Important - New Updated Background Codes 2

Well the faeries and I are still racing against the clock over here, in an effort to update all of my backgrounds before they disappear from Photobucket.  If you're not sure what I'm referring to then you can check out the original posting, "The Bucket". 

So here are the latest updated PrL theme backgrounds ~ if you're using one of these background then I encourage you to switch-out the old background code for a new version.  Just click the link below to be taken to the theme's page where you'll find updated background codes...

Alice
By the Sea
Easter Blues
Eastertide
Emporium
Hope Floats
Parlourside
Practical Magick
Providence
Remembrance
Rose Garden
School Daze
Stardust
Stormy Weather
Sunnyside Up
Sweet Dreams
Time After Time
Tis the Season
Treasures of the Sea
Unchained Melody
Vintage Spring
Walk in the Woods
Whispers of Spring
White Seas
Winter Wonder

This list is the second posting so if you don't see the theme you're using named below you can either click to view the first posting, First Update Posting, or check back for upcoming postings. 

It's easy to update ~ just replace your old background code with the new code for your background size.  This change is taking place as this blog migrates over to a new website due to Photobucket's recent change with large image handling.

If you're using a Plumrose Lane background and do not see the theme title listed above then check back for upcoming announcements. All codes will be switched over before in the even they are deleted by Photobucket. 

Best~

Seasonal Themes & a Tutorial

I was hoping to be further along with updating my blog themes but it seems to be a never ending task at this stage. I'm sure that's not really the case and instead is like anything else in life ~ a lot of baby-steps until we finally arrive at our goal.  Happily I was able to update all of my Valentine's Day themes so those are ready for use.

While updating some of my older themes I'm finding that the newer creative skills I've gained through the years are kicking in and I'm not only updating the sizes but giving some of them a whole new look and feel too. Case in point is the Je T'aime theme ~ once featuring a nice weathered harlequin background and a few red daisies with not much else going on, it now boasts an eclectic mix of rusty vintage elements with hints of Shabby Chic.  It's fun to "upgrade" my own designs and even more fun to see if you'll like them as well.

You can view all of my Valentine's Day themes by clicking the images and titles below or access them through the Seasonal Themes link on my sidebar:

A Heart for You

Fanciful Love

Love's Elixir

Je T'aime

Gilded Love

Unchained Melody

Since several of these themes offer free banners I thought it was about time I put together a tutorial for adding a blog title to a banner image.  I know this is something that's been challenging for some of you so now you can follow along with this newest tutorial ~ How to Add Text to a Blog Header.

I'm sure this month will go by super fast, they all seem to anymore, so here's hoping it's filled with loads of creativity and inspiration for all of you!

Enjoy~

New Prefab Themes

As I've been working through my prefab themes to switch everything over to work with the newer Blogger templates I've also been taking the time to create a few new prefab themes. This was one part of my work that I let fall to the side with the increase in custom projects last year. I'm happy to be putting more focus on this part of creating ~ I always have so many ideas flying around in my head that it's nice to let a few out.  So here is a sampling of some of the new themes you can find under the Themes section...

Cotton Delight

I originally created this theme as a subtle backdrop for the blog I use to create screenshots for my tutorials.  After several requests from followers I've now published this for public use.

 Fanciful Filly

 I've wanted to do a horse theme for such a long time and am happy to finally have a start. I'm looking to add more color selections of this in the near future.

Winter Wonder

 I was a bit ashamed of the meager offering I have for winter themes so this is hopefully the first of several new ones to help us warm the winter months and chance those wintery blues away.

Providence

 This theme was a custom reject ~ yes, I actually get those from time-to-time.  A giveaway winner decided to keep her own blog theme so all of the elements are free including the banner.

I'll have more coming in the future as I continue to work my way through the sea of themes and backgrounds.  I hope you enjoy these new looks and all the goodies they include!

Best,

Customer Shouts ~ a few "helping hands"

One of my favorite things to do in this business is help others with their blogs ~ whether it's fixing a problem or just making things pretty, it's fun to play the hero. Recently I've had several opportunities to do just that and I'm hear to share a few of those with you today.
The first is a family blog titled Stealing Mom and Other Telling Tales...

There I reset the template, set up my prefab Rose Garden theme and included a few coordiating custom items like her top navigation links, blog signature, and sweet blog badge.

During this project I also designed a new post divider to coordinate with my Rose Garden theme and you can now find that offered for free on the Rose Garden theme page by clicking here.
Next up was this fun project over at Flip Flops & Pop Tarts...

There I set the template with an extra wide layout to accommodate those gorgeous photos she shares about beading, art, and classes. Dawn selected my Treasures by the Sea prefab theme and I set that up along with a few additional custom items like her two-tier top navigation, blog signature and darling blog badge.
Finally we have Scrappin' Stuff 4 You...

This customer not only needed my help setting up a new template and my Emporium blog theme but also needed a little more personal attention. Being fairly new to blogging we setup one of my telephone tutoring sessions. Talking over the phone we worked through several items she was having trouble understanding and I was quickly able to teach her some much needed info to set her on her way in blogland.
These are just a sampling of the many Helping Hands projects I work on throughout a given month. If you are interested in finding out more about my Helping Hands you can click this link or just contact me.
Enjoy~

Customer Shout-Outs

If the old saying "when it rains, it pours" is true then baby it's been a monsoon around here! These past few months I've been absolutely drowning in custom work. Of course I'm immensely thankful for the projects but I can't deny the thought of acquiring a clone has crossed my mind a few times. After all, there are only so many hours in a day, but in the end I'm fortunate because I get to do what I love and make others happy ~ simply priceless.

These posts are always my most favorite and I know I've said this so many times before but I'm honestly immensely blessed to have the most amazing customers ever! Creative... caring... imaginative... they're all sheer delights in their own right. So now, let me introduce you to the newest happy customers here at Plumrose Lane...

Queenie BelieveThe fabulous theatrical theme created for Queenie of Always, Queenie Believe was a process that took place over many, many months. Beginning with an inspiring customer vision I worked to modify her ideas into a workable blog theme and we are both simply thrilled with the final outcome. From the delightful stage packed with personal delights to the interactive footlights that light up with each sweep of your mouse, we worked hand-in-hand to bring Queenie's beautiful vision to life.

Faeries in my Garden

Next up is this whimsical theme created for Faeries in my Garden. This wonderful crafting blog is jam-packed with such delightful creations that in the end they were the inspiration behind this fitting backdrop. This theme encompasses an assortment of delights including a small fairy, up in the left side of the banner, who's just opened a small vellum envelope packed with paper butterflies ~ setting them free to take flight you can see them fluttering about throughout the theme.

Fiorella Designs

Flo of Fiorella Designs selected a Parisian Boudoir style for her business theme and it's so lusciously delightful. The background took special attention as I created the tucked taffeta by hand and added tiny shell buttons for an additional sense of dimension. The selection of vintage style frames lay in waiting to be filled with Flo's beautiful painted creations.

Flo also selected additional business images for her Facebook page and indie shop where the original theme was successfully modified and carried over to create an elegant backdrop to her gorgeous handmade creations.

Moonlit HerbalsAnd last up we have this whimsical selection created for the Moonlit Herbals Etsy shop. This set included a selection of magickal images including a business card and all featuring the customer's favorite colors and elements, setting an enchanting backdrop to her delicious earthy handmade creations.

I do hope you've enjoyed this little customer shout-out and take the time to visit each of these wonderful souls ~ truly delightful treasures in this world! And keep your eyes open for more customer shout-outs in the coming weeks, including a Tuna Fisherman ~ yes, you heard me correctly ~ what a hoot! In the meantime, here's wishing you all creative trails!

Enjoy~

Customer Shout Outs

It feels like ages since I had a chance to give a fitting shout-out to some of my customer's and the custom themes we worked on together. I always say it's a dual process because they open up and allow me to tap into their persona and the elements they love most, so to me it's truly a sharing process.

While I still have many projects I'm currently working on I wanted to showcase a few of the ones I've finished over the past few months, so without further adieu here they are~

Adventures of the Striped Stockings - seasonal theme

One of my most recent creations was this seasonal theme created for Celia of Adventures of the Striped Stockings. Celia explained what she was looking for and quite honestly neither of us new how I was going to pull this off but fortunately 'the powers that be' aligned this project with last semester's classes and I actually learned some of the techniques while working on this project such as in the case of the wind blow striped stockings I created in Illustrator. All-in-all we both love this theme and the seasonal magic it brings to life.

Fifth Grade Fun - A "Shore" Thing

Another fun theme was this seaside inspired theme created for Krystal. Krystal first found my work through one of my original Etsy shop designed and wanted to continue that theme onto her blog. Through this project it came to light that breast cancer awareness and pink were also vitally important to Krystal and so I incorporated the pink ribbon into her images as well. It's a lovely whimsical theme that works perfectly for this seaside based teacher and mom.

Rabbit Hole Art - giveaway winner

Last but certainly not least we have Melanie of Rabbit Hole Art. Melanie was the winner of my Gypsy Dreams Giveaway and won a free custom blog theme. I'm always excited about these type of projects because I believe everything happens for a reason and so I was super excited to see where this theme might lead us. As expected it was down a wonderful magic path that led to this delightfully playful and personally whimsical theme.

So, thanks so much for perusing these designs which will take up permanent residence in the portfolio section of my blog. Do take the time to stop by and visit each one if you can ~ these little snapshots never quite do the themes justice ~ and you'll be stumbling onto more loveliness created by truly wonderful indie souls!

Enjoy~

✻New Years and a HUGE Sale✻

With New Years quickly approaching and 2010 winding down, what better time to hold a end of the year SuPeR SaLe and so now through January 2nd enjoy 25% off EvErYtHiNg in my shop ~

Just enter code: YearEnd2010 during check

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Example Savings

$65 custom blog themes - now $48.75

$9.95 blog banners - now $7.47

$38.95 custom blog banner - now $29.22

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You'll even save on items already on sale in my shop, for example...

2011 artist calendar templates - originally $35,
marked down to $15.95 - now $11.97

And for those of you interested in dressing up your blog for the approaching new year, here's a little freebie I've created just for you.

Time After Time

Simply click on the image above to be taken to the codes and free banner images.

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year and as always...

Enjoy!

New! Holiday Themes

Oh me, oh my, it's been a busy week! I began working on a few new holiday themes last weekend after receiving a few requests from visitors and after nearly a week of feverishly working away with the elves and faeries close at hand I'm happy to say I've completed not one... not two... but five new holiday themes just in time for the season.

While several are fitting for Christmas, you can also find a Hanukkah theme fitting for any festival of lights. I still have a few more ideas on the board including a Yule and a Kwanzaa theme so hopefully I haven't worn out my little helpers too much and can get those out shortly.

These themes offer a plethora of options from a variety of whimsical sidebar tags to a diversity of banner styles ~ some vintage and some more playfully modern. Plus there's always room to mix and match to create your own unique look.

There's also an extra treat with the 'Tis the Season theme in that the banner can be personalized your family member's names ~ how fun is that!?!

So simply follow the images and links below to find the complete pages chock full of goodies for each theme.

Auld Langs

Flickering Festival

Glistening

Merry & Bright

'Tis the Season

And from our little corner of the internet to yours the elves, faeries and I wish you all a very festive and joyous holiday season and as always...

Enjoy!

Mad Tea Party 2010 - finally!

This is the original post I wrote for the Mad Tea Party with blog theme and tutorials, now completed...

I know I've been naughty with not posting any handy tutorials or blog themes lately and there are always so many ideas rumbling around in my head - there's the summer theme with beach and tropical flowers or the patriot theme for July 4th, just around the corner... but you see I've just been so busy this summer spreading my wings as a social butterfly... there was last week's Where Bloggers Create and now today I'm attending the ~ The Mad Tea Party 2010! The great news is you're all invited too!!

Now the truth is I'm not one for balloons and streamers, little garden table-side settings and enchanting vintage tea sets - don't get me wrong, I love them - I just don't have those items readily available at my disposal so I've decided to join the party in my own way by presenting you with a goodie bag chocked full of fun in the form of a little tea party blog theme and tutorial!

So to begin, here is a lovely free blog theme titled....

Tea for Two
free - 2 column background code

<style type="text/css">body {background-image: url("http://i806.photobucket.com/albums/yy344/plumrose-lane/Blog%20Backgrounds/TeaforTwo2columnbackground.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: fixed; }</style><div id="tag" style="position:absolute; right:0px; top:30px; z-index:50; width:150px; height:45px;"><a href="http://plumroselane.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i806.photobucket.com/albums/yy344/plumrose-lane/Blog%20Backgrounds/Bus%20Logos/online-PrL-signature.png" /></a></div>

free - 3 column background code

<style type="text/css">body {background-image: url("http://i806.photobucket.com/albums/yy344/plumrose-lane/Blog%20Backgrounds/TeaforTwo3columnbackground.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: fixed; }</style><div id="tag" style="position:absolute; right:0px; top:30px; z-index:50; width:150px; height:45px;"><a href="http://plumroselane.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i806.photobucket.com/albums/yy344/plumrose-lane/Blog%20Backgrounds/Bus%20Logos/online-PrL-signature.png" /></a></div>

These backgrounds were created for use with the Blogger Minima templates. If you need help installing these backgrounds just click here to visit my helpful tutorial.

free - Blog Headers
Simply click on the images above to enlarge them to actual size and then right click to save to your computer. If you need assistance with installing a blog banner/header here's a helpful tutorial for that.

free - Decorative Tags
If you need assistance installing my decorative tags a helpful tutorial may be found by clicking here.

I also have to be honest and share that I'm doubling up on my social commitments because there's a story behind the enchanting tea themed images I used for this background. You see several months ago my dear friend and teammate Maggie of Magpie's Nest & Inspiration Avenue sent out a little invite to join in a Supplies for Tutorial exchange. All you had to do to participate was use some of her beautiful digital collage sheets from her etsy shop, Magpie Mine, in a tutorial and she would supply the sheets for free. Well, who could refuse the opportunity to get their hands on some of her gorgeous supplies so I signed up! And so a very special thanks goes out to Maggie of Magpie Mine for providing these gorgeous vintage collage sheets and for her immense patience in waiting for this tutorial♥

I would also like to extend a very special thanks to Vanessa of A Fanciful Twist, not only for holding this wonderfully Mad Tea Party and all the work that goes into having such an event but also for hosting one of the most enchanting blog I've had the pleasure of visiting in blogland. You've gotta love her eye candy!

And now before you scamper off to visit more of the beautiful blogs participating in this fantabulous MaD party don't forget your other favor... why, it's the tutorial I promised above... and what might that be you ask? Well, how about...

How to Create a Blog Background

Enjoy!