Time to Announce our Winners!!

This was so much fun, but it was way hard!  You all did such a great job.  I am so glad that I had 5 other judges to help me, I just couldn't have picked on my own.  So, first, THANK YOU judges!  Second, this was a close pick, there was only 1 point difference between the first and second place!

There were a 125 points possible between all 6 judges.

Our First Place Winner, with 108 points was.....

 
 ....and in 2nd, with 107 points!

..... finally, our 3rd Place winner, with 101 points.....

Please visit our winners, by clicking on the images above, and Congratulate them!  Thank you so much to everyone that entered, I hope you love your new looks!


***Winners, email me and we will talk about your prizes!

Meet our 6th and Final DIY Custom Blog Design Contest Judge!

Our 6th Guest Judge is Amanda Padgett

from Beautiful Blog Designs!

Where do you live?
Rural South Carolina

Are you Single, Married, have Kids?
Married with four kids ages 12-5

Tell us about your blog.

I have two blogs, Beautiful Blog Designs and Everyday Elements. Beautiful Blog Designs (BBD) is a resource for bloggers to find free, premade or custom designs by various designers, as well as find tips and tutorials on blogging and social media. Everyday Elements is about photography and Photoshop Elements, with free tutorials and actions and also online workshops.

When did you start it? 

I started BBD in January of 2009 and Everyday Elements in May of 2010, although the blog side of it did not start until September, 2010.

Is your blog your job, if so, is it your only job?
Yes, both BBD and Everyday Elements are jobs for me, but I also do the online workshops for Photoshop Elements and photography.


Wild Card Questions:

What was the last movie you went to see?
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 1

What would I find in your refrigerator right now?
A milk carton with no top on it because my 5 yo took it off and lost it.

What is the last book you read?
Read with my eyeballs? LOL Harry Potter book 7. But, I listen to a lot of audio books. Life with four kids, homeschooling and an online business does not leave me a lot of sit down time to read, so I am a member of Audible and get audio books instead.

What is your favorite color? 

Purple

Any advise for the DIY Blog Designer?
Think simple but attractive. Pay attention to load time, use a navigation or menu bar to help your readers find information, create an about page, constantly view your blog as if you’re a new visitor and improve on things you find are confusing or distracting.

.....and the 10 finalists are....

It was SOOO hard to narrow these down!  You all did such a great job!  Here are my picks for the DIY Custom Blog Design Contest, and these are in NO particular order.  Click on the images to visit their sites.


Peace.Love.Mommy

Greenway Stuff & Things

Small Fry & Co.

Lacey Kaye Creations

Yes, Teacher!

My Paper Heart

Eisy Morgan

The Adventures of Mommy B

(un)Deniably Domestic

Brown Bling

Congratulations Finalists! 

Now the Judges will begin Judging and I will announce the winners on Wednesday!

Meet our 5th DIY Custom Blog Design Contest Judge, Me!

I know that I am not the best about blogging about myself, so I thought that I would take a second to introduce myself, hopefully you guys can get to know me better, and in the future, hopefully I will be better about writing a bit more about myself!

My full name is Carolynn Reynolds.  Design Forte is my main business, I Love My Blog Makeover and Makin' Cute Blogs are my side thing.

Where do you live?
Heber City, Utah (temporarily, my hubby is looking at a few different schools right now, all out of state!  It makes me nervous but excited, I have never lived outside of Utah, how sad right?)

Are you Single, Married, have Kids?
Married for 5 years, holy COW!  Time flies when you are having fun!  I have 2 beautiful kids, a daughter (Kaiya) that is 2 1/2 years, and a son (Bennett) that is 8 months old.  Yes, they are the cuties that appear in all of my tutorials :)  (the pic above is a little outdated, notice that my daughter is only 8-9months there, I just don't like any pics of me since, haha, well I don't like pics of me period)

How long have you been a Blog Designer?

Blog Designer, well since October of 2009.

How did you get into Blog Design? 

I never actually intended to get into blog design at all.  I have been doing graphic design (mainly print work) for about 7 years now, and a few years ago, my sister-in-law wanted me to start a blog so that she could see what my family was up to and how my pregnancy was going (I was prego with my daughter at the time).  So I started a blog, I didn't like how it looked, and I noticed people using "The Cutest Blog on the Block" backgrounds, so I browsed through her stuff, didn't like it (I am just picky, not that her stuff isn't nice), and I wanted something unique.  So I started making my own backgrounds.  My friends and family asked me to start make ones for them, so on my spare time, I started "I Love My Blog Makeover".  (It's a mess right now by the way, it is under major construction)  Anyway, by doing that, a few people just started asking me if I would do custom blogs from seeing my backgrounds (I didn't even advertise custom blog designs at the time).  From there it was history.

Is Designing Blogs your only job?
Full-Time Mom, Part-Time Blog Design, Part-Time Freelance Graphic Design, Part-Time Blogger.  Am I overwhelmed, haha, YES!  But I can't help it, I love it all, so I try to do it all.

What is your designing program of choice?
By FAR Adobe Illustrator, then InDesign (for Freelance print work), then Photoshop, DreamWeaver, and starting to learn Flash a little.

Show off your favorite blog design that you have done, what is the URL?
http://www.paisleyblooms.com/  I LOVED how this one turned out, the custom illustration was oh so fun to make, I wish it were mine!  It makes me want to make me a new illustration.  I also love how clean and simple it turned out.  Here are a few others that I love:  http://www.lifeofthebees.com/     http://sunkissedmama.blogspot.com/      http://www.smallbatchtravel.com/ (love how simple this one was)


Wild Card Questions:

If you were an animal what kind of animal would you be?
Zebra!  Can't help but love the black and white stripes!

What was the last movie you went to see?
Harry Potter 7 (can't help it, I love them!)

What would I find in your refrigerator right now?
LOTS!  We in my parent's basement (Sad I know! Good thing it is very temporary) and my mom has an issue about wasting food, like it is a sin to put spoonful of leftovers in the garbage, unless it has gone bad, so there is always a BUFFET of options in the fridge.

What is the last book you read?
ummmm..... read?  Love reading, but it just doesn't fit in the schedule much.  But the last book, was the Book of Mormon, YES, I am a Mormon, and we aren't crazy :)  Find out more about Mormons HERE.

What is your favorite color? 

Turquoise Blue and Pink and Brown.... together :)

Any advise for the DIY Blog Designer?
Jump in, and don't be afraid of HTML, it won't bite (I used to think it would).  Before blog design, I worked for a Sign Shop, a Magazine, and a large Business, everything NOT web.  I was sooooo scared of anything web, but I am all self-taught.  So if I can do it, anybody can!  Plus, I am here to help!



Our DIY Custom Blog Design Contest is coming up fast, you only have until this Sunday to enter!  CLICK HERE for details and to enter!  **If you aren't done yet, you can still enter now, no Judging will happen until January 10th.

Meet our 4th DIY Custom Blog Design Contest Judge!

Our 4th Guest Judge is Laura Jane

from Laura Jane Designs!

 

Where do you live?
Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Are you Single, Married, have Kids?
Married for 4 and a half years and we have one 18 month old son, Mason, that keeps me constantly on my toes. *runs to take scissors out of his chubby hands... again*

How long have you been a Blog Designer?

Since June 2010 (I'm still fresh meat)

How did you get into Blog Design? 

I had been blogging consistently since January and wanted something new and fresh for my own blog. I was a stay at home mama at the time and extra $ for a blog design just wasn't something we had laying around. I took it upon myself to use Google and a book from the library to learn some HTML and CSS fun, played around with digital scrapbook kits on GIMP, and found my niche.

Is Designing Blogs your only job?
Right now, no. I work full time at a pediatrician's office on weekdays. Blog Designing is my moonlight position, though I am actively seeking for it to be my full time job. And being a work-at-home mama is the main reason I decided to start designing blogs for others. We're working through the Dave Ramsey money makeover plan to pay off ridiculous amounts of debt so I can be home with my kids.

What is your designing program of choice?
GIMP and Photoshop Elements. I also use ColourLovers for color scheme inspiration. (GIMP is an awesome kept secret. Totally free software online and when I've used exclusively until just last month).

Show off your favorite blog design that you have done, what is the URL?
Does my blog count? lol (www.callmelaurajane.com) I swear I'm not trying to plug, but it truly is my all time favorite.


Wild Card Questions:

If you were an animal what kind of animal would you be?
If I were an animal I would be a Golden Retriever. Because I love them, I am fiercely loyal, and love catching ducks. Actually, scratch the duck catching part...

What was the last movie you went to see?
Little Fockers. Not as good as Meet the Parents, but worth the $8.50 movie ticket. =)

What would I find in your refrigerator right now?
A few gallons of milk- my son and I can kill a gallon each in less than a week, SWEET tea (with Splenda, of course), applesauce packs... and some funny looking tupperware containers that have been shoved back there for who knows how long. I'll admit it- I throw those things away before I open them and clean them.

What is the last book you read?
Master of Swords. (LOL) I'm a closet paranormal romance freak. I will read any paranormal of fantasy genre romance I can get my fingers on, with a few historic romance novels thrown in here and there. I saw one on the shelves in passing just last weekend called Must Love Kilts. Not gonna lie- I would totally read that. When no one else is looking.

What is your favorite color?
Blue.

 

No, green.

No... grey.

No, blue. yeah.


Any advise for the DIY Blog Designer?
My advice is to never be afraid to ask someone for help. Google anything you have a question on and be specific. Really utilize free help, like Makin' Cute Blogs, April Showers, and soon, myself for free tutorials and design resources. Oh- and less is more. Always. =)



Our DIY Custom Blog Design Contest is coming up fast, you only have until this Sunday to enter!  CLICK HERE for details and to enter!  **If you aren't done yet, you can still enter now, no Judging will happen until January 10th.

Meet our 3rd DIY Custom Blog Design Contest Judge!

Our 3rd Guest Judge is Katie Lane

from Lemon Cherry Blogs!

Where do you live?
Orlando, Fl

Are you Single, Married, have Kids?
Married, no kids yet (been trying for over 2 years now, but still hopeful - most days).

How long have you been a Blog Designer?

About 2 years and 2 weeks

How did you get into Blog Design?
My friend Ashley owned a design shop and needed some help, I loved it so much I started my own shop (and now we have merged)!

Is Designing Blogs your only job?
No I also cook, clean, shop, blog.. do those count as jobs?

What is your designing program of choice?
I adore adobe photoshop and illustrator, I also use bridge and dreamweaver daily

Show off your favorite blog design that you have done, what is the URL?
My favorite design is my personal blog @ http://sunshineandbubblegum.blogspot.com/ because, well, it's mine and I can do whatever I want with it. I also LOVE these two @ http://mypixieblog.com/ & http://kristaleephotography.blogspot.com/


Wild Card Questions:

If you were an animal what kind of animal would you be?
A pink baby cartoon zebra cause it looks so cute in my head!

What was the last movie you went to see?
Despicable Me, it was amazing!

What would I find in your refrigerator right now?
Some milk and that bottle of NyQuil Hubby put in there.

What is the last book you read?
I've been re-reading The Time Travelers Wife - it's one of my favs.

What is your favorite color?
Pink!


Any advise for the DIY Blog Designer?
Honestly I'd say, 'hire me to do it instead because you know I rock!' Or else I'd say, 'You're blog should represent you and put a smile on your face, so take your time and have fun with it! Make sure you like what you are doing and don't fall into the because everyone else did it this way trap.'



Our DIY Custom Blog Design Contest is coming up fast, you only have until this Sunday to enter!  CLICK HERE for details and to enter!  **If you aren't done yet, you can still enter now, no Judging will happen until January 10th.

Meet our 2nd DIY Custom Blog Design Contest Judge!

Our 2nd Guest Judge is Julie Farber

from Deluxe Designs!

Where do you live?
Rockville, Maryland

Are you Single, Married, have Kids?

Married with a 15 month old!

How long have you been a Blog Designer?

Just about a year

How did you get into Blog Design?
I paid someone for my own blog design and decided I did not want to pay for tweaks and that I could figure it out myself. I created some blog buttons for a PR site and started getting business from there. I work independently and with Etsy and just love it.

Is Designing Blogs your only job?
Graphic designing is all that I do besides stay at home with my princess. Beyond blogs I also design logos, business cards, invitations, and more :)

What is your designing program of choice?
Photoshop for sure

Show off your favorite blog design that you have done, what is the URL?
Hmm, I love the simplicity of this one: http://northhillphotography.blogspot.com/ and the whimsical-ness (that's probably not a word) of this one: http://www.thirtysomethingland.net/
That one is an older design I did but people always refer to it when looking at my designs.


Wild Card Questions:

If you were an animal what kind of animal would you be?
A dog.

What was the last movie you went to see?
I have a 15 month old. Haha actually I saw Burlesque. Wow I just admitted that ;)

What would I find in your refrigerator right now?
Whole milk for the babe. You'll be lucky if you find much else - ugh. I need to go shopping, speaking of...

What is the last book you read?
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

What is your favorite color?
Blue!


Any advise for the DIY Blog Designer?
Google! There are SO many tutorials out there (um, hello, Makin Cute Blogs…). If you can follow step by step directions, you can make a cute blog design!



Our DIY Custom Blog Design Contest is coming up fast, you only have until this Sunday to enter!  CLICK HERE for details and to enter!  **If you aren't done yet, you can still enter now, no Judging will happen until January 10th.

DIY Custom Blog Design Contest!

If you have or want to create your own Custom Blog Design, enter for my contest!  You have until January 9th at Midnight to enter.  I wanted to give everyone plenty of time to design their blogs from head to toe!  I have plenty of tutorials to get you started, just click on my Tutorials page.  If you don't have Photoshop or any other design software, that is no excuse :)  Just go to Paint.net for FREE software that is similar to Photoshop.  AND I also have new tutorials that show you how to make a custom blog design with NO software at all!!!!

Who can enter?
Anyone that is NOT a professional Blog Designer

What are the Rules?
1.  Your blog must be designed by you!  (You may use digi kits and other digital freebies to put it together)
2.  Have Fun!

How do I enter?
Easy, just add yourself to the linky list on the bottom of this post.  You don't have to be finished with your design to enter, but you HAVE to enter by January 9th at midnight (no judging will take place until January 10th).

Who Wins and what is the Prize?
When the contest ends on January 9th, I will pick 10 finalists.  Then I will have 4 other Custom Blog Designers help me make the final decision.

1st Place wins:  

$100 towards any of my Design Services (Custom Illustration, Design Shoppe, Custom Blog Design, or Advertising)  See my website here.

2nd Place wins:  

$50 towards advertising on any of my sites.  See my Advertising Rates Here.

3rd Place wins:  

3 Months of advertising on Makin Cute' Blogs

Have Fun Designing!  If you get stuck on anything, email me or comment with your question, and I will do my best to help out :)

Oh, and because of this contest, I will be pushing WordPress week out, it will start on December 20th, and I will do DIY Week again next week, so that I can get you more tutorials!

Oh, and Grab one of these :)

<a href="http://makincuteblogs.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i454.photobucket.com/albums/qq269/carolynnreynolds/Makin%20Cute%20Blogs/MCB_IDESIGNED.png" /></a>