I apologize firstly for the big "SAMPLE" word being sprawled across the entire preview. I did that to prevent somebody from cutting up the image and releasing the layout as their own [seeing as we've had a lot of "credit" theft taking place lately].

I do want opinions though. I'm contemplating a few changes: Firstly, I don't know if I should change the Table headers to a graphical style similar to the Blockquote or Code box; Secondly, I have contemplated re-releasing this layout in several color styles to offer up a variety of themes for the people who would use this template; Third, if any of you guys want links to your templates on the bottom area [Right now I have RamblingSoul, XSQueen, Jason, and Kalyan that I plan to link to] please give me a heads up. I'm not linking businesses, but other designers in this community are welcome to let me know. I have 8 slots to fill and I don't care about your popularity or talent.

The Quick Links area will be fully capable of deletion from the code without messing up the design. I've worked very, very hard to include that area without it being necessary for the template user to have it on the page. Furthermore, the plus sign box on the navigation will include a drop-down menu of any additional links -- I figured the use of that will make it easier to add additional pages, but focus on a number of primary ones.

The design on the background will be credited to the original creator in the final release of this template.

I know that some of you may concerned about the heavy graphics on this design. I can promise you that there will be no 24-Bit PNG images used [seeing as most people still haven't upgraded from IE 6], and the interface will be optimized with GIF and JPG images in mind. All of the textual components will be replaced with actual text. [And the banner on the page is just a temp; I'll be replacing that before the final release.]

If you have any suggestions to offer up, please [by all means] let me know! Thanks a bunch!

Always,
Joshua Peterson

To be honest, I have no clue. It was a major feature of the Vista interface, many web sites employ the use of Glass techniques in their GUIs, and people seem to think it looks sophisticated or stylish. I did it for this design because it just fit with the original base image for me.

Remember when bevels were all the rage? Like 4 years ago everyone had a beveled button or header?

May I say that is Rawcore? Great work

VERY Nice AUHSOJ!!!! (and not just because I got a link ;) ::grin:: I like the original the best of the three color schemes and the only bit that seems jarring to me is the banner (assuming that is what the gray/black/white large section is?) .. where it's placed seems to detract from the beauty of the design, so suggest placing it on the bottom maybe? Otherwise, GORGEOUS!!! Might punch up the contrast a tiny bit (could just be my screen is a little dark with the sun being out today in contrast) but layout, color choices, details, all very impressive!

The actual coding is going to take awhile because I'm honestly hoping to leave as much room as possible for customizations without the client having to come to me and pay for any work. Porting this design to HTML then to WordPress is going to take a little bit of time [about a week and a half or so], but it will be here soon!

Thank you so much for the incredible responses!

And to Jason: Big thanks for the heads up on the links on your site.

I can't believe it took over a year's worth of a break to come up with a new design that I didn't feel was a failure for my abilities. But I want you all to know that I'm making a big comeback to the scene.

Posted By: JamesIt looks really good!

I know its cheeky as I'm new to getting my own domain but any chance of a link to my site ?

James, where did you get the floral wallpaper style bg for your site? I've been looking for something like this for a client of mine but can't find any tiled ones that are free to use!

Many great floral patterns are over at Squid Fingers.

This is INCREDIBLY good! I can't wait for its release!

My one bit of constructive criticism -- I'm not sure I like that big asterisk / flowery thing on the top. It might be good if you just lowered its contrast, but as it is, it really jumps out, but I don't think it should, since it's just a bit of decoration.

Hey guys! Just an update: I'm planning on finishing it up and submitting it Thursday.

@Fogster: I'll try to lower the contrast just a little for the official release.

PS - There will be multiple color choices for this template.

Posted By: SeanPollockBut anyways I'm not one to let a link opportunity pass me by =D. I'd love a link if it's alright (:

I second that Thanks!