Nest Candy has gone through significant changes in the past two weeks. The best part is, all of these changes were done for free. But let's face it, unless you win an awesome blog make-over giveaway, the only way you are going to spruce up your space for free is by doing it all yourself. And that's exactly what I did!
Unless you are a graphics designer, it takes a lot of time and effort to make even the smallest changes to your blog. The learning curve can be daunting, but there are a lot of free resources out there to guide you along the way. Since I just spent every spare minute of the past two weeks (a fact my lonely husband would be only too glad to point out) revamping Nest Candy, I've decided to compile a list of the most helpful resources I used in the process.
Background
- How to Create and Install A Custom Background in Blogger - This video tutorial on YouTube doesn't have sound, but it is straight forward and easy to follow.
- How to Create a Chevron Background in Photoshop - You can follow this tutorial in other programs such as Gimp.
- How to Create A Seamless Border Around Your Blog - I didn't end up using this tutorial, but it looks really helpful. Carolynn also shows you how to have a transparent background behind your header.
Blog Graphics
- Free Photoshop Brushes- These brushes from Pumpkins and Posies are so cute! The love birds set definitely gave Nest Candy that whimsical feeling I was looking for. Thanks Catherine!
- How to Create Social Media Buttons- Nina from Momma Go Round gives an easy to follow tutorial for creating social media buttons.
- How to Make A Blog Button- This tutorial is also from Nina's beautify your blog series.
- How to Create A Custom Navigation Bar- A guest post by Kelsey at Tip Junkie helped me create my simple navigation bar.
Text and Titles
- Get Amazing Free Fonts- Amanda from Kevin and Amanda makes the cutest fonts!
- How to Use Custom Fonts In Your Blog- Amanda also shows you how to use those cute fonts.
- How to Use An Image Instead Of Sidebar Titles- I found this Q&A especially helpful. Sometimes the simplest things can really take the most time to figure out.
Overall Helpful Sites
- Makin Cute Blogs- This is a fantastic site for the html and design newbie. Follow the blog makeover 4 step system.
- Cutest Blog on The Block- So many questions can be answered on this one webpage. CBTB offers all the basic secrets to creating a great, custom blog.
- Tip Junkie's Blogging Tips- Laurie has compiled a fantastic list of blogging resources. A mix of everything from creating a brand to how to link your business with your blog.
I hope these resources will help you on your quest to a better blog. If I have left anything out, or you're curious about something specific on Nest Candy, please send me an email. Until that day when a professional design is in the budget, I'm pretty proud of what I've been able to do on my own. Don't be afraid to try your hand at customizing your blog. Play around and have fun!
What do you think of the new design? What do you love? What do you dislike? Let me know in the comments below!
- - Happy Designing! - -
3 comments:
Thanks so much for sharing all of this! I've been thinking of changing some things up on my blog lately but don't have the extra money lying around in the cushions of my couch much less my bank right now. This will help me out so much! Love you blog too! :)
Oh Thank you for this post! I like to have new designs and can never afford the cost of one!
This is wonderful. Wish I found your post when I was in the redesign phase. I have saved it to pass on to others who ask for help. You've done a wonderful job putting this together. Thank you for taking the time.
visiting via blogfrog today.
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