diy monday: custom facebook covers [how-to and free downloads!]

Happy Monday, friends! Have you switched to the Facebook timeline yet? I switched a few weeks ago, and I think it's a lot of fun, especially the cover photo. The only problem with the cover photo is that a lot of low-resolution photos (especially ones pulled from Facebook) tend to look blurry when blown up to that size. So, I decided to design a few Facebook cover images with my favorite quotes/verses. Here's what I came up with (and how they would look on my--or your--page):

 

 

If you have photoshop, here's how to make a custom Facebook cover:

Step 1: Create a new document that is 1000x368 pixels

Step 2: Create a New Pattern Fill Layer

Step 3: Select Your Pattern (see sources below)

Step 4: Using the type tool, add text to your image

Step 5: Save the image as a JPEG

And that's it! Also, I should point out that I have no graphic design training, so if I went about this the wrong way, or I'm making any of you real designers cringe, my apologies.

Now, for your free downloads. To download, right click on any of these images, click "Open Link in New Tab" and drag the image to your desktop. Then go to your Facebook page and upload your new cover! 

And here's some versions without text. You can always add your own, or leave them blank.

If you don't have the timeline yet, but want to get it, the easiest way to switch is to visit one of your friend's pages who has timeline, and you should see a prompt at the top to switch to the timeline format.

Happy cover-ing!

xoxo.

Sources

Doily Thoreau Cover: Lace Doily // Paper Background // Typeface

Blue Chevron Isaiah 54:10 Cover: Blue Chevron Background // Typeface

Yellow Lace Churchill Cover: Yellow Background // Lace Ribbon // Typeface

Gray Chevron Hepburn Cover: Gray Chevron Background // Typeface

happy holidays [free download]

 Happy Friday! I've got a fun little freebie for you today...and 8x10 print with my favorite holiday phrase:
merry and bright

I've decided to start offering a free downloadable print each month, and what better time to begin than the holidays? Click here to download the print. All you need is a printer, some cardstock and an 8x10 frame and you're good to go! 

I tried to get a good picture of where I've hung mine, but the lighting was pretty poor. Still, you get the idea...

Click here to download your own. You can either save it to your computer (by clicking File --> Download Original) or print (File --> Print PDF). It will print on 8.5x11 paper or cardstock, and you can use the handy dotted line to cut it to 8x10 size.

Have a fabulous weekend!

xoxo.

P.S. Since this is my first go-around at using Google Docs for free printables, please let me know if you have trouble accessing or downloading the file!

(almost) free photo canvas.

i just ordered an (almost) free photo canvas (of the above photo, from our engagement shoot) from canvas people.

the 8x10 size is free, plus $14.95 shipping.

i went with the 11x14 size for $6.99, plus $17.85 for shipping.

$24.95 for a photo canvas? i'll take it.

follow this link for yours.

xoxo.