Image Title Issue ~ Fix & Freebie

I know many of us have struggled for a long time with the "Image" gadget. Gone were the days when we could leave the "Title" area blank.  It had been nice when using sidebar tags because, well let's face it, using a title above a title is a bit redundant. ;~)

Recently while wandering through blogland I happened upon a fix (yay!).  It seems that whenever you type in a small snippet of code, it tricks the gadget into thinking there's a title so when published, nothing shows up. This enables all of us using tags to once again use them as section titles, whoot!

Here is the code:

<!--->

Just type or copy it into the "Title" area of the Image gadget, insert your image and then click save ~ you'll be all set!

To celebrate I'm offering this free set of sidebar tags! Just click the button below to download and save the set to your computer. They can be used as section titles or even linked images if you prefer.   I've included a lot of extra titles too (more than my regular sets) so you've got a lot more options for uses. Just remember to add that snippet of code above and you'll be all set!

Enjoy~

Goodbye "Picture Window" ~ Hello "Simple"

Recently I'd noticed that the Picture Window template had changed and the tutorial I wrote several years ago didn't seem to be working anymore. The problem seemed to be in the Html area and the built in presets, including a white center color, weren't disappearing the way they once did. This might have been fine except the awful white center  sat directly over my pretty themes, humph!

So the time had come to do some research and see if I couldn't come up with something better.  After many hours of playing and tinkering I'm happy to say that I've come up with a new tutorial. This one uses the "Simple" template and the best part is it's even easier, yay!  Now bloggers won't have to tackle the scary Html code area anymore.  The template even offers some added customization which is nice too.

So if you're interested in taking a look or have that awful white center on your own blog then click the title below to view the newest addition to my tutorials library:
How to: Setup and Modify the "Simple" Template.

Updated Codes for Free Backgrounds

This is in addition to the previous posts below and is related to the recent glitch that make my Plumrose Lane images go missing.

I've just finished updating all of the free background codes so if you're using one of those backgrounds you can go ahead and replace the code.

Just find the background from the list on this page:  http://plumroselane-bckgrnds.blogspot.com/2010/09/backgrounds.html and click on the background you were using. Then find the size for your blog, copy the code below it, and paste it over the previous background code.

Please feel free to leave comments if you have any questions or need help~

Update to Previous Post

Here's a bit more info from my last post about missing images, just in case there was some confusion... 

Paid Users: If you purchased a banner or a complete theme from me in the past then contact me through email (click my signature below) and I will send you the link to the new theme page. That way you will have all of the codes for that theme ~ no additional cost is required.

Free Users: If you were using one of my blog themes that used to be free and you still have the code installed on your blog then you can follow the instructions in my last post to fix the issue. The images will return and there will be no cost to you. This way my previous freebie users are still included ~ love you guys too♥

Installations: If I installed one of my themes on your blog in the past then just follow this tutorial to add me as a guest: http://www.plumroselane.com/tutorial-add_guest.html I will re-install everything so your blog is back to what it was before. You'll need my email address for the tutorial so go ahead and click my signature at the end of this posting to get that and while you're at it you can send me a quick message letting me know you'll be adding me. ;~)

And remember that all of my "Just Backgrounds" are still available for free and will remain that way. You can click this title to access the page.

Hope that helps everyone and thanks for your patience! *shakes fist at gremlins*

Gone Missing? Here's the Fix~~

It seems the internet gremlins have been up to no-good and many of my lovely Plumrose Lane images have gone missing, humph!!  If you find they're missing from your blog and you installed the images yourself then use the steps below to easily fix them.

If I installed the theme for you, then click my signature at the bottom of this message to send me an email and we'll get things back up for you~ ♥

To fix the missing images you will be replacing a single word in some code on your blog. Here's a quick key of where to find the different codes for each image type.

Background
Click on the "Layout" section of your blog then locate the "Html/Java Script" gadget for your background.

Post Divider
Click on the "Template" section of your blog, then click on "Customize". Click on "Advanced", then scroll down to "Add CSS". The code should appear under the "Add custom CSS" area.

Blog Signature
Click on the "Settings" page of your blog. Click "Posts and comments", code will be found in the "Post Template" area, 2nd choice from the top.

Button, Badge, or Tag
Click on the "Layout" section of your blog then locate the "Html/Java Script" gadget for missing button, badge, or tag.

The Fix
Once you find the code to fix the missing image you will simply need to replace the word: "prl-images" with "plumroselane". This word may appear several times within one snippet of code so I recommend using the "Find" feature in your browser to make sure you replaced them all.

Here are quick search links to help you find this tool for the most commonly used browsers:
Chrome
Internet Explorer
Fire Fox
Safari
Opera

Once all of the words have been replaced then click "Ok" or "Save". The missing image should now be back.

Please feel free to contact me if you  need any additional help ~ just click my signature below to open an email message.

What's the Date?

We must check the calendars at least five times a day (probably more). There's always some reason; either a date to circle or a previous day to look back on. Although we're usually prepared with the new year; having added them to our holiday lists, for some reason they slipped our minds this time around. For the past two weeks we've been checking blank spaces where there normally would be days and dates each time muttering how we really should to pick one up.

We're an odd family, we'll go to buy a gift for someone and realize we could have made something lovely and personal. Why is it that we always seem to fall back on our familiar pasts of just buying something instead of making it?  It seems our calendar dilemma was no different but fortunately we made the realization sooner than later.

And so with that we're introducing our new line of 2015 Calendars, the first of which is shown above. Each will feature our unique whimsical style with an inspirational message and will come in 8 1/2 x 11. They'll be available for purchase through our Etsy shop in both print-yourself and pre-printed formats  We're still working on an assortment of new designs but you can find the one above at this link: https://www.etsy.com/listing/218558335/2015-calendar-print-yourself-mermaid-sea

Face Lifts~

While I may not be a fan of face lifts, I certainly enjoy giving them... at least to some of my older themes, in much need of an updated look.  Joining this group are "A Fondness" and "A Heart for You".

A Fondness

A Heart for You

Both don brighter colors with more exquisite elements to help add even more whimsy. You can view them by clicking the titles or images above.

Enjoy~

New Themes ~ Sea Gypsy & Scholastic Delight

Two new themes are making their debut today ~ the first is titled "Sea Gypsy" and features a lovely sea theme with magic abounding.  From shells and smashing waves to sandy shores and a haunting romance of lost lovers at sea, this theme is sure to enchant any summer blog!

Next up we've got a more down to earth theme, both in color and concept. This one's titled "Scholastic Delight" and features a soothing color scheme with a scholastic ensemble. It comes in three background colors, features two sets of sidebar tags, including one especially designed for school blogs, and the banner is customizable to include two of your own school photos, making it truly personal and one-of-a-kind banner.

Both are available for either WordPress or Blogger platforms. You can find more info by clicking the titles and/or images above.

Enjoy~

From Sky to Earth

A huge thanks to Elandra Designs for including my key holder (row 3, col 1) in her gorgeous Treasury!

https://www.etsy.com/treasury/MzI3Njc3NjN8MjcyNjMzMTA0Ng/from-sky-to-earth

Plum Infusion

Took a little time to create a new Treasury this morning ~ haven't created one of these in forever. Hope you enjoy...

https://www.etsy.com/treasury/ODU2NDczN3wyNzI2MzQ2MjA4/plum-infusion

Treasury Thanks ~ "feb1414"

Thanks so much to YaNikaJewelry for including my bracelet in your fabulous new Treasury titled feb1414!

https://www.etsy.com/treasury/MjkyNDY0OTR8MjcyNTY1ODQzMg/feb1414

Art in a Family

I love that my kids are creative ~ personally I grew up in a non-artistic family and it's tough traveling this eccentric road alone. So when it came to raising my boys I nurtured their desires for self expression. It wasn't easy but as it turned out I wound up with three uniquely creative souls ~ a writer, a musician, and the oldest... well, you name it, he does it; sculpting, drawing, tattooing, etc.

While I could write sheets and sheets about all three and their inspiring talents, today I simply wanted to share a little bit about my second son, the musician. You see he's coming out with a new album soon and of course being the beaming mom I'm promoting it, but there's really more to it than just a simple album.

This is his third album, titled "Old Heart New Love", and it's in followup to his first "She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not" ~ written about a heart-wrenching breakup (hopefully his first and last). This album moves on from that starting point and embraces progress.  While all of his albums feature an amazing assortment of his original music and lyrics, there are striking differences between them.  Originally performed solo, he's now joined by a talented ensemble of band members and that, coupled with professional sound mixing, has brought a new multidimensional quality and depth to his music.

Beyond these aspects their fans and public are sure to love, it's the cooperative efforts and personal journeys I'm most inspired by.  From indie musicians to artists, this album is a collective labor of love and dedication. They've supported the entire production themselves and worked day and night around their "real" jobs, to see this dreams come true.

Moreover I'm captivated by the albums' artwork, all of which was created by one of my son's closest friends. Seeing how the imagery  has evolved over time from an original plucked flower to a skinned tattoo with thumping heart has been mesmerizing and stands as a visual representation of the progression and growth of this band and my son's music.

Here's a pre-released single if you'd like to have a listen to "She Shakes My Foundation" by Sound of a Smirk:

Free music player widget at ReverbNation.com

http://www.reverbnation.com/soundofasmirk/song/18685846-she-shakes-my-foundation-new-single#

While preparing the artwork for print I've had the chance to personally delve into the details of this newest album.  While I love it all, my personal favorite is the t'shirt that comes with preordering the album ~ you see  how the heart is there between the hands which are dripping into petals, but did you notice it looks like a flower? I didn't at first.

As far as the journey ~ it's simply priceless to witness our children grow through life. As parents we shutter at their pitfalls and rise in delight with their triumphs. So seeing them grow through heartbreak, coming out the other side wiser, happier, and stronger, are the some of the greatest blessings we can hold. 

Having a creative soul for a child takes that even further, enabling us to possess "markers" of their journeys ~ whether it's a painting, a poem, or songs woven into an album, they tap into the souls of our dearhearts and allow us to share even deeper in their experiences.  These are all the miracles of art in a family and the truest treasurers of this life.

And so I encourage you to follow this talented band, Sound of a Smirk, on Facebook, have a listen to their pre-releases, and preorder their bundle. Appreciating true creativity across generations is what fuels our deepest relationships ~ so listen, share, and enjoy, but most of all ~ preorder. *smile*

Enjoy~

From Behind the Silence~

It's funny where life takes us sometimes ~ looking ahead from this time last year I knew my life would be different. With my youngest finally venturing off to college in September it was inevitable that life would bring many changes.  While I could feel the waves of change pulling me in new directions, I never imagined exactly how different my life would be and how very grateful my heart would feel.

"War Reenactments" by Kendra Binney

Life had grown quite stagnant, personally speaking, and those who know me best knew this to be a sad reality.  There's flight in these wings, with room to soar and carry others as well, so being spiritually grounded for so many years had become a huge burden to bare.  I adored my art and this lovely business of creating beauty and helping others, but as we all know there are many sides to a faceted diamond that need light in order to shine.

skeleton print by Kendra Binney

My approach was to take the tides as they came and remain open to where they would lead me.  It's tough to go with the flow, let go, and not question. I think we all know that, but I must admit that whenever I do, it tends to take me in directions I could barely have dreamed.

"This Can't Go Another Way" by Kendra Binney

Where I might have envisioned a lovely island filled with delicious fruits and flowers ~ life would more likely deliver a chain of islands filled with beautiful white sands, lush greens, and tropical songbirds, all living among those envisioned fruits and flowers, and nestled snugly between gorgeous blue seas and sky.  It's simply a case of this little human not having the sight of the gods.

yellow bird by Kendra Binney

And so, where is it this journey wound up for me? Well, here I sit ~ in a new state, with a new job, in a new home, with a new life. And happy? Oh my...
It's been a very long time since I could say I feel peace in my heart.  Where the slow steady rhythm of tranquility and gratitude strum a gentle melody through my days and nights.

tiger print by Kendra Binney

It took nearly a year to get here, really a lifetime, but here I stand ~ joyfully, courageously. The best part is that even though this life is interwoven with others, many of whom were crucial in helping me gain this freedom, at the core is the spirit of independence. For the first time in my life I stand on my own two feet ~ solely and squarely and happily.

While my "To-Do" list is miles long and I still feel the pull of many tasks on my wings, I finally have a calm heart, the necessary fuel to soar highest in this life and catch the best dreams.

"Rose City Till I Die" by Kendra Binney

So where does this leave my little plumrose dream? As with all good dreams, they never truly die and so neither will this fruit of my heart.

Scaling back from a team effort to a solo woman biz, I've got big plans in the works ~ with finishing up the website, creating an in-depth blogger video library, adding more prefab graphics, and offering a bigger selection of trinkets and treasures.

"Hummingbird Mansion" by Kendra Binney

And so this is me... peaking out from behind the silence and this veil of fruity pinkness to say "hey, I'm still here"... better than ever.  Thanks to all of you who've helped me get to where I am ~ gratitude doesn't even begin to express my heart, but thank you will have to do.  Thanks for sticking by, for waiting and wanting, and now.. off we go ~ let's fly!

This post features the beautiful artwork of one of my favorite artists, Kendra Binney. For more information and to purchase visit:
www.kendra-binney.com and www.kendrabinney.etsy.com

D is for Dragonfly

A big thanks goes out to Steam Sect for including our bracelet in their newest Etsy Treasury ~ "D is for Dragonfly"!

Enjoy~

Artist's Spotlight ~ Shelby Scott Photography

It's always a treat to share the creative talents of other artists but none more so than when there's a personal connection.  In this case it happens to be the inspiring talent of Shelby Scott Photography.

The personal connection is through our middle son, shown below in the bottom right. Artists always seem to converge and such was the case as they became good friends in high school, several years ago.  Shelby, shown below with painted face and further down with seaward hair (love that), has since moved on to college where she's just graduated with her degree from the Antonelli Institute.

Watching our kids grow through childhood is filled with so many special moments but watching them emerge into adulthood and begin to pave their own way in this world fills us with pride, wonder, and excitement.  We can only begin to imagine the roads they'll travel and how they'll impact this world through their own talents.

One thing is for certain, we've absolutely no doubt that where ever this gifted artist goes, success is sure to be her constant companion as she journeys through life!

You can view more of her work at: www.facebook.com/ShelbyScottPhotography  and www.shelbyscottphoto.com/

Enjoy~

Colorful Day

Ah, colorful days are simply the best and never more so than when they're filled with a brand new Treasury! This one was curated by Aurelia and includes our digital bookmarks.  So a huge thanks goes out to our fellow Etsian and a congrats to all the others included as well.

Colorful Day

So here's the direct link in case you'd like to show your support or find some wonderful new handmade goodies to covet and artists to support: www.etsy.com/treasury/ODMwODA0NHwyNzI0ODMzMTA2/colorful-day

Enjoy~

Customer Shout Outs

We're pleased as punch to be offering up a viewing of two recently completed projects.

The first is this ethereal theme created for Earth Mermaid.  For this theme we were given permission to use some original artwork created for our customer by the ever talented Erin Darcy Design.  Modifying original imagery for custom blog themes is always a challenge as so we're delighted with the outcome.  Other elements added to her custom theme were two blog badges and and an original set of social networking links.  You can grab a closer look at: http://www.earthmermaid.com/

The next theme was for Butterfly Kisses and included one of our original shelf banners, a modified version of our Je T'aime background, and several other custom coordinating images. Working on shelf banners is such a treat as we have the opportunity to truly personalize the look so each comes out quite different and oh-so unique!  Add-ons for this whimsical theme include a top navigation bar and personal blog signature.  You can take a closer look at: http://butterflykisseswithlove.blogspot.com/

We're currently wrapping up several indepth custom orders and hope to have more Customer Shouts for you in the very near future.

Best~

Light Green Tea Leaves

We're lovin' the soft cool tones of this lovely Etsy Treasury, "Light Green Tea Leaves" created by Jocelyn of Westlake Beads. Thanks so much for including our key holder (2 row, 2 column).

Enjoy~

Summer Freshness

A big thanks goes out to Serendipity Candle for including our bracelet (2nd row, 3rd column) in her newest Etsy Treasury titled "Summer Freshness".

Enjoy~

Christmas in July - "Cream Trim"

This year we're celebrating Christmas in July with 50% off all our Christmas imagery. The thought was to pass on some nice savings for our customers who like to get a jump start on their holiday supplies and crafts.

So a special thanks goes out to Gail of Rocky Springs Vintage for including our "Country Christmas" banner in her delightful new Etsy Treasury "Cream Trim" featuring Christmas in July listings!

Enjoy~