I'm new to this so please be nice - what d'you think of my blog layout

[pebbles77]

I've spent all day on Wordpress trying to get the right design for my new blog. I want it simple but i'm not sure if it's too simple and also about the layout.

I really would like advice on what you think? Should there be more colour? etc etc

I can take criticism i promise but please be nice..ish :)

Thanks so much in advance

//www.pressiesbypebbles.com

[choochy]

Hi Pebbles,

I really like your blog. I love simplicity and the uncluttered look, but how about a few more photos or illustrations, just to break up the text?
I've been trying to balance it on my blog and really looking forward to Blogfest, to pick up some much-needed tips!

//www.stumblinginflats.com

[pebbles77]

Thank you so much for replying Choochy

Totally agree with pictures but can I ask you a question, I don't want to bombard my blog with my crafts so what sort of pictures do you put in? Do you search for random ones that would fit well?

Will look out for you at Blogfest - if there's anyway of looking out for anyone!!!

Thanks again

[MmeLindor]

I agree that pics are good - you can search for pics on Flickr.com - look at advanced search and select to search only pics with Creative Commons licence (scroll right down to the bottom).

Have a read of the terms and conditions, but basically most of these photos can be used, as long as you credit the photographer.

Other than that, I really like your layout - love the new pic banner.

Choochy
Love your blog - you have a great witty writing style.

[choochy]

MmsLindor - thank you so much for your lovely comment!

Pebbles- I just search for random, uncopyrighted pics that fit whatever I'm writing about that day (hope I'm doing it properly....).

I think a pic can really convey what you want to write about. Maybe draw up a 'plan' for what you want to get out of your blog, who you want to target and what kind of 'voice' you have. In my case, I really, really wanted a clean, fresh blog that conveyed myself as a modern, working mum, coming to terms with multiple sclerosis, but not in a 'poor me, pity me way', if you get what I mean? Life goes on, and it goes on in much the same way (give or take!), as it did before, just with a new way of thinking. I'm rambling now, lol.
Would be great to have a chat at Blogfest - I don't know anyone going....
Choochy.x

[2under2blog]

Yes I agree, I love your header! Big butterfly fan. I'll be sending your blog to my friend who's a craft nut ;)

Just a thought - on my site (www.2under2.co.uk) I did away with the top text and added it to my banner. I just thought it had a bit more impact that way. I can't quite remembr how I did it but let me know if you go for it and I'll try to remember how.

I struggle with pics too since I don't want to use too many of my babies. I'm grateful for the advice above in finding free images!

[2under2blog]

p.s. choochy I really enjoyed your blog and your header image made me laugh! must get on to Pinterest...

[choochy]

Hi 2under2! thank you for the lovely comment. Your blog is fab! Don't know how you do it....x

[2under2blog]

Thank you! I drink before noon.

[2under2blog]

saftey wink

[choochy]

Ha! As my mum used to say, 'a glass of wine doesn't make them disappear, but it sure helps'. x

[2under2blog]

I think I'd get on with your mum pretty well! ;)

[pebbles77]

ha ha Choochy - I love your mums saying :) My dad used to say at 11am - "it's 6pm somewhere in the world so definitely time for a beer!!"

Thanks so much MmeLindor, I will go onto Flickr now

2under2 - like that you've included your name with your header - I quite like wordpress so i'll give it a go trying to work out how to do it but if i can't I'll definitely come back to you - thank you

2under2 - am going to copy your follow me link as I prefer them all together rather than separated like i've got.

Thank you again for all your feedback and see you at blogfest

xxx

[pebbles77]

Me again, so my daughter's asleep and I've been searching Flickr and have been making some changes. Think it brightens up my page quite a lot which is a good thing.

Am still researching having my name in the header but I can hear chatting so that will have to wait until this evening.

Hope you are all having nice days.

Pebbles x

[borninastorm]

I use this picture website for free photographs

stock.xchng

[borninastorm]

and i love your header picture pebbles, great blog too.

[rainbowbrite1980]

I really, really like it. Have followed :-)

[Thisisaeuphemism]

Hi Pebbles, I've just followed. (Grandadcametotea)

Nice, clean, easy to read with lovely, funny, choice of pics.

[Thisisaeuphemism]

And liked yours too, choochy, beautifully presented with a great opener - I like the cartoon people.

Is there a way I can follow without email (sorry I not sure of all the variants yet)?

[pebbles77]

Thank you so much everyone - I am also following you Thisiseuphemism

Rainbowbrite1980 - what's your blog add?

[Elfy]

Hi, I'm also new to this blogging malarky (I say new, I've been doing it for 6 months but haven't even told my friends about it!) I'm not sure why I feel so shy about it, ridiculous really as it's a blog not a private diary. Anyway...this is a big step for me. I'd be grateful for any constructive feedback. I'm also going to Blogfest and don't know anyone who's going...

//www.londonloafing.com

[Elfy]

Pebbles, I like the look of content of your blog. Nicely personal without oversharing or giving too much away. I'm pretty local to you, so recognise some of the places too.

[pebbles77]

elfy - love your blog, you write beautifully. i'm very jealous of your life - you really do make the most of living in wonderful London - I find I rarely leave my leafy suburb - Dulwich.

Really like your layout as well. When I was designing my blog I skipped that layout as I didn't think i would have enough to say to make it look used (if that makes sense) but it works really well for you.

One negative - i couldn't find a button for me to follow you so please add (or tell me where it is)

Thanks

[EllieAllAtSea]

I think it looks amazing. I'm a graphic designer and it looks very sharp and clean. Just lovely

[2under2blog]

Elfy - I know the feeling. Took me a while to tell my friends about my blog. But when I set up my FB page, the response was so wonderful. Everyone was really supportive - so go for it.

Really enjoyed checking out your blog :)

[choochy]

To thisisaeuphemism,

Thank you so much! I'm working through how to make my blog more accessible - hopefully come up with something very soon....!
Choochy at //www.stumblinginflats.com x