Banner & Blog : UmmikuSayang Boutique

This blog is customized from Ipietoon's Shopping Bag blogger template. I just created a new banner to create a unique look for the blog and did some minor tweaking here and there.

Templates are a great way to save time when you want to create something fast. However, since it is freely available, you may find another blog exactly like yours! So a unique header would will do the trick in making your blog uniquely you.

Visit UmmikuSayang Boutique here

Banner for Al-Muntaqa Boutique

Al Muntaqa Boutique is an on-line store which sells modest blouses and tunics. Their collection are colourful with cute details like buttons and some has intricate embroidery and beading.

The Concept:
I created the header as if people are looking at the display window of Al Muntaqa Boutique. The blouses are so colourful that I just put a plain white with yellow background at the back. The "walls" are given a "brick and mortar" look with a banner hanging outside the shop. Looks very welcoming doesn't it?

Let's go visit Al Muntaqa Boutique here

Banner for Aimi Fickry

I recently did a banner for Aimi, who runs a personal blog. She writes mostly about her family and their activities. She loves pink, so she requested for a header with pink background.

Here is her banner:



The Concept:
Aimi is such a family person. As such, I created a header which has photos of her and her loved ones. I made it to look like they are portraits on the wall with a brown geometric border. Flowers adorn the border to add "sweetness" to the overall image.

Check out Aimi's blog here

Blogging Tips: Free Vs Custom-made Templates

There are many websites offering free blog templates, so why should one spend money for a custom made one?

Here are some reasons:
(1) Be unique
Free template means anybody can download and install it as their own blog. The result? Your blog could have the same look as another person's. Worse if you are doing business on your blog and your competitor has a same look! Could cause confusion among your customers.

(2) Show you mean BUSINESS
If you intend to use your blog to showcase your products or services, or as an e-shop, using a free template shows that you are not putting much effort into your business. It is just like opening a shop and just let the construction worker do the basic design for your interiors. How would that make you look to your customers? By having a custom-made template, it shows your customers that you are serious in your business.

(3) Be significant
Have you ever visited a blog and say "Whoa! Great blog. I must bookmark this one"? They say "content is King", but a good-looking king would attract more visitors, don't you think? Being on the internet with millions of other blogs, you need to make yourself standout from others. By having a custom made template done based on who YOU are and what you stand for, you will definitely attract more visitors to your blog.

Banner for Our Mini Store

Sis Liz from OurMiniStore.blogspot.com requested a unique header for her e-shop to make it special. Above is the header for her blog. She is using a free blogger template which while cute, really has a "generic" look to it. The new header shows off the uniqueness of her e-shop, just as she wanted.

The Concept:
Sis Liz sells authentic branded handbags. As such, I wanted to have a "classy" look for her header yet highlight the gorgeous products that she offers. Therefore, I took images of her products and created a "cut-out" look and place them on a "display rack" as if it is in a real boutique. The glowing effect gives is an added polished look.

Colours are kept to a minimum to highlight the colours of the products on the rack.

Check out the blog "live" here