If you’ve been blogging for a while, as I have, your blog has probably gone through a lot of changes. Mine certainly has. And while I have some screenshots of Mockingbird Hill Cottage’s past incarnations, I don’t have all of them. So when I saw this link on another blog the other day, I had to investigate. It’s an internet archive called the Wayback Machine and if you enter your URL, you just might find some earlier screenshots of your blog. I found two (from the days this blog still had ‘blogspot’ in its URL:
Check out my blue glasses. Those glasses were very popular here in blogland. I had a lot of comments on them. My blogging pal Elizabeth still thinks of me as Claudia-with-the-blue-glasses. Eventually I bought another pair of glasses (not in blue) and I had to quietly phase this photo out. Confession: I have another pair of the same blue glasses now. They’re readers and are a bit too strong for my eyes at this moment. But for all of you who loved them, rest assured, I sometimes wear them – usually for crocheting.
But on to the design itself. The background was from the Background Fairy and I really liked it. The banner was based on a photo I had taken of peonies. I asked a designer friend to come up with the font in the blog title. And yes, that is the Papyrus font you see in the body of the blog. Despite all the negative stuff I have read about this font, I really liked it. Still do. And those capital letters in the post title? I resorted to them when I couldn’t figure out how to make the post title larger. Now that I know more about html, I’m pretty sure that wouldn’t be a problem. Those capital letters are now the bane of my existence. I am currently in the process of going back to each of the posts that have caps (over a year and half’s worth) and changing them to the normal combination of lowercase and uppercase, because in this new blog look, the all-caps-look is HUGE.
I’ve often referred to the period of time when the look of this blog was courtesy of a designer. Here it is:
Since I loved that earlier look of blue borders and faded writing I asked the designer to come up with something in that vein. I sent her 3 photos that I liked and she designed the header. I was still using Papyrus, but that eventually changed when I started using Century Gothic. During this particular incarnation of the blog, I began playing around with html. I changed font sizes, I increased the posting area, making the blue border more narrow. I eventually got rid of the ecru spidery writing background of the posting area because it was just too hard to read the posts. I added some red highlights, eventually finding my look: the combination of aqua and red. But I started feeling like a bit of an imposter because this look I wanted the designer to create no longer seemed like ‘me.’ It was too frilly. And I’m not frilly at all. I tweaked the banner because it took up too much real estate. I changed the font. When my efforts to contact the designer for some updates failed, I took control of the blog and changed everything. New banner, new borders, new everything.
After using the usual photo collage as my banner, I eventually ended up with this (taken with my iPhone):
This was the look of the blog until I moved to WordPress. Now, with the possibilities of the WordPress platform, I have been able to create a look I really truly love. Clean. Colorful. Less extraneous ‘stuff.’ All of which helps to highlight the content and the photos, which is really what a blog is about. Every previous incarnation of this blog helped me to find my true voice. Everything extraneous has been sorted, purged and distilled down to this new look.
Have you checked in on your blog lately? Is it serving you well? Does the look of it fit who you really are? Does it enhance what you are writing about? Our blogs reflect us. It’s a good idea to step back and look at your blog with fresh eyes. And since we all love to decorate and fluff, why not do it to your blog as well?
Just some thoughts for today.
Great post this morning Claudia. It comforting to see how the experienced bloggers went through changes to find their signature look. I’m still working on that. Again. I had a background I loved and then the hosting site went down and took my background with it! Now I’m struggling along to put it back together again. Finally found a background and layout I like but I still have to work on a new header. I guess a blog is like anything else when it comes to renovation – it takes time.
Have a good weekend.
Cassandra from Renaissance Women
I like how you have evolved Claudia, each time like you say this is more of a representation of you. The colors are lovely, and of course I am partial to the turquoise…
I like the clean look, and have been playing around with some new header ideas for Fall, just not quite ready to put them up yet.
I am going to try that link you suggested.
Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams
Oh my gosh, that link is fun, I would suggest everyone try it to see themselves “way back”. Did my blog really look like that? LOL.
Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams
I’ve always loved the look of your blog. Pretty and fresh.
Another great post! Just this week I decided it was time for an overhaul, so this is helpful. Quite a while back I accidentally deleted my option for a larger title, so I’ve been stuck with mini titles for quite some time. I may gingerly take a peek into the HTML spot (after some research) to see if I can fix it in there. I loved your turquoise pottery and spidery background header, but the red an aqua one has always been one of my favourites. Our kitchen in our last house was red and aqua. Funky AND cheery. Just like you in those blue glasses. :)
I know my blog has changed so much. I would use different photos for my header all the time and didn’t have any idea what I was doing. I’ve never used a blog designer and yet I feel like my blog does reflect me. I’m still contemplating a move to word press in the future. It’s fun to see how your blog has changed and evolved. Hugs, Linda
Claudia, I always have the look of your blog – and I love it to this very day. It reflects someone I think of as a friend with a warm and inviting heart to welcome all visitors.♥
Claudia – Well, I don’t have to go back to see the evolution of my blog – YET. Interesting post, I really like the new, clean look of yours but I do miss the McCoy!!
Have a great day.
Judy
Yes, I recall those looks. And the font. And our conversations over said font. You’ve evolved…
Brenda
I woke up this morning wondering what new banner to make to transition into Fall. This is so interesting! I’ll go check out the link, too! thanks!
It is fun to look at how our blogs have evolved. I like the clean look of mine now, but who knows when that will change :)
I know you are thrilled that Mabel works so well. Think it is a good old name for your machine :)
My blog could use some improvement but frankly, I am afraid to touch it for it might just disappear completely! Congratulations on Mabel! and what is a DSLR?
Karen Valentine did my blog several months ago..And NO!!! I’m not going to touch it..Like you, I’m afraid I’ll delete it..
I feel kind of special. I was around for all of those banners. Who knew I’ve been hassling you for that long? I truly like them all, but I think because this one is “you”, I like it best. The best thing about your blog to me? The title, honoring your home. It’s what first caught my eye as I found it to be so charming. So I stayed on for the rest! (Not to say you haven’t continued to be charming…) Ann
I enjoyed reading about your process as your blog has evolved. I really like this banner, and the turquoise and red. Very clean and crisp. But, I have to say, looking back at your earlier editions, they were also very nice!
I’m afraid I’m one who tends to get stuck in ruts. I’m not much for change, which isn’t always in my best interest. I’ve made a few changes to my blog through the years, but probably not as many as I should. Mercy me.
Your blog is lovely.
Great post Claudia – it´s always so scaring to touch anything. I´ve been tweeking mine too, but am always afraid something will go wrong. I too wanted to take control over mine and be able to do everything myself.
Looking forward to your blogging coaching manual ;-)
It’s fun to look back and see how things were, Claudia. I only came to your blog for the first time when you still had the one just before coming to WordPress. I find I’m a bit skittish about fiddling with anything, for fear of not being able to get it back if I don’t like the changes!