Cha-cha-cha-CHANGES

As you may have noticed, the blog received a makeover just in time for the start of summer. Actually, I got bored with the old design and wanted to test out my Paint.NET [think Photoshop for free] skills.

Trial and error style:

After creating a few different headers, I achieved what I think is a pretty, yet clean look. The minimized depth and fun berry mosaic don't dominate the page as the original header did.

The finished product:

 

I also eliminated the background image to reduce the busy feel of the blog's first design. I think the flag and plain background are enough to carry the page, yet don't detract from the elements in the posts. I still haven't decided on the background color, though. Suggestions are welcome.

 Another addition is my newspaper page design and headline portfolio. With the sad demise of NewsPageDesigner, my clips were tucked away on the computer without a public home to call their own. It's nice to be able to share my past work now that I'm not longer a print journalist. Click the pages below or the link on the right hand side of the blog to check it out.

I'd also like to welcome fellow bloggers and rad friends Brandon Jones, Sarah Reijonen and  Andrew Marden as the newest members of my "Homies" section. Brandon writes on all that is the NBA, Sarah gives us a glimpse into her life as a South Dakota resident and Andrew will update you on everything Central California-related and its connection to the sports world.

I promised to change up the blog and I'd love your feedback on the revamp. I hope you enjoy reflecting on the creative process with me.

And in keeping with the theme of this post, a little David Bowie to take us home.

Labor of love

Without further ado, I present the revamped coffee table. 
 

This project was the hardest yet. I have a feeling the dining set makeover planned for the coming months will trump this. But until then ...

She turned out better than I anticipated considering the many battle wounds acquired during the past seven years, which included splitting in half from a night of table dancing on St. Patrick's Day in Bruce's apartment, numerous stains from spilled beverages and food and pen scribbles.

The first and most difficult step in her makeover consisted of alternating layers of wood filler to cover up the cracks and screws from where Bruce put her back together and sanding to smooth out the surface. 

Next came two coats of primer. I used Kilz, which was really good, but super smelly.

Finally came the paint. I went with Behr Premium Plus Ultra semi-gloss in "Ultra Pure White." We used the same paint in the transformation of the fiance's garage sale bookcase he used in college.

The plan was to top the table with some kind of wallpaper, wrapping paper, fabric or stenciling, but that's on hold for now. I still need to get a knob for the drawer, which likely will happen this weekend. I've heard Hobby Lobby is the place to get cheap, cute knobs. Maybe this one?

 

Closer looks at the crack.

My lame attempt at styling. This will definitely change. I'd like to get a tray and fill it with fun things. 

Inspiration.

[Source]

That candy pink chevron pillow NEEDS to live on my couch. The pops of red and blue contrast so well with the white.