Bags By Hags

http://bagsbyhags.blogspot.com/p/hmc-christmas-in-july.html

BagsbyHags@gmail.com

Friday, July 27, 2012

FA-LA-LA FRIDAY FINALE......

Today marks the Final FA-LA-LA Friday, as the Handmade Circle Team's Christmas In July Sale winds down.

Today in our final feature we would like you all to meet Karalee Goff Gross of ifrogcrafts.

ifrogcrafts was born in Morton, IL in 2007. I have been creating in one way or another ever since i can remember. Making handmade items full time had been a dream of mine for many years. After my husband & i got engaged, he told me that he wanted to give me my dream. So now i am doing what i love--full time.

The ifrog stands for "I Fully Rely On God" & i do. I have dedicated my work to Him. All of my products are family friendly. Each item is handmade, by myself only, with love & care, in my home studio.

Tithes, plus offerings from every single sale are sent to Casa de Fe. This is a Christian orphanage in Shell, Ecuador that is a home for abandoned & special needs children.

Check out some of her lovely products:

Great for Pet Owners

Loved Spots and All

AMEN!

Right now you can save 30% off her products, but you better hurry Christmas in July Ends Soon!

To see all the shops and find more great deals:

And don't forget to enter our Giveaway- No Purchase Necessary!

http://bagsbyhags.blogspot.com/p/hmc-christmas-in-july-giveaway.html

Have a Blessed and Wonderful Friday!

Marsha Bourquin/Head Hag- Bags By Hags

BagsbyHags@gmail.com

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Laughter is Good for the Soul......

Trying to build a successful business is a serious matter, it's hard work and we are all just trying our hardest to be a success. Handmade Circle Team has been working very hard on our Christmas In July sale, but I find it very important that we should all take the time to enjoy some laughter each day.

This month we have held a weekly trivia contest, with the winner being the featured artist on our FA-LA-LA Friday Blog. Today as I was checking the answers to announce our winner later this afternoon, I got the best laugh I have had all week. I am going to share and hope you get a good chuckle as well!

Kathy Porter Koontz of Flowertown Originals gave the following answers:

St. Nick's nose is often compared to what fruit? - a tomato...wait, is that a fruit or a vegetable?
Catch me if you can" was said by whom? - Bigfoot
In "Jingle Bell Rock" everyone is dancing and prancing, where do they do it? - trick question, those are 2 of Santa's reindeer
There are 365 days in a year, what number is Christmas Day? - Christmas is #1
Who said, "God Bless Us, Every One"? - I think I've said someting like that once, in a certain tone of voice.

One thing I love the most about being part of the Handmade Circle Team is the laughter we all share in our group.

But Kathy is serious when it comes to her creating and her shop! She has some great items! One of my favorite is this Polymer Clay Ring . Right now you can save 15% in her shop with Coupon HMCJULY

Check out all the great shops participating in Christmas In July, you won't find Bigfoot but you will find some great items at a great price! http://bagsbyhags.blogspot.com/p/hmc-christmas-in-july.html

Also enter our Christmas In July Giveaway, No Purchase Necessary, awesome prizes! http://bagsbyhags.blogspot.com/p/hmc-christmas-in-july-giveaway.html

I hope you have a wonderful and creative day, most of all I hope you enjoy a little laughter it is Good for the Soul!

Marsha Bourquin/Head Hag- Bags By Hags

http://bagsbyhags.blogspot.com/p/hmc-christmas-in-july.html

BagsbyHags@gmail.com

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

It's all about the LOVE......

You can own these wonderful tags to add to your Handmade Creations by visiting Growing Phases Farm

As a creator of Handmade Items, I of course only make things that I Love, but everyone who creates has a favorite item.

As Handmade Circle Team winds down it's Christmas In July event and since Christmas is Love, I asked the members to show me an item that they Love. After seeing the items they posted I have to say I Love them and I think you will too! Take a look:

Carlin Davis of Pollywog Patterns says she loves Zoe

Jayne Willis of Twiggy and Opal says " I will always Love this Quilt The Best"

Jessica Croft of The Prismatic Peacock tells us - This Lavender Goat's Milk Soap is my absolute favorite! I love the color, foamy lather, and the beautiful relaxing smell that fills my bathroom!

Michelle Smith of Monday's Child Primitives says, I just love this large scarecrow doll and the pictures don't do him justice...he was so fun to make too. And with the coupon code some lucky person can save $7.00 on him♥

Karalee Gross of Ifrogcrafts chose her most loved item from a loved memory: Thisornament was inspired by one that my mom bought me many years ago, when we were on a trip to Wisconsin. I LOVE the memories & how we both knew it had me written all over it!

Jill Houle of Whispering Rainbows was inspired by a customer, I love the way this turned out! I had a customer ask me to make her a "number 3" to coordinate with the butterfly cupcake toppers I made her and this is what I came up with. Since them I have decided to continue to market them

Kimberly Gorman of Made For Jake loves Frogs: I love this frog print. We designed frogs for our son's nursery. It was the inspiration for us to start Made for Jake!

As for me, Bags By Hags I Love my Bible Covers

I can promise you this, everyone of the items you see on this page was Handmade With Love! Head over and see all the great shops participating in the Christmas In July Sale, time is running out to grab a great deal, and I just know you will find something you LOVE!

Marsha Bourquin/Head Hag- Bags By Hags

BagsbyHags@gmail.com

Monday, July 23, 2012

The Dance.......

Looking back on the memory of the dance we shared neath the stars above.......

I have come a long way, going through some old pictures recently I am amazed at how much my life has changed and how far my journey has come. I wanted to share some of the moments before I was:
Bags By Hags

Long Before Bags By Hags

Daddy was a Truck Driver we used to get to go on the road with him in the Summer, we were on the way to Bangor, Maine. (Mom, Dad, and little Brother)

This is my little brother Wesley, we laugh at this photo as he is now an Investigator for the Sheriff's Department so he dresses like this everyday- minus the pajamas!

A family portrait from years ago one of very favorites!

Tombstone Arizona with my sister Janet

The day my Soldier graduated from A.I.T.

Before I was Bags By Hags I was 911 what is your Emergency?

I could have missed some pain, but I would have had to miss the "Dance"

I hope when you look back through your photos you realize you enjoyed your dance on your journey to your own dreams.

Marsha Bourquin/Head Hag- Bags By Hags

http://www.etsy.com/teams/11451/handmade-team?ref=pr_teams

BagsbyHags@gmail.com

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Once Upon A Handmade Time......

Once upon a Handmade Christmas time,Bags By Hags decided to take her handmade items and make the journey to the land of Etsy. She set up her little shop and opened up for business. She really had no idea of how it all really worked but she continued to plug along.

Then one day she met a very special group of people, The Handmade Circle Team, they were so friendly and welcoming! These wonderful artists taught her many things about running a shop, and became more than just fellow members of a team, they became her friends. Friends who encourage, who are happy to help, and who dance with you when you have a sale, and console you when it is slow.

She has now come full circle with this wonderful group of people, and is very honored and humbled to be one of the Leaders of this great team. She hopes to continue to grow, learn, and to now help other people as they make their journey to their own Handmade Dream. Here are a few things she learned over the past year:

Never stop believing in yourself or your dream
Stay positive- you get back what you put in
Hard Work yields beautiful fruits from your labor
Encourage each other- What goes around, come around
Never forget that at one point you were once a stranger in this land yourself

We would love to have you join our team, there is always room for our circle to grow!

Please go check out some of the great shops who are a part of Handmade Circle:

Right now we are having a Christmas In July Sale and all the listed shops are offering anywhere from 10% to 30% off.

http://bagsbyhags.blogspot.com/p/hmc-christmas-in-july.html

You will be glad you joined us in the land of Etsy, and by the Grace of God we will live happily ever after!

Marsha Bourquin/Head Hag- Bags By Hags

BagsbyHags@gmail.com

Friday, July 20, 2012

FA-LA-LA- FRIDAY!!!

It is time for Fa-La-La Friday! Grab your bikini and sunscreen cause this week we are heading down to

A Moment In Paradise

Shannon Rose is the wonderful shop owner of A Moment In Paradise - first a little background about Shannon and how her shop came to be, Shannon says:

I am obsessed with all things tropical and my goal is to move to Key West within the next couple of years. Creating things having to with the beach at least lets me escape into that world til I get there :)

Let's take a peek inside her wonderful shop!

First up is SMELLY JELLY

Smelly Jellies are specially formulated polymer gel like crystals that are made to expand as liquid is added. These polymers are completely non-toxic and can be hydrated numerous times, just add some warm distilled water.

Next we have a HAND POURED PILLAR CANDLE

This 3 1/2 tall round pillar candle is made with palm wax that is dyed teal and scented with Butt Naked. The unique crystal like appearance will make this a gorgeous addition to any home decor. Escape to the islands today.

Butt Naked - The tantalizing base note medley of granny smith apples and honeydew melon, middle notes of strawberries and pears, with hints of spice.

Finally we have SWEETHEART ROSES CANDLE TARTS

Sweetheart Roses - Nature's Garden original fragrance. A Sensual aroma of velvet rose petals, fresh oriental tea leaves, rounded out with base notes of soft musk

Natures Garden Palm wax comes from palm trees which are cultivated on private plantations. The palm wax is no threat to rainforests or the organutan ecosystems. The palm wax is eco-friendly, and is provided from a sustainable tree crop which helps to sequester carbon.

You can see all of Shannon's great items in her shop by clicking here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/AMomentinParadise?ref=top_trail Right now as part of the Handmade Circle Team Christmas in July Sale she is offering 25% off with the coupon code HMCJULY. Head over and discover A Moment In Paradise!

Marsha Bourquin/Head Hag- Bags By Hags

BagsbyHags@gmail.com

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Stocking Up!

As Handmade Circle Team continues with our Christmas In July blowout sale, today lets talk stockings!

Stockings have long been a tradition at Christmas time, long ago children received an orange, some nuts, and if the family could afford it a stick of peppermint. These days stocking are filled with all sorts of neat items, from candy to small electronic items. Some people say their stockings hold the best goodies!!!!

The Handmade Circle Team has some great items that would make really good stocking stuffers! And right now these shops are offering 10%-30% off, so you might want to Stock Up! Here is a sample of some great ideas to fill those stocking this year:

Handmade Lip Balm from The Pretty Do Good

Hot Pink Earrings from Star Jewels

Retro Style Hair Accessory from Sophies Hats and More

These are just a few items available, to visit all the shops to find something to fill your stocking with head on over here: http://bagsbyhags.blogspot.com/p/christmas-in-july.html

Also if you are in the market for a new Handmade Stocking this year Bags By Hags would be happy to help you with that!

Made from recycled denim, custom orders welcome and more styles coming soon!

Also you find something for those stockings for FREE, yes FREE head over and check out our Giveaway, so many great items. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY!

http://bagsbyhags.blogspot.com/p/hmc-christmas-in-july-giveaway.html

STOCK UP AND SAVE TODAY THE HANDMADE WAY!

Marsha Bourquin/Head Hag- Bags By Hags

BagsbyHags@gmail.com

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Precious Memories

Handmade Circle Team is celebrating Christmas in July, this got to me to thinking about some of my most precious Christmas time memories:

Being no more than 5 or 6 and standing on a chair beside my Grandmother as she was making a homemade chocolate pie and her letting me taste test the chocolate.
Listening to my dad sing "Jingle Bell Rock" his favorite Christmas Carol, I can still see him patting his leg to the beat of the music.
The wonder of a little curly headed 3 year old boy (Who is now grown with children of his own) playing with his Marching Mickey Mouse.
In 1975 my Papaw holding the baby doll I got for Christmas.

Fast forward to 2000 and seeing the joy on my own daughters face on Christmas Morning

2005 Our Christmas Family Photo

Christmas Memories some of my most precious memories of all. What are some of your Christmas Memories? I would love it if you shared.

Another way to make this Christmas memorable is by shopping our Christmas in July Sale. 10%-30% off beautiful Handmade Items that those on your gift list will sure to remember for years to come!

Christmas In July Sale

Marsha Bourquin/Head Hag- Bags By Hags

SEE ALL THE SHOPS HERE IN ONE CONVENIENT LOCATION!

BagsbyHags@gmail.com

Sunday, July 15, 2012

A Trove Of Treasures!

The Handmade Circle Team has discovered a trove of treasures in part two of our Christmas in July treasure hunt. Here are some of the wonderful treasures they found from the clues given.

DonnaRowand- SANTA GIVES THESE TO ALL THE BOYS AND GIRLS - WELL THE ADULT ONES OF COURSE!

TipsyGLOWs

JanetLima SILVER BELLS AND SILVER BANGLES, WHAT A HOLIDAY STATEMENT THAT WOULD MAKE Ho Ho Ho!!!

Kysam

Sumanasa Pixie Jyoti DECK THE HALLS WITH BOUGHS OF:

ArtforComfort

LynetteMelton MRS CLAUS FOUND THIS UNDER HER PILLOW AND REMEMBERED WHY SHE FELL IN LOVE WITH SANTA:

Creations by Janet

MarieFichtner WHAT SANTA WOULDN'T GIVE UP FOR HIS COOKIES, A DAY IN ST. THOMAS!

ArtforComfort

DeniTilley Boardman CHRISTMAS MORNING FEELS LIKE THE WONDER OF BEING A CHILD AGAIN!

GratefulBeads

RhondaDobbs Franklin ALL THE KIDS WANT *THESE* FOR CHRISTMAS to go with their new Mario Kart racing game!

Toppytoppy

DianeGeer Rudolph loves the color. . .RED, of course! :)

Sayuri Glass

SharonMorgan Santa Claus carries THE KEY TO MRS. CLAUS'S HEART in his pocket!

Star Jewels

MarshaJ Bourquin Mistletoe, eggnog, and Dinosaurs, its Christmas in July!

Twiggy and Opal

There are so many more treasures to be found! Wonderful shops are participating in this great sale, don't miss your chance to get a great item at a great price!

Also we invite you to register for our giveaway, we have some great prizes donated from multiple shops, don't miss out on this chance! NO PURCHASE NECESSARY!

TO REGISTER FOR PRIZES CLICK HERE!

Marsha Bourquin/Head Hag- Bags By Hags