Pretty Ladybug - Updates
I finished a new theme, and I really like it. I would never usually dream of using red and green together (Christmas much?) but I think this looks nice. I actually hate the colour red, like with a passion, but ladybugs are so darn cute. I first started this layout by doing this vector drawing in illustrator out of pure boredom, then I thought maybe I could make it into a layout, and 12 hours later here it is.
I had a hard time validating it, the sidebar categories kept going weird, and then I installed a new recent posts plugin and my whole site went weird. I deleted the plugin in because it wouldn’t even let me make a new post to the site, I was freaked out for a bit.
Ever since that, I have been getting horrible amounts of spam that passes straight through akismet and into my old entries. Does anyway know of any wordpress spam killers (other than captcha)?
I have also got some tutorials I am working on about how I drew the leaves for this layout, and also how I make the footer images (like my last theme and this one) pretty. I also have a few illustrator tips and tricks I need to add.
In other news, my new job is going really well. I absolutely love it, though sometime sit gets boring being in front of a screen too long. I hardly get to come online at home anymore unless I stay up really late, or do what I do now and get up extra early.
I absolutely love the new layout. I wish I was as skilled as you because I can never seem to make good layouts. They’re always ugly, according to most. I’d follow your tutorials, but all I have is Paint Shop Pro. Oh well. Must keep trying!
Comment by Mari - September 3, 2007 4:12 pm
LOVE LOVE LOVE the layout. Only thing is, the font in the sidebar is a bit small on my uni resolution (something like 1600×1024?) but since it’s so absurdly large, you can probably get away with it.
Comment by Amanda - September 3, 2007 6:17 pm
I love this one! Beautiful graphic, nice and structured to boot. It looks absolutely amazing. Now hand me over your skills and we’ll all be happy.
Comment by Amber - September 3, 2007 11:32 pm
This is a GREAT theme. The background colour is the colour of my room now. :p
I kind of miss the old one, but this is definitely awesome too.
Comment by Clem - September 4, 2007 2:50 pm
Amanda- I viewed this layout on my work (huge screen) computer too and the sidebar looked tiny. I am going to make changes tonight. Thanks
Thanks everyone else. I am going to be making some themes for download soon, when I have time that is.
Comment by Bobbi-lee - September 4, 2007 3:38 pm
It is a GREAT theme
I love it to bits 
You definitely know your stuff 
Comment by Emsz - September 5, 2007 11:20 am
Thanks for the comment. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have known that Jem had sent me an email. If you are compelled to know more, read my blog.
And gorgeous layout, by the way. I love the ladybug.
Comment by Claire - September 5, 2007 3:09 pm
It’s beautiful! It doesn’t actually look too red and green to me but I personally like contrasts so it’s all great. The vector looks amazing.
Comment by Rilla - September 6, 2007 12:26 am
I love the new layout, it’s absolutely amazing! I like the footer with the little ladybugs.
Comment by Hannah - September 8, 2007 7:35 am
You know, red and green ARE complimentary colors (I love them!) so they work well together so you’re website is absolutely wonderful. Forget the whole Christmas thing.
I think I’m going to be a regular reader of yours.
Comment by Cori - September 9, 2007 9:57 am
I completely admire your vectoring skills. Well, okay, and covet as well…
As for Wordpress spam killers…I used to use Spam Karma (before Akismet started taking care of my spam for me). It’d accidentally flag legitimate comments on occasion, but was definitely quite effective on the whole. I know you mentioned in the asides that you seem to have solved the problem by blacklisting certain words and whatnot, but it might still be worth checking out?
Comment by Elea - September 11, 2007 3:43 pm
i love ladybugs and i love this layout!
Comment by kahlie - September 12, 2007 12:10 am
The theme looks fabulous! I love lady bugs, so this just makes me smile! Nice job!
Comment by Teresa - September 12, 2007 9:17 pm
This layout is lovely
The ladybird is adorable, I love them.
Comment by Kim - September 15, 2007 1:56 am