Exhales, happy. Now this is more like it. A girl could make herself at home in a place like this. So what do you think of the new digs?*
Huge and enthusiastic thanks go out to Jules at Everyday Design:
I can't tell her enough how much I like how this turned out. I think it fairly well "screams" Velveteen Mind, so a job well done. Folks, I highly recommend Jules for any blog banner work you may need. From the point that I emailed her my file of image ideas last night to the point all was completed and posted, it was less than 24 hours. Unreal. Reassuringly professional, highly flexible, and satisfyingly easy to work with-- she's fabulous. Thank you, Jules.
Mad props go out to my thinking girls that helped get my own sad creative juices flowing and are my winners of the giveaway:
- Annie at Blooming Marvelous
- Sara at Suburban Oblivion
- Lisa
Yes, I know, I always link to Annie and Sara, but they really were key here. (cont'd)
Annie was the first to suggest sending Jules images of journals that I would have normally bought for my personal paper journals, as well as talked me through how much designers don't take kindly to "vague." Sara took time away from her own posting duties and sent me a bunch of images of old books and journals from one heck of a cool stock photo site, which although I didn't use, did lead me to finding the image you see in that brand-spanking-new banner up there.
Lisa, our final "winner," left a comment suggesting a stack of old children's books or vintage books. Although the banner was already done, but not yet posted, Lisa still gets credit for the "win" because it just made me all the more sure that this was the right way to go.
Thanks to everyone who left a comment, emailed or IM'd me, or left me private or public messages on message boards. I'll be contacting you soon for your mailing addresses and get your goodies on their way!
Still in the queue is IzzyMom at Designs by Izzy. I don't know what we are going to bang out for an alternate banner, but I'll be sure to hit ya'll up for suggestions if need be. This is an awful lot like shopping for summer dresses for me: I never want to do it, but once I get started and find a good one that's flattering, I want to absolutely fill my closet with options. Love it.
Thanks again, ya'll!
*if the new design isn't showing up in your browser, let me know. We're working on it.