The Herding css Cats project was conceived as a way for PWA members to learn and explore the use of style sheets in webcrafting.

Get started now, download the sample html, the sample css, or get them both in a zip file.

The New Dawn of WebCrafting

In the DarkAge of the PWA, at the dawn of the time of chaos, some of the members gathered together in what became known as the Herding Cats project. Their quest was the redesign of the PWA web site. Some of these Herding Cat members are still with us, while others have moved on to different realms. Yet the legacy of their work still dwells with the PWA in the navigational structure and organization of the current web site.

In that Dark Age, webcrafting was an arcane science of compromise, browser hacks, and workarounds. Now that browsers are becoming more compliant with W3C standards, we are entering a new Renaissance where web crafting is evolving into the fine art of Cascading Style Sheets usage. Energized by such projects as Daily CSS Fun, and NoZen, and then inspired by the css Zen Garden, the Herding css Cats project was conceived. As we face this new dawn of webcrafting, it is our hope that the Herding css Cats project can be employed as a learning tool that will allow our members to test the waters of style sheets in a safe environment.

Cat Toys Galore

The fastest way to learn css is to just jump in with both feet. If you know nothing at all about css, or you are looking for a good on-line reference, check out the complete css guide. For those who feel that they have a grasp of css and are looking to advance their knowledge base visit css/edge, and other writings by Eric A. Meyer. Both of these reference sites have links to other resources.

In no way are the above listed references the only ones on the Internet. Besides web resources, there are also a number of very good books out. For example:

These and other resources cover the whole range of abilities, talents and technical know-how. Take some time to look and read to find the one(s) that suit you.

Also, you can find under the Style Vault heading, the “View this CSS” link that will display the style sheet that was created for the layout you are currently viewing. Note that these style sheets, and their associated designs/graphics are for reference and learning only. They are not templates. You must first contact their creator for permission before using.

The idea behind the PWA's Herding css Cats project is to allow our members a mechanism to get their feet wet within the safety-net of the Association. We ask that all visitors to this site– whether member or not – respect copyright laws. Each creator retains full copyright on their graphics and 'Attribution NonCommercial ShareAlike' copyright on their style-sheet (see submission guidelines for details), we ask that you release your CSS under a Creative Commons license.

The Scratching Post

We would prefer that members focus on the widely supported elements of CSS1 and CSS2. Since this is for the learning process, it is about functional, practical CSS, rather than the bleeding-edge. That is not to say, you can not submit a bleeding-edge design, you can because the PWA encourages its' members to challenge their limits. Bleeding-edge submissions are placed in their own section on the View All Styles page (see link under Style Vault).

If you cannot submit original artwork, we will ask that you show permission for use of that artwork. Also, there are a number of members from our sister list, PWAG (Pagan WebCrafters' Association Graphics) who are willing to assist you. Please contact our PWAG liason for further information.

Black Cats & DeJa Vu

But, Why are we doing this again? Basically, for attention. Well, no – whereas the 'css Zen Garden' project is aimed at just Graphic Designers, we simply want to have a place to encourage each other, to use as a resource for learning, and to inspire each other. The more skilled we each individually are, the better the Association will be, and more enriched the Pagan Internet will become.

As Pagans, many of us focus a lot of energy on community. Well – this is one of our communities. Help us pass the energy ‘round the globe, to learn, to grow, and to evolve!

So, What does it take?

First, you must be a member of the Pagan WebCrafters' Association (PWA). If you are a member, great! Work on, and submit an idea. If you are not yet a member, please join us, and you too can submit an idea!

Second, it doesn't matter if you are someone who focuses on the excitement of the "look and feel" or someone who has a passion for efficient code, both sides of that endless argument are welcome! All you need is either a firm desire to learn CSS or a firm desire to offer CSS to help others.

You can modify the style sheet in any way that you wish, but you cannot make any modifications to the HTML file. This may seem difficult to understand or use at first if you have never used CSS before, but if you follow the links to our resources, and discuss your issues on the list, we will be more than happy to assist you.

Download a copy of the HTML and sample CSS files to work with on your own computer. Please design your Style-Sheet in the same folder with your graphics (if any). Once you have completed your idea, upload your .css file and all images to a web server under your control. Then go to the submit page to send us the URL. We highly recommend that before you take the last step, you submit your URL to the PWA email list for browser checks and any other help you might require.

That's it! Please, learn from our knowledge, help us learn, and help us enrich the Internet and the world with creations of your own.