Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
My Blogging Journey: Part Two
Last time, I talked about Blogger and some of the features I like about it. Today, I thought I'd talk about the design side of blogging, and how I made my blog look the way it does.
First of all, let me say that my blog is an ongoing project. I'm always adding and changing things, and I always have more to learn about how to do it. But I love playing around with the design of my blog, so I thought I'd share a few tips today.
The first tip is: templates. If you're going to have a blog, you need a template you like. It makes all the difference! There are lots of options when it comes to templates, including Blogger's template designer. There are some fine templates to be found there, so take a peek. However, I find that the templates from Our Blogger Templates suit my style a little better. It's nothing against the template designer by any means - I think it's a fabulous tool. I just found a template that I loved elsewhere and stuck with it. My template is called Shush, and here's the sample photo from Our Blogger Templates. Do you see the the similarities to my blog?
I've played around with some things like color, etc., but I mostly kept the template the way it was because I liked it so much.
Next... image maps. This is a fun area of blog design that I'm just getting into. It's what I used for my freebie section, and I learned how to make image maps from this tutorial on Pugly Pixel. I highly recommend it! I've also made use of image maps in a couple of my blog posts, but I don't use them all the time because they are slightly time-intensive. They're helpful and fun, though.
Third, I want to talk about blog headers. I think blog headers are important, because they're the first thing that a reader sees when they open up your page!
Finding the right blog header is a constant process for me, and there are times when I make a blog header and don't put it up because it just doesn't look right. It's definitely a challenge to get the right one. Here are a few tips and guidelines that might help, though:
First of all, let me say that my blog is an ongoing project. I'm always adding and changing things, and I always have more to learn about how to do it. But I love playing around with the design of my blog, so I thought I'd share a few tips today.
The first tip is: templates. If you're going to have a blog, you need a template you like. It makes all the difference! There are lots of options when it comes to templates, including Blogger's template designer. There are some fine templates to be found there, so take a peek. However, I find that the templates from Our Blogger Templates suit my style a little better. It's nothing against the template designer by any means - I think it's a fabulous tool. I just found a template that I loved elsewhere and stuck with it. My template is called Shush, and here's the sample photo from Our Blogger Templates. Do you see the the similarities to my blog?
I've played around with some things like color, etc., but I mostly kept the template the way it was because I liked it so much.
Next... image maps. This is a fun area of blog design that I'm just getting into. It's what I used for my freebie section, and I learned how to make image maps from this tutorial on Pugly Pixel. I highly recommend it! I've also made use of image maps in a couple of my blog posts, but I don't use them all the time because they are slightly time-intensive. They're helpful and fun, though.
Third, I want to talk about blog headers. I think blog headers are important, because they're the first thing that a reader sees when they open up your page!
Finding the right blog header is a constant process for me, and there are times when I make a blog header and don't put it up because it just doesn't look right. It's definitely a challenge to get the right one. Here are a few tips and guidelines that might help, though:
- Make it match or compliment the rest of your blog color-wise, and even font-wise if possible.
- Think about what kind of statement you want to make to your readers. Do you want them to think "oh, that's pleasant," or "wow, that's some header!" or "that's...unique"...? There are endless options, and sometimes it helps to step away for a few minutes and think about your blog based on what other people see when they see it.
- If you use a photo, make sure that the text doesn't interfere with it. One option with Blogger is to upload a photo and put the title of your blog on top. This is fine, but just make sure a word isn't running through someone's head. That's not what you want people to see when they first open up your web page.
- As a secondary photo-related tip, see if you can make the photo you use (if you use one) roughly coordinate with the color scheme of your blog. The colors in my photo on my header right now are mostly red and blue, so it blends even though the colors aren't exact.
- Search box. Blogger has one on their gadget menu, and it's really helpful to be able to search a blog! I don't know how often people use mine, but I like having the ability to search other sites, so I put one on my blog.
- Archives. In my mind, this one is almost non-negotiable. People like to be able to see your past posts without having to click "older posts" for half an eternity to get to the end. It's also neat to see how many posts a month are made with just a glance at the archives.
- Blog buttons. This an entirely optional category, but I thought I would share my philosophy for whose blog buttons I put up on my blog. I don't have a fancy advertising system; I just put buttons up for the things I like. That makes it simple, and it lets my readers know that if they click on a blog button on the sidebar, they're going to a site I actually personally have visited and enjoyed.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Journals and Journaling
I love journals... I have for a long time. So I thought I would talk about journals and journaling today. First of all...
Those are a few reasons. The second one is the most important - I think it's really important and helpful to remember things God's teaching me. I just started journaling about this in detail around a year ago. I haven't been super consistent with it, but I have an almost-full journal (it's this journal if you're interested) of songs, Scripture verses, prayers, struggles, thoughts, reminders, etc. and it's so wonderful to look back on those things and see what God has been doing.
Also, I use journals for sermon notes at church. I think that's important, too, mostly because then you have a way to remember what was said and you can always look back on it to remind yourself again.
Electronic journals are good, too. I love blogging, and email can be a great way to stay in touch with friends and talk about the things of God.
Although it's not as important as the other reasons I've mentioned, another reason I like journaling is because of the journals. There are so many pretty, fun, neat journals out there. I thought I'd share pictures of a few for you to see.
Here's one really neat one from Anthropologie.
It's so pretty! And I love the way the butterflies stick up from the surface of the journal.
This one from Moleskine is nice, too. I love Moleskines because of how simple and useful they are, and the fact that this one's red makes it even better.
Ah, yes. Moleskines are so nice.
I also really like these mini journals from Smock Paper. They are so cute, and the pattern is lovely!
They're even letterpressed, which makes it all the better.
This simple notebook with a subtle pattern from Etsy is nice, too.
I like the brown - it's very simple and elegant. And the pattern is very pretty.
And one more... a cool one I saw advertised on David Airey's blog. It's not a typical journal, it's a calendar/diary and sketchbook. But it is really cool, so I thought I would post it. Find it here.
I hope you enjoyed this little sneak peek into my journaling habits, and the journal finds, too. I'd love to know what you think of journaling! Do you do it? How do you do it? It's always fun to hear other people's ideas.
Those are a few reasons. The second one is the most important - I think it's really important and helpful to remember things God's teaching me. I just started journaling about this in detail around a year ago. I haven't been super consistent with it, but I have an almost-full journal (it's this journal if you're interested) of songs, Scripture verses, prayers, struggles, thoughts, reminders, etc. and it's so wonderful to look back on those things and see what God has been doing.
Also, I use journals for sermon notes at church. I think that's important, too, mostly because then you have a way to remember what was said and you can always look back on it to remind yourself again.
Electronic journals are good, too. I love blogging, and email can be a great way to stay in touch with friends and talk about the things of God.
Although it's not as important as the other reasons I've mentioned, another reason I like journaling is because of the journals. There are so many pretty, fun, neat journals out there. I thought I'd share pictures of a few for you to see.
Here's one really neat one from Anthropologie.
It's so pretty! And I love the way the butterflies stick up from the surface of the journal.
This one from Moleskine is nice, too. I love Moleskines because of how simple and useful they are, and the fact that this one's red makes it even better.
Ah, yes. Moleskines are so nice.
I also really like these mini journals from Smock Paper. They are so cute, and the pattern is lovely!
They're even letterpressed, which makes it all the better.
This simple notebook with a subtle pattern from Etsy is nice, too.
I like the brown - it's very simple and elegant. And the pattern is very pretty.
And one more... a cool one I saw advertised on David Airey's blog. It's not a typical journal, it's a calendar/diary and sketchbook. But it is really cool, so I thought I would post it. Find it here.
I hope you enjoyed this little sneak peek into my journaling habits, and the journal finds, too. I'd love to know what you think of journaling! Do you do it? How do you do it? It's always fun to hear other people's ideas.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
A Quote
I read this today in Cheque Book of the Bank of Faith, and I wanted to share it. It's a great quote.
...there are greater truths in his Word, greater depths of experience, greater heights of fellowship, greater works of usefulness, greater discoveries of power, and love, and wisdom. These we are yet to see if we are willing to believe our Lord....Let us keep our eyes open to spiritual objects, and expect to see more and more.
- Charles Spurgeon
Art on Etsy
You've probably picked up on the fact that I like Etsy. It's a great website and there is so much wonderful crafty inspiration to be found there, and lots of stuff that is just plain cool. I thought that today, I'd share some more Etsy finds, this time focusing on art pieces I've found on Etsy, meaning things that involve artwork or illustration, or even if they're not typical art, have an especially artistic or artisan look to them. Instead of giving you a random conglomeration of items, this time I'll organize my "shares" by the Etsy store they came from. This way, you'll get a peek into some of the Etsy stores that I think are artistically excellent.
The first store I want to highlight today is Boy Girl Party. I adore the whimsical, fun style of all the items in this shop. And the color choices are great, too. Often, they're more muted tones, but still so bright and fun looking. The artist behind it is Susie Ghahremani, and she does some excellent illustration work. Here are four of my favorite things from her shop.
1. Yellow Owl To Do List | This is so cute! I love the hand-drawn font and lines. This notepad would definitely make writing to do lists much more fun.
2. Change of Address Announcements | If I were moving, I would want these. They are so adorable! I love the choice of turquoise as the main color, and the lines and the "fill in the blank" style of the whole piece is wonderful.
3. Piano Art Print | The dim colors in this remind me so much of retro, 1970's kind of colors. This print is funky!
4. All Occasion Label Set | These are marvelously fun. The "to/from" ones would certainly dress up a package, and just the fact that they're stickers is nice. I have a long standing love for stickers.
I hope you like the items from Boy Girl Party as much as I do. Please check out Susie's Etsy shop and website for more!
Next up is a really neat shop I came across recently called Decoy Lab. They have some excellent artistic items of various sorts, but my favorites are their cool clocks. Here are two I like.
1. Kirie03 | This laser cut design on wood is so neat. White and woodgrain is a favorite combination of mine, and I absolutely love how it is applied in this clock!
2. Wall Hanging Cuckoo Clock - Aqua | The first thing I like about this is the color, but I also like the way that a printed design is used as a clock face. The design is very kitschy, and I like that too.
Aren't those clocks fun? The design is so creative, as are the rest of the items in the Decoy Lab shop. Definitely check it out if you're interested!
The next Etsy shop I want to show you is called Hello Jenuine. Again, this artist does some great illustration and art! The style seems very "woodsy" in a pleasant way. It's simple and comfortable. Here are three pieces that I like.
1. Can I Have a Shot Print | I remember these little plastic cars from my childhood! I never had one that I know of, but I remember seeing them. They are neat. I love the colors in this print, and the black outlines - such a nice touch.
2. This is Tomorrow Print | I love the subtle, rainbow colors of this, and the consistent, flowing dot things. It's very easy on the eyes - just a beautiful, simple piece.
3. Treehouse Gocco Print | This is another whimsical, childhood-reminiscent print. I love the colors and the lines. This is a collaboration of two artists.
Want to see more? Check out Hello Jenuine on Etsy.
That's all for today! I'd love to know what you think of these artsy items. Do you have a favorite? Or is there something in particular you like about one of them?
The first store I want to highlight today is Boy Girl Party. I adore the whimsical, fun style of all the items in this shop. And the color choices are great, too. Often, they're more muted tones, but still so bright and fun looking. The artist behind it is Susie Ghahremani, and she does some excellent illustration work. Here are four of my favorite things from her shop.
1. Yellow Owl To Do List | This is so cute! I love the hand-drawn font and lines. This notepad would definitely make writing to do lists much more fun.
2. Change of Address Announcements | If I were moving, I would want these. They are so adorable! I love the choice of turquoise as the main color, and the lines and the "fill in the blank" style of the whole piece is wonderful.
3. Piano Art Print | The dim colors in this remind me so much of retro, 1970's kind of colors. This print is funky!
4. All Occasion Label Set | These are marvelously fun. The "to/from" ones would certainly dress up a package, and just the fact that they're stickers is nice. I have a long standing love for stickers.
I hope you like the items from Boy Girl Party as much as I do. Please check out Susie's Etsy shop and website for more!
Next up is a really neat shop I came across recently called Decoy Lab. They have some excellent artistic items of various sorts, but my favorites are their cool clocks. Here are two I like.
1. Kirie03 | This laser cut design on wood is so neat. White and woodgrain is a favorite combination of mine, and I absolutely love how it is applied in this clock!
2. Wall Hanging Cuckoo Clock - Aqua | The first thing I like about this is the color, but I also like the way that a printed design is used as a clock face. The design is very kitschy, and I like that too.
Aren't those clocks fun? The design is so creative, as are the rest of the items in the Decoy Lab shop. Definitely check it out if you're interested!
The next Etsy shop I want to show you is called Hello Jenuine. Again, this artist does some great illustration and art! The style seems very "woodsy" in a pleasant way. It's simple and comfortable. Here are three pieces that I like.
1. Can I Have a Shot Print | I remember these little plastic cars from my childhood! I never had one that I know of, but I remember seeing them. They are neat. I love the colors in this print, and the black outlines - such a nice touch.
2. This is Tomorrow Print | I love the subtle, rainbow colors of this, and the consistent, flowing dot things. It's very easy on the eyes - just a beautiful, simple piece.
3. Treehouse Gocco Print | This is another whimsical, childhood-reminiscent print. I love the colors and the lines. This is a collaboration of two artists.
Want to see more? Check out Hello Jenuine on Etsy.
That's all for today! I'd love to know what you think of these artsy items. Do you have a favorite? Or is there something in particular you like about one of them?
Monday, December 27, 2010
S/O/T/O
I found something that I think is quite wonderful. It's called S/O/T/O, which stands for State of the Obvious. I saw it at Identity Designed, one of David Airey's blogs. It is a series of merchandise by Mash Creative that has decided to completely disregard the traditions of identity branding and go with something new: the entirely obvious. Here's a picture of the things they do.
Coolness. I love these things. They are so amazingly simple and innovative and creative and well designed. The typography is the main thing I love. It's all consistent size-wise, and it's such a stunning sans serif font. The concept itself, too - of doing something out of the ordinary - is very neat.
The t-shirts are one of my favorite items. I think it would be fun to get one.
Another favorite product of S/O/T/O's is their A5 notebook. This is something else that I really love. The design of it is so fun - it's like a Moleskine with a new twist.
If you want to read more about S/O/T/O, please check out the article on Identity Designed or the article on Mash Creative's website. You can find their items for sale through their store. And a free desktop background is coming out soon! I'm really looking forward to that.
What do you think of these design items? Amazingly cool? Strange? A little of both?
Coolness. I love these things. They are so amazingly simple and innovative and creative and well designed. The typography is the main thing I love. It's all consistent size-wise, and it's such a stunning sans serif font. The concept itself, too - of doing something out of the ordinary - is very neat.
The t-shirts are one of my favorite items. I think it would be fun to get one.
Another favorite product of S/O/T/O's is their A5 notebook. This is something else that I really love. The design of it is so fun - it's like a Moleskine with a new twist.
If you want to read more about S/O/T/O, please check out the article on Identity Designed or the article on Mash Creative's website. You can find their items for sale through their store. And a free desktop background is coming out soon! I'm really looking forward to that.
What do you think of these design items? Amazingly cool? Strange? A little of both?
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Un-Friday Finds: Great Plate
My Friday Finds schedule has been all messed up lately due to a series and the holidays. But here's a find for today anyway, even though it's not Friday.
I love this plate. The color, the Holga camera - everything. Find it here.
HT: Write. Click. Scrapbook
Hope you had a great Christmas yesterday!
I love this plate. The color, the Holga camera - everything. Find it here.
HT: Write. Click. Scrapbook
Hope you had a great Christmas yesterday!
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Christmas Day
I saw this quote here and I thought I would share it. What a good reminder of the fact that Jesus came as our Savior, to pay for our sins.
The whole life of Christ was a continual Passion; others die Martyrs, but Christ was born a Martyr. … His birth and his death were but one continual act, and his Christmas-day and his Good Friday, are but the evening and morning of one and the same day.Have a blessed day today!
- John Donne in the opening of his Christmas Day sermon in 1626
Friday, December 24, 2010
What Christmas Really Is
I wanted to be sure to take time this season to write a post about what Christmas really is. I think everyone knows that it's not all about Christmas and presents and trees and tinsel and lights and silver and gold. Or red and green. But what is it about?
Now, that's a question that a lot of people have a lot of different answers to. Some people say it's about generosity and doing good deeds towards others. Other people think it's all about family togetherness. Still others just like the way the happy holiday season makes them feel. I know I have been prey to these mindsets sometimes.
For me, though, and for Christians around the world, Christmas isn't about the superficial, commercialized stuff, but it's also not about feeling good or even being nice to others. For me, Christmas is about just one thing: Jesus Christ.
More than 2000 years ago, a baby was born in a stable in Bethlehem. And he wasn't just a baby; He was the living Son of God. And he came not only to be born, but to live a perfect life and to die for the sins of the world.
He came to die.
That's a big thought. The reason Jesus was born in Bethlehem 2000 years ago was because my sin, and yours, and the whole world's grieved God and caused us all to deserve His eternal wrath and judgment. But that's not the end of the story! God loved us so very much that He sent Jesus to be born as a baby and to grow up to die for us and appease God's wrath. Because of the fact that Jesus died for our sins, we no longer have to bear God's wrath. Jesus bore all of God's wrath in our place. So instead of wrath, we get eternal life and blessing and love...and adoption into God's family as His children. That's amazing, and that's why Christmas is so great.
Bethlehem points to Calvary.
Christmas is about Jesus, and not only about his birth, but about why He was born and what He did on the cross in our place. Because of Jesus' sacrifice for us, we can have true and lasting satisfaction and peace. As I was reading in Luke 2, I noticed this part specifically:
In my ESV Study Bible, the note said something about the fact that the peace on earth that the angels proclaim in this passage is the gospel: that Jesus came to bring peace through His blood. Because of Jesus' death, we can have peace in this season and always, and we can glorify God just as the angels did for all that He has done for us. I'm so glad that God revealed this to me, because before, I had always thought of "peace on earth" as a nice, happy phrase you say at Christmastime. But it's so much more than that.
Peace on earth means the gospel.
And what's amazing is that when Jesus died on the cross, he didn't stay in the grave. He rose from the dead, and now he is seated at the right hand of God in Heaven. And he's interceding for us before the Father! Isn't that amazing?
So, this Christmas, will you join me in remembering what it really is? Let's not buy into the lie that Christmas is just about presents or good feelings. It's about a perfect, crucified, and risen Savior - Jesus Christ!
I hope you all have a great holiday tomorrow celebrating the birth of our Savior!
Now, that's a question that a lot of people have a lot of different answers to. Some people say it's about generosity and doing good deeds towards others. Other people think it's all about family togetherness. Still others just like the way the happy holiday season makes them feel. I know I have been prey to these mindsets sometimes.
For me, though, and for Christians around the world, Christmas isn't about the superficial, commercialized stuff, but it's also not about feeling good or even being nice to others. For me, Christmas is about just one thing: Jesus Christ.
More than 2000 years ago, a baby was born in a stable in Bethlehem. And he wasn't just a baby; He was the living Son of God. And he came not only to be born, but to live a perfect life and to die for the sins of the world.
He came to die.
That's a big thought. The reason Jesus was born in Bethlehem 2000 years ago was because my sin, and yours, and the whole world's grieved God and caused us all to deserve His eternal wrath and judgment. But that's not the end of the story! God loved us so very much that He sent Jesus to be born as a baby and to grow up to die for us and appease God's wrath. Because of the fact that Jesus died for our sins, we no longer have to bear God's wrath. Jesus bore all of God's wrath in our place. So instead of wrath, we get eternal life and blessing and love...and adoption into God's family as His children. That's amazing, and that's why Christmas is so great.
Bethlehem points to Calvary.
Christmas is about Jesus, and not only about his birth, but about why He was born and what He did on the cross in our place. Because of Jesus' sacrifice for us, we can have true and lasting satisfaction and peace. As I was reading in Luke 2, I noticed this part specifically:
Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!
- Luke 2:14
In my ESV Study Bible, the note said something about the fact that the peace on earth that the angels proclaim in this passage is the gospel: that Jesus came to bring peace through His blood. Because of Jesus' death, we can have peace in this season and always, and we can glorify God just as the angels did for all that He has done for us. I'm so glad that God revealed this to me, because before, I had always thought of "peace on earth" as a nice, happy phrase you say at Christmastime. But it's so much more than that.
Peace on earth means the gospel.
And what's amazing is that when Jesus died on the cross, he didn't stay in the grave. He rose from the dead, and now he is seated at the right hand of God in Heaven. And he's interceding for us before the Father! Isn't that amazing?
So, this Christmas, will you join me in remembering what it really is? Let's not buy into the lie that Christmas is just about presents or good feelings. It's about a perfect, crucified, and risen Savior - Jesus Christ!
I hope you all have a great holiday tomorrow celebrating the birth of our Savior!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Books of the Year
Hi everyone! Because of my love for books, I thought I would tell you a little bit about some of my favorite books of 2010. The year is almost over, so now is the perfect time! I've never been one to read constantly and all the time, but when I do read, I often find books that I really love, and such was the case this year. These books cover different topics, from classics, to design and other hobbies, to books that have helped me know God better.
I've created an image map below that allows you to click on each book and head straight to a web page where you can purchase the book. Following the image map are short reviews of each book, going from left to right, top to bottom on the image map.
The Valley of Vision edited by Arthur Bennett | I still haven't finished this book, but I love it so far. Every single prayer is so rich and so encouraging. I love reading the prayers of Puritans from a few hundred years ago - it's so encouraging to know what Christians back then were praying! I read with a pencil and mark up my copy a lot because there is so much to benefit from and something in particular sticks out to me almost every day. I highly recommend this book to you all. I think you will be very edified by reading it.
The Bookends of the Christian Life by Jerry Bridges and Bob Bevington | This was also a very encouraging book. I blogged about it a couple months back when I was reading it. I love the way it constantly pointed me back to the gospel, and to the two "bookends" of the Christian life: the righteousness of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. These truly are the two most essential truths of our daily lives as Christians, and it is so wonderful to have a clear, well-written reminder of them. This book is also highly recommended.
My Name is Asher Lev by Chaim Potok | I think this may very well be the most influential piece of classic literature I've read to date. It's definitely one of my favorite books. It's not a happy, lighthearted read by any means, but it has such depth and I was fascinated by its depiction of art and how art interacts with the rest of life. It's extremely interesting, and I think those of you who enjoy creative things would really like it. It does have some themes and sections that aren't appropriate for a younger audience, so I'd recommend that you only check it out if you're, say, 15 or 16 at the youngest.
The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams | This is actually not technically a book - it's a play. But I thought I would include it all the same. Again, it's not a happy book, but its commentary on the futility of dreams is fascinating. I'd recommend it for high school students and older.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee | I read this over the summer, and found it very interesting. I liked the way the story was depicted through the eyes of a child, and how well Harper Lee accomplished that viewpoint. The commentary on Southern culture and social issues was well done and very interesting. It does have some themes that wouldn't be appropriate for younger students, though, so I'd say that I'd recommend it for high school students or older.
The Death of Ivan Ilyich by Leo Tolstoy | Yet again, not a happy book, but this book's commentary on death and the feelings and questions faced at death was truly poignant. Another reason I liked it was because it's Russian literature - Russian literature and history fascinate me! I'd recommend it for high school students or older, because of a few parts that are not appropriate for younger teens.
Safely Home by Randy Alcorn | This book was great. It was another summer read, and I really enjoyed the information and compelling story about persecuted Christians in China. It was really neat to see how the main character, Ben, changed over the course of the story. I definitely recommend it, but if you read it, beware that it is very intense and real, and also has some themes that might be hard for younger teens to read. So, I would recommend it, but call you to consider it first!
Logo Design Love by David Airey | My favorite graphic design book. It's a great guide to creating logo design, and it's especially helpful because some of the concepts apply to all types of graphic design, not just logos. It was so helpful to me!
The Digital Photography Book by Scott Kelby | A great, hands-on guide to SLR photography. I really like all the tips this book gives, and how practical it is. Highly recommended to all you photography enthusiasts out there!
52 More Scrapbooking Challenges by Elizabeth Kartchner | I don't think I've read this book cover to cover, but I've come very close as I've thumbed through it time after time after time. The ideas are great, and so many of the pages and scrapbookers featured in this book are totally beautiful. Definitely recommended for any scrapbookers out there.
Now, what have been your favorite book(s) of 2010? I'd also love to know if you've heard of or read any of these books. It's always fun to find out that other people like the same books I do.
P.S. If you scroll down to the bottom of my blog, I've added some lists of things I'm enjoying! These will (hopefully) be updated from time to time with what I'm currently liking, listening to, and reading.
I've created an image map below that allows you to click on each book and head straight to a web page where you can purchase the book. Following the image map are short reviews of each book, going from left to right, top to bottom on the image map.
The Valley of Vision edited by Arthur Bennett | I still haven't finished this book, but I love it so far. Every single prayer is so rich and so encouraging. I love reading the prayers of Puritans from a few hundred years ago - it's so encouraging to know what Christians back then were praying! I read with a pencil and mark up my copy a lot because there is so much to benefit from and something in particular sticks out to me almost every day. I highly recommend this book to you all. I think you will be very edified by reading it.
The Bookends of the Christian Life by Jerry Bridges and Bob Bevington | This was also a very encouraging book. I blogged about it a couple months back when I was reading it. I love the way it constantly pointed me back to the gospel, and to the two "bookends" of the Christian life: the righteousness of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. These truly are the two most essential truths of our daily lives as Christians, and it is so wonderful to have a clear, well-written reminder of them. This book is also highly recommended.
My Name is Asher Lev by Chaim Potok | I think this may very well be the most influential piece of classic literature I've read to date. It's definitely one of my favorite books. It's not a happy, lighthearted read by any means, but it has such depth and I was fascinated by its depiction of art and how art interacts with the rest of life. It's extremely interesting, and I think those of you who enjoy creative things would really like it. It does have some themes and sections that aren't appropriate for a younger audience, so I'd recommend that you only check it out if you're, say, 15 or 16 at the youngest.
The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams | This is actually not technically a book - it's a play. But I thought I would include it all the same. Again, it's not a happy book, but its commentary on the futility of dreams is fascinating. I'd recommend it for high school students and older.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee | I read this over the summer, and found it very interesting. I liked the way the story was depicted through the eyes of a child, and how well Harper Lee accomplished that viewpoint. The commentary on Southern culture and social issues was well done and very interesting. It does have some themes that wouldn't be appropriate for younger students, though, so I'd say that I'd recommend it for high school students or older.
The Death of Ivan Ilyich by Leo Tolstoy | Yet again, not a happy book, but this book's commentary on death and the feelings and questions faced at death was truly poignant. Another reason I liked it was because it's Russian literature - Russian literature and history fascinate me! I'd recommend it for high school students or older, because of a few parts that are not appropriate for younger teens.
Safely Home by Randy Alcorn | This book was great. It was another summer read, and I really enjoyed the information and compelling story about persecuted Christians in China. It was really neat to see how the main character, Ben, changed over the course of the story. I definitely recommend it, but if you read it, beware that it is very intense and real, and also has some themes that might be hard for younger teens to read. So, I would recommend it, but call you to consider it first!
Logo Design Love by David Airey | My favorite graphic design book. It's a great guide to creating logo design, and it's especially helpful because some of the concepts apply to all types of graphic design, not just logos. It was so helpful to me!
The Digital Photography Book by Scott Kelby | A great, hands-on guide to SLR photography. I really like all the tips this book gives, and how practical it is. Highly recommended to all you photography enthusiasts out there!
52 More Scrapbooking Challenges by Elizabeth Kartchner | I don't think I've read this book cover to cover, but I've come very close as I've thumbed through it time after time after time. The ideas are great, and so many of the pages and scrapbookers featured in this book are totally beautiful. Definitely recommended for any scrapbookers out there.
Now, what have been your favorite book(s) of 2010? I'd also love to know if you've heard of or read any of these books. It's always fun to find out that other people like the same books I do.
P.S. If you scroll down to the bottom of my blog, I've added some lists of things I'm enjoying! These will (hopefully) be updated from time to time with what I'm currently liking, listening to, and reading.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
It's a Special Day Today
It's my sister's birthday today! I love her and I'm so grateful for her. She is my best friend.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Studio Calico Wish List
I love scrapbooking. And I love Studio Calico products. The Studio Calico blog is having a giveaway where you post a link to your wish list, as published on your blog, and enter for a chance to win something on your list! I thought I would participate because 1) It's a fun giveaway with great prizes and 2) I thought maybe some of you would like to see the scrapbooking things that I like!
Here's my list, in no particular order.
1. Documentary Collection Pack | Papers and elements
2. Elementary Collection Pack | Papers
3. fabRips - Elementary | Fabric strips
4. Journaling Card Set | Such fun designs!
5. Mister Huey's Classic Calico | Glimmer mist spray
6. December Kit | Lots of fun stuff
Here's my list, in no particular order.
1. Documentary Collection Pack | Papers and elements
2. Elementary Collection Pack | Papers
3. fabRips - Elementary | Fabric strips
4. Journaling Card Set | Such fun designs!
5. Mister Huey's Classic Calico | Glimmer mist spray
6. December Kit | Lots of fun stuff
The Laughter Project
I know this girl named Ellie. She's been on my blog before here and here, so you might remember her. You see, Ellie is a photographer, and she is doing a really neat project called The Laughter Project. Here are a few details.
So basically, you get a free photoshoot with Ellie (how cool is that?) in exchange for letting her use the photos in her laughter book. What's even better is that all the proceeds from the book go to two great charities that Ellie wants to help support. Ellie doesn't get any of the money - it's all to help Give Uganda Water and Rancho 3M.
What can you do?
You can play a part in this fabulous project by letting Ellie take pictures of you! If you are interested, please visit Ellie's website and use the "contact" link to let her know you'd like to participate. Ellie will start doing sessions for The Laughter Project soon, so act quickly! You'll get free photos of yourself or your family and be able to help in this neat project. Here are the types of people Ellie is looking to take pictures of:
If you don't want to get your picture taken, or even if you do, you can wait a couple months until the Laughter Project book is out and then buy a lovely photo book with pictures of people laughing in it! How nice would that be to have on your coffee table? And you'll be supporting some wonderful causes as well.
Also, please, please, please spread the word about this. You can grab the blog button right here. Please feel free to put this on your blog to let others know about it!
I hope you all check out The Laughter Project, and I hope many of you take Ellie up on her offer to do a free, quick photoshoot for this project. I think it's a pretty great deal, personally. Free photos + being in a book + supporting a good cause...you've got nothing to lose!
So basically, you get a free photoshoot with Ellie (how cool is that?) in exchange for letting her use the photos in her laughter book. What's even better is that all the proceeds from the book go to two great charities that Ellie wants to help support. Ellie doesn't get any of the money - it's all to help Give Uganda Water and Rancho 3M.
What can you do?
You can play a part in this fabulous project by letting Ellie take pictures of you! If you are interested, please visit Ellie's website and use the "contact" link to let her know you'd like to participate. Ellie will start doing sessions for The Laughter Project soon, so act quickly! You'll get free photos of yourself or your family and be able to help in this neat project. Here are the types of people Ellie is looking to take pictures of:
- Young children
- Teens (preferably younger teens)
- Big groups of people laughing
If you don't want to get your picture taken, or even if you do, you can wait a couple months until the Laughter Project book is out and then buy a lovely photo book with pictures of people laughing in it! How nice would that be to have on your coffee table? And you'll be supporting some wonderful causes as well.
Also, please, please, please spread the word about this. You can grab the blog button right here. Please feel free to put this on your blog to let others know about it!
I hope you all check out The Laughter Project, and I hope many of you take Ellie up on her offer to do a free, quick photoshoot for this project. I think it's a pretty great deal, personally. Free photos + being in a book + supporting a good cause...you've got nothing to lose!
Monday, December 20, 2010
Alphabet Things
The alphabet is pretty great... and I like graphics when the whole alphabet is used on a poster or notecard or something like that. I've seen it at Ikea and on Etsy and I'm sure it's other places, too - I think it's somewhat of a trend. So I thought I'd share some fun alphabet things I've found today. And I will tell you a bit about why I like each one, too.
1. Type Hi Notecards by Visual Chemist | I love all the colors, and the fact that the "hi" is red. Besides that, these notecards are letterpressed, and I really love letterpress items.
2. Personalized Alphabet Typography Print by Bear Graphics | What a cute idea! And I love that puffy font. It's really fun. And the justification of the type (how it's all aligned on either side) is nice, too.
3. An Alphabetic Ode to Helvetica by Modern Pop | This is so cool! I love the colors and the transparency of it all. I'm thinking that it might've helped to space the letters out a little more for readability's sake, but I think the concept is amazing and it looks great.
4. Helvetica Poster Typography Showcase by Grace Hester Designs | Great colors, and the font is always a winner. Helvetica is classic.
5. Alphabet Patchwork Print by RukaRuka | This is so homey and comfortable looking. I love the use of white space, too - there is plenty of space for the eye to rest, which is important when working with busy patterns like this.
6. Alphabet in Stencil Font by I Heart Modern Art | The font is so cool, and I adore the bright, retro colors. This is a very fun piece.
Hope you enjoyed looking at these fun alphabet items. Which one is your favorite? I'd love to know why, so feel free to comment!
1. Type Hi Notecards by Visual Chemist | I love all the colors, and the fact that the "hi" is red. Besides that, these notecards are letterpressed, and I really love letterpress items.
2. Personalized Alphabet Typography Print by Bear Graphics | What a cute idea! And I love that puffy font. It's really fun. And the justification of the type (how it's all aligned on either side) is nice, too.
3. An Alphabetic Ode to Helvetica by Modern Pop | This is so cool! I love the colors and the transparency of it all. I'm thinking that it might've helped to space the letters out a little more for readability's sake, but I think the concept is amazing and it looks great.
5. Alphabet Patchwork Print by RukaRuka | This is so homey and comfortable looking. I love the use of white space, too - there is plenty of space for the eye to rest, which is important when working with busy patterns like this.
6. Alphabet in Stencil Font by I Heart Modern Art | The font is so cool, and I adore the bright, retro colors. This is a very fun piece.
Hope you enjoyed looking at these fun alphabet items. Which one is your favorite? I'd love to know why, so feel free to comment!
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Great Article
Read it here.
A favorite part:
A favorite part:
"Christmas —the great story of the inca rnat ion of the Rescu er—is for every one, espec ially those who need a rescue. Jesus was born as a baby to know the pain and sympa thize with our weak ness es. Jesus was made to be like us so that in his resu rrec tion we can be made like him; free from the fear of death and the pain of los s."
-Matt B. Redm ond
Un-Friday Finds: Polaroid Coaster
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Typography Talk: Types of Type
Types of type. I like that. It has a nice double-meaning sort of ring to it.
Today, I want to talk a little bit about different kinds of fonts and their classifications, specifically serif and sans serif typefaces. You've probably heard me throw those words around a whole lot, and I think many of you already know what they mean, but I wanted to take today to talk about these types of fonts in an effort to explain them, but even more than that, I wanted to show you just how amazing both of these font types can be.
Let's start with serif fonts. A serif font is what I've chosen as the main font for this series, and I've used the same font, Adobe Garamond Pro, as an example to help explain real quick what a serif font is. Here's an example.
Basically, what this means is that this font has "serifs." What are serifs, you ask? Those little endings on the letters that poke out from the basic letter form. I've circled one on the "B" so you know what they look like. There are lots of other serifs to be found on that little canvas, too.
Feeling-wise, serif fonts tend to look more traditional. Times New Roman is another example of a serif font - and that's a font you're probably all familiar with. Georgia, Century, and zillions more would also be considered serif fonts.
I personally love serif fonts. They look so classic and comfortable. Serif fonts are what's been used for centuries in design and printing, and they're really quite lovely. And there are some pretty neat things I've found on Etsy that make use of serif fonts in creative ways. I'll share a couple of them with you with little blurbs about why I like them.
I like that tote bag a lot. Simple brilliance is hard to achieve, and I love it when I find it! I also love that this is an atypical take on using a serif font. Most people would just type something, but this designer thought outside the box. (Find the cool tote bag. It's too bad that it's already been sold...) Here's another neat item.
Aren't those fun? I love vintage paper goods. (Get these great gift bags.) Here's another item from the first shop I mentioned, The Little Studio. They have some innovative, fun stuff.
Isn't this such a cool idea? I think these are probably the most unique coasters I have ever seen. (Buy the fabulous coasters.)
I'm so happy about the fun serif finds I came across. Etsy is quite grand. Before I move onto sans serif fonts, I want to show you a little technique I like. You have probably noticed this before, but I like to write in all lower case in serif fonts. I think it looks especially nice in Adobe Garamond Pro. I'm not totally sure why I like it so much, but it just seems to give a more funky twist to the classic uses of serif fonts.
I know that the message on that little graphic doesn't really have anything to do with the current series, but it is December, and it is almost the new year. So I thought I would just make that the subject of my example.
Oh, one more quick note before I move on... have you noticed that all the examples I gave used only black and white? That's one beautiful thing about typography. It can be nice without color! Color can definitely enhance typography, but type isn't dependent on color, which I think is neat.
Okay, moving on to sans serif fonts. I love these, too. I don't think I necessarily like one or the other better... I mean, I guess I would lean towards sans serif if I had to choose. But I truly like both, and there are some marvels of type design in both categories.
First, let me explain what sans serif fonts are. "Sans" simply means "without," and so "sans serif" means "without serif." Here's an illustration.
Do you see the circle on the "B," just in the same place as it was on the serif example? Well, on this "B," there's no serif, or "sans serif."
So, sans serif fonts don't have serifs. It's that simple! They usually tend to have a more clean, modern look. Some other examples of sans serif fonts, besides Arial, would be Helvetica (arguably the best font ever), Futura, and one of my favorite free fonts, Geosans Light.
There are some excellent sans serif items to be found on Etsy, and I'd like to show you three of my favorites. I've used Arial for the descriptions, just for the sake of using a sans serif font to describe sans serif items! Here's the first thing I want to show you...
This magazine rack is amazing! Isn't it such a cool idea? (Buy this super cool magazine rack.)
I love the color of this poster, too. It's very bright and fun. (Get this great typeface print.)
I hope you like those sans serif items. I think they are very cool. Before I tie up this post, I want to give you someplace to go. If you're looking for great design using sans serif fonts, check Matthew Wahl's work. I like this, this, this, and this in particular!
Enjoy your day. And comment etc. to enter to win. The giveaway ends tonight at midnight, so please take advantage of this limited opportunity to enter. :) You can go back on previous posts and comment there, too, if you haven't already.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Typography Talk: Logos
I love discussing logo design and I also love typography, so I thought that, for the second installment in my Typography Talk series, I would focus on the typography of logos. I have several great examples of logos for you to look at, and following each logo, I'll talk a little about why I like them, and maybe I'll even mention a few ways I think they could even better.
Let's start things off with a classic example of a logo with extremely wonderful and recognizable typography. Can you guess? It's the Coca-Cola logo!
Wow. I absolutely love this logo, from the swirly "C" to the last little ending on the "A." I honestly think this logo is just exquisite. First off, I'll share a few things I love about this logo specifically...
I think you probably get the picture that I like this logo. A lot. But I would say that there's one tiny thing that I don't love so much, and that's the way the curl of the "C" in "Cola" is incorporated into the "l." The idea is fabulous, but I feel like the spaces between the curl and the "l" could be refined a bit, especially the second one.
But that's such a small thing in comparison to the overall picture of the logo.
Next up, a newer logo: Charlotte Russe. I've only been there a couple times, but it's fun to browse around there. I noticed their logo when I was observing their excellent shopping bag design. The main thing I love about this logo is that it's not just a logo. Charlotte Russe has done a great job incorporating their logo into an entire brand identity system, including some other great typography. Here's a look at some of the ways they've done this.
First, I'll tell you a little bit about each piece. Number one was something I found on Google images, perhaps a past website header for Charlotte Russe? Numbers two and three are pages from Charlotte Russe's "Lookbook," a fashion guide that I like for the graphics. Number four is simply the logo. There are things I like about each of these pieces, and I've picked one to share for each piece in the collage! The numbers correspond to the numbered items in the collage.
The thing I like most about the Charlotte Russe branding system is something that I can tell you in just two words: diverse continuity. Sounds like an oxymoron, right? How can something be diverse and have continuity, or consistency? I'm honestly not sure how the Charlotte Russe designer did it, but I think they succeeded. The colors and general feeling of Charlotte Russe's branding system is cohesive, but yet they incorporate quite a few different fonts. Usually this isn't such a great idea design wise, I've been told, but somehow, it works for Charlotte Russe. I think the reason for this is mostly because of the image they want to present. Their image, and even their clothing and accessories, are very eclectic, and so the eclectic design scheme is perfect.
I've got to mention one little tiny thing that I don't prefer about the Charlotte Russe logo. It's a part of the logo itself, actually a very small part...the lower case "t's" in "Charlotte." I don't really like how they are connected - it makes them look more like one upper case "H" to me. But like my complaint about the way the "l" was intertwined in the Coca-Cola logo, this is a pretty minor thing, and it's really only noticeable if you look at the logo a certain way.
The next logo I want to share with you is one that has been the center of some designer paranoia, outrage, and controversy in the recent past. The Gap logo. I'm not sure if any of you had heard, but Gap had supposedly changed their logo to something very ugly, which caused quite the hubbub. Then they apparently changed it back, for whatever reason. But despite all of this controversy, I really like the logo that Gap is using.
I just realized that this is the logo for another clothing store, just like Charlotte Russe! I guess that clothing stores tend to value typography? I'm not sure. Anyway, the Gap logo is one that I really like, and I'd love to tell you why.
You know, I can't really think of anything that I don't like about this logo. It's simply great.
For my fourth and final logo of the day, I am going to transition from retail stores to a restaurant: Chipotle. This Mexican restaurant seems to have changed their logo in the fairly recent past, and I think the new one is quite great overall. Here's a look at the traditional logo (the circle one) and the secondary version that appears to be for signs on the storefronts.
Here are a few things I like about the logo, and I promise I won't mention "the color" this time. Although I do like the color. It's red, and so I like it. Anyway, though, besides, the color, I like...
I do like this logo, but I've got to say that I think this is probably my least favorite of the bunch, not because of the general look of the logo, but because of little things that seem to make the logo slightly less stunning. One thing, as was mentioned on Brand New, is the "E" in "Chipotle." The second line of the "E" is positioned lower than normal, and, as the author on Brand New put it, it "looks needlessly retro." I would agree with that statement, but what bothers me more with regard to the "E" is the fact that it's different from the "E" in "Mexican." In my opinion, if they had wanted to change the way the "E" looked, it should have at least been done consistently.
The other thing I don't like quite as much is, surprisingly, the typography! This actually surprised me as I thought about it, because, on the surface, I do like the font. But when I read the Brand New article and looked at it some more, I started to think that the modern font, while it is nice, is a bit anti-climactic. I can't really come up with a better solution, but the font does lack a little bit of pizzaz.
However, there's one more thing I really do like about the Chipotle graphic design, and that's the website. See?
As would be expected, the logo appears on the site in a central location, but what catches my eye about this homepage is the notepaper, doodle-y looking piece of greatness right in the middle. That is so cool. I really love that, and I love how the doodle-y nature of the graphic comes close to mimicking the little pepper icon on the logo. And, to tie it all back into typography, the font (hand-drawn, I'm guessing) on the notepaper is stellar.
I hope you haven't gotten too bored with all my ramblings about logos and typography and such, and I hope you've enjoyed looking at some good examples of typography in logo design. Well, mostly. And I'd say even the Chipotle logo is a good example, just maybe not quite as stellar (in my humble opinion) as the other three.
I hope you all have a super great day. And please comment and do all the other stuff if you want for a chance to win in the giveaway!
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Typography Talk: Punctuation
Today is Day 1 of my typography talk series, and before I get into today's topic, I want to make sure I answer one question:
What is typography?
It's just the official graphic design way of saying "fonts" or "type" or "words." But I think "typography" sounds a little better, hence the series title. "Font Talk" doesn't quite have the same ring to it, in my opinion.
Now that I've got that straightened out, I want to focus today on a lesser-known part of typography: the punctuation. As I've been pondering this post, I've begun to develop a new affinity and respect for this under-appreciated side of type.
Punctuation really is a fascinating thing all by itself. Take ampersands for instance. There are tons of varieties of this little "&" sign.
Fonts, left to right, top to bottom: Creampuff, Fontleroy Brown, Geosans Light, Operating Instructions, Pacmania, Freebooter Script, Bertham, Another Typewriter, and Alpha Echo
I want you to notice something, okay? See just how much variety there is here? The styles represented are quite varied: modern, cursive, handwritten, old school, bold, etc. A bunch of different feelings are seen in these little ampersands. Some look fancy and formal, some look basic and everyday, and others look minimalistic, and others look grungy. Isn't it so cool how each of these little "&" symbols actually say a lot? And they don't even have any letters or words to go with them.
You may think I'm done talking about ampersands, but there is still more to say, or rather...show you. Ampersands have been making their appearance lately in graphic design and product design. Just look at these ampersand pillows from Etsy. And keep in mind, these are just pillows! There must be so many more other kinds of products with ampersands.
1. Applique Ampersand Cover by Anitanirma | 2. Ampersand Block Font Pillow by Alexandra Ferguson | 3. Ampersand Applique Burlap Pillow by Hedy Regal Designs | 4. Organic Cotton Ampersand Pillow Cover by My Bearded Pigeon | 5. Polka Dot Ampersand Pillow by Pure and Noble | 6. Hand Stitched Ampersand Cushion by Mr. and Mrs. White | 7. Rose Ampersand Pillow by Pure and Noble | Just so you know, I don't necessarily endorse every item in the shops of the sellers who sell these ampersand pillows. By linking to the pillows, my goal is to recommend just that product, so I can't vouch for anything else in the stores!
Aren't those fun? I love the contrast between type styles and fabric types. I'm also really enjoying the concept of using the "&" symbol by itself as a graphic piece.
I've tried it out myself by making these graphics... each one includes the ampersand as the main element with words above and below. Here's a preview:
These graphics are designed to be posters, but you can also use them as small notes or tags. In the ZIP file that you can download here, you'll get a JPG file (8x10 inches) for printing each poster full size, as well as a PDF file with smaller sized graphics that could be used in other ways. So far as printing, I'd recommend printing the 8x10 posters as photos (using a site like Shutterfly.com for instance), and just printing the smaller ones at home, perhaps on cardstock so that they're more durable. I hope you like this little gift to start off Typography Talk. I won't have a freebie every day, but I'll work them in as I can.
Okay, moving on to another type of punctuation. I've spent a lot of time on ampersands, so I will breeze through other types of punctuation pretty quickly. First, I'd like to give a few moments to end punctuation, as in question marks, exclamation points, and periods. I'm sure you know what all of these look like, but here's an example just for fun.
These may just be keys on a computer keyboard, but each of these symbols says a lot. A question mark, more than just defining a sentence as a question, gives an inquisitive feeling to any statement. Also, have you noticed that the curve of the question mark feels more unsure and...well, questioning than a straight line would? As for the exclamation point, it's very firm and steadfast. Exclamation points mark something very important. And a period - it's short and to the point. It is a simple placeholder to signify the end of a sentence.
Then there are still other types of punctuation, such as commas, semicolons, colons, apostrophes, quotation marks, dashes, hyphens, and even parenthesis, brackets, and braces. I probably forgot some other forms of punctuation in that list, too, but for my final section in today's post, I want to focus on a punctuation mark that I really like: quotation marks.
First off, have you noticed that there are two kinds of quotation marks? In less sophisticated text editors, like Blogger's post editor for instance, you get straight quotes. But the "real" quotation marks that I like a lot more are "smart quotes" (as Word calls them). Adobe programs also have these "smart quotes." They have so much more character and spice to them. Here's an example:
Can you tell that the smart quotes just look so much more professional, as well as looking nice all around?
One design technique I like to play with is oversized quotation marks. To me, it gives a sentence or statement more interest, and it's just kind of fun. It looks like this:
I hope you've enjoyed my little ramblings on punctuation! And I also hope that at least some of you are walking away from this post with fresh respect for the under-recognized heroes of typography: the punctuation marks.
Please comment on this post for a chance to win in the giveaway! You can also...
1. Follow my blog if you haven't already.
2. Mention me briefly on your blog.
3. Display my blog button on your blog.
All that stuff will get you extra entries. Click HERE for more details on the giveaway.
Oh, and for those of you who were wondering, the main theme font for this series is Adobe Garamond Pro - it's one of my favorites!
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