This week we saw happenings with four of the major drag-and-drop WordPress theme frameworks. The biggest news is that Headway 3.0 and PageLines 2.0 were both released. Copyblogger announced some news about their Prose point and click child theme for Genesis and iThemes launched a major deal on their toolkit bundle which in large part centers around their Builder framework.
What’s Up, Doc?
- Headway Themes released Headway 3.0, a drag-and-drop WordPress theme framework. One of the major new features is child themes, with some coming from collaboration with other popular theme shops. A Headway Marketplace is almost ready and will provide goodies for Headway-powered WordPress sites.
- Coincidentally, the PageLines 2.0 drag-and-drop framework has also been released and now supports child themes. The new PageLines Store offers customers a way to get new themes, plugins and various widgets. It looks to me as if PageLines and Headway have a very similar plan and are now direct competitors.
- A new version of Prose, the point-and-click Genesis child theme from StudioPress, will be getting improvements in February, 2012.
- Press75 outlined their plans for 2012 which include an expanded team, a new theme framework, website redesign and collaboration with other designers.
- Ryan Imel of WPCandy reports that ThemeForest doubled in size this year, with two authors having earned more than $40,000 in a single month.
Sweet Deals and a Giveaway
- 44% Off iThemes Web Designer’s Toolkit (includes Builder) - Use coupon code TK4412 (expires December 12)
- 33% Off Most Headway 3.0 Packages (excluding Base) - Use coupon code HW33
- Catalyst One Year Anniversary Sale - Save about 35%
- Solostream Coupon for $20 Off - Use coupon code 2A1198 (expires December 31)
New WordPress Themes
Notebook from Elegant Themes
Notebook is a tumblog/microblog WordPress theme with a full width layout. It is ideal for personal bloggers who want to be able to post quick photos, videos, audio clips, quotes, links and articles. The posts are shown on the homepage in a grid that resizes to fit your screen. Each type of post has a different style container.
$39/yr (Member Access), Live Demo
Nzig from ThemeForest
Nzig is a WordPress theme for the Genesis framework. The demo is configured as a blog with a slider at the top which supports wide videos. There are logo and color scheme options, video and ad widgets, social media integrations and font replacement. Search engine optimization features come from Genesis itself..
$25 (Single Site), Live Demo
Hstudio from Themes Kingdom
This is a WordPress theme made specifically for design agencies and freelancer web designers, graphics designers and the likes. It has a trendy sort of design and a unique slider on the homepage for showing off your latest or best work. There is a portfolio template (filterable), blog section, contact form, shortcode generator and SEO options.
$29/yr (Member Access), Live Demo
Zeences from ThemeForest
Zeences is a modern business or portfolio theme for WordPress. It has a large set of features which include a slider, masonry portfolio, blog section, contact form, shortcode generator, sidebar generator and customization options. You can change the looks to match your brand by uploading background images, changed colors and choosing custom fonts.
$35 (Single Site), Live Demo
Scope from ThemeForest
Scope of one of Orman Clark’s portfolio themes for WordPress. This designer is well-known for his clean, modern designs and attention to the features that matter. It of course has a filterable portfolio in which images open on their own page with space for full details to be written. The blog section uses post formats which make it easy to post quick images, videos, links, quotes and notes.
$35 (Single Site), Live Demo
Spark from ThemeForest
Spark is a WordPress theme for creative professionals such as graphic designers, web designer, artists, illustrators and photographers. It also makes for a good personal website as it not only has a filterable gallery but also a blog section. Its other features include a slider on the homepage, Twitter widget, social media buttons and contact form.
$35 (Single Site), Live Demo
Expansion is a business child theme for the Builder framework. It has a corporate-style design for businesses, although it can be used for other types of sites. There are alternate widget styles, a blog section and social media buttons. It uses Google Fonts for some added zeal. Builder provides drag-and-drop layout capabilities and a visual style manager.
$80 (Multiple Sites), Live Demo
Thanks for reading this weeks roundup of WordPress theme news. As always, follow us on Twitter and Facebook or subscribe to our feed via RSS or email to stay on top of the latest news, themes, previews and deals.
