I still have some browser testing/debugging to do, documentation to write, and a color palette to create (I’m thinking 10-20 color options), so don’t expect to see this on sale until late next week. But, I just thought I’d show off what I have on the way.

Update: I took some time off last week, so this is not yet complete. But, I hope to have it done by this Friday if you happen to be waiting.

A couple of months ago, I removed the Stealth theme for some optimization and image replacements with the intent of putting it right back up. Well, needless to say, it’s taken me a little longer than planned due to a lot of custom work at the start of this summer.

Anyway, I’m pleased to have it back up and available for purchase.

Update: I should mention that this was a complete overhaul of the style sheets. Anyone who has previously purchased this theme should contact me with their purchase information from Paypal (invoice # mostly) and I will reactivate your download link so you can get the updated version.

So, here’s what’s been optimized:

• CSS consolidated from 8 sheets (yikes) down to 2
• Javascript is now only included on the pages that actually need them.
• Most PNG images have been converted to JPG.
• Raw images resized to their actual browser dimensions.

Now, everything should be faster. 2.7% faster as a matter of fact!

Both themes are 3-column, fluid-width, and really quite small, so they should still work quite well on older installations.

Download

• http://newschoollearning.com/themes/autumn
• http://newschoollearning.com/themes/serenity

Enjoy.

Update: The demo site is back up and running 1.9.1. I’ve also added a new feature! On every page, you should now see a pull-down menu to access the theme switcher. This will make updates a bit easier on my end … and it looks cool! Let me know if you see any problems.

This is our first (of probably many) themes to take advantage of the new “Custom Corners” variable that became available with the release of Moodle 1.9. What this means is that Vitality uses dynamic rounded corners in places that just weren’t previously possible. This does, however, mean that Moodle 1.9 is necessary to use this theme.

One great feature that I’m really excited about is that Vitality’s header image can be swapped with any image that is 930px wide and the stylized curved corners will automatically be applied in the theme. No source image editing required.

And, like Elegance, the different styling of the left and right columns is designed to separate the static content (such as lists, menus, etc.) from the more dynamic content (messages, news, etc.), thus helping your users find what they’re looking for on the page. But, of course, all blocks will look just fine regardless of which column they’re placed in.

I’ve put a lot of hours into this one, and I do hope you like it. Let me know what you think!

Edit: This theme is not yet on the demo site because my demo site is not yet running 1.9. I hope to have this done by the end of the day tomorrow; Thursday at the latest.

1. Redesign the site.
2. Double the number of themes offered.

With the exception of a couple small bugs, the first item on my to-do list is done. So, now its time to start making themes! The goal is to double the theme offerings in the next three months. Wish me luck!

The first theme to come off the line will (probably) make use of the new custom corners feature that rolled out with Moodle 1.9. Here’s a sneak peak:

We’re calling it “Vitality” and it will come in as many colors as we can think up. Just an idea of what to expect in the near future.

Have any ideas or suggestions on what we should design this summer? Since our rounded corner themes (Solstice, Elegance & Convertible) seem to be the most popular we’re going to do quite a few more like those, but always appreciate some feedback.

More on Vitality later!

Update: So, things have clearly been updated. I know some parts are still a little ugly … I’m working on it. Please let me know if anything is just terrible!

We will offer free upgrades to all who have previously purchased a theme from us. Simply drop us an email with your name, site URL, and invoice number from your purchase, and we’ll send you a new download link.

Update: So far, Solstice, Elegance, Convertible, Envy, and Modern have been upgraded. I will continue working on upgrading the others and will post my progress here.

Update 2: All “for sale” themes are now updated.

If, however, you have committed changes to your theme already and would prefer updating manually, you can download the changelog here.