07 September, 2014

September is Self care month

I'm on a mission this month to look after myself. I've decided to listen to what my body is telling me for once. I'm not on a health kick or a diet (although I hope I do lose a few kilos as a result) 

For example, the past few evenings when  I was about to pour myself a soft drink, I stopped and thought about what I really wanted. I was thirsty and my body was craving water so I poured myself a big glass and enjoyed it. Today my body told me it needed a caramel slice and I enjoyed that sucker down to the last crumb!

I intend to walk as often as I can, get more sleep and eat less. I want to slow down, look around me and in me too. And I hope my body appreciates it.

So, if you think it's a good idea, I've got a free 'self care September' desktop wallpaper for you if you want to come along on this journey with me. 



Here's one that you can use as a wallpaper for your pc/laptop;


And because what I'm going to do to help myself isn't always the best for everyone, here's a blank one for you to add your own ideas...


So, to use these just right click the image and click on  'save image as' and then once you've got the saved image you can save as desktop.

I hope these are of use to you, I've got it printed out and stuck to my wall so I can remind myself of my promise.

Take care,
Jacqui xx

05 September, 2014

Jacqstar - a month in the life (part four - the last bit)



The lovely Jess from Create and Thrive  has organised an Instagram challenge for handcrafters called 'A Month in the Life' in which we post a picture each day of our businesses based on a different theme each day: (See part three here)

list, behind the scenes, who what where why
Create and thrive a month in the life


Day 22  - Goal
Jacqstar Creations, pattern, crochet, original, yarn, wool, granny
My attempt to write out the pattern to the shawl I'm making 

I normally make from other people's patterns but my goal is to be more creative and come up with my own ideas. Lately I've  been madly jotting down ideas and trying to actually make them work. I also want to learn the shorthand symbols for crocheting, which at this stage looks like hieroglyphics. Wish me luck!


Day 23 - Why?

Jacqstar Creations, creative, paint, draw, knit, crochet, original
This is why...

Why do I create? Why do I bother? Because it fills my soul and completes me. I'm my truest self when I'm painting, as it allows me to switch off and be in the moment, which I find very hard at other times.

Day 24 - Neighbourhood
Australia, Jacqstar Creations, bush, Brisbane,
My new friend
Now I live in a pretty ordinary neighbourhood, but I'm near bushland and some of the neighbours are really cool (and friendly when they think food is around) so here's a mate of mine...


Day 25 - Work Clothes

Jacqstar Creations, art, crochet, pajamas, Peter Alexander, ruby slippers
My work clothes (most of the time)

More often than not I'm at home in front of the TV crocheting in my jim jams.It's been a chilly winter so I've been all rugged up in my flannies and my Peter Alexander 'Dorothy' slippers.


Day 26 - In Situ
Jacqstar Creations, wedding, crochet, burlesque collection, white, beret, beanie
The Bride and her Maid of Honour 


/ɪn ˈsɪtjuː/

adverb, adjective (postpositive
1.
in the natural, original, or appropriate position
I was asked by a client what I had in white for a wedding. I managed to come up with a few things so here is the gorgeous Bride and her Maid of Honour wearing their crocheted hats. 


Day 27 - Learn

Jacqstar Creations, handcraft, selling, etsy, handmade
Apps for Sellers

I love learning new things and there is so much to learn when you're trying to run a business. I recently went to a free Brisstyle seminar for crafters on online selling. So much information :)

Day 28 - In the World

Jacqstar creations, handmade, crochet, knit, wool, yarn
Creative Markets, Springwood

Here I am out in the world at my latest market stall at the Creative Markets Springwood.


Day 30 - Treasured

This is 'Music of the Night'. I painted this in a day-long art class with acrylic paint using only palette knives and fabric paint. I'ts quite large and it's the painting I'm most proud of. I sold it a few years ago to my boyfriend, so I  can visit it whenever I like!


Day 31 - support
Jacqstar Creations, markets, handmade, crochet, knit, small business, friends
My two favourite people

On the left is me with my Bestie- she provides the trestle tables, ideas and lots of moral support every market day. 

On the right is me with my lovely boyfriend, who is my number one fan and provides the muscle and lots of lollies when I'm doing markets. I couldn't do without either of them!

That's the end of the Create and Thrive A month in the life Instagram challenge. I've enjoyed sharing myself and my little biz with you and I hope you've enjoyed the ride.

Love,
Jacqui xx