Backgrounds, Headers and Photos. Oh my! Part Deux.
That’s what my background photo actually looks like, it’s a spliced photo. I started to just do a repeated image in the middle and tried several things before I opted for this photo. Hopefully, you have a monitor that sees it like its intended. Of course, when its uploaded, it repeats and you might be seeing the repetition of the photo if you have a large monitor.
I had worked with my background photo to get the right pixel size and have the old fiddle on the left with some of the ornaments on the right. I figured out that larger pixels put the background up closer, eliminating much of what I wanted to be seen. I tried 1500, 1800 and 2000 pixels. I settled on 1500 pixels. The limits of pixels in photos is determined by specifications within a Theme. I cropped, copied and pasted the two photo pieces onto a third photo. I may have enlarged the tree photo too. I’ve already forgotten. I worked on a lot of variations, believe me.
I tried using this photo for the background at one point:
But, I didn’t care for it.
I have an unpublished blog on which I test my background images, widgets, etc. For some reason I have yet to figure out, the width of the layout on the test blog is narrower than this blog – so I’ve decided to gauge the width and appearance of my background by using text in my browser.
See what I mean?
Apparently, I’ve done something to the one blog that I have not done to the other. They are both WordPress Twenty Eleven Themes. As long as I can figure it out, I’m okay.
For working with header and background images, I keep some notes near by that provide the specifications for my theme. I also have my Theme info bookmarked (in a favorites folder). That is then stored in a bookmark (favorites) folder for my blog. I keep only the things I use frequently for my log in that folder. I also have a Blog Helps folder/favorite/bookmark and one for Blog Research. To force them to the top of my alphabetical list of bookmarks/favorites (or in Explorer), I use a numerical beginning, such as 001-Blog. This information being readily available helps me when I’m working on blog stuff.
I love looking at all the lovely choices people make with their header and background photos. Even if I don’t care for a design I can still admire the creativity involved. Another reason I went back to my embroidery swatches in the middle of November (from the fall themed photos) was that I was seeing so much fall on blogs, almost too much sometimes. I read somewhere on someone’s blog that they post opposite seasonal flowers or paintings. I wish I could remember who wrote that. Anyway, it kept her looking forward and it provided a bit of difference for readers and buyers too, if I recall that correctly. I contemplate that now and then.
I was just creating a tag for this post, “spliced photo”. Actually it’s probably closer to a mosaic or collage. But, I thought of spliced first. I remember the days of mom’s and dad’s movie projector and film that was spliced when it broke … or our old reel to reel tape recorders and those spliced tapes. Been there, done that. Fond memories.
3 Responses to “Backgrounds, Headers and Photos. Oh my! Part Deux.”
Popping in for a quick hello. The background is lovely. Only noticed the repeat at the very bottom of the page, after the white area. Would never have paid attention, otherwise. I do have a wide screen, so then I looked again and saw a wee bit of the left side of the violin on the far right side. Again, would never have paid attention. I’m only sharing what I see to let you know how it looks to me. I think it’s beautiful! And I’m impressed by your work.
Next year at the end of the school year I’m going to retire from teaching. Been doing that since 1973 when I graduated from college. Not quite 40 years, as I took some time off when we were first married. Teaching is so different now and the kids and many parents have no respect for education. It is disturbing to me and many more of my generation. I hope to listen for guidance in this next part of my life. God hasn’t revealed this to me yet, but He did guide my decision to retire and gave me His approval!! Have a wonderful December, my friend. ♥♫
Marilyn – I’ve been by your blog and left a comment.
Hugs.
Ah, yes, splicing…I remember my father using that word back in the day. That’s interesting how both blogs are the same theme, yet they affect the header differently…hmmm…that would throw me. But I know that you will figure it all out. I agree, that it’s difficult to decide the best header that will echo your blog, you, and also have appeal to those coming to visit. I liked my first header. It was a detail of an oil painting I did, but the one I have now seems cheerier to me…and that’s what I’m needing in my life. A cheery outlook.
Your Christmas background works…giving just a hint a that wonderful, festive, and holy season we’re in.
Always enjoy reading your posts, Jenn. Enjoy the day, and may blessings abound for figuring ‘it’ all out.
Marianne xo