Handmade Military Bags/Purses and More!!

Once Again TIME!!

2011-04-17T08:21:00.002-05:00

I have been in a big funk these past few months. Can't seem to shake it either. I lost my dad in August, my mother in November, my mother in law in April and my aunt just a few days ago. Wow has it been tough. I miss my daddy but wow do I ever miss my mother. She and I talked every single day and how I miss not being able to call her. I am so thankful I was able to be with her for about a month before she left us. My sister and I were able to take care of her at home. This is what our mother wanted so we did everything we could to keep her home. Cancer is such a terrible thing but we are so thankful that she did not suffer long. I am trying to get back in the groove of crafting. Mother was always so proud of everything I made. She looked forward to seeing the things I made. I stopped making the military bags and have taken up crocheting. I have 10 grandchildren and they love all the hats and scarves and gloves that I have made for them. Hopefully I will get back in the groove. I don't make my dolls anymore either so if anyone knows of someone who loves prim patterns and more I have plenty that I am looking to sale at a very reasonable price. My son is back from Iraq. He has been back for almost a year now but he is training for Afghanistan now. Not looking forward to that at all. My husband finally is semi retired and started drawing his social security. We wanted to buy a travel trailer but heck the gas is so high that if we buy one we will have to park it in the drive and pretend we are going somewhere lol. Well got to run for now. Hope to be back soon.

Is this June aleady?!?

2010-06-04T08:21:00.002-05:00

I just can't get over how time just passes us by. I guess in a way it's good sometimes since we just found out my son is coming home from Iraq next month. We thought he was going to have to stay longer but he got word that he will be coming home. That is a blessing.
I have kinda slowed down on making my military bags and am venturing in to other things. I am actually learning how to make little dresses/tops, pj pants and what ever else I can make. I found this wonderful site quite a while back and absolutely love their patterns. They are the easiest patterns to follow. It is www.youcanmakethis.com. The best place ever!!! They also have a really cool tutorials at www.thediydish.com. These ladies are so cute to watch. Check them out of you get a chance. Oh I made a rag quilt and that is pretty cool to do. We have lots of grandchildren and I just want to make them something special. Hopefully they won't forget what Nana did for them. Hubby is getting ready to semi retire and we are going to travel. Get the heck out of dodge for a bit. Can't wait for that to happen. It won't be till January 1st but as I say, time flies by. The older you get the faster it goes.
My mother is finished with her chemo and radiation for now. She goes back in August to see if anything has changed for her. I pray that it has. If not then she may have to go through more. I went to see her this past weekend and bless her heart her hair is coming out and she has lost her eyelashes and eyebrows. She has such beautiful hair. Hopefully she won't lose it all.
Well I reckon it is time for me to get some things done. So till next time.

I'm Back!!

2010-05-20T01:46:00.002-05:00

I can't believe that I have been gone from my blog for almost a year. Here it is almost 2 in the morning and I can't sleep so I thought check out your blog. I have decided to shut my website down at the end of this month. I am not getting any orders for making the military bags and I just can't see keeping it. Oh I still make things tho. Can't keep a good girl down for long. I am learning how to actually make clothes for my grandchildren and what fun I am having with that. Can't believe that I actually made some pajama pants oh and the cutest reversible dress. I must say I am pretty proud of myself. I guess it has been a blessing that things have slowed down for me. My mother had to have one of her kidneys removed and come to find out after they took it out she has cancer. She has gone through chemo and radiation and it really kicked her to the curb. Cancer is really a 4 letter word. I pray that she does not have to have anymore treatments. We will find out soon if she does. Don't know if she will go through it anymore or not. My son will be coming home for good from Iraq in July. We are so glad. Can't wait to see him. He is trying to get stationed at Ft. Hood so he can be close to his family. Hope that works out. Hubby is going to semi retire as of Jan 1st. We want to travel some so we are going to get us a little travel trailer and hit the road while we still can. Well I guess it is time for me to hit the hay.
Till next time!!

My Son, My Soldier

2009-08-09T14:29:00.002-05:00

We are so proud of you Jonathan. Come home to us safe and sound.

God Bless you and God Bless The USA!!!!!!!!!

Way Too Long

2009-07-04T08:37:00.003-05:00

Yep that is right. It has been way too long since I have posted here. What is wrong with me, just can't get it together I guess. Way too much going on in the Thompson household. My oldest has moved in with us which is fine but he totaled my car and now I have to go find me another car. Yes he did hurt his shoulder but it is getting better thank goodness. He just moved here in hopes of finding a job, any job. Here job, where are you job? They are so hard to find even in fast food. He wants to go back to school and become an LVN. My youngest leaves for Iraq soon so we are leaving Wed. to go see him before he leaves. I look forward to seeing him but I also know that he will leave soon after we leave. I have mixed emotions about that. Just found out that hubby has Type 2 diabetes so now we are having to deal with that. He has a 5 hr. workshop that he had to attend and I went with him since I do most of the cooking. Very informative. Hopefully I will get my groove back when we come back from our trip.
Till next time!!

Bout Bout

2009-05-24T09:22:00.002-05:00

I was trying to figure out what the bout was and remember that I was going to write on my blog and just could not think of anything to say and thought I got out but apparently I did not so here I am again trying to think of something to say. So what am I going to talk about? Any suggestions out there? Can't believe that it has been so long since I have been here. I promised myself that I would keep up with it but I guess promises are meant to be broken. This one sure was. Went to see my dad in Tennessee for a couple of days. I love him to death but I guess I had to go back to remind myself why I don't go back that often. I don't need someone to keep reminding me that I have gained weight or do I!!! Maybe I need a reality check ya think. I really don't look in the mirror that much but when I do I think who the heck is that person. She sounds familiar but she has changed. Does that come with age! Age, does that mean I am getting older? If I could just put things back where they were, I wonder if that would help. If I could stand on my head everything would be heading in the right direction but I can get bertha butt in the air to stand on my head so I guess everything will just be heading south for the winter, spring, summer and fall. Fall, yep that is the magic word cuz everything is falling lol. At least I can laugh about it. Better than crying. Everyday I tell myself that I am going to start watching what I eat, and I do. I watch it go right in my mouth. I might as well just rub it on my hips cuz that is where it is going. I sure don't want to purchase 2 seats when I fly. Speaking of flying, my bags are flying high. I am thrilled to death that they are so well liked my so many. Keep them orders coming!!!!! Well time to get busy on an order.

Till next time

Bout

2009-05-22T07:47:00.003-05:00

Bout

2009-05-22T07:47:00.001-05:00

Finished, Completed, Done!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-04-09T08:27:00.002-05:00

I can't believe that I am finally finished with the Harmon bags. What a great order. They are now on there way to their new home. The owner of these bags is so excited about getting them. Thanks Gretch!!!!!!!!!

I don't know what is going on but I sure am getting lots of orders for diaper bags. Is it the water? Can't figure it out but keep them orders coming. I will be glad to make you a diaper bag or 2 or 3.

Well my son left last night to go to California for training. He is stationed at Ft. Lewis, Washington and will be leaving soon for Iraq. Please keep all our troops in your prayers and that they come back home safe to us.

In our local paper we had a Patriotic poetry contest and it just amazes me what these children say about America and what it stands for for them. This poem if a first place winner who is in kindergarten.

America

I'm free

I can do whatever I want to do.

I can go to any church.

I can be whatever I want to be.

I can grown up to do anything.

I love America!

What a blessing to live in the good ole USA!!!!!!!!!

Till next time

Just call me The Bag Lady!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-04-03T10:22:00.002-05:00

Have ya'll missed me? I have been slaving away making my bags. I can't believe an order I recently got from a customer. She ordered a diaperbag, medium bag, 2 small bags, changing pad, wallet and 3 bracelets. In between her order I had more orders coming in. What's a girl to do. I was drowning in bags. But that is a good thing. I will post a picture of all her bags when I am all said and done. I have not had much time to work on my rings. I have a few listed on artfire but I have so much more that I want to list. Along with my rings I want to put some of my dolls and other bags that I have made on artfire. Oh I did make a purse for my mother for her birthday. Since I have learned how to make purses she is loving that. She is the original bag lady lol. Only she carries them and I just make them for her. I am going to post that picture for ya to see.

This is short and sweet since I need to go start on the diaperbag.

Later my friends

I'll Be A Monkey's Uncle!!!

2009-03-21T10:09:00.003-05:00

I have been so busy trying to get bags made and things listed on Artfire and have not really had the time or taken the time to read any one's blog till this morning and betcha by golly wow Pam you are as sweet as honey. You said so many nice things about me brought tears to my eyes or was that the onions lol. Seriously your kind words touched my heart and I appreciate that so much. I think there are times when you can make better friends online than in person. You have been a real trooper to me and for that I am grateful to you. Speaking of Artfire, what a cool site that is. I am so glad I found it. You can really get a great deal on it right now. If anyone is interested in joining tell them "SewOriginal" sent you. Once your user name is in place you can't change it and for the life of me I don't know what I was thinking. I should have used Jackie's Kreations but I didn't. Seworiginal, seworiginal, seworiginal, just keep saying it and you will remember it is me, Jackie's Kreations. Well the day that I listed some of my rings on Artfire I could not believe it when I checked my email and there was a sale already. The best part about it was my friend Pam bought the first thing from me. It is for her mother for her birthday. It is one of my fav's. Sure hope she likes it. I have got a lot to learn about pictures and all. But I will get it eventually I do believe. I need to get out of Dodge and finish cleaning so I can work on my bags.
Thanks again Pam. You are a sweet person and I am proud to have you as my friend.
Till next time,
Jackie
http://www.jackieskreations.com/
http://www.seworiginal.artfire.com/

It's Raining, It's Pouring, The Old Man is Snoring!!

2009-03-14T08:59:00.002-05:00

Don't know why I picked that title but sounds good to me. It is raining and has been just about all week and it has been pouring and my "Old Man" is Snoring!! Driving me right out of the bed and on the couch. I do have a guestroom but my bed is full of dolls so that is way too much trouble so the couch will work for me. What's a girl to do!!!!!!!!! Thought I would post some more of my rings here this morning before I get busy on orders for my bags. Can't believe how many orders I am getting now. It has been such a blessing for me. I know I say that all the time but it is so true. I don't have much to say today but I am trying to get back in the swing of things as far as blogging goes.

Hope everyone has a wonderful day!!

Jackie

Where has the time gone??????

2009-03-12T10:46:00.002-05:00

I can not believe that it has been almost a month since I have posted on my blog. What was I thinking? What have I been doing? I have been bidding my life away on ebay. You know I have talked about me making rings out of the vintage earrings and that is what I have been bidding on. I have made so many and keep saying I want to open a Etsy store and just have not done it yet. These rings are absolutely adorable!!!!! I am not a ring person but I love to wear these. They are such a fashion statement. I have noticed that big rings are in. Oh and you know I have been making my bags of course. I even have customers calling me now to order. I love it!!

I will try to do better about writing on my blog.

Till we meet again,

Jackie

Hey Hey Hey

2009-02-08T12:16:00.002-06:00

You know what makes me sick, you know what makes me angry, when are you sitting there watching tv and it is late and you are soooooooooooooooo sleepy that you can't keep your eyes open BUT once you hit the hay your eyes are wide open. You toss and turn and toss and turn, roll this way and roll that way, put your arm under the pillow, take it out from under the pillow and you hear a noise and it is your dog snoring then you hear another LOUD noise and it is your husband snoring like there is no tomorrow. So I just could not go to sleep for the life of me and decided to get up because I was not going to fight that anymore. I am thinking maybe I should move in the guestroom. A guest in my own house now ain't that something lol.

A friend of mine introduced me to Comfort Dolls. I had never heard of them before and decided to make one. Oh you know I have to share it with you. They are cool little dolls. They are only 6 inches and under. I think I am going to take it with me Friday when I go to all my appointments. Maybe that will bring me some comfort.

Till next time

Whew!!!!

2009-02-06T11:00:00.002-06:00

Sure am glad to have our taxes done. What a chore that is. We always dread it when we have to get all the paperwork together for that. Anyway now that we got that done I can get back to my crafting. I have such a problem when it comes to crafting. I guess you could say it is an obsession, addiction, what ever you want to call it I've got it. I love this and that. Little bit of this and little bit of that or a whole lot of this and a whole lot of that. Just ask my husband and he will tell you I have a whole lot of this and a whole lot of that. Oh well that if fine with me. Keeps me off the streets except when I have to go by this and that lol. As you know I have a new obession and that is the rings made out of typewriter keys and vintage earrings. I am a bidding fool on ebay right now. I have won so much that it is almost hard to keep up with it. Well I feel my obsession kicking on so I need to go craft something.

Till next time

Woops!!!

2009-02-01T10:05:00.002-06:00

I made a mistake on one of the websites and I would like to correct it. I said it was crazyladiesprimitives and it is www.pineywoodsprimitives.com . That is the website that you need to go to to checkout all of Dena's beautiful things. You also need to check out her blog and see what all the other ladies are making. Hope that cleared it up.

Two

2009-02-01T09:46:00.002-06:00

I have two websites to talk about today. One is called www.crazyladiesprimitives.com. What a fantastic site to see. So many ladies there that have such talent. What you need to do is go visit the blog that Dena has on her site. They have a grand opening there today and you can also win some really cool looking hearts. So please stop by and check it out. Dena has worked really hard to make this happen for her ladies. One thing that I just love on Dena's website is her linen spray. Oh my gosh it is to die for. It last for a long time. She has some really cool things that she has made on her site. Very talented if I say so myself!!!!!!!!!

I received an email from a lady wanting to link my website to hers. i thought that was a great compliment that she wanted to do that. You must go and check her website out also. It is www.creatinggreathomes.com . She has all kinds of great info on there. Thank you for wanting me to be a part of your website.

Today I need to finish a bag that I started yesterday. I finished her checkbook cover and now I need to finish her bag and also make her a wallet. Her husband is giving her this gift for valentine's. What a sweet thing for him to do.

Got to get busy

Love to Recycle Old In To New

2009-01-30T07:47:00.002-06:00

Yesterday I had some errands to run, mail packages, get gas in my car, get my hair cut. I don't usually just get out and go just because so I decided to go to one of my favorite places called Crafter's Corner. They have anything and everything in there. Old and new stuff. Handmade and not so handmade. I am not much of a jewelry person but lately I have been wanting to find old typewriter keys, cash register keys, calculator keys, old game pieces, and now I am wanting to find the old clip on earrings to make rings out of. So while I was in this store I cam across so many clip on earrings I thought I was going to hyperventilate. I do that when I get excited about something. They were expensive so I only bought one pair but then since I bought a pair, which most earrings come in a pair lol, I can make two rings out of them. Now I am on a quest to find some at a bargain.

Today I have an order that I need to work on for a customer. She is wanting a military bag, wallet and checkbook cover so I guess I need to get busy.

Brain Freeze

2009-01-28T08:44:00.002-06:00

You want to write in your blog but there are times that you just don't know what to write about. So what do you write about when you don't know what to write about? I guess you can just write about anything and everything. I noticed that I have a whopping one person that is following my blog. I sure am glad you are following me Pam. Since I am new at this blog thing I don't really know how to get others to follow me. Maybe one day I will get more. I have been very lazy lately not really wanting to do much of anything but surf and I don't mean in the water. Are you kidding, me on a surfboard with shark infested water, I don't think so. If I can't see through the water you might as well forget about it.

I keep saying I want to open an Etsy shop but have I done it yet? No! Been too busy surfing. I have found some new crafts that I want to do. I always have to be doing something. I love the jewelry that is made out of buttons, typewriter keys, scrabble tiles, other game pieces, watch stuff. So many cool things out there and I think I have to try it all.

Till next time, whenever that may be

Handmade Military Bags/Purses

2009-01-22T00:11:00.001-06:00

Reality

2009-01-19T08:12:00.002-06:00

I knew in the back of my mind that my son would be heading off to war. I guess I just did not want to believe it would really happen. I feel like I am on the outside looking in and can't do anything about it but then why would I. Being in the military is my son's life long dream. I am sure it had something to do with his dad serving in the Air Force and also me, his mom. We are a military family and proud of it. But the mom in me worry's about her son going off to war. I do stand by him, behind him and beside him, hand in hand. I am very proud of him. I am very proud of all our troops, men and women alike. What they do to protect our country, their country, is beyond measure. God Bless them their families and God Bless The USA!!!!!!!!!

???????

2009-01-17T20:47:00.002-06:00

I am still trying to figure out some things about blogging and adding things and deleting things. I added the Share This and I have no idea how I added it or better yet I can't figure out how to delete. It's amazing to me how your kids can figure out these things and you can't. Must be the sign of the times. Maybe I will get it sooner or later. Probably later than sooner tho. Why do they have to make things so difficult or is it just me. Am I the only one that has trouble trying to figure these things out? Surely not.

2009-01-17T20:23:00.001-06:00

Posted using ShareThis

Erma Bombeck

2009-01-17T13:04:00.002-06:00

I absolutely love Erma Bombeck. She was such a funny funny lady. I want to share something with you that she wrote after she found out she was dying of cancer.
If I Had My Life To Live Over - by Erma Bombeck
I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.
I would have talked less and listened more.
I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.
I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.
I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.
I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.
I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later, Now go get washed up for dinner." There would have been more "I Love you's" More "I'm sorry's".
But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute....look at it and really see it, live it and never give it back.

The Dash by Linda Ellis

2009-01-14T16:30:00.002-06:00

I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend. He referred to the dates on her tombstone from the beginning to the end. He noted that first came the date of her birth and spoke of the following date with tears, but he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years. For that dash represents all the time that she spent alive on earth and now only those who loved her know what that little line is worth. For it matters not, how much we own, the cars, the house, the cash, what matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash. So think about this long and hard; are there things you'd like to change? For you never know how much time is left that can still be rearranged. If we could just slow down enough to consider what's true and real and always try to understand the way other people feel. And be less quick to anger and show appreciation more and love the people in our lives like we've never loved before. If we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile, remembering that this special dash might only last a little while. So when your eulogy is being read with your life's actions to rehash would you be proud of the things they say about how you spent your dash?
1996 Linda Ellis

I wanted to share this. It is really something to think about don't you think?

SweetCheeks and Flat Cats

2009-01-11T10:56:00.003-06:00

Yep I know, you are wondering where the heck did that title come from? Good question, I just pulled it out of the hat. Sweet Cheeks is a doll that a friend of mine sent me that she made. We belonged to a group that does swaps. It's not what you are thinking. It was a DOLL swap thank you very much. Our friendship blossomed from there. We have kept in touch with each other for 2 years now. 2 years, wow, where has the time gone!! Why does it have to go so fast as you get older? I never could understand that. See here I am getting off track again. Does that come with age? Age, what is that? Is it a state of mind? Is it just a number? My number keeps getting bigger and bigger but I guess that is better than not. Pam can you hear me? Thanks for being my friend. I love my doll but I love our friendship more.

Flat Cats, what are flat cats? They are cats with no stuffing. I made a bunch of them up and still need to stuff them. I could have a stuffing party but who would come. All my crafty friends are online and they live too far to come to a party. But oh what fun that would be.

Obsessions part 2

2009-01-10T12:37:00.003-06:00

Could not fit more of my obessions on the first page so here are a few more

Obession

2009-01-10T12:15:00.005-06:00

I was reading one of my friend's blog's about how she is obsessed with things and I thought I know I am the only person who is obsessed with fabric and thread and patterns oh my!!!!! But come to find out she is just as obsessed as I am. So I thought I will take pictures of some of my obsessions and show you. Now my obsessions are not as orderly as hers. She took some great pictures but mine, well you will see. I keep telling myself I have to get things in order but when I do try, the pile of things I have seems to get bigger and bigger no matter what I do. It's like that piece of steak that you are trying to chew and it just gets bigger and bigger in your mouth and you don't really know what to do with it so you just keep on chewing hoping it will get smaller. I looked up the word obsession in good ole Webster and this is what it said, " the condition of being obsessed with an idea, wish, etc. an idea, wish, etc. that fills one's thoughts and cannot be put out of the mind". Ain't that the truth. I wake up in the middle of the night thinking about my obsessions. There are so many things that I want to make and I just am so overwhelmed at times trying to figure out what I want to do. I see all kinds of crafty people that come up with the most amazing things and wonder now why didn't I think of that. It's because I am too busy thinking about all the other things that I want to do, have to do. I now want to make jewelry out of scrabble tile pieces and rings out of old buttons and things. What's a girl to do. Oh and I am also obsessed with this computer. I am always having to check my email. I just know something important is going to come through like me winning the lottery. But that won't happen because I think, if I am not mistaken, you have to play to win. Well I guess that is enough of me rambling.

New Kids on the Block

2009-01-07T23:22:00.002-06:00

Well some of these little guys are not really new. One of them is the very first doll I made and her name is Gert. She is the one that is holding her little kitty cat. The one with the boney legs. The one that is so ugly she is cute. Can you tell which one I am talking about? I also tried my hand at felting and was really suprised at what I came up with. One is an old man and I actually needled felted teeth in his mouth. Now he looks old. Don't you just love those old looking hands. This guy has been around for a long time. Got my little bear I did and then I made the angel that you see. I have to put my doll making aside for a bit since I am getting orders for my bags again. Tomorrow I get back to work on them. I have so many things that I want to make. I need several hands to get everything done. I see all kinds of crafts and just can't believe all the cool things they have out there now. I have a friend who makes totes out of the vintage feed sacks and they are so cool. If you only knew then what we know now I know I would have kept my Barbie. I had one of the first Barbie's that came out. I had the dark headed one and my sister had the blonde. I am telling my age now but that is ok. One of my favorite doll's to play with was my Betsy Wetsy doll. I may get me one on Ebay. Ebay has everything. I must be tired cause I am just a rambling on. Got to load some pictures and get some sleep.

Help Keep Handmade Alive and Well

2009-01-07T23:17:00.002-06:00

For all the handmade crafters out there and even if you are not but you purchase handmade please go to this website and read what they are trying to do. If this goes in to affect it will put so many small businesses out of business. Thank you for your support. http://www.handmadetoyalliance.org .

Purdy Kat

2009-01-05T21:45:00.003-06:00

Well I must say, Purdy Kat was so happy when I finally got home this evening. I went to Hobby Lobby today and saw this cute little boa looking thing that I thought would be so cute to go around his neck so I bought it for him. Well let me tell you he just loves it. He is so proud to wear it and he wanted me to show him off so here is his picture. As you can see Mr. Monkey is in the background wanting to know where his is now.

Here Kitty

2009-01-04T12:37:00.002-06:00

I have just been doing this and that for the last few days. I got me some really cool pattern books the other day and have just fallen in love with them sooooooooooooo I had to order the other two. This lady is fantastic. I have fallen in love with the shabby chic. Oh heck I just have fallen in love with crafting period. Thank you mother for giving me the bug!!! My mother is super crafty. When my sister and I were small she use to make ALL our clothes and I must say we looked pretty darn good. I don't make clothes, yet but I do just about everything else, well I don't quilt but I think I would love to give it a try one of these days. Yesterday I decided to make this crazy cat. He is a red cat. Have you ever seen a red cat before?, me either but this one is definitely red, R E D red. He is kinda weak tho. He has no stuffing in his arms or legs. He does have rice in his butt and beans in his paws. He was fun to make. Well I declare, my hubby is hollering, "What are we going to have for lunch?" I guess since he made breakfast I need to go fix lunch.

Till next time

Dolls and more

2009-01-01T22:36:00.002-06:00

Did ya'll know that I also make dolls? Two years ago I started making dolls. I wanted to make one for my granddaughter and just decided to see if I could make one. Well I made one and showed a friend of mine and she just loved them and bought several from me. My doll business was born. I make other things besides dolls. I love to make primitive things also. I am going to post some pictures so you can see.

Website

2009-01-01T22:18:00.003-06:00

I wanted to let anyone who reads my blog that I do have a website where some of the bags that I make out of military uniforms are listed. My website is http://www.jackieskreations.com .
Does anyone Twitter? I am still learning. I think I am starting to figure it out.

Short and sweet

Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-01-01T13:46:00.003-06:00

A friend of mine sent this to me today and I just wanted to share it with my friends also.

To all my friends, new and old...with more love and laughter, less pain and sorrow and friends to last a lifetime. Here's to the new year...

To our dreams...May we never stop believing in them and taking the actions that will make them a reality.

To our friends and loved ones, may we take the time to let them know how much it means to us to have them in our lives.

Let us encourage more and criticize less, give more and need less. And whenever we can, let us create harmony and peace.

To new beginnings... Let us start fresh, right now, to make this the very best year ever.

A very Happy New Year to all of us!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you Pam

Just Call Me Bertha!!!!!!!!!!

2008-12-26T21:08:00.002-06:00

Did I really eat that much? I did not think I did but boy do I feel like it and boy do I look like it. We took a few pictures and some I like cause they make me look smaller but in different pictures with the same outfit on I look like Bertha. You know who Bertha is. She is one of the Butt sisters. I think I am related to them. My mother and sister came Monday for the holidays and left today. They wanted to leave before the weather got bad. It was a nice but quiet Christmas for us. Hubby had to work but at least he got off at 1:00. I took a picture of hubby after he ate. Hope everyone has a Happy New Year.

I love this!!!!

2008-12-21T15:05:00.002-06:00

I got this in an email today and wanted to share it. You may have read it but if not it is sure something to think about so sit back relax and enjoy this.

I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, and my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend. I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant. I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon, before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging. Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60's and 70's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love ... I will. I will walk the beach in a swimsuit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set. They, too, will get old. I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things. Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect. I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face. So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn gray. As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong. So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day (if I feel like it).

I love this. It is so real and so true and so me.

I have a Chubby Heart!!!!

2008-12-20T21:51:00.002-06:00

Has anyone ever told you that you have a chubby heart? Maybe a chubby butt or just plain chubby but not a chubby heart. Well that was a real compliment to me. Arlene thank you for saying I have a chubby heart. That meant alot to me. My heart is definitely full. I guess it is in my nature to want to give. For many years I worked for The Salvation Army as the office manager, latrine queen, store clerk, I even helped pick up the drop boxes and deliver things to people's houses and even pick things up from people's houses. Oh and yes I even helped with the lunch program when someone was needed to cook. I helped many people pay their utilities when they could not afford to. I gave out food and clothes to those who really needed it. Christmas time was the best time of the year because I was able to match people up who wanted to adopt a family for Christmas. Working for The Salvation Army was more than a job to me, it was my life. Things change and life goes on to other things. I guess I will always be the kind of person who wants to go that extra mile. For anyone who reads my blog you know that I make bags out of military uniforms. Everyone of the bags that I make is VERY special to me. It makes me feel good that people want ME to make the bag for them. Oh and the emails that I get when they receive their bag is something that I will always treasure. Well tonight I received an email from a lady who got the bag she ordered today for her best friend. She wanted to do something really special for her friend because her husband gave his life for you and for me. He was serving in Iraq and lost his life. The pictures that I am putting up are of the bag I made for her. Thank you Paula for your very kind words. You really touched my chubby little heart tonight. I think you can make some of the best friends online. I know I certainly have. Thanks to each and everyone of you that I call my friend. Have a Blessed Christmas and a wonderful New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Live Christmas Decor

2008-12-12T11:30:00.002-06:00

I had to share this picture that my friend sent me today. Why do cats love to get into your Christmas tree? This tree did not even have any decorations on it yet. How cute is this!!!!

Thanks Michele for sharing.

I am also sharing another picture of a friend of mine and her family Christmas picture. Don't you just love it!!!!!!!!

I can't forget my picture of me and my dogs wanting to exercise with me. They think they have to be right there with you at all times.

I Have the best customers EVER!!!!!

2008-12-12T09:28:00.002-06:00

I appreciate all the nice things that my customers have said about the bags I have made for them. That is what makes my day. Thank you so much. I have a couple more to share with you. These bags that I make are not just bags, they are keepsakes. It makes me proud to do this for each and everyone of you. Thank you again and may each and everyone of you have a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Post Office Blues

2008-12-09T08:13:00.002-06:00

Yesterday I thought I am not going to the post office first thing Monday morning because I know how busy it will be so I will just wait till the afternoon and go. WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What was I thinking?????? When I got there the line was out the door and on top of that only 2 tellers. What are they thinking at this time of year. The tellers were frustrated because of all the customers and the customers were frustrated because of lack of tellers. I was in line for over 30 minutes. I was not about to get out of line and come back. I had to mail my orders and get stamps. The guy at the counter was trying his best to sell me Christmas ornaments and stuffed animals. Why in the world would I buy stuffed animals when I make them lol. I am finally caught up on my orders. I have neglected my house long enough now. So today is clean day, wash day, tree day. I have not even had time to put my tree up yet.

Speaking of bags I got some more pictures of my customers with their bags so of course I want to show them off.

Well I am off to do some magical cleaning.

Busy Busy Busy

2008-12-03T08:14:00.002-06:00

Just wanted to stop by and say that I won't be around much for the rest of the month. I am trying to get the rest of my orders finished so I can get them mailed on time for my customers. I hope everyone who is reading this has a wonderful Christmas and a great new year. I have really been blessed with the new friends I have made online. I am so glad that I emailed Dena. She has a wonderful website which is, I hope I get this right, www.pineywoodsprimitives.com . If you want some great smelly stuff she has some of the best. She has more than that on her website. She does awsome work so stop by and tell her Jackie sent ya. She is a good ole East Texas girl. Thanks Dena for your friendship. She is also a customer of mine. She just had to have a non military purse I made. Thanks for that Dena.
Thanks to all my customers. I have made so many friends. This has been such a blessing for me in so many ways. I have the best customers ever!!!!!!
I am going to put my tree up this weekend and I will take a picture so you can see it.
Got to get busy.

Is it almost Christmas?

2008-12-02T08:13:00.002-06:00

I can't believe that Christmas is right around the corner. I keep saying where has the time gone. I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. It was quiet here on the home front. My hubby had to work so when he got home he said he was so full so I did not have to cook. I just about hate to cook anymore. It is just the 2 of us. Our kids are grown and gone.

I got another picture of one of my customers who got bags from me and I wanted to share that with everyone who reads my blog. Making the military bags has been great for me in so many ways. Just knowing how happy my customers are is worth it all. I have several orders that I need to get working on this morning. I am waiting for my garage to heat up before I go out there.

Till we meet again,

Jackie

Monkey See

2008-11-29T08:06:00.002-06:00

I decided to try my hand at making a monkey. He is made out of military material, (of course) and the tie that I made for him is made out of my step fathers pj top. I think for my first monkey he came out ok. I know some short cuts I will take next time. The directions that I used were not very clear so I had to figure it out. I think my first love is making my dolls. I still have my first doll that I made. I will have to take a picture of her and show her off. I found a really cool craft that I am in the process of making on Martha Stewart. It is so so cool. It will be a Christmas tree made out of newspaper. Lots of paper to cut out for this project but I can't wait to see the end result. After that I found a little bitty doll that I am going to make and put on gift packages. If I have time to make them. I have more orders coming in for my bags so we will see. I have some coming in from Hawaii so that takes a bit to get to you.

Till next time!!

Well Christmas is almost here

2008-11-28T08:41:00.003-06:00

Time, have you ever looked up the word time and what it means? According to Webster it is the period between two events or during which something exists, happens, etc the passing hours, days, years, every moment there has ever been or ever will be. It says lots more but you get the general idea. The older you get the faster time goes. It is going way to fast for me. I sometimes say if only. If only I had more time, if only I would win the lottery, if only I would lose weight, if only I did not like sweets, lol. If only my grandbabies were closer. If only I could kick my dogs out of my bed. If only I had a bigger house for all my crafts. Speaking of crafts, I am already starting to cut things out for next year. I want to get a jump on things. I am really wanting to open an Etsy shop. I have been wanting to do that for a while now. Maybe after the holidays I can do that. I made a cat yesterday out of military material. His name is Gomer. He is a crazy whimsical cat. Something I just made up. Don't laugh at him, he might get his feelings hurt. I also cut out some other cats but don't have them stuffed yet. Can't forget about my dolls that I am in the process of putting together. Oh before I forget, my Gomer cat is wearing my Sunbeam pin that I wore many many years ago. Can't believe my mother kept it all these years and actually gave it to me. The pin is kinda hard to see but it is on his ear.

Pictures of some of my customers with their bags

2008-11-19T12:45:00.002-06:00

I am thrilled to death to share some pictures of my customers with their military bags. There is so much love that goes in to making these bags. These are more than bags to me and to my customers. When I make these bags I want it to be a reflection of you and your loved one. These are not just bags they are keepsakes. They are reminders of your loved ones in the military. These bags not only represent your soldier they also represent the person I am making them for. What better way to keep your soldier close to you while they are away than to carry one of these bags with you. It is like having a part of your soldier with you everytime you walk out the door. I know how that feels because I am a proud wife of a man who served our country. I am also proud to say that I also served our country. May God Bless you and your families and May God Bless The USA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Support Our Troops!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My Whimiscal Bear

2008-11-18T22:15:00.003-06:00

I took a detour Sunday and decided not to work on bags so I made a bear. I have so many things that I want to do and just not enough time in the day for everything. I had so many errands to run today but I got everything done and now I have to get busy tomorrow on my bags. I just received another order of 10 bags and that does not include the orders I already have. Busy Busy Busy. I have really been blessed.

Bummed today

2008-11-15T14:57:00.003-06:00

A friend of mine went home from work yesterday and found her husband dead. I am just thinking what twist and turns this life has for us. We just never know from one day to the next what life has to offer us. My heart really hurts for her. It was so unexpected. I have not been very productive today needless to say. I need to get out of this funk that I am in. I have other craft things I want to do.

I did make this purse for my mother for Christmas. Hopefully she will like it. The other is a cloth bracelet that I made. I am practicing my button holes.

Had to share my new wristlet

2008-11-12T18:11:00.003-06:00

I have made a new friend online and I fell in love with her craftiness, if that is a word. She just amazes me. I love the wristlets that she makes with buttons.

She also makes totes out of flour sacks. She makes all kinds of things and I just love them all. Thank you Arlene, you are special.

Bags Bags Bags and more Bags

2008-11-11T16:19:00.002-06:00

Well I can't believe that it has been this long since I have said anything on my blog. I told myself I would try and get here every week at least but I see that I have let myself down. I am been so busy making my military bags that I just let time slip by. I changed my picture on my blog and as you can see I have lots of bags around me. That is the one order that I just finished. Ten bags total. I just got an email from the lady where I have all my dolls and prims in and she told me I have done really good selling my things. I am tickled pink about that. I guess I will have to go back next year so that means I will be making dolls and things in between making my military bags. I couldn't be happier. Well time for me to get supper going so till next time.

Bernina 1958

2008-10-29T19:17:00.002-05:00

About 2 weeks ago my hubby and I went to some garage sales. I was looking for old scrabble games and as I was just walking along and my eyes locked in on an old Berninia sewing machine. I walked away thinking I don't need that but something kept pulling me back. I think it was the machine telling me to please take it home. Well I pulled my hubby in that direction and he asked me if I wanted it, well all he had to do is ask me one time. I grabbed it well I did not grab it because it was a heavy machine lol. It had not been used in 17 years. The gentleman who sold it to me said his wife made many a dress with that machine. Even if it did not work I still wanted it. So I took it to the dr. to have it checked out. It cost me more to have it serviced than the purchase price but it was sure worth it to me. Today I took her for a test drive and she sews like a top. I absolutely love it. To my amazement it still had the book with it. It does not have the foot peddle so I am having to get use to using my leg to make it go. Oh and it has a knob for the back stitch. Love my old machine. Of course I have to show the picture. No telling what I will find next time.

My Work Stations

2008-10-26T10:04:00.001-05:00

Well this is where I do all my work on my bags that I make. I use to have most of this in my guestroom and I have now moved just about everything in to my garage. Hubby built me the table that you see so I can have a good place to cut everything out. I love the space that I have now. When we have guest now I don't have to worry about getting everything out of the guestroom. That was a lot to move. I went to a garage sale the other day and could not believe what I found. I found a 1958 Bernina and it still have the book with it and the best part about it is it still worked. I was so excited about that. Talk about a heavy machine. I was looking for something like that. It cost me more to have it serviced than to purchase it. The gentleman that was selling it told me his wife made many a dress on that machine. He kept it for 17 years after her death. I told him I would definitely use it and take care of it. It is hard for me to believe that I am actually sewing. I took one course in high school and just hated it. After all these years I decided to try my hand at making dolls. That was my first venture with sewing. Now I am making handmade military uniform purses and you can't hardly get me away from the machine now. My mother is proud. She told me she never thought any of her kids would take up sewing. Guess I proved her wrong huh. That is one lady that is definitely an inspiration to me when it comes to my creative side. Thank you mother. Well I guess it is time to get sewing. I have several orders that I need to get out.

Boy do I feel stupid

2008-10-25T14:02:00.003-05:00

I was getting so frustrated trying to figure out where the heck do I go to post pictures and I finally figured it out. Sometimes this computer stuff really gets my goat. I probably will be trying to figure this out for awhile. Live and learn I guess.

One of my customers asked if I could make a bag for her out of her 1971 Singapore Hard Rock Cafe jacket so here it is. It's suppose to be a Christmas bag but I don't know if she is going to wait to carry it. She was so excited to get it. This bag turned out really big and that is what she wanted. I have always wanted something that says HRC and so when I cut the sleeve off I kept the cuff and made a bracelet out of it for me. I guess I should take a picture of it.

Till next time

My First Day

2008-10-13T15:15:00.002-05:00

I have been wanting to learn to blog for sometime now. How hard is it just to write something down, well I reckon it is because I have been trying to figure this out for a while now. I gave up and now I am back again. What got me started is a blog I read today. I spent all day reading her blogs. Over 2 years of blogging that I read. It was great. I even emailed her and told her how much I loved her blog and she actually answered me back. I feel special. Well I guess this is it for now. It is almost time for me to start supper. I have decided that I hate to cook. Why do we have to cook and why is it that women are the ones who are blessed with that chore? I use to love to cook, what happen oh I know what it is, I love to craft and that takes priority over anything lol. I really am leaving now.

til next time