I hope your weekend was fun. I certainly had a good one. It was not only filled with lots of LONG naps, but some crafting and several hours of lounging. I'm feeling much better and in catch up mode. Thanks for all the kind words during my sick days {and always}, too. I really appreciate it.
In my full Christmas dorkiness mode, i made a shopper bag. Yep, the first one of the year. A very simple bag, BUT the hand embroidered "I am a Thriving Artist" makes up for the simplicity. A message inspired by sweet Marisa of Creative Thursday and a message i {too} want to be putting out into the world. "This is dedicated to all the artists out there... and on days when you aren't feeling it, i hope you are reminded to reach for it again." ~ "Thriving Artist" by Creative Thursday.
There is something about Christmas approaching that makes me reach for that red with white dots print ~ it's definitely a favorite from my stash. I didn't use a pattern, which can be scary, but it came together just fine. I love this immensely but im gifting this to a sweet creative friend, Kate. Kate, if you read this, i hope you like it.
I'm starting to feel the creative juices begin to flow again. I managed to start work on a few things this weekend. There are more So Cute It Hurts goodies to come. Hopefully a few more of my ideas will materialize in the next couple of weeks. It's fun to be thinking about Christmas designs, if you can believe it's almost that time already.
Be Well.
Cheers to you and yours.
Dearest sweet Lila, congratz on making it to poppytalk! I've always always love Jan & Earl's carefull selection of artists! I'm just feeling so honered and proud to be a part of this wonderful market with a very talented group. It's been a wonderful experience so far and the exposure is awesome. Have a lovely merry happy day and love to you!
Posted by: Jacqueline | October 26, 2010 at 09:14 AM
Hello lovely Jacqueline! Your shopper bag is wonderful and I love the liitle message you applied to it. I can't wait to see what else you create for Christmas. I've been starting to think about the holidays too. Hope you have a wonderful week :)
Posted by: Tricia | October 26, 2010 at 11:10 AM
I think this bag and especially the message are brilliant, dear Jacqueline! That is the correct message to send out to the world, indeed! So very sorry you weren't feeling well but hope by now you are fully recovered and your new week is filled with magic. love – g
Posted by: Georgianna | October 26, 2010 at 11:47 AM
I am so glad you are feeling better and the bag is wonderful!!
Posted by: kt | October 26, 2010 at 02:14 PM
You are so clever! And you certainly ARE a thriving artist! Glad to hear you're feeling better...
xx
Posted by: Helen (Dixon Hill Girl) | October 26, 2010 at 02:55 PM
Wow Kate is a lucky girl! Can't think of someone nicer and more deserving though! What a beautiful bag and a great message - love the red and white! :D Glad you are feeling a bit better - keep well sweet Jacqueline Big Hugs Em x
Posted by: Mousy Brown | October 26, 2010 at 09:42 PM
I love it, Jacqueline! Wonderful, I think all artists are thriving, if we are working and the juices are flowing, we are happy and nutured, not starving! XX!
Posted by: shari @ little blue deer | October 27, 2010 at 12:42 AM
such a CUTE bag girl!! and i can't wait to see the new items you have in store for us!!!! :D
Posted by: Sandy a la Mode | October 27, 2010 at 02:33 AM
Super cute!! My weekend was pretty similar, missy, I took more naps than I think I did my entire year of kindergarten and embroidered for a while...loving the product of your weekend!
Posted by: Lizzie [Ten Thou Bride] | October 27, 2010 at 04:36 AM
Dear Jacqueline, I am so glad you are feeling better :) Wishing you lots of happy art days ahead! I love your new gorgeous bag! sweetness!!!
Posted by: Lori | October 27, 2010 at 11:14 AM
Such a cute bag! I love red and white together all year round. ;) Have a lovely week.
Posted by: theUngourmet | October 27, 2010 at 01:38 PM
This bag is so sweet and I like the message.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my blog. Sonya has asked that I take the sneak peeks about the quilt off my blog until after Kelly sees her gift. I was so excited about finishing the quilt wanted everyone to know.
Posted by: Marianne@RuffHaven | October 27, 2010 at 02:36 PM
Dear Jacqueline, I LOVE your shopping bag. Its really sweet and sew YOU!! I hope you're feeling better now and enjoy the rest of the week!! Wini xo
Posted by: wini | October 27, 2010 at 08:30 PM
Wow that bag is awesome. And I LOVE that it's red and white. Less than 2 months until Christmas now!
Posted by: Lila | October 27, 2010 at 11:26 PM
I love the bag. The colors, the patterns, the sentiment. All perfect! Too cute. I'm glad you're feeling better. I look forward to seeing your holiday goodies as the season gets closer =)
Posted by: Jen | October 28, 2010 at 01:51 AM
That's a pretty bag but more than that, I love those words! It's so affirming and positive.
I made a boo boo about my travel dates. It should be in early Dec. *embarrassed smile*. I'll definitely keep you posted!
Posted by: Cookie Cutter | October 28, 2010 at 09:30 AM
I love that print fabric & your inspiring message is PERFECT! Feel great & have a great remainder of the week!
Posted by: Tamdoll | October 28, 2010 at 10:37 AM
Hi Jacqueline,
I love the bag and the affirmation of being a successful artist. I'm sure Kate will just love it. I especially like the colors. So bright and warm. I'm very glad to hear that you are feeling better. Here's wishing you many creative moments in the coming days.
Posted by: Valarie Budayr | October 28, 2010 at 08:53 PM
J, I'm glad to hear you're feeling better, I was a bit under the whether last week myself but feeling brighter and like you ready for some creative action. Hearting your latest project - such an important message an swet way to encourage other creative spirits to thrive.I'm sure Kate will love it!
Posted by: Dyan | October 29, 2010 at 08:00 AM
hello my dear, i´m glad that you feel better now...and i can understand your love for christmas projects...there are only 8 weeks until christmas...so its right to begin the "journey"...;)...i want to create some christmas cards this weekend mabye...and this little bag is just cute and your friend kate must be so happy about it...i wish you a lovley creative and sometimes a little cozy weekend with all your passions...take care and relax a little bit...a big hug and cheers...i...
Posted by: frauheuberg | October 29, 2010 at 05:07 PM
very, very cute and inspiring!
Posted by: stephanie | October 29, 2010 at 05:19 PM
That makes me want to sew things for Christmas as well!
Posted by: Anne Marie | October 30, 2010 at 03:05 AM
i adore this baag its soo pretty. and what a great casual bag to bring everywhere. you're so super talented!
Posted by: abby | October 30, 2010 at 04:59 AM
I love Christmas time!! I'm not in full mode.. yet! lol
But I have stitched a few things already :)
I really like your shopping bag! :) And I'll keep the message ;)
Thanks for sharing!!
Have a great weekend sweetie :D
Posted by: Nia | October 30, 2010 at 07:26 PM
Oh I love the idea of thriving - not a word I remember to use, but what a great word. Yes I want to thrive! Loved your dream ideas you left on my blog! Hope you are enjoying your weekend - lots of rain here ;(
Posted by: Pam Holderman | October 31, 2010 at 10:18 AM