When we designed this website back in 2008, I knew what I was after. Our counseling center / house church was adding a blog to our online presence. I wanted something professional, yet warm. Something that was sharp and a bit polished and not at all schlocky. Yet sent the invitation that 'you are welcome here.'
Fast forward six years. I'm now an avid blogger and, like many of you, follow dozens and dozens of blogs. Over time, I've found myself drawn to sites that I found inviting ... there were words that were compelling or occasional invitations to relationship or spaces that were creative and attractive in one way or another.
But recently I've noticed that certain sites literally make me stop.
And smile.
Breathe deep.
And maybe linger a bit.
In an online sea that swirls with a wearying incessant wordiness and endless images that bombard our senses, these writers have each crafted an appealing oasis. There's a lovely uncrowded spaciousness, a distinct lack of visual overstimulation, an expansive lightness that allows these oasis crafters' messages to shine front and center.
Lauren and Josh and Emily and Ceil and Courtney are coming to mind.
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I'm loving . . .
lots of white space with plenty of margin
crisp design with a good size black font on white background
one fabulous photo for a header or as a post's centerpiece
images in gentle, calming watercolor shades
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lots of white space with plenty of margin
crisp design with a good size black font on white background
one fabulous photo for a header or as a post's centerpiece
images in gentle, calming watercolor shades
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And, well, not so much . . .
font that's too small, too faded, too bright, or too erratic
too many widgets, ads, buttons cluttering the vista
too many photos one on top of another
tiny images whose beauty is hard to appreciate
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Noticing what catches your eye and makes your heart skip a beat is the first step in making updates to your own canvas. We're not talking about ripping off someone's design or breaking copyrights. It's about recognizing what spaces breathe fresh air into your soul. What floats your boat high and sends you on your way with a little treasure or two in hand. We're talking inspiration and getting energized, giving yourself permission to take your craft to the next level.
FORUM
What makes a blog inviting to you?
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The Blog Forum : : A Creative Little Series #2 ~ Crafting Your Mission Statement
The Blog Forum : : A Creative Little Series #4 ~ Editing Your Masterpiece
The Blog Forum : : A Creative Little Series #5 ~ Creating Your Community
The Blog Forum : : A Creative Little Series #6 ~ Envisioning Your Future
Be sure to catch every post in the series! Subscribe here!
The Blog Forum : : A Creative Little Series #4 ~ Editing Your Masterpiece
The Blog Forum : : A Creative Little Series #5 ~ Creating Your Community
The Blog Forum : : A Creative Little Series #6 ~ Envisioning Your Future
Be sure to catch every post in the series! Subscribe here!
