Pushing The Envelope

The point of using CSS is to separate design from content. It’s a simple theory and works well if you put the effort into understanding it. One of my greatest thrills was when I figured out how to do a page of thumbnails with no tables.

Those who are expert with CSS do more than simply separate design from content. They push CSS to do more. They play around with it until it does what no one would expect. It doesn’t matter that CSS isn’t the most efficient way to do something, when you’re pushing the envelope the point is to just do it because you can. And that’s exactly what Stu Nicholls does at CSS Play.

I first wandered into Stu Nicholls’ world when I was looking for a CSS photo gallery. I went through the entire site, amazed at what I was seeing. How could I choose one photo gallery when each one was so unique and interesting? And all were done with CSS.

But it wasn’t just the photo galleries. Stu Nicholls did things I never thought were possible with CSS. How about a CSS animation? Done! The first CSS generated font? Got it! How about some “through the looking glass” text that corrects itself when you hover on it? Oh, yes! And be sure to check that one out.

I love the CSS generated graphics that Nicholls has done. An American Flag with all 50 states or a CSS art gallery, Stu has done it. And check out his Lego house! Now, that is cool.

But you probably want to do more than just look at a few neat things that someone has done with Cascading Style Sheets. Well, how about some interactive fun? You can try finding your way from the top of the pyramid to the bottom. You could attempt to stay on the right path to find the middle. Or you could play my favorite, the traditional maze puzzle.

Whether you’re interested in design and like to see what others are doing or simply have an appreciation for the most unique applications of this technology, this site is one you ought to be prepared to visit for a few hours. There’s just that much to see. I don’t think I’ve ever had this much fun with CSS before or since finding this site.