!

As I get better with my HTML and CSS skills (I've been learning them for about 2 months) I will post what I learn. (Does that make sense????)

I have a strong art background and have left art teaching to move into graphic design, so my design skills are strong.

Yep. I also know that at the moment I am using one of the default templates, but hey, we all have to learn baby steps first, huh??

..... now its a matter of transferring my designs into HTML and CSS..... ;)