BYUTATORTOT Designs

Blog Background: Buttoned Down

2012-03-07T13:37:00.002-08:00

</style>
<div id="tag" style="position:absolute; left:0px; top:30px; z-index:50; width:150px; height:45px;">
<a href="byutatortotdesigns.blogspot.com" target="_blank">
<img src="http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm54/byutatortot/logo-1.png" border="0"/></a></div>

Blog Background: Keep Calm

2011-03-13T14:39:00.000-07:00

Blog Background: Spring Pop

2011-03-13T14:36:00.000-07:00

Blog Background: Butterfly Beauty

2011-03-13T14:15:00.000-07:00

</style>

Blog Background: Lucky One

2011-03-13T14:09:00.001-07:00

A new Look

2011-03-13T13:44:00.001-07:00

Hey there! BYUTATORTOT Designs got a new look! Do you like? Freebies are coming soon!

Drum roll please....

2011-02-28T17:43:00.000-08:00

The winners for the giveaway are...

Commenter #10:

JakenMattsMom 10

I forgot to tell you in the first comment I follow you both via GFC and I like the family vector only it would be awesome to have one with 2 little boys. Sorry for the mess up!

sabreena.morgan25 at gmail dot com

Commenter #5:

Venassa 5

I follow Adori Graphics on twitter. I'm @thebestdays

February 23, 2011 2:40 PM

Venassa and JakeNMattsMom you will receive an email from Louise where you will receive all of your information!

Thanks

If you would like to sponsor a giveaway on my blog please email me at byutatortot at gmail dot com!

Taylor

Portfolio

2011-02-20T09:22:00.000-08:00

Here are past custom designs I have done:

Blog Extras: Retro

2011-02-20T09:10:00.000-08:00

Here is a set of sidebar titles and a post divider. Download to your computer and follow the instructions given to you! Enjoy

DOWNLOAD

GIVEAWAY Brought to you by Adori Graphics

2011-02-17T15:30:00.000-08:00

It’s giveaway time! Woo hoo! This giveaway is sponsored by my friend Louise at Adori Graphics. Louise creates free, premade and custom blog designs, but has just launched her new range of hand drawn vector characters. You can use these characters to make your own blog header or profile pictures for your Facebook and Twitter account...and more!

Louise makes her characters in 2 styles, a traditional vector graphic style and a “comic book” style and they are proving to be very popular. She is generously offering to provide 2 winners with a vector character of their choice! The character comes with a “standard” licence . Be sure to check the licence terms before you enter.

<><><> <><><> <><><>

traditional style vector character

<><><> <><><> <><><>

comic book style vector character

If you’d like to enter the giveaway please read ALL the instructions below.

How to enter:Read the terms of use for the licence that comes with the graphic

Follow Byutatortot Designs and Adori Graphics and then leave me a comment on this post telling me which is your favourite character (find the characters here)

Enter by the closing date on 28th February

For EXTRA chances to enter (one extra entry for each item):

Follow Adori Graphics on Twitter (leave a separate comment with your Twitter user name)

Follow Byutatortot on Twitter (leave a separate comment with your Twitter user name)

Tweet about this giveaway (leave a separate comment with the link to your Tweet)

Follow Adori Graphics on Facebook (leave a separate comment with your Facebook ID)

Follow Byutatortot on Facebook (leave a separate comment with your Facebook ID)

Mention this giveaway on Facebook (leave a separate comment with your Facebook ID)

Blog about this giveaway (leave a separate comment with the link to your blog post)

Put Adori Graphics button on your blog

Put Byutatortot button on your blog

FAQ: How to have a Collapsable Sidebar

2011-02-16T19:02:00.000-08:00

Many fellow bloggers have asked this question and I have decided to write a post on how I did it. I found it from a website you helped me, so I have found us Bloggers work together. Here we go...

This is what you are creating:

**Everytime you click a title such as "donate" the menu will drop down and "contact me" will close**

First... Backup your blogger template. This will help in case of emergency. Sometimes I copy and paste the code into Word and leave it there. Whatever you prefer.

Next... go to your HTML code and look for the following code: ]]></b:skin> (hit CTRL+F)

And paste the following code beneath it:

Now... Paste this code just above ]]></b:skin>

]#wrapper {

width: 200px;

margin-left: auto;

margin-right: auto;

}

.accordionButton {

width: 200px;

height: 30px;

float: left;

background: #4d9081;

border-bottom: 8px solid #FFFFFF;

cursor: pointer;

color: #ffffff;

font-size:14px;

text-align: center;

text-transform:lowercase;

letter-spacing:4px;

}

.accordionContent {

width: 210px;

float: left;

display: none;

font-size:14px;

letter-spacing: 1px;

border-bottom:8px solid #FFFFFF;

}

It should have a structure like this:
Code 1
]]></b:skin>
Code 2

( #4d9081 Is the background color of the title. You can go here to find the color you choose)

SAVE!

You will now need to Add an HTML/Javascript gadget in your layout.

Copy and paste this code in:

<div class="accordionButton">TITLE 1</div>

<div class="accordionContent"><center>TEXT

</a></center></div>

<div class="accordionButton">TITLE 2</div>

<div class="accordionContent"><center>TEXT

</a></center></div>

<div class="accordionButton">TITLE 3</div>

<div class="accordionContent"><center>TEXT

</a></center></div>

Fill in your each title and text. In order to add another item continue pasting this code in at the end:

<div class="accordionButton">TITLE 3</div>

<div class="accordionContent"><center>TEXT

</a></center></div>

SAVE!

Did it work? If not please email me and I will be happy to help you!

Thanks

Taylor

Blog Background: My Heart Belongs to You

2011-02-15T16:25:00.000-08:00

Blog Background: Dreaming

2011-02-15T16:24:00.000-08:00

Blog Background: Be Mine

2011-02-15T16:22:00.000-08:00

Blog Background: Sweet Love

2011-02-15T16:21:00.000-08:00

Top Tip Tuesday 10

2011-01-25T00:00:00.000-08:00

It's the last tip for Louise at this time... Thanks Louise for the time you have done for this. The tips were all very good! Do you guys know what that means? We need more tips, so if you have a tip please email me. I hope to keep this feature going! Thanks again Louise and here's the last tip!

Avoid copyright conflict

This article outlines some actions which you can take to avoid being accused of, or finding yourself at the receiving end of copyright theft. The list is by no means exhaustive, but it does go a long way towards ensuring you don’t get entangled in any (potentially expensive) Copyright theft battles.

1. Always ask permission before copying text or images from another blog/website.

In my experience people are usually very happy to have you use their work so long as credit is given. That leads me on to my next point…always ask the person how they would like their work credited. Most people seem happy to just have a link to their website/blog, but some may wish to have a specific link used instead. For example, when people post free backgrounds made using my digital scrapbooking kits, I prefer a link to purchase the kit, rather than a general link to my blog.

2. Always ask the copyright owner’s permission before altering a graphic or using it for any other purpose than it was designed for.

This is a huge area of concern for blog designers. For example, if I make a header and then the user resizes that header and crops it for use as a profile picture, this is actually a breach of copyright because the image has been used for something other than intended. It’s like buying a 52 inch TV and then going back to the store and walking out with a 16 inch version of it because you need something smaller as well. Just because you CAN resize an image a use it for a different purpose, it doesn’t mean you SHOULD. In many cases, the copyright owner won’t charge you anyway; they just like to be asked.

Some designers do not allow their graphics or blog designs to be altered by another designer. All changes must be done by them and they may charge for this. This is often done because coding is commercially sensitive information. In the case of images, it’s best to contact the original designer anyway as they will have the “unflattened” version of the image, which is easier to work with and provides a better finish anyway.

3. Get a copyright statement.

This might be a simple statement at the bottom of your blog; something along the lines of “Do not copy content without permission”. Or you can put in place a Creative Commons agreement which outlines specifically what can and can not be done with your work. Go to Creative Commons for more info.

4. If you have permission to use an image or text, write “used with permission” underneath the image or somewhere within the text.

That should stop people wondering and reporting you to the copyright owner.

5. Use image watermarks.

These don’t need to be fancy. I tend to use a simple one such as my blog address typed onto an image.

6. Know where and how to complain.

If you find your content on another blog, try emailing the owner and ask them to remove the offending content. Also, I recommend adding a comment underneath the post (if possible) so that people know the true source of the material. If the blog in question is a Blogger blog, then I’m afraid Blogger will not be showing much interest in your case, you will need to file a DCMA against the culprit. If you search Google, you will find lots of information on filing a DMCA with Google (the owner of Blogger). Each blogging platform has their own way of doing this, and it isn’t usually very obvious how to navigate the process.

Have you ever been in copyright conflict with anybody? How did you resolve it?

I hope you found this feature useful, if you have any questions or comments, then leave a comment below and I'll do my best to answer it :)

About Louise: I am 35 years old, married and live in the UK. I am a blog designer with over 20 years experience producing digital graphics and over 10 years writing on blogs. My main blog is my blog design blog, Adori Graphics, where I sell custom blog makeovers and premade blog templates as well as posting tutorials and blog freebies. I consider myself an "ethical blogger" and believe that everyone should give something back to the blogging community, which is why I write guest blogger articles, offer sponsorships to blogger conferences, sponsor giveaways and run a free blog makeover program called Write From The Heart.

Top Tip Tuesday 9

2011-01-18T00:00:00.000-08:00

How's your blog coming? I hope it is going good! This is the 9th feature! Thanks Louise... you have done a lot! Here is the next Top Tip:
Take a rest occasionally: 6 top tips for avoiding blogger burnout

1. Set specific days/times when you intend to do any blogging related activities

If your blogging involves more than just writing a blog post, a schedule is a great idea. Always remember to build some flexibility into your schedule though as I can almost guarantee that something will crop up when you least expect it. I have published my schedule on my blog, so that readers can see when progress is likely to occur with designs etc. In my case, the schedule needed to include writing posts, making freebies, working on customer projects etc, but it gives you an idea of the level of detail that you might like to include.

I found that by allocating specific days and times for “work” time, I get more benefit from time off. I think it has a lot to do with allowing myself to become entirely "detached" from my work. Before I set these boundaries, I felt guilty for having any time off at all, but now it’s “officially” my time off, I have stopped feeling guilty. The added bonus is that, because I’m less tired, I’m more productive when I do work.

2. Allow yourself to take a break once in a while

It’s one thing taking a break occasionally, but it’s another thing entirely allowing yourself to take a break. I think this is easier if you have a schedule, because then it is “officially” your break, or non-work time. If a schedule seems a bit too rigid for you, then set small tasks such as “once I’ve written a couple of paragraphs on this post, I’m going to take a 10 minute break”.

3. Make some family time

This applies to everyone, not just mothers. It doesn’t matter if you’re a daughter, wife, brother; somebody loves you and needs you and wants to spend time with you! Don’t forget that there is a life outside of your blog. In my own life, I make sure we do something fun together at least once a month - such as a trip out or a meal. Being away from the house means that I’m not distracted by my blog/graphics and hubby gets me all to himself. I also make sure we do something together each day, whether it’s just watching a TV program together or talking about random stuff.

4. Baby steps

Some blogging tasks can seem a bit overwhelming, so break them down into smaller, bite-sized chunks.
Recently, it took me hours (and hours!) to go through all my freebies and re-categorise them. Take a look, it’s so much easier to find what you’re looking for now, but would have done this if I’d had to do it in one go? No way! I broke the task down into 2 hour slots and took it from there. You can do this with your blogging tasks to. For example, write one post and then take a break before starting the next one.

5. Keep a notebook with you

If you find yourself always thinking and pre-occupied over your blog, keep a notebook with you so that you can write down any ideas that come into your head. This allows you to instantly forget about the idea and carry on with your day. Freedom from thinking about your blog shouldn’t be under-estimated!

6. Get help

We’re all human and sometimes it all gets a bit too much. Have a friend or family member who you can call on when needed. It’s a small request to ask somebody to research something on your behalf, but it goes a long way towards helping you meet your blogging goals. You may also like to find people who can write a post for you occasionally, or help you with some admin tasks. You might like to consider getting a blogging buddy who can help you out with this, but don’t forget to reciprocate!

It’s good to have an action plan for if you’re still feeling exhausted despite making efforts to maintain a good work-life balance. My blog is my “work” and I make income through it so the stakes are higher, but even I turn work away sometimes. It isn’t good business sense, but it just has to be this way sometimes.

What do you do to avoid blogger burnout?

I hope you found this feature useful, if you have any questions or comments, then leave a comment below and I'll do my best to answer it :)

About Louise: I am 35 years old, married and live in the UK. I am a blog designer with over 20 years experience producing digital graphics and over 10 years writing on blogs. My main blog is my blog design blog, Adori Graphics, where I sell custom blog makeovers and premade blog templates as well as posting tutorials and blog freebies. I consider myself an "ethical blogger" and believe that everyone should give something back to the blogging community, which is why I write guest blogger articles, offer sponsorships to blogger conferences, sponsor giveaways and run a free blog makeover program called Write From The Heart.

Do you have a tip you find helpful? Email me and we will get you in!

Thanks

Blog Background: Squares

2011-01-17T15:09:00.000-08:00

Blog Background: Blue Elegance

2011-01-17T15:06:00.000-08:00

Blog Background: Warming Up

2011-01-16T17:28:00.000-08:00

Top Tip Tuesday {View All}

2011-01-15T18:44:00.000-08:00

Advertising

2011-01-15T17:50:00.000-08:00

BYUTATORTOT Designs offers you many ways to advertise on the blog. On average, we have 250 viewers a day and 5,000 a month. What makes advertising on BYUTATORTOT great is the price. Most times you find $10/month or $25/3 months. Our price? FREE! Like said, everything on BYUTATORTOT is free.

Multiple options to advertise:

Participate in Top Tip Tuesday. Top Tip Tuesday is a feature opened in November 2010 to allow other bloggers to share their Top Tip(s). When you advertise on this feature you write up your top tip and I post it on my blog. Included in your tip at the end you may want to put an "About Me" section to advertise your blog. If you are interested in participating in the feature please email me your top tip(s).
Be a guest blogger. I think this is a great way to advertise. When I see guest bloggers on other blogs it makes me more drawn to their blog. A guest post can be anything (that I approve). If you would like to put together a Guest Post please email me!
Put your blog button in my sidebar. If you look in my sidebar you can see a few buttons for other fellow bloggers blogs. If you would like your button there please go here!

Any questions, comments, concerns? Email me, I would be happy to help! Thanks!

Top Tip Tuesday Schedule

2011-01-15T17:37:00.000-08:00

Welcome

2011-01-15T16:44:00.000-08:00

Hi! I am Taylor, creator of BYUTATORTOT Designs. BYUTATORTOT Designs started 2008 when I fell in love with blogging. Blog backgrounds were becoming popular and computer savvy me wanted to learn more. I started creating backgrounds for my personal blog having family members use them. After I became more familiar with the design, etc. I started BYUTATORTOT Designs. Over the years we have expanded and now have an average of 250 viewers a day and 5,000 a month. I hope you enjoy the designs we offer.

Why pick BYUTATORTOT Designs...
--We are family friendly.
--We will ALWAYS offer free designs. At this time all of our designs are free. I want to keep it that way as long as possible. I promise...
--We offer free custom designs. Where else can you find that great of deal?
--We are the best... duh! ;)

Enjoy!
Thanks
Taylor

25 Freebies for 50 Followers!

2011-01-13T17:28:00.000-08:00

Thanks everyone who helped out getting 50 followers! I can't believe we got there. Here are 25 freebies for ya'll! Enjoy!

Nine Backgrounds:

body {background-image: url("http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm54/byutatortot/Picture8.png"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: fixed; }
</style>
<div id="tag" style="position:absolute; left:0px; top:30px; z-index:50; width:150px; height:45px;">
<a href="byutatortotdesigns.blogspot.com" target="_blank">
<img src="http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm54/byutatortot/logo-1.png" border="0"/>

body {background-image: url("http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm54/byutatortot/Picture7.png"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: fixed; }
</style>
<div id="tag" style="position:absolute; left:0px; top:30px; z-index:50; width:150px; height:45px;">
<a href="byutatortotdesigns.blogspot.com" target="_blank">
<img src="http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm54/byutatortot/logo-1.png" border="0"/>

body {background-image: url("http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm54/byutatortot/Picture6.png"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: fixed; }

body {background-image: url("http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm54/byutatortot/Picture5.png"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: fixed; }

body {background-image: url("http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm54/byutatortot/Picture4.png"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: fixed; }

body {background-image: url("http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm54/byutatortot/Picture3.png"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: fixed; }

body {background-image: url("http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm54/byutatortot/Picture2.png"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: fixed; }

body {background-image: url("http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm54/byutatortot/Picture1.png"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: fixed; }

body {background-image: url("http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm54/byutatortot/picture9.png"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: fixed; }

Three Headers:.

{please email me if you would like any custom orders done to this}

Eight Buttons:

One Post Divider:

Four Sidebar Title Images:

{please email me if you would like any custom orders done to this}

One Desktop Background:

{please email me if you would like any custom orders done to this}

I hope you enjoy! Next up... 100 Followers for hmm 50 Freebies maybe? Deal?

Note: If you would like any custom orders done to any of these designs please email me! I would be happy to help you! Also, any troubles with links, etc. please email me also! Thanks

Special Thanks to:

Angel Hartline Designs; Kimb's designs; Everday Mom Ideas; Designs by Tracy; Jaya Prem; Misty O’Brien; Mandy King, available at Scrapbook Elements; http://roseytoes9.blogspot.com; CAJOLINE-SCRAP;