I was up into the wee hours last night working on site updates and typelists. As you can see, I did finally add some blog links and it took forever and that was only one-third of my list. I don't know if I have the heart to keep going. My poor brain did not explode, but my ears were ringing when I finally flopped into bed, and I woke up, still thinking about it this morning even though I clearly have more important things to do today than to mess around with how this blog looks. But I'm still compelled to work on it, and as with so many creative urges, I've found it's best to just let it lead the 
way and see what happens. Otherwise, I could end up spending an insane amount of time just thinking about it and doing nothing. Overall, I'm pretty happy with it. I may tweak it a few times before all is said and done. So, just as the wizard told Dorothy..."pay no attention to the man woman behind the curtain", you can picture me frantically pulling levers and turning dials behind the scenes as images come and go. I guess you could say that this bag was responsible for my blog make-over. I just finished it, and I'm really loving these color combinations. The style is exactly like a vintage 
summer beach tote I used to have. Looking at it makes me think of golden sunshine, and riding to the beach in my sporty convertible with the top down. Just a passing memory that makes me smile, remembering.
Here's a peek inside. I used buckram instead of a synthetic interlining, and covered a little cardboard piece to fit in the bottom to give it stability. I've been thinking about these 
woven handles for ages, and finally tried it with some raffia. Ginger held the ends while I braided it together. They came out surprisingly sturdy. Love the organic element as well. The finishing touch was my favorite vintage button, one I'd been saving for just the right piece and this was it.
Your beach bag is a jewel. Love the fabrics you used, and the button just finishes everything off, and ties it all together.
And, P.S. I never saw your other header, but I like the one you have up now.
Posted by: Liz | February 26, 2006 at 12:30 PM
Oh..this bag is wonderful Vicki! I used to have a beach bag shaped much the same...but it had no where near the charm of this lovely treasure!
Posted by: Mrs.Staggs | February 26, 2006 at 12:47 PM
Gorgeous. Excellent work. I love it.
Posted by: A.J. | February 26, 2006 at 01:22 PM
Vicki-oh my goodness I love this bag. It is simply dreamy. I love the button and the raffia handle! And the fabrics are exquisite. Thank you for the awesome inspiration, as always.
Posted by: glenne | February 26, 2006 at 06:30 PM
Oh my gosh, this bag is great. I am in love with the colors and fabrics. It has a cottage by the beach feel to it. I would have never thought of using raffie as handles but it looks great.
Posted by: Dana | February 26, 2006 at 08:22 PM
I absolutely adore your fabric choices for this bag and I love that you used it with the lovely vintage button for your header!
Posted by: stacey | February 26, 2006 at 10:16 PM
Thank you for giving my blog a notice, and for linking me, what friendship and kindness there is in this cyber space world, with signs like this the futuristic world looks more then cold and unreal to the human spirit. Again, your gestrue means alot to me.
Posted by: Tongue in Cheek Antiques | February 26, 2006 at 10:48 PM
Vicki, your new look is very fresh & cheerful, just like that cute bag you've made. I like the lining you choose. As always your hard work sure has paid off.
Posted by: Gina L | February 27, 2006 at 04:54 AM
Your beach bag is really beautiful. Thank you so much for letting us know about the "creative daisy". I went directly over to her website and ordered what I'm sure will be the perfect custom patchwork purse.
Posted by: Chris Howard | February 27, 2006 at 07:45 AM
My kids will be pulling on my arms and legs any second now too, so I'll be quick:
1.Love the header!! Not too big me thinks.
2.You are so funny, haha, the woman behind the cutain, levers and dials going crazy...
3.LOVE your tote!! Oh my gosh, it's so cute.
4.Can't wait to see your mice and other surprises!!
5.xoxo.
Posted by: Toni | February 27, 2006 at 09:53 AM
I love the bag! So fresh and pretty!
Posted by: amanda8 | February 27, 2006 at 10:07 AM
Love the header,love the bag,love the blog!
Posted by: Kristy | February 27, 2006 at 10:39 AM
Hello!
How surprised I was to see that button...I have the same one(s), only in pink and blue!
I really enjoy your blog. I wonder if you could tell me how you changed your header? I'm gearing up to give my site a makeover too. I sure understand what a time vacuum this blogging thing can be! But it's changed my world...I'm SO inspired.
I'll keep reading. Smiles, Aurora
REPLY: There should be a page that allows you to select your image. You might try reading the FAQ's, I've found out a lot of helpful things that way. Good Luck!
Posted by: Aurora | February 27, 2006 at 10:44 AM
Love the new look! The bag is wonderful...can almost smell the sea breeze...
Posted by: Fran | February 27, 2006 at 09:12 PM
Oh yes, I love that bag...I'm a sucker for ric-rac too!
Posted by: Posy | February 28, 2006 at 01:00 PM
The beach hag is just perfect, it has that summer feel for sure, love those raffia handles :)
Posted by: Helen | March 01, 2006 at 03:57 PM