I finally did it, I finally made my own blog design for the first time in many years! The design is called Sweetly Curious and was inspired by the illustration that I made for myself (also featured in the footer of the design). 💖
The Design
The design itself really plays with three main colours; white, blue and pink. I have also added a few hints of sprinkles.
The top or header of the design has a menu with a few light sprinkles. I had a lot of trouble with drop down and responsive menus, but I think I got it…
The footer of the design has a kind of ‘sidebar’ section where I have a bit of a bio, links to categories I use often, social media links and an enlarged svg version of my avatar. I thought this was a lot of fun to include on the bottom, because it is reminiscent of a giraffe layout that I did a long time ago, and kind of makes me think that everything is coming out of the mind of the image (maybe haha).
I also created some more styles for my 30 Before 30 page and of course the comments. I thought it would be interesting to have the styling on the 30 Before 30 to be like a notepad with a handwritten font/typeface. I also styled the del’s or strikethroughs to look like highlighter with a yellow background.
When I used to create WordPress themes styling the comments was an interesting and fun part of the process. I tried to make the styling a bit interesting, but also part of the overall flow.
I also created a custom error page, that is very simple, but I thought it was a bit of fun to break away from the structure of the main site.
I used fonts from Google (Imprima, Itim & Nothing You Could Do) that had a slight rounded appearance. I think they are a lot of fun and fit in well. There are also a lot of border-radius bits and pieces because I like those too. 😅
Probably one of the biggest changes is that I am not using a sidebar. I have used one for a long time… but thought it might be good for a chance to just have content. 🐢
The Coding
I had not made a complete theme of my own for quite a while. Thankfully not a huge amount has changed, so I was able to become familiar with it. I tried to make the coding as universal as I could, so it would work or be visible in many different devices. It may not be perfect, but hopefully something I can continue to improve. It took me a few weeks from having the idea and working out how to code it. First I thought maybe I could use something like Foundation and not have to create as many styling options, but I decided I wanted to make it from scratch. I had trouble working out if I should try using grids, flex box etc, but I decided to just stick with % divs and float them (while also changing styling options for smaller screens). It’s also worth noting that most of the elements are hard coded at the moment. The menu, sidebar, etc.
The Updates
I have updated most pages and changed some styling options. 💖
Questions
- When was the last time you created a website design?
- Who created your current theme on your blog?
- Do you use free or paid themes?
40 Responses
I love it! This is such a nice new layout 😀 So clean and cute! Great job, Kya! <3
My layout was made by Raisa XD The last time I designed anything was like . . . probably 5 years ago XD
Thank you! ou3uo :wub:
The new theme looks good but the font is way too big on my end but the overall look still looks good though.
I never made themes before since i dunno how to code. I’ve only used templates that’s already been coded and just customize it to my own liking.
I use both free and paid ones.
How are you? Hope you’re well
I think you are right about the font size. Might have to tweak that down a bit. Thanks. 🙂
I definitely love the new layout. I Think the concept of having your avatar at the bottom with each entry being her/your thoughts, is just great!
I wish I could draw a little chibi form of myself. I tried for a bit, but then sort of just stopped. I’m not that great at it. But I might pick it up again for fun.
My layout was designed and made by my older sister Mija, thank goodness because I have no idea how to design/code. I dabbled but nothing as magical as this.
Really, too cute!!!
Thank you. I think you should certainly keep trying. 😀 I am sure that you could create a really adorable sketch/chibi. That is really cool that your sister was able to design your site for you. 😀
I really love your layout, big or not it’s really good. <3 I've always been impressed by how other people do themes. It's something that I can do, but that I also have a bit of trouble with. I'm inspired to try it again, thanks to you. 🙂 I am very impressed by how you've worked your site.
I decided to also answer the questions you posted at the end. 🙂
1.When was the last time you created a website design? I had actually created one for my current site, but the coding became too complex. For my hosting site I used a base theme called Weaver. I'm anxious to give it another go, as I really do enjoy web design. I would love to make one from scratch.
2.Who created your current theme on your blog? It's a wordpress theme called Sugar & Spice by Webtuts.
3.Do you use free or paid themes? I can't afford to pay for one so I use free when I can.
Thanks a lot. 😀 It would be great if you could try again and see if you can make a theme. It can take time and patience to try and get everything to work, but I am sure you can. ;D
I love your new theme!! The fonts, colors, and graphics are all perfect! 😀 It’s also very you. I was like, “yep, this is a Kya theme.” XD
I made my own blog theme a little over a year ago! I haven’t created anything for myself recently, but I make websites for a living, so I try to do other things on my off time. I stick to free themes otherwise when I feel like a quick change. I did that for my Tumblr and LJ.
Thank you! 😀 I love your theme designs, they are so good.
I always love your themes, Kya! They’re cute and clean! I am loving the sprinkles in the nav bar. It really puts out how creative and sweet you are ;). Your styling for the 30 before 30 page is creative! I like the real notebook feel to it.
I haven’t done a major layout change to my blog in a couple of years. I like to make my own theme after some good research on modern trends XD.
Thank you! 😀 Research is a good idea, you can discover a lot of ideas that help with inspiration. 🙂
When was the last time you created a website design?
It’s been a while… I just lost all motivation. 🙁
Who created your current theme on your blog?
I have no idea. It is a template from wordpress.com as that is where my site is hosted now.
Do you use free or paid themes?
free.
Long time no talk! I’ve been really out of touch with my sites and everything. Decided to move my blog to wordpress and give up on them for that reason. Maybe someone else will take over hostwish for good but for now, it is gone.
On a not so sad note, I changed my degree from education to IT because I realized I can’t do being a teacher… I just can’t. LOL
What has been going on with you lately? I see you have completed a lot on your 30 before 30 checklist! That is awesome!
That sounds good you decided to change degrees. 🙂
The new theme looks awesome, Kya! It feels very you 🙂 I really like the sprinkles background and the color scheme. Just a heads up that the font is really big on mobile though!
I make all of my blog themes, but it’s been over a year since I changed it. I want to change it yearly, but I lack ideas!
Thanks for the tip. I checked it myself and could see that it was a bit too big, so I will have to fix that.
It would good to be able to make a new theme each year, but you’re right. Trying to find new ideas can be difficult.
Aw, great job Kya! I love the fun look with the border-radius and the round-like fonts. I also remember that giraffe layout! I love that you did the footer that way.
Love the colours as well. ?
When was the last time you created a website design?
Today I finished one for my friend Liz. 😉
Who created your current theme on your blog?
Me!! LOL
Do you use free or paid themes?
No ?
You win 10000 points. 😀
I LOVE this theme Kya, I can see you put a lot of time and effort into making it. It literally screams “I AM A KYA THEME!” haha, as everyone has pointed out! It’s adorable 🙂 I especially love the footer!
Thank you! :hug:
Ohh Kya, I am really proud of you! 😀 Your design looks really lovely, so you, in so many ways! It also makes me want to eat donuts, hahaha.
I really like the idea of the 30 before 30. I have been keen on creating myself a page like that. I just am afraid I make too many unrealistic goals, which would make me disappointed.
All the details fits really well here! I can’t think of not using a sidebar, but it does make sense!
And about the coding, the most important part is that you yourself learned and grew from this. It may not be the best solution according to internet standards, but, it is your thing, and you made it work, and just because of that you should be proud!
– When was the last time you created a website design?
The last one I finished was the one in my blog, which has been a few months already. But I am currently working on another, if that counts! 😛
Who created your current theme on your blog?
Me!
Do you use free or paid themes?
If I am to use themes, I go with free. But I try to always do myself the designs.
Thank you! It can be difficult making a list of things to do before a certain time, and I can certainly feel that now, when the time is ticking away and a number of them I probably won’t have completed. But it has been good as a motivator to do many things I have completed and wanted to do.
That sounds cool you are working on a theme. 😀
Hi Kya! The fonts are a bit too big for what I’d like on my site but it’s a really well made theme! Nice color theme and I like how you’ve styled the comments. Many of the free themes you see on WordPress may look fantastic but the comments section is often almost totally unstyled!
I always think it rocks to make your own website layout, well done and be proud of yourself!
I fiddle with designs all the time but lately just do customisations, maybe in the future again I’ll try again to make a theme from scratch (or better said, work on the one I did ages ago to make it more fancy). Now I use Genesis with a child theme, I really think Genesis sucks to use but there are so many nice child themes and I wanted something nice and clean and that’s what I found and it happened to be with Genesis. Also, it’s good to have some clue of how to use Genesis.
I use mostly paid themes because the free ones always suck in one way or another.
Thank you! The suggestion of the resizing of the font, is one I am going fix. 🙂 I know what you mean about many things not styling the comments. I have discovered that in the past. I had a few themes I thought looked beautiful, but then in the smaller details things were missing.
Being able to make customisations is a good way to start, or build up the confidence to make your own. 😀
I love this design!! You’re such a talent.
I have such a problem with the design of my blog, I use free themes and nothing is ever quite right and I get bored so easily.
Thank you! :love:
It can be really hard to find a theme that fits. Georgie @ http://hey.georgie.nu/ is a really great designer who creates custom themes. 😀
Your new theme looks so great! I’m viewing from my phone, so I don’t see the full thing, but so far everything looks good ?
I actually changed my theme today! Georgie has been working on a new one for me and finished it, and everything is looking up! It’s beautiful and lovely and ah! I pay for my themes. I stopped using free themes because I like having unique themes and want the personalization. I start to get annoyed when everyone and their mother start to do the same things I’m doing. ? I actually have a sidebar now though. ?
Thank you. I adore your new theme. 😀
Kya, this theme is gorgeous. I love the idea of the footer. I think you worked really hard on the theme, but it was worth it. You did an incredible job <3
Also you mixed the colors so good. I don't think I can mix pink and blue that well.
I just want to stare at your website all day long <3
Awww, thank you! :love:
Cristina made my new theme, but honestly, your new theme is a bit too cute for my tastes, but I’m glad that you made a new theme <3
Your new theme looks good. 🙂
AMAZING THEME, KYA! <3 You've always had great themes in the past.
Last time I made a theme was early this year! I've gotten pretty rusty, though.
Thank you! 😀 Your designs are so good, I love them. :love:
I only saw this post now but wow. Great job with the layout! 🙂 It looks amazing as always.
I remember a couple of years back when you ran Bubble.nu. You had the coolest layouts; I’ve been a fan of your work since then <3
i love the new layout! it’s so cute. the colors compliment each other well too. i’m too lazy to code a layout now so yea. i like the fact that your blog layout is responsive – i feel like every blog layout now should be responsive because not everyone will view the page on large desktop. coding the responsive part is also the reason why i’m so lazy to do it but as a designer, i have learned the importance of a responsive layout design. it’s a necessity in my opinion.
i love the dramatic font sizing, it makes this layout even more playful 😀
if i may suggest though, the post title could use more line-height so the the texts don’t seem like they’re competing against each other. i think it will look neater because the font sizing is quite huge. just an input, my apologies if it offends you in any way.
your custom error page has such a friendly and cute message, i love it. to some, it may be just an error page but you took an effort to modify it which is really nice of you. i’m also happy to know that you’re doing something outside the box by not having a sidebar and go with a full width layout instead. i’ve been loving full width layouts lately. i think it makes readers more focused towards the blog post instead of getting distracted by sidebar widgets and whatnot.
overall, i think you’re quite the layout coding savvy 😉
your sites have always had nice layouts after all 😀
1. couldn’t remember when was the last time i designed and coded my own layout. i grew tired of the coding part even though i really want to design my own layout. i prefer designing it as opposed to coding it, y’know? i’m that lazy.
2. my current layout was purchased from station seven. it’s the first layout that i’ve ever purchased because i had some credits in my paypal so i thought hey why not, lol.
3. i currently use paid theme but i’m on a mission to hunt down various minimalist free wordpress themes that fit my liking.
What a lovely website. The theme is so pretty and clean, and the footer is my favorite. Creating a Theme from scratch is something I can’t do. I use free themes all the time and do some CSS tweaks, but that’s pretty much. I don’t have the patience to do all coding. I could tell you spent and love on this theme, and it pays off. You might have felt really good when you finished this project. And that ERROR page is sweet. UuU
I am currently using Theme Button (WordPress) from Automattic.
I love the new theme, especially the fonts, it’s so “comfy”-looking – and the old one’s top menu was buggy on my iPad, so I like this even more. 😛
1. The day before yesterday, when I made a site layout for my graphics site.
2. Me, inspired by a beautiful Tumblr theme I saw a while ago. :love:
3. Free themes; I wish I could buy themes, but sadly I cannot afford them. ~n~
Your new theme is super cute! Love it. 🙂