MadBags :: handmade bags & more!

Feature Friday - Pretty Me

I LOVE this shop!  Angie makes the cutest outfits for little girls at rediculously low prices.  All the designs are whimsical, bright, and just plain fun.  Check out this and other PrettyMe dresses on Etsy-

 

 

I once was blind....

... and now my son is.  For the last few months Jaden would watch the t.v. within inches of the screen. It's not a small screen either...  I'm always getting onto him but we finally started to realize that he does that with alot of things.  He had a vision screening test at school two years ago and it came back good so I hadn't even thought to get him really tested.  We took him today and he has 20/80 vision.  I feel so bad!  He was so funny when he came out of the office with his new eyes. His eyes got real big and he said (very excitedly) "I never knew it was like this!" He just kept looking around, comparing things with and without his glasses and just basically was in awe of all the new things he'd never really seen.  He looks pretty GQ to me-  This is him watchin t.v. from the couch, not right in front of it.

I finally finished making a bunch of -Hideaways- the little wallets for personal products.  I'm very excited how they turned out.  It's a little different from the one I had made that was similar to threegreenapples design.  I also used very bright spring colored fabrics and they just make me smile.  I wish I could keep them all for me, but I HOPE I never need that many products right? 

Here's a few pics of them- I will be listing them in my shop asap.  I thought I would be able to sell them for $10 but I was a little off in my estimation.  They will be $18 plus shipping. Taking into consideration the time I put into them, plus the fabric, and also the extras like magnetic snap closure, and also a plastic insert to make it very sturdy went into my price decision.

   

 

Weird Science

This year for the science fair, Jaden made a project about Fossils.  At school he placed and was asked to take his project to the State Science Fair.  Yesterday was the day!  He was really excited, especially the part about him missing a whole day of school for it.  We drove out to MSU early yesterday morning not knowing what to expect.  I will be better prepared if we ever have to go back.  We were suppose to meet his school's coordinator between 9 and 10 am to get his information packet and also to set up his table.  I didn't want to be too early but I really didn't want to cut it too close either so we got there about 9:20.  It took all of 10 minutes to set up his little table and board.  Looking at the schedule, we realized we had the next hour to do nothing since we had until 10:30 to set up and then have a general assembly.  We walked around and looked at other projects for a bit and then went outside and enjoyed the nice weather. 

Paul & Jaden walking around the older kids projects.  Jaden grades were set up all around the coliseum (in the hall).  I have to say, it was not my favorite place since I am extremely chlostrophobic.

^ Jaden & Paul outside.

v Me & Jaden outside.

Jaden standing by his project.

I didn't realize I would be staring at what you see here for 3 hours.  While the judges walked around talking to each child, parents could not stay with them.  Can you believe that?  Jaden had to sit at his table for 3 hours!  We were able to check on him from time to time but he was bored I know.  I can't even sit still for 3 hours.  It was hard enough for us, and Paul and I at least had each other to talk to.  If he goes next year, we will know to bring his psp for sure.  At our lunch break, I was able to get him a sketch pad, colored pencils, and once of those crayola pad with special markers so he did have something to do.  I told Paul he should be good though since he didn't know anyone sitting by him.  I would have been more worried if it wasn't like that.  Paul told me at one point though, when he was checking on him, (Jaden didn't see Paul) he had a look on his face like he really wanted to just make a poot noise or something.  He was fighting it with difficulty.  Can you imagine hundreds of 8-11 yr. olds sitting still for 3 hours?  Ok I think I've got my point across.

Jaden didn't place but we are so very proud of him.  He is such a smart kid!  He came home with his report card today with all A's and 1 B.  He was so distraught about the B, I had to console him.  I hate that he worries about it but I hope he continues to do well in school.   

Here is what I got in the mail yesterday (thanks to Ann from Texstyle Textures). 

^ (close up of my bag)

I officially have something to put in my Press photos!  Thanks again Ann!

I need to focus

Ever have trouble getting back into groove of things?  I am having some today!  Tuesdays & Thursdays are my hard labor work days since Mad goes to school on those days.  The other days of the week fall under "whatever I can do, do" days.  With Maddie home it's hard to accomplish much.  Some days I do, some days I don't.  Today should be a very productive day, but I'm having trouble keeping my mind on task.  I have stuff to do but I did not prepare well for today and most of the time have sat here trying to figure out what to do next...

Obviously I'm not sewing because I'm sitting here blogging :)  I just found you can listen to the 80's online and I'm currently listening to "I heard a rumor" by Banarama.  I love the 80's. 

I played Bunko last night and won a prize!  Last month I didn't get to play because Jaden had a soccer game the same night.  He had a game last night too but since his cousins went to watch the game with Paul he didn't mind me going to play with my friends.  They won!  We only have 2 games left and I can't say I'm disappointed that the season will be coming to an end.  It seems like we've been doing soccer forever!  I'm ready for a break!!!

Ok, speaking of break, I suppose I need to get back to work.   Focus Sara. Focus!

Giveaway Winner :)

I used this site - http://www.mathgoodies.com/calculators/random_no_custom.html  to choose a random number from the comments.  Go check it out, it's fun to put in numbers and see what it comes up with... It chose lucky no. 3!  Brenda, if you will send me your mailing info I will get this out to you asap :)  You can send the info to madbags@bellsouth.net.  Thanks again for everyone that played along, I hope to have some more giveaways in the near future.  It was fun!!!

Spring Break is over :(

I'm happy and sad at the same time.  My husband's family and my family have been here all week and it's been great getting to spend time with them.  My kids have enjoyed their cousins so much.  Jaden did not want to go back to school today!  Staying up (the kid NEVER gets tired) late and sleeping in are pure joy for him and getting up early this morning was not fun, although he got into groove of things quicker than me.  I also enjoy sleeping in.  Although I was sad to see everyone go, I'm happy to be able to get back in the groove of things.  I'm a list person and like things to be on schedule if you know what I mean. 

I know my mom is ready for a rest too.  We've all been over at her house eating her food and messing up the place.  Thanks mom for putting up with all of us!

In between family departures and arrivals, Brandi and I took a day trip to Tupelo. She had an exam to take and I needed a day spent with my best friend.  Throw in browsing fabrics and eating at Red Lobster and you have THE perfect day! 

Yummy red lobster biscuits...

Random barber shop.  Love the name.

Maddie spent the night with Camryn (Brandi's daughter) Friday night for Cam's birthday party/sleepover.  They took the girls to Applebees and to see Horton Hears a Who.  So Cute!

The next several pictures are of time spent with cousins, aunts, and grands. 

Bella & Madeline in their matching dresses from MeeMee.

What Jaden did ALL spring break.  Play video games....

Mad & Aunt Gena

Cousins!

My parents have so much fun stuff to play on... They had the best time on the tire swing!

Bella in her Easter dress that Carla made.  I want to sew like her when I grow up. 

Where's Bella?

Happy Birthday Bella!!! #3!!

Hunting easter eggs at meemees and papas

more tire swing fun.

my handsome nephews Corey & Dylan

Taking aride down the driveway with Papa 

So sweet :)

Easter Sunday.  My two are getting too big!

Two beautiful girls on the seasaw

Cam & Mad at church Easter Sunday. Pretty pretty.

The sistas minus 1.  We missed you LeAnne!!!

 

Jaden & Corey at McDonalds. 

Looks like trouble just waiting to happen right????

Happy Monday everyone!!!

Comments closed... and the winner is....

.....somebody that will be announced when I'm awake!  hahahaha.... I set this to post at midnight my time so that there wouldn't be any confusion about the end of the giveaway.  Thanks to everyone that commented and good luck to all of you!  I wish I could send one to each and every of ya!  But, hey, I gotta make some money :)  I'll be choosing a number from one of those neat sites that randomly picks one for you so that it will be fair.  Thanks again and check back in the daylight hours!

Extending giveaway deadline...

I've decided to extend the deadline to make a comment to win a PTB to midnight on Easter Sunday, central time.  That's it peeps!  Thank you to those who already entered, I feel very loved :)

Happy Easter!!!

PTB Giveaway!!!

I'm feeling generous today. 

For my first giveaway, yes that means there will be more down the road, I've decided to give away this Portable Toy Box-

The bear and cup are not included, unless you would like to take on the wrath of my daughter.  Who knows, I may even throw in a fabric scrap pack or something along with it... All you have to do is leave a comment here and I'll randomly pick one as the winner.  You have until midnight tonight (Saturday) so start leaving comments! I'll let you know who won on Monday, the 24th.

I have to share a funny story with you.  I was reading a blog from Sommer Designs (Carrie) and a picture she had posted triggered a memory.  Does that ever happen to you?  It's amazing to me that in a split second an image can just jump start your brain and take you back so far as if it had just happened.  Ok, enough of that, let's get to the story right?  Carrie had posted a mosaic with lots of pictures and one of them was of a sticker of "I heart San Francisco". That's what triggered the memory for me.  All the way back to 2nd grade.  We lived in Louisiana at the time and went to a private school right across the state line in Mississippi.  My teacher had been on vacation and when she came back, she was telling us all about her exciting trip to California.  San Francisco to be exact.  At the end she said she had a surprise for each of us.  Everyone got a sticker that said "I heart SF!"  Why is this so important?  My name is Sara and my maiden name is Freeman.  I didn't get the whole SF meaning San Francisco.  My wide eyes just thought everyone loved ME!  Even the boys and especially the little boy I had a crush on.  I suppose the teacher didn't have the heart to tell me the truth because she never corrected me when I shouted, "Everyone loves me!"  It was a great day indeed :)

Now leave a comment people and show me some real love.

Feature Friday - MYHODGEPODERIE

I have decided that from now on, I will blog about fellow crafters on Fridays.  There are so many of you out there that are so talented!  I love browsing through Etsy and other hand-made sites for inspiration and encouragement.  I also love how there is this immediate connection between other crafters out there.  Yesterday was featured in the Clarion-Ledger (Jackson, MS) and I didn't know until a very nice lady contacted me through Etsy. I did know since I was interviewed for it, but I had no idea when it was going to be published. She even offered to mail me a copy since I live 3 hours away.  I told her I would send money to pay for the cost and she wouldn't let me.  I don't even know this person.  My husband said, man, crafters are just nice.  I just laughed.  I think we all just appreciate the time we put into our work because we know what it takes.  And we appreciate each other for the same reason. 

I met another lady through Etsy who has a fabulous shop and I want to introduce you to her.  Her name is Brenda and she has a shop called MYHODGEPODGERIE.  We met through a transaction of fabric scraps and I asked what she would do with them. 

Here is what she did:

Aren't they cute?

You can find her at www.myhodgepodgerie.etsy.com.  She makes all kinds of goodies including wipes cases, small wallets, key fobs, and of course these little treausres-

Tie bibs.  Who would have thunk it?  Too cute.  I wish I would have had a few of these when my son was little.  I don't suppose a 9 yr. old would be able wear one of these... o well. 

Go show Brenda some love!  O and if you buy something, tell her I sent ya :)

Check back on Saturday.  I'm thinking of having a giveaway..  Still trying to decide what I'm going to place up for grabs.  It's between a portable toy box, a hot iron mitt, or a checkbook cover.  What would be your choice???

Pizza on the Porch

What a beautiful day it is!  I have the doors open enjoying the breeze that's stirring outside.  The kids are out of school this week and we are enjoying family that are visiting.  Speaking of visitors... I was cleaning the house a little while my husband took his parents fishing and found a little creature hanging on to one of the dining table legs.  It kind of looked like a catapillar but it almost looked like a stick too. I really don't like catapillars so I called Jaden in from outside and asked him to take it outside for me.  At first he was a little scared himself but rose to the challenge.  I gave him a paper plate to scoot it onto and then he took it out and immediately started making a home for it on the porch.  Both Maddie and Jaden are cracking me up with what they are doing now.  They found some pine needles, leaves, even some bread (do catapillars eat bread? who knows..) for the little guy.  O and they named him "Shady" cause he likes the shade.

After that we had pizza on the picnic table.  Yummy, yummy.... I did have to come inside and do a little work (correspondence, which I'm still working on if you are waiting to hear something from me...)

Later today we are going to celebrate my father-in-law's 60th birthday.  They have been visiting this weekend from Nashville and will go back home tomorrow.  We've really enjoyed having them here. On wednesday, my sister and her family will be here through Easter along with my other sister that is coming up Friday.  My baby sister is stuck at work  but will be sorely missed... I love you LeAnne! 

This past weekend we had a Egg Hunt at the Lake put on by the children's ministry at church.  I'm going to post some pictures from that too.  The kids had a blast. 

So you can see it's been busy busy busy here!  Trying to finish up a cake for tonight so gotta run- 

Happy Spring!

Addicted...

I am rationalizing my addiction to my embroidery machine.  I keep telling myself, "Practice, practice, practice, right?"  My friend had me make these adorable little Easter basket bags for our egg hunt tomorrow. 

I'm so pleased with how they turned out.  I'm hoping I have enough time to make one for Maddie.  I also embellished these little outfits with ladybugs and their names for her girls.

Shhh... it's a surprise.  I may be worn out by tonight though to make up another bag.  I hope not.  I stayed up until 4am this morning taking pictures of some of my things, re-taking pictures, touching up those same pictures, etc.  Also put the majority of what I have in stock into new listings in my shop.  Don't forget to use that coupon today and tomorrow that I posted yesterday!

My in-laws are coming in tonight so I really need to get my rear moving and finish up cleaning the house.  Sometimes I just get in these moods to stay in the studio all day because of all the ideas that are rolling around in my head.  I'm so scared I'll lose them if I don't put it down on paper.  Sometimes I do.  Sometimes they just keep hanging around and bother me..   Sorry... rambling... I stayed up really late remember?? 

O yeah!  I wanted to post this bag too because I had a lady special request this custom bag to be made for a shower gift and I just love the colors. 

Doesn't it just shout SPRING!!!

Alright, gotta go clean...

NOW Monogramming

I've got my machine up and running!  Been doing alot of work for friends and family to figure everything out.  I am now available to anyone that needs it! 

I made a bag for my daughter (it started out as an easter basket bag, but ended up WAY too big so now it's a cute overnight bag) I still don't know what happened with my measurements...  I guess I just got carried away.  Luckily she is going to a sleepover birthday party tomorrow night and will have the cutest bag to take with her ;) I'll have to post a picture when I find what folder I stashed it in...

On a completely different note-

Throughout today, I will be posting new listings in my shop.  For those of you that were not able to attend Cooper's Closet a few weekends back, you can use this coupon:

Mention the code above in the notes section upon checking out and WAIT for a revised invoice before making payment.  I will take the best discount.

There are a few exclusions:

1. Coupon cannot be used with any monogramming listing

2. Coupon cannot be used with custom orders such as contacting me directly for one

OR purchasing a "Pick your own fabric" listing

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Also, to those of you that were asking about the tampon hide-away cases.  Hmm.  I like the sound of that... I am working on a slightly different design so that I can list it in my shop without infringing on the design by threegreenapples.  If you are interested in the one I have previously posted about, shoot me an email and I'll get one made up for you.  I'm going to sell them for $10 plus shipping.  My new design may be a little bit higher but not by much.

Color.

In my backyard no less.  Ok, so not really in my backyard BUT I just found out there is a distributor for all my embroidery needs less than 2 miles down the road from me.  I have passed it by daily not knowing all this time what it really is!  There are soo many colors to choose from, I had the sweet ladies that work there pick them for me to start out.  I got 30 to begin with and ordered a whole bunch more today after comparing the chart to the fabrics I have.  Also ordered all kinds of stabilizer backings/toppings etc.  Get to pick it all up this afternoon.  The best part?  I ordered it today and it will be ready today.  And of course, NO SHIPPING!!! 

I got a late start today since I stayed up late last night working on the computer.  I almost made my son late for school, since I set my alarm wrong.  Luckily, being a boy, he is so good at getting up and being ready in 5 minutes or less.  I just hope he didn't get too hungry before lunch since he didn't get to eat breakfast.  I gave him a granola bar to stick in his pocket.  Hopefully he got to eat it and I won't find it later in the washing machine...

Gotta get back to work.  I purchased a laptop to go with my embroidery machine and I am still trying to transfer the files I need onto it.  When I'm doing something other than sewing, I feel so unproductive but I know this is part of the job too.  Hopefully I will have something tangible by the end of the day though.  I still have a few orders to get too after all this computer stuff.  Really, I gotta go. Have a blessed day!

Mama's Broccoli Potato Soup

Does it taste as good as it looks? Better actually.  My mom is always so good about bringing me things I don't normally get to eat (my family is extremely picky).  Walk into her house and there is always something on the stove cooking or simmering.  That bowl there is the last of what she had brought me a couple of days ago.  I didn't have to make lunch for myself for several days because of that :)

How did I get so lucky to have such a wonderful mom?  I don't know but I sure do thank God everytime I think about her.  Working with teens as many years as we have, you see alot of moms that aren't so great so I know what a good one I've got. 

I love you mama.

FABRIC!!!

I am starting a new adventure, want to come along? 

I have always wanted to have my own fabric shop and the dream is starting to look possible.  I am going to start out slow, doing it from my home and soon you will be able to order fabric from my sister etsy site- madfabrics.  What type of fabrics would you like to see?  I am partial to fabrics like Sun Drop by Dena and of course all Heather Bailey fabrics.  Right now I am starting with Free Spirit Fabrics but hope to include Amy Butler, Michael Miller, Alexander Henry, and more down the road. 

Can you feel my excitement??? 

Pictures are in! Yay!

Both Soccer pictures and Dance pictures came in this week and I'm so excited about how each turned out!  I feel so blessed to have such beautiful children- inside and out.

Something else arrived this week and I can't wait to use them!  I now officially have REAL labels to put on my products.  They are woven labels and I love the look of them.  I may have to order a bunch in different colors so I can match the prints I use.  I really like black and white though so I may just stick to these for a while.  I have an obsession with always wanting more... Gotta get over that :)

Last Week Part 2

Where were we?  Ah... I think we are now to Friday.  What an interesting day that was.  Jaden was in a play that morning so me and Mad took off to the school to see him.  All students in Merit (gifted program) have been learning about Black History and put on a neat little play about how far we have come since segregation.  Jaden was a peaceful protestor.  He and a group of other peaceful protestors walked across the stage with signs of protest.  I would have shown you a picture but it happened so fast I didn't have time to get my camera out of my purse!  He did do a great job though :)

Once I got home from the play, I remembered I had to fix a shirt for Maddie's class.

Since it was leap day, she had to have a frog and bring 29 things.  I got confused and thought it all had to be on her shirt.  It's been a long week what can I say?  I took an old blank t-shirt and printed out a clipart frog onto an iron-on printable fabric.  Cut it out, ironed it on, then took safety pins, added a purple bead to each one, then pinned 29 of them onto her shirt.  It actually turned out pretty cute for only 20 minutes of work. Of course, all she really had to wear was green.  At least the frog was green!

After that I dropped Maddie off at school and then went straight to the sale.  There were gobs of people in the store being the first day open to the public so it was very busy.  At random times there would loads of people and then it would be nobody.  Never can tell- Nothing out of the ordinary and I really just chatted with the other ladies there most of the time.  One time though I almost laughed out loud.  A customer had come up to my table and was looking at the Hot Iron Mitts and was going on and on about how cute they were to her friend.  Probably said "This is just too cute" 4 times and then looked at her friend and said, "What is it?".  I was so glad I had my back turned becuase I really almost cackled.  I was just about to get up to let her know what it was when her friend saw the sign I had up explaining what they were.  So funny. 

For dinner, my best friend Brandi and I had made plans to meet at Chili's to eat supper and then she was going to come back and sit with me to keep me company until we closed up at 9pm.  I have to explain first where we were.  In Columbus, we have 2 main streets really perpendicular to each other.  Our store was on the end of one of them, Hwy. 45.  I had to travel back towards the middle of town to get to Chili's.  When I left I had no idea anything was going on down the street.  I got about a 1/2 mile down the road and I started noticing several business had cops with lights on just sitting in the parking lots.   I first noticed them at Best Western, then a little further, they were lined up on the side street beside Walmart, then across the road they were all over a small bank, and then again down another side street near a shopping plaza.  I had visions of Walmart being evacuated the night before and wondered if there was another CODE BLUE!  I went on to Chili's and as soon as I walked in they had one of their TVs turned up loud so everyone could hear tuned into the local news.  There had been a shooting and 4 people had been shot, one being one of two suspects, the other was still at large.  I noticed a few older couples got up and left the restaurant.  Now me, I was thinking why would anyone come into Chili's?  It's on the other end of the highway so I figured we were pretty safe.  It turns out that what happened was the guy that started everything had confronted his wife and an ex-city counselman that were together of an affair and then starting shooting, first the man and then his wife.  All of this in front of a pump-n-save.  Then he started walking away, when a patrolman showed up.  The officer was also shot and then the guy took the police car to a nearby bank, left the car and on foot went near walmart (still not sure if he went in or not), then was found by the best western and shot in the head.  Everyone survived but the shooter (from what i've heard but it's only a rumor) is braindead.  Before I knew all the details, my friend and I ate our dinner then headed back to Cooper's.  After hearing all kinds of stories of what might have happened we closed up shop and headed home.

Still lots of activity going on but we couldn't resist trying to get some kind of picture of it.  The only place we could get close to was the bank.

We needed a reason to be at McDonald's to get the picture so we went through drive-thru and I got a caramel sundae.  Brandi wanted ice cream too so after we got the picture we went to Sonic and she got a fudge cake sundae.  The complete store is that there were never two suspects, just alot of confusing reports from everyone that it seemed as if there were two.  They had gotten the one suspect pretty quickly after all of it happened to begin with.

Got back home safe and sound (and I might add extremely full) and was pretty tired after all that! 

Saturday seemed pretty tame compared to the past few days.  Traffic in the store stayed steady but when the half price sale started there were lots and lots of people coming in.  I had my best show yet there and I have to say I am pleased and feel like it was well worth my time.  I left a little earlier since I was so tired.  I packed everything up and was out of there around 7:30pm, went home and crashed.

I must have slept hard because I woke up with a crick in my neck.  We went to church and then planned to come home and grill chicken for lunch.  It was such a beautiful day!  It was so breezy and nice we opened up all the windows and doors in the house and just enjoyed it.

 

Jaden went over to a friends house to play.  Maddie asked us if we had a kite and of course we don't.  BUT I came up with a great idea for one.  For Valentine's Day we got the kids heart balloons along with some goodies that still have air in them (can you believe it?).  I cut off the weight and tied a really long piece of yarn to the existing string.   It was great!  Maddie even made a paper tail for it.  It made the perfect kite since it never falls to the ground, even when the wind died down. HA.

 

Last Week Part 1

I have soooo much to share with all of you that it's gonna take more than one post to get it all in-  Let me just give you an overview of what there is to come...

1- 4 days before sale, both sewing machines break

2- 1 embroidery/sewing machine purchased

3- cooper's closet, the sale begins

4- walmart is evacuated

5- shootout in columbus, suspect at large... all in the area where i am.

6- extreme exhaustion

7- BEAUTIFUL weather!

see how i can't possibly get it all in at one sitting???

Let us begin with my trusty machines... If you are like me, even if you cram and cram and try to be prepared that is always something else that you want to add to your sale.  Or you get new ideas all at once and want to have them with you etc. etc.  On Monday I just about had a break down.  I still (in my head) had so much to make and therefore was sewing all day/night to get everything finished.  Forget about meesly needles breaking.  I have learned that that can be easily fixed.  When the lifeblood of your business becomes possessed, not so easily fixed. 

So I'm sewing and first, for starters, my machine would just randomly stop sewing.  I'd have the peddle all the way down and then it would just stop.  I would have to wait like 10 seconds, blow on it, then it would go again and then stop again.  At other times, I would take my foot OFF the peddle and it would keep going and going and going.  It would even speed up sometimes.  I know if someone would have walked in on me during either of these times they would put me away.  I would talk to the machine as if it would help or something.  Sometimes I would baby talk to it, other times I was screaming at it.  You get the point.  Funny how neither worked.  I finally resorted to using my back up which is the same machine I learned how to sew on, 20+ years ago.  I use it from time to time to make sure it keeps on ticking so I knew it SHOULD have worked.  Anyhoo, it would not pull up the bobbin thread.  Figured out the timing was off or something.  I tried everything, cleaned it really well, changed tension etc. but nothing.. nada.. zilch.  So what did I do?  I called my dad.  At this point I was a little frazzled so he came right over and tried and tried to fix both but to no avail.  When Paul got home from work he looked at them too.  He took my old one apart, fixed the timing (looked on the internet), and got it the thread the bobbin but there was still something wrong because all it did was knot all the thread up when it sewed.  I told him to give it up, since it wasn't getting any better.  I just figured I would go get a new one the next day.  I've been wanting a new one for years now so I guess it was a sign.  I drove to Tupelo the next day and got this-

Bernina Aurora 430.  I got the embroidery parts as well, even though they aren't pictured here.  My next goal is to get a laptop to use with it so I don't have to haul it into my bedroom where our home computer is when I want to monogram something.  I upgraded the software so I can digitize designs.  My friend Matt Warren (he is a graphics designer and you can contact him here), designed my new logo so I'm excited to get to monogram it onto some things.

After getting over the initial -sick to my stomach- feeling after purchasing this little item, I have now started to really get excited about what it can do.  Of course my husband is still a little sickly but he fully supported my decision to get it and he has promised to help keep me focused on getting it paid off quickly! 

Tuesday I read and read about it and tried a few things out with it, but mainly played around and didn't get anything done.  Wednesday however, I got down to business with it and I really like it! Thursday was the day we could set up our tables for Cooper's and I got to use my new fixtures!  Thank you again Dad!!!   Here it is- 

My friend Jean was across from me and she makes THE cutest hairbows ever-

My other friend Rebecca has a store downtown called A Few of my Favorite Things and she also had a table at the sale.  She has some great things too.  She gets a lot of her items from Etsy sellers like me and she makes custom signs and tiles also.  I love the tutus!

Yet another friend whom I met at Cooper's Closet is Kristen who is listed under my favorite peeps... She has her own site and can do so many things- Be sure and check out her site SincerelyKristen. I didn't get a good picture of her table but if you go to her site, you can see alot more of what she can do.

Let's see... where do I go from here?  O yeah, on Thursday night, on my way home, I stopped at walmart to pick up a clear frame for my table for a sign I forgot I wanted to put out.  I got all the way to the framing aisle when over the intercom I hear a shaky voice calling out "Attention all customers: please evacuate the building. now." As soon as I heard it I thought, did I hear that right?  And then the same person came on again with a little more voice than before, "Attention all customers and associates: Evacuate the building now.  Leave your items and go.  Associates, Code Blue, Code Blue." After that everyone left as if an ant pile had just been stepped on.  The only thing I could think of was a bomb threat maybe?  I wasn't going to stick around and find out!  I got in my nice close parking space and got out of there.  I figured if a bomb went off, I sure wasn't safe in the parking lot!  As did alot of other people, I went to Kmart down the street and get what I needed.  Not what I wanted, but it would do. 

I'll have to fill you in on the shooting and more tomorrow.  My brain is a little fried still and the day today is too beautiful not to enjoy it.