I've had a few people ask me how to make their own blog headers and different kind of things. So I thought instead of emailing individually I would do a post.
(A little disclaimer: this is the way I learned to do it and I know there has to be an easier way but well I don't know that easier way. If anyone does please comment!)
1. First of all you need a program where you can create your own image. I use Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0 but there are lots of photo editing and creating programs out there. (You can get a free trial of Adobe Photoshop if you go to their website.)
2. You want to open up a blank canvas in whatever program you use and set the size to 750 x 300 pixels. (If you see a blogspot that has a different size banner and you like it, right click on the banner and click on properties at the bottom of the drop down list, then it should give you the dimensions in pixels.)
3. Now create your banner and save it as a jpeg.
(This is where it get's tricky and I'm sure there has to be an easier way that I don't know about.)
4. You need to host your image somewhere on the web. I have a free account with flickr. I upload my banner into flickr (I tried doing it in Photobucket and for some reason it wouldn't work) and then click on the photo to see it in all sizes. This will open up the photo and the HTML link which is what you need to insert it into your blog.
(Have I lost you?)
5. Once you have your HTML link copied you want to sign in to your blogger account and click on settings then template then edit HTML. You want to click the box that says expand widget template.
6. Scroll through your code until you find something like this:
(It's about half way down.)
7. Replace the tags highlighted in blue with the code you prepared for your banner.
8. Click on “Preview”.
9. If everything looks OK, click on “Save Template”.
Like I said, I'm sure there is an easier way--I just don't know it. Keep an eye on the comments and maybe someone will tell us how. Also, you could try googling how to make your own blogspot headers. That's what I did when I wanted to learn it over a year ago and I'm sure there is a lot more information now.
As far as creating the actual banner--a lot of it I have learned through playing around with Adobe Elements. I did take two digi scrap classes online at Big Picture Scrapbooking which I highly recommend if you are a beginner at Adobe Photoshop and you want to learn how to use it.
The images I have either purchased from online digital stores (this , this , this, and this are just a few of my faves) or I also scan my scrapbook stuff, fabric, etc. and use what I already own. There are tons of magazines, blogs, classes all dedicated to teaching all about this kind of stuff.
If none of this made sense look through these links (they are the ones I learned from) and hopefully it will...
http://www.photoshopsupport.com/tutorials/jennifer/blog-templates.html
http://www.photoshopsupport.com/tutorials/jennifer/web-template.html
http://serendipitypatchwork.blogspot.com/2006/08/how-to-create-personal-blog-banner.html
Good luck! Feel free to comment or email me if you have any questions!
(A little disclaimer: this is the way I learned to do it and I know there has to be an easier way but well I don't know that easier way. If anyone does please comment!)
1. First of all you need a program where you can create your own image. I use Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0 but there are lots of photo editing and creating programs out there. (You can get a free trial of Adobe Photoshop if you go to their website.)
2. You want to open up a blank canvas in whatever program you use and set the size to 750 x 300 pixels. (If you see a blogspot that has a different size banner and you like it, right click on the banner and click on properties at the bottom of the drop down list, then it should give you the dimensions in pixels.)
3. Now create your banner and save it as a jpeg.
(This is where it get's tricky and I'm sure there has to be an easier way that I don't know about.)
4. You need to host your image somewhere on the web. I have a free account with flickr. I upload my banner into flickr (I tried doing it in Photobucket and for some reason it wouldn't work) and then click on the photo to see it in all sizes. This will open up the photo and the HTML link which is what you need to insert it into your blog.
(Have I lost you?)
5. Once you have your HTML link copied you want to sign in to your blogger account and click on settings then template then edit HTML. You want to click the box that says expand widget template.
6. Scroll through your code until you find something like this:
7. Replace the tags highlighted in blue with the code you prepared for your banner.
8. Click on “Preview”.
9. If everything looks OK, click on “Save Template”.
Like I said, I'm sure there is an easier way--I just don't know it. Keep an eye on the comments and maybe someone will tell us how. Also, you could try googling how to make your own blogspot headers. That's what I did when I wanted to learn it over a year ago and I'm sure there is a lot more information now.
As far as creating the actual banner--a lot of it I have learned through playing around with Adobe Elements. I did take two digi scrap classes online at Big Picture Scrapbooking which I highly recommend if you are a beginner at Adobe Photoshop and you want to learn how to use it.
The images I have either purchased from online digital stores (this , this , this, and this are just a few of my faves) or I also scan my scrapbook stuff, fabric, etc. and use what I already own. There are tons of magazines, blogs, classes all dedicated to teaching all about this kind of stuff.
If none of this made sense look through these links (they are the ones I learned from) and hopefully it will...
http://www.photoshopsupport.com/tutorials/jennifer/blog-templates.html
http://www.photoshopsupport.com/tutorials/jennifer/web-template.html
http://serendipitypatchwork.blogspot.com/2006/08/how-to-create-personal-blog-banner.html
Good luck! Feel free to comment or email me if you have any questions!
5 comments:
awwww I don't want to do it on my own, I want you to do it for me. Come on, I'm family and you are the one who talked me into a blog to start with.
oh my word. i don't have enough patience to do that OR to even read about the entire process. i scrolled down to see how long the directions were and stopped there! sorry i missed your call last night... temple recommend interview... i tried you today but you ignored me. hope you're well!
I have had a lot of people ask me the same thing. I decided to start a blog that answers questions like this.
This is only for blogger but it is WAY EASY.
http://mikestemplates.blogspot.com/2008/01/how-to-add-picture-to-blog-headerbanner.html
Sorry the link is...
http://mikestemplates.blogspot.com/
Hello. I found your blog while I was searching for some ideas on how to create a header for my blog. I am sooooo confused but your info has helped. If you have time could you let me know in Photoshop how you add a picture/scan to the background. My blog is lorimassicot.blogspot.com you can look at what I have if you want. It shouldn't be this hard but I am having so many problems with it. Any help I would really appreciate it! Lori -
Post a Comment