Psssst...

Always soooo much going on around here, but while I finish up some new headers and get ready to introduce you to our newest Featured {Shabby} Blogger...head over to ShabbyBlogs.com and grab a new button or blinkie. Heck, grab two. They're free! :)

Disappearing Nav Bar Tutorial

This is one of my favorite Blogger tricks! You know that colored strip at the top of your blog that is really handy, but not very cute? It's called a nav (or navigation) bar. There are lots of tutorials out there that can show you how to delete it, but there are a couple problems with getting rid of it altogether. Numero uno, you can no longer access the handy links contained in your nav bar. Also, it most likely violates Blogger's terms of use. So...how can you make your blog design look better and more custom without losing the features of your nav bar or doing something illegal? Read on, friends!

I'm going to show you how to create your own magical disappearing nav bar. It will only be visible when you scroll over it with your cursor, as you can see demonstrated on this blog. Now you see it, now you don't. :) Cool, right?

• First, log into your Blogger account and go to your Layout/Page Elements page.


• Now click on the tab that says "Add a Gadget"


• A pop-up box will appear and you will click on the "HTML/JavaScript" button

{Click on images for enlarged view}

• Now, copy and paste the code below in the blank text box and click "Save"
  
  
<!-- DROPDOWN NAVBAR -->
<!-- stylesheet for FF2, Op9, IE7 (strict mode) -->
<style type="text/css">
#navbar {
display:inline;
width:100%;
position:absolute;
background-color:transparent;
top:-30px;
left:0px;
height:60px;
z-index:999999;
}
#navbar:hover{
top:0px;
height:30px;
}
</style>
<!-- stylesheet for IE6 and lower -->
<!-- (not supporting element:hover) -->
<!-- first, unhide the navbar through css -->
<!-- second, hide the navbar and mimic -->
<!-- the effect with javascript, if available -->
<!--[if lt IE 7]>
<style type="text/css">
#navbar {
height:30px;
top:0px;
}
</style>
<script type="text/javascript">
var navbar = document.getElementById('navbar');
if(navbar){
navbar.onmouseover = function(){
navbar.style.top = '0px';
navbar.style.height = '30px';
}
navbar.onmouseout = function(){
navbar.style.top = '-30px';
navbar.style.height = '60px';
}
if (navbar.captureEvents){
navbar.captureEvents(Event.MOUSEOVER);
navbar.captureEvents(Event.MOUSEOUT);
}
navbar.onmouseout();
}
</script>
<![endif]-->
<!-- end dropdown navbar -->

  
  

That's it! Easy peasy! Now you have your very own super fancy peek-a-boo nav bar. :)

Just FYI for those of you who don't know... You can change the color of your navigation bar from your Layout/Page Elements page. Just click the "Edit" button, select your color, and then click "Save" as demonstrated below.

Halloween Header Freebie

Lots is going on at ShabbyBlogs.com! More buttons and blinkies are on the way as well as headers to match your favorite shabby backgrounds. I have had so much fun cooking up new goodies for you! While I get ready to post them, please enjoy this spooktacular freebie- a Halloween header for you to customize any way you'd like! I can't wait to see your bootiful creations! :)

Halloween Header Freebie:
Download

They're here!

Happy FALL y'all!
This is my faaaavorite time of year! Grab some hot chocolate and hop over to ShabbyBlogs.com for over 20 brand new background designs! Leave a comment and let me know which ones are your favorites so I know which ones to create headers for. :) New buttons and blinkies will be released soon as well! Soooo much is in the works, but you'll have to wait and see. ;) As always, thank you thank you thank you for your support and enjoy all of the new goodies!!!

Shabby Chalkboard Freebie

Okay, am I the only one or are there others out there totally addicted to chalkboard paint? I'd paint a square of it on my own forehead if it wasn't most likely toxic. I recently bought the most gaudy frame known to man at a thrift store and, with a can of pink spray paint and a brush loaded with chalkboard paint, turned it into a spiffy chalkboard for my daughter's room. (I know, right? Check me out!) Don't worry though. I didn't leave you out. I cooked up a little shabby chalkboard goody for YOU to use on your blog. It's sized for the average sidebar and ready to be customized any way you'd like. And, just because I love you thaaaat much, I made it in six different colors. :) Just a little thank-you for following my blog, leaving such super sweet comments, and just generally being the coolest people on earth. Enjoy!

Shabby Chalkboard Freebie:

Download

*I'll be releasing new buttons and blinkies next week along with some fabulous fall designs. Looove this time of year! :)

Sidebar Titles Freebie

I finished a new set of sidebar title tags and couldn't wait to share them with you. Introducing: The Rachel Collection! I threw in every title I could think of (they aren't all shown in the preview)...and an extra blank one for good measure. :) They are deliciously flowery and shabby and just fun. I'll add them to ShabbyBlogs.com eventually, but for now they are just for YOU, dear followers. Go. Download. Enjoy!

The Rachel Collection:

Download

Featured {Shabby} Blogger

It's been a little while since I featured one of you amaaaazing bloggers. That's because it is just so hard to limit myself to ONE! You are all so incredible and I have loved peeking in on your blogs and getting little glimpses of your lives. Most recently, I followed a comment back to a blog and instantly knew it was the one I wanted to feature. So...without further ado...

Meet Becky!
Blog: Farm Girl Paints

Becky is a total sweetheart. Though I've never met her in person, I would bet you money she's the kind of girl who would leave flowers on your front porch "just because" or rush over some chicken noodle soup if you weren't feeling well. She's someone oozing with talent, but most likely utterly unaware of how brilliant she is. Her home decorating and projects are totally inspiring. Her art is whimsical and happy...the kinds of things that make you smile each time you see them. I soooo hope she opens an Etsy shop so I can snag something like this or one of these. After reading Becky's blog, I feel convinced that she is someone I would totally want to be friends with. I bet you would too. :)Here is my interview with our Featured {Shabby} Blogger herself:

ME: When and why did you begin blogging?

BECKY: I started my blog in December of 2008. I struggle with depression in the winter and living in Minnesota it's really a challenge. I needed a distraction, a way of coping and blogging has more than provided that for me. I also wanted to eventually start an Etsy store and I thought blogging would be a natural progression into that.

ME: What is your favorite thing about your blog?

BECKY: My blog makes me happy. I finally have it figured out...sort of:) It's cute (thanks to you) and my font for my header and titles look the way I want. But more important than looks, it is a great representation of me, which is what your blog should be. It's my voice. My way of sharing my life, my loves, my faith! What a privilege to be able to share that and for people to want to read along. It's amazing.

ME: What 3 things most inspire you?

BECKY: Daily life inspires me. I can be giving my dog a bath and blog post will come to mind. I get a lot of ideas while I'm running on the treadmill. Other bloggers definitely inspire me. There are so many amazingly talented people out there. It really is fascinating to see what others have to contribute.

ME: Besides blogging, what interests/hobbies do you have?

BECKY: I love to beautify things. There is nothing like repainting a piece of furniture or even the walls of a room. That's fun. I love to read and watch movies. Antiquing with a friend or going to dinner with my family are high on my list. I love traveling...not the actual travel part, but being in a new place.

ME: Do you have any advice or tips for new bloggers?

BECKY: Be true to who you are. If you're not yourself you won't stick with it. It's a lot of work growing a blog and it has be something you're passionate about. Leave lots of comments and visit your "followers" often. I have developed such wonderful friendships though blogging, and really that's the goal. Oh and make your blog attractive. It's not hard. Pay attention to your favorite blogs and make a list of what you like. Ask them for advice if you need it. Get a great background and a pretty picture for a header. It doesn't have to be hard. It makes a huge difference. Lastly, be patient. I blogged for several months before I had even one comment. If you keep at it, they will find you and when they do... it is such a gift!!

See? Total sweetheart. Jump over to Farm Girl Paints and give Becky some shabby love! :)

Headers are here!

Your blog header is often the first thing people see when they visit your blog...so make it a fabulous one! Check out the new headers at ShabbyBlogs.com! This time I have included several designs with photo and text-only versions to give you even more options. I can't wait to see how you rock the blogosphere with your new shabby goodies! Blog on, you awesome people, you! :)

*To add your own custom text, simply open the saved header in a program such as PhotoShop or Picasa. To add photos, you'll need a program that supports layers. I'm working on several tutorials for you, but in the meantime, you can check out this digital scrapbooking site for some basic layering info.

Good news!

What a crazy busy summer this has been! It took me a while, but I am so excited to be releasing 23 brand new backgrounds for both standard and wide Blogger layouts. Many of you suggested I add some more "boyish" designs and I did my best. That sooo does not come naturally for me! :) I even created a few designs using my own photographs. Yep. I have been busy! I'm going to stay busy too- because coming up next is a new featured blogger along with a whole batch of new headers, buttons, blinkies, and tag sets. I'll also be working on our FAQ page for all of you poor souls who have emailed me with questions. I am so sorry I haven't been able to get to each of you! The amount of email I get every day is both sweet and alarming. :) Shabby bloggers are the best! Thank you so much for using my designs, posting about me on your blogs, telling your friends about me, and following me. I have truly been blown away by your support and kindness. Thank you and ENJOY the new goodies!

Make Your Own Button Freebie

I'll be releasing oodles of new designs in the next week or two, but in the meantime, here's a cute little button I made just for you! It's sized to fit in your sidebar and ready to be customized any way you want. Use it for your favorite quote, family name, or any other text you'd like to shabbify. You can make as many different buttons with this freebie as there are finds at a flea market! I only ask that you do not redistribute it por favor.

Make Your Own Button Freebie:
Download

*Not sure how to add your own text? Try Blogger's BFF, Picasa. :)