Templates and References

Templates
I hate templates. I edited the editable region on the main template and lost all the content on every other pages. So the conclusion is, never use template if you are a beginner in Dreamweaver! Loosing all the content was tough coz I had to re-create the content all over again. But it was a good learning process. After consulting Dr. Ken, I managed to find a better way to edit my website -> Use TABLES.

So I decided to use tables as a template. But before creating all other content, I had to make sure I am fully satisfied with the template in order to save time. So once I am certain of the template, I saved it in 6 different files (for 6 different pages).

The only problem is; If I decided to change anything, I'll have to change every single page. This is the troublesome part in creating a manual template. But then, it's better than loosing all your content ;)


Current Progress - Developing Content

So far, I have done 2 pages; Q&A and Quickies. I am still doing loads of research by referring to other websites such as CupcakeChic, YummyCupcakes & CupcakeFun. What I like about these websites (in terms of the layout and the content):

1. Cupcake Chic : Very simple and a straight forward design.
2. Yummy Cupcakes : Informative
3. Cupcake Fun : GREAT ideas, great design, loads of fun stuff.

I tried my best to combine all three designs and ideas into my website while creating the content. Here are some references / my source of information:

1. Recipes I refer to : Cupcake Fun
2. Baking tips : Nigella Lawson's.
3. Amazing Pictures : Happy Cakes Denver, Rachel, Minhnimie28.
4. Cupcakes names : Cupcake Lane Bakery

Those are all of my updated references for now :D

Starting The Index Page

I'm currently working on the index page. I've done the layout and put in the logo plus links to other pages. Here are some brief steps I took to build the index page:

Step 1
First is to re-create a logo that best suit the resolution for web. I tried cutting the images I did for the poster (last sem), but it looked horrible and very messy. Therefore, I decided to re-create Flutterby's header for the web, plus some buttons.

<-- Header

<-- Button 1

<-- Button 1 Rollover

Step 2
I like the 'table within a table' concept which Dr. Graphics illustrated in class. I find it easier to deal with tables rather than frames. As a start, I created a table according to what I need and added all the details needed.

Step 3
Then I saved it as Template (so that all my pages are the same). And I added an Editable region. After all is done, I saved it as index.html.

There you go. I still have loads to do, but that's my current progress =D

The Pre-Authoring And Authoring Process

Pre-Authoring Process

Alright, so it's time for me to start creating a website. But first, it's important to:

1) Gather all important information such as pictures & data from the internet.
2) Digg up all Photoshop, Illustrator & Flash files that I've done in the previous semester.
3) Research the internet further to find cool yet simple websites.


Managing The Media
And yes, Media Management is crucial, so I've arranged all the files that I have with me so far, into different folders. Will add up more files later on. Here's the overview of my folders:


The Authoring Process

Installing the Software (Tool)
As for the Software required, I decided to get the Adobe Design Premium CS3 CD from Syikin when the trimester begins. This CD contains all Adobe's latest software. Although this subject focuses more on Macromedia Dreamweaver and Flash, other softwares such as Photoshop CS3 and Illustrator CS3 is vital especially to edit the bitmap (pics of cupcakes) and vector (logos) files.


Creating A Site
For a kick start, I created a site and saved a test page. This site is named 'flutterbysite'. For those of you who are having a hard time starting, try creating a site. It should give U some moooooooooooood ;) [At least U'll feel like U've done something].


Importing Media Elements
After A site is created, I start Importing all the important stuff into the right categories.

Next? Time to have fun exploring the tools!

Since presentation is just around the corner, I'll have to speed up a lil bit! I'm waaaaayyyyy behind schedule :(

Will update soon. Till then, good luck all!