Bags By Hags

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Things to do with Denim....

I love working with denim, my favorite thing to do is to take a pair of denim jeans and recycle them into something new! I love to take a pair of jeans and make several items out of just one pair. I usually start with cutting them off like shorts and make Denim Purses. Each purse is made unique and one of a kind, with different straps and adornments. This is one of my favorite ones.

I then can take the legs and make tote bags like this one.

During Christmas I take the legs and turn them into Stockings. This was a custom order I received this last Christmas:

I also love to make Bible Covers out of denim, in fact these are my favorite things to make! Again each one is made unique and different, you can be assured you are getting a One of A Kind Item.

Keep watching Bags By Hags you never know what may turn up in denim next! Or if you have a particular item or style in mind feel free to contact me and I will be more than happy to do a Custom Order for you!

Marsha Bourquin/Head Hag- Bags By Hags

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

A Special Day......

Today is a special day, it is my best friend's (who happens to also be my sister) birthday! She is my rock, I can tell her anything, she is Bags By Hags biggest supporter, and I Love her Moon and Stars!

We have been through so much together, from her holding my hand and supporting me through my husband's deployment to Iraq, to sledding in Alaska (we almost died going down that hill!) to now us taking care of Mom in her golden years, and keeping me laughing on those difficult days.

Happy Birthday Kimmee, God sure blessed me! I Love You So Very Much!!!♥♥♥

THROUGH THE YEARS:

Taken years ago at the Fort Worth Stock Show.

The State Fair of Texas sometime in the 70's

The House where we grew up, so many memories.....

Nothing better than Sister Hugs!

She wrote me this when I was living in Alaska, now we live next door to each other and right back at you Kimmee! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Marsha Bourquin/Head Hag- Bags By Hags

Monday, May 28, 2012

We Have A Winner......

This week Bags By Hags ran a giveaway here on our blog. I want to thank everyone who dropped by, commented, and tweeted. I am happy to announce that the winner of this great Beach Tote is Red Weaver!

Red is one of the members of the Handmade Circle Team. I really got to know her when we were going through Boot Camp together. She is such an awesome person, and let me tell you she can make you laugh so hard you will cry! She is also an excellent shop owner. Please take the time to visit her shop Go Green With Red.

Thank You again to everyone who participated and keep watching, following, and tell your friends to follow along with us as we will be having another giveaway soon.

Marsha Bourquin/Head Hag- Bags By Hags

Friday, May 25, 2012

I am Free......

I am free to worship God how I choose.
I am free to speak my mind.
I am free to vote how I want.
I am free to dress the way I want, live my life, and be me.
I am free to run my business Bags By Hags the way I want to.

I am free to do all the above things and more all because of the many sacrifices our men and women in the Military past and present protected those rights for me.

My husband and my son-in-law are part of those who served our Country. I couldn't be more proud or more honored that people I love so very much did this.

This is my wonderful husband when he was deployed to Iraq. It was a long, stressful year and to this day I am so very proud of him!

I hope you take the time this weekend while you are grilling, enjoying time with friends and family or whatever outdoor activity you enjoy this Memorial Day to remember this is not just the kick off to Summer but also a day to remember so many who gave their all for us! GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Marsha Bourquin/Head Hag- Bags By Hags

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Keeping Your Sense Of Humor.....

Trying to have a successful business is serious stuff. I am working so very hard to make Bags By Hags a success, it is my dream - My Handmade Dream. However I firmly believe you should keep your sense of humor, how can you go through the day without lightening up and laughing a bit? Especially at yourself sometimes.

Children know all about laughing and playing (we could learn a lot from children) this is my middle granddaughter Anna. She is such a little cut up always giggling and laughing, yesterday she decided to put the strainer on her head to look through the holes and giggle.

I laughed and laughed at this photo, laughter is good for our soul!

Sewing is also something that soothes my soul, I love to design and create unique items, yesterday I took a lightweight denim jumper, designed a tote bag and came up with this.

This is my Americana Tote perfect for the Summer!

I hope you do something today that soothes your soul, especially laugh! I know I will be going back to look at that picture of my granddaughter to get me a good giggle for days to come!

Marsha Bourquin/Head Hag- Bags By Hags

www.twitter.com/BagsbyHags

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Getting Stopped in My Tracks.......

As most of you know in addition to running my business Bags By Hags I also take care of my mom who has dementia. Some days are smooth as silk, some days are as a bumpy as a country dirt road. But I have faith this is what I am supposed to be doing and the Good Lord will help through!

This morning in between picking up fabric that my little monsters stole out of my scrap box, dealing with a small chihuahua who is barking as I am sweeping the floor, my mom decides she cannot find any of her clothes. I ask her what are you looking for? What do you want to wear today? I want my pants like yours (I am wearing black yoga pants) Mom they are in your basket in your room, so I go get them. Start back with my chores and she says will you fix my hair like yours? (Mine is tossed up in a ponytail) So I stop again and fix her hair for her. I turn around and she says am I as pretty as you are now? Oh Mama you are much prettier I tell her! Funny how when you are so busy trying to get stuff done something so simple can stop you in your tracks. Yes, this is what I am supposed to be doing........ (Now if I can just find where she put her glasses......)

I was also out in the garage changing out my laundry and noticed the little squirrel that has been around for the past few days, I quietly came in and grabbed my camera to take a few pictures. As you can see he is just like me busy about his business but I was able to get a couple of shots. What an awesome sight for me!

You just never know what is around each corner of the day, it may just be something that will stop you in your tracks and make you thankful for all that you have!

Marsha Bourquin/Head Hag- Bags By Hags

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Good Things Come In Small Packages....

Yesterday I worked on my Prayer Quilts. I talked a little about these last week. I just love these little items. They are small but pack a big punch. Inside the quilt I have put a cross that you can feel as you touch the quilt. These would make a great gift to pass on to someone and I guarantee they will remember your act of love and kindness every time they touch the little quilt.

I actually got a custom order for several of these from Cutterstone Jewelry they have such a great shop! They ordered them to pass along to others. After I finished her order I made up a couple more using some recycled denim.

These would be perfect to give to someone who is in the hospital, having a rough day, or as a just because gift. They would also make the perfect item to tuck in as gift to your customers. I would be more than happy to talk to you about ordering these in bulk. You can contact me through my shop or through any of my links posted below. To see the other available styles we have on hand you can visit here

Good Things Come in Small Packages...........

Marsha Bourquin/Head Hag- Bags By Hags

Monday, May 21, 2012

Bags By Hags is having a Give Away!

From tonight May 21 through Saturday May 26 enter for your chance to win this great Handmade Beach Tote!

♥ Exterior of tote is made of canvas material in lovely stripes of browns, deep red, olive green, and khaki.

♥ Interior is lined in a chocolate brown cotton material.

♥ Handy silver snap has been added to the tote.

♥ Handle is made of matching fabric and is 22 inches.

♥ Measurements of tote are 10.75 inches wide and 12 inches tall,

GOOD LUCK AND SHARE WITH ALL YOUR FRIENDS!

Marsha Bourquin/Head Hag- Bags By Hags

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, May 20, 2012

What I Love About Texas......

Everyone is proud of where they come from, their hometowns, and their home states no matter where the may end up living in their life. I was born and raised in Texas, I love it here! The whole time we were in Alaska (which is a beautiful place and I met some wonderful people who I am proud to have as friends) I missed home, my family, where I came from.

I love where I live, I love small town, and I love slow pace. I also love the little things in life, to quote a line from Robert Duvall's character "Gus" - from one of my favorite movies Lonesome Dove, " Learn to enjoy all the little things in life, like a sip of a good whiskey of a evening, a soft bed, a glass of buttermilk, or a feisty gentleman as myself"

Here are the little things I enjoy and love about Texas and where I live:

A beautiful Texas Sunset

Trumpet Vine starting to bloom

Kim and Tina's dogs who greet you at the door - Duchess, Little Girl, and Honee Girl

The Guinea Bird that Lives at Kim and Tina's (Love to hear them)

Slow Pace

Wild Sunflowers starting to bloom

God's Glory at it's finest!

Hope you enjoy all the little things, wishing you a Blessed Sunday, and a great week ahead!♥

Marsha Bourquin/Head Hag- Bags By Hags

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Moments of Memories.......

It's funny how certain things in our daily life will trigger a certain memory. Music does this for some people so do certain smells and that is what happened to me yesterday.

I was busy working on a new apron for my shop, I was ironing the pieces for the waistband and ties and had to use a little spray starch. The smell of that starch immediately made me think of my Grandmother. Memaw as she was known to me, I loved her to the moon and back and would stay with her every chance I got. Just that little burst of scent took me back to when I was child happily playing in her kitchen as she was doing her ironing. Something I hadn't thought about in such a long time. It was a wonderful feeling and made me smile, such a blessing to me.

This was taken at Christmas in 1988, Memaw and some of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The little girl leaning up against her- My daughter who is now all grown up with 3 children of her own.

I was able to sail right on through making my new apron with such a smile on my face. Memaw would be proud I believe, she could sew anything!

The body of the apron is made from a vinyl recycled tablecloth, perfect for using while working in the garden as you can just take a damp cloth to wipe the dirt off the apron body. You can read all about my latest apron here.

I now have 3 grandchildren of my own, I hope when they grow up something so simple will trigger a good memory of them playing happily at Nona's house. As I love them to the Moon and Back just like I loved Memaw and she loved me!

Marsha Bourquin/Head Hag- Bags By Hags

Friday, May 18, 2012

Dog, Cat, or Family Member?

If you follow my blog you have seen the pictures of my animals, I love my animals, they are part of my family. My animals are very spoiled, well loved, and well taken care of.

Sadly that is not true of all animals and I saw this first hand when I worked for Animal Control in Alaska. Some days I would just come home and cry, there just aren't enough homes for all the unwanted animals and you have to realize that you cannot save them all no matter how much you want to.

We happened to find baby kittens living in our shed and managed to capture them, poor little things they were so hungry and thirsty. The mama cat belonged to one of our neighbors so my husband took the kittens to them and thankfully they said they would take them. I really wish they would spay mom.......

This is what a tough life my animals lead:

Ringo - You know I love him he is allowed to sleep on my John Wayne Blanket!

Doc - Yes again I allow him to sleep up in the chair.

Little Man - Sits here everyday and watches out the window for my husband to come home, he is Troy's dog!

Ruby - Little Ruby laying on the Dog Bed at my feet.

Miss Kitty - She is waiting on me, she sits in the chair behind me when I'm on the computer (when she is not sitting up on the desk) she is ready to go to the workshop with me!

I wonder if they even know how lucky they really are?

I have a couple of great items in my shop for pet lovers out there, first up is our Puppy Love Tote

A great tote made from recycled denim, and a great bargain!

For the Cat lovers out there, its Cat's Galore!

This is one of my favorite tie purses in my shop

I hope you have Dog-gone great day and a Purrfect weekend!

Marsha Bourquin/Head Hag- Bags By Hags

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Texas Tips It's a Tough Economy.......

We all know the economy is still pretty tough, most Americans are pinching their pennies even tighter these days, I know I am. It seems prices just keep rising. Feeding your family good meals on a budget can be such a challenge, we all get tired of the same thing week after week. So today I thought I would share a recipe with you that is great for your budget, feeds a good size crowd, and is very yummy! (It is one of my families favorite meals)

Its based on Tater Tots:

Tater Tot Casserole!

1 Pound of Ground Beef
2 Cans of Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 Can of Whole Kernel Corn (drained)
1 Package of Tater Tots
Salt and Pepper to Taste

Brown the ground beef in a skillet on your stove, drain off the fat, add the soup and corn. Stir it all together and let it simmer as you preheat your oven to the temperature recommended on the package of tater tots.
On the bottom of your baking pan put about half the bag of tater tots. Spoon the meat mixture over the top, then add the rest of the tater tots. Bake per instructions on the tater tots. If desired right before taking out of the oven you can sprinkle with grated cheese and let it melt.

Serve with a salad and rolls and you have a great meal! For larger crowds simply double the recipe.

Here is another great item that won't bust your budget and is great to have while you are cooking.

POT HOLDER HANDLES

I have numerous styles available in my shop, to see them all click here These are such great items to slip over your pots as you are cooking like this:

Right now included with your purchase you will receive a free family recipe. Until next time, happy cooking, sewing, and saving!

Marsha Bourquin/Head Hag- Bags By Hags

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

I'm Climbing The Mountain!

I know at some time in all our lives someone has told us "You Can't Do That"! Depending on the situation in which it was told to you that may be correct. But not when it comes to your dream, your vision, your plan.

Of course there are rules and laws in life that we must all follow. But when it comes to following my dream, my vision, and my plan "Can't" is a dirty 4 letter word! My dreams are just like my prayers they are between me and God and I have great faith that he will lead me down the path I need to be on.

Sometimes we are own worse enemy though, we start building our dream, it starts small and we are comfortable with that, then when it comes time to take the next step we hesitate and say no I think I will stay here its familiar, its easy, and its comfortable. You have just settled into Zoar, where its small and nothing ever grows. If someone came before you and said you can have everything you dream of by climbing that mountain, it will be hard, it will be a struggle, but if you believe, have faith, and take one step at a time you will reach the top and have it all. Or you can stay here and keep everything you already have. Which would you choose?

I am very thankful for how far my shop has come over the past year. But I am not settling in Zoar, I am climbing the mountain! I have faith, I believe, and I have all the gear I need to climb my mountain!

I hope you never give up on your dream, whatever it may be. How sad and depressing our life would be if we didn't have our dreams! Live Your Dream!!!!

Marsha Bourquin/Head Hag- Bags By Hags

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Love Is.......HANDMADE

As a creator of Handmade Items I truly try to make items that will be loved by the customer. I make all my items with love, If I make something that I don't love it doesn't go in my shop.

I try to convey that love when I am packaging up my items to send them out. I don't believe in just tossing it in a box and slapping an address label on it. I spent time making this item, I love it, so I want to package it with care and love.

I found these great tags from Growing Phases Farm.

These are a wonderful item to include with any Handmade Product. Last week I received a custom order for an apron and when I packaged it up I attached one of these tags to the apron. The customer Loved it! She actually took a picture of the tag and posted it on her Facebook. She wrote how you don't get this kind of caring from any of the big box stores and she could tell I had made her item with Love. If you truly love the item you have made the customer will feel that love when they open their package.

I also just added a new line to my shop, they are called Prayer Quilts, and I hope the love I feel when I make these will be passed on to the buyers. I am actually going to keep one of these for myself and keep it by me while I am sewing.

You can see the available styles here, more pattern will be added soon.

Love is Handmade and Handmade is the best way!

Marsha Bourquin/Head Hag- Bags By Hags

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Awesome Days......

I must say today has been a pretty awesome day!

First my husband and I drove down to see our grandchildren - had to get my sugar fix! I also wanted to take my daughter her Mother's Day Present. It came from this wonderful shop This is what I gave her:

I won the necklace during one of Handmade Circle's BNR Raffles. I had Amy who is the wonderful owner of this shop put all three of the grandchildren's name on it, then I gave it to her from the girls for Mother's Day. She Loved it! She actually teared up a bit when Nattie Jo gave it to her. You can find this wonderful item here.

We all then loaded up (in two separate trucks as not enough room in one for all the car seats!) and went to Wal-Mart had to get a few things. This was our riding and shopping partner today! Miss Nattie Jo!

We go about our shopping and of course I head back to the fabric area needed to pick up a few items, and SCORE! They had racks of fabric on clearance, here are my finds at $1.00 per yard!

Can't wait to see what new items I can come up with for my shop!

We then headed home and had to do a little bit of the dreaded housework, but my floors just had to have attention! I couldn't stand it any longer. Poor Ringo and Doc, they were banished to the back yard while the sweeping and the mopping took place.

Hubby was nice enough to help me with the house chores because he had plans!

Notice anything in the back of his truck? My husband loves to fish! So off he goes!

I then noticed these gorgeous flowers blooming at the side of my house! I just love them!

Well since the husband is off fishing and the chores are all done, think I will head back to my little workshop area and create since I do have awesome new fabric to play with! It was an AWESOME Day and I am truly blessed, all the little things in life mean so much! How was your Saturday? I hope you were blessed with as much of an awesome day as I was!

Marsha Bourquin/Head Hag- Bags By Hags

Friday, May 11, 2012

I Have the Greatest Mother's Day Gift Of All....

Mother's Day is this Sunday as I am sure you are all aware. Children everywhere will be taking mom to lunch, giving her pretty cards, gifts, and just making her day special.

Our mother's are the ones who set our feet on the path of life, they comfort us, correct us, and love us no matter what! When you were a child and had a bad dream they comforted you and told you it would be okay, when you became a teenager and had your heart broke for the first time she knew just what to say to get you through what you thought was the worse time of your life. Then we hit our twenties and made dumb mistakes, (I know I did) but there was Mom to catch me and help me get back on my feet. I knew no matter what happened I could always go home and Mom would hug me and tell me everything was going to be okay.

But those days are over for me now as my Mom suffers from Dementia and now lives with me. It is now me who comforts her when on her really bad days she is confused, Mom can no longer cook for herself, take her medicine without help, and needs help with the basic everyday tasks in life. Some days can be trying and stressful but Faith, Prayer, and my wonderful sister Kim get me through those days.

You may be asking why I think a Mother with Dementia is a great gift. Because Mom gave me so much over the course of my life and taught me about caring and love, now I can return that gift back to her and Love is the greatest gift of all!

I treasure everyday with my Mother, as dementia does not get better, I know over time things will go from bad to worse, but as long as I am able I will take care of my Mom and give back to her everything she gave to me.

Home is where Mom is and where Mom is there is Love - The greatest gift of all!

Marsha Bourquin/Head Hag- Bags By Hags