I have changed locations!

HELLO TO MY BEAUTIFUL AND WONDERFUL FOLLOWERS AND FRIENDS!  It is done.  My new site is up with my new bag.  Remember to follow that page instead.  I want LOTS of followers, so don't forget ;)


Say so long to my really bad blog title, LOL!


Here's the link.  JLeja Handmade Designs

TTYL!

Sweat, Blood, and Tears.

I did it!  To the joy of it's owner, the canvas bag is complete!  My friend must know that I poured my sweat, blood and tears into this bag (almost literally).  I know you'll love it!  I need some sunshine tomorrow so I can do a photo shoot and she's all yours.  For everyone else, you can see it on my new blog after I get some pictures taken.  Everyone sleep well.  I know I will! :)


TTYL!

The woman who has it all.

As a stay at home mom with two children, ages 3 and almost 1, there are times when I feel like I NEVER STOP WORKING!  Actually, I don't!  My to do list is never ending, and as I try to find my own identity again, I just add more on to it!  I know I'm crazy.  No need to point out the obvious here.  I'm starting to remind myself of the Proverbs 31 woman except I don't have any servants to help me out!!!  I'm all over Proverbs 31:27..."She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness."  Homemade bread is the bread of choice around here ;)


But how many times do I look at another woman and think, "Wow! She really has it all put together. And her bag is super cute to top it off!"  I may be right.  She may be one of the few women who "has it all", but I don't know what's in her bag, how many hats she's wearing, or where her shoes have been.  There used to be times that l'd put myself mentally in a new life situation just to "see" what might have been.  I can honestly tell you I have never liked the outcome.  I may not be the most beautiful, the most noble, the most energetic, or the most of anything, but with the grace and mercy of God I will look back on my life and know that I have done what I was created to do here on this earth.  That is bringing glory to Him.


By the way.  My favorite verses from Proverbs 31:

²⁵ She is clothed with strength and dignity;
       she can laugh at the days to come.
 ²⁶ She speaks with wisdom,
       and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

To those of you who know me, I wonder if that surprise you? ;)

TTYL!

NEW LOCATION COMING SOON!

This past week I had 2 sick children.  So my new site is not quite ready yet.  I just wanted to let my wonderful followers, browsers, seekers, and peekers know that my grand reopening will be soon.  I'll be featuring my new name AND my new bag.  To give you a teaser it's a canvas style bag with only the finest combination of fabrics and detailing :)  Nothing less of course.


TTYL!

I heard you laughing...

So here we go.  An Ode to Polka Dots.


Round and round
wound up so tight,
Yet oh so classy 
in the night.
Those tried and true colors,
black and white.


During the day 
you're fun and zesty.
Classy can wait
I can also be testy.
Red and Pink 
for the little girl who's pesty.


You're big, you're small
maybe black or teal.
How did it happen,
where do you get your appeal?!?
I do not know, nor do I care
In fabulous colors you're quite a deal!


Polka Dots.

The Polka

This bag was the inspiration behind my Seam Ripper Blog on Monday.  It's a very exciting fabric to be sure, but I think it turned out well.  This one is similar to the other bags, just different fabrics and buttons.

As you can see we have some exquisitely exciting polka dots and an accent pocket (also lined with polka dots).

I also managed some SNAPS that will adjust the length a little!  Go me!

The inside sports the solid red fabric and a polka dot cell phone pocket.

I know you are all wondering when I'll make a new style bag.  I'm working on that as we speak.  Hopefully that one will be up this week if all goes well.  Until then, I'm thinking, maybe I should blog "An Ode to Polka Dots".  Don't laugh!  I just might!

TTYL!

The bag that inspired yesterday's blog!

It's done!  Complete!  I've already told you how much I love fabrics, but I never realized how much fabrics may or may not like EACH OTHER!  Can't we just all get along here?!?!  It'll be up on my blog in the morning.  Everyone have a great night!


TTYL!

The Seam Ripper

A scary title for this Monday morning's blog, but me and my seam ripper have been best friends this past weekend!  It's one of those necessary painful things in life.  ALL OF THAT HARD WORK RIPPED APPART AT THE SEAMS! Quite literally of course.  But sometimes after working on that one thing, when we step back to look at the whole, it's just not right.  Either the stitches don't match, the seams don't line up, or maybe the foot petal got a little too happy and out of control at a very inopportune time.  That's when my little friend comes in to help.  A sewing seam ripper makes re-do a possibility without ruining the fabric.


How many times has that happened to me?  I can only see the immediate, small picture of my life.  And when my life seams to be falling apart at the seams, I need to realize that God sees the bigger picture.  He protects the fabric of my life while creating a work of art, and my life is only a small part.  I'm not saying this fact makes those hard times any easier, but it does add a different perspective.  A perspective of peace and hope.


For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11


So I guess the seam ripper isn't so bad after all.


TTYL!

What's in a name?!?

Well, a lot is in a name!  I have been searching for a name for my new business for at least 2 months now.  My sister, also concerned in my welfare, decided to consult a marketing/ business owner friend of hers.  Come to find out there is a method to these things.  


Creating custom originals is an artisan/exclusive approach to bag making.  That sounds super fancy to me!  Because of this, just using my name would be the best idea because it identifies my work with me.  Good thing my parents picked out a pretty good one.  So thank you to those of you who sent me your ideas and thoughts on the issue!  By next week I'll be changing things around and I'll link this site to my new one just in case you need help finding me.  But for now, stay posted.  I have 2 bags in the works and I can't wait to show you!

TTYL!

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to my little boy!  I gave birth to you 3 years ago and what a whirlwind!  You're high energy and love of life takes the express in expresso for a workout.  As I try to keep up and periodically try to slow you down (just a touch) so you can enjoy the moment, please remember that Mommy is always right, no that doesn't go in your nose, and yes you must always wear pants when going outside!  

I love you!

New Bag!

So I want this bag for myself!  I think this is the hardest part about making bags.  I only make what I love.  Hope you love it too.

Hope you like the new backdrop :)

I made the daisy with a shimmery silver ribbon I found.  

You know I have to have a little bling!

I worked hard at getting the top stitching just right.

I'm listing this one on Etsy for $55 or you can get it from my blog for $50.

Buttons

My husband was fabulous yesterday, helping me with the house and the kids, because I was hoping to post a new bag today, but I was using a special thread and I ran out last night just as I was getting to the final stitches!  Bummer!  Hopefully soon.  I also think I need to go find some special buttons for this one.  I can't just put any old button on something I'm making.  It adds to the personality of the whole.  Have you ever noticed that about someone?  There is normally at least one attribute that makes someone unique.  Ears, nose are obvious choices, but also the way they walk, or pronounce their "i"s (those southern bells have to be careful when they say ice!).


With my daughter, her buttons are her eyes!  The eyes are truly the window to the soul.  They tug at my heart with her changing moods.  Those baby gray blues dance and sparkle when she's excited or trying to walk.  When she's sad they turn all puppy dog and fill with tears that are much bigger then one would expect from a person so small.  She flirts, and yes, I have caught her being mischevious already.  Is she old enough for that?!?!   


The bible speaks a lot of finding favor in the eyes of the Lord.  Do I make His eyes sparkle with my decision and actions?  I know he looks at the buttons he's given me with pleasure and joy, but how do I use those for his glory?  Any unique talents, personality trait, or even a hearts desire could be your button.  What makes you sparkle.  What makes you shine?  Go shine today and love that He chose your buttons especially for you!


 TTYL!

I need a name!

Happy Monday morning to my blog followers.  It was a packed weekend of family, sewing, and going to the zoo!  I believe God is the ultimate fashion designer.  We saw a panda with amazing RED hair!  Birds with grey heads and bright royal blue feathers in their wings.  And we all know how I feel about zebra and giraffe.  Gorgeous!  Sorry fabric designers.  You are nothing but copy cats! :)  I will admit though that I could not enjoy this hobby without you! Thank you for your efforts.


I come to my audience today with a request, a need!  I NEED A NAME!  Something to put on a tag to sew into my bags!!  Can you help me?!?!


When it comes to word play, alas I am left lacking.  I am good with colors, shapes and music, but not words.  I am NOT your ultimate scrabble partner and I thank the Lord for the creation of spell check!  I need a name for my new business and I haven't come up with a thing other than a rendition of my name.  If any of you are great with words, please lend me some brain cells!  I will give you a 50% discount on a bag if you send me a fabulous name that I use.  (Yes I can make other bags besides 'Ms Melinda'.)  Just keep it fun and clean is all I ask.  Post your ideas and we'll go from there.


Thank you for joining me this monday morning.  TTYL!

Fabric!

My blog is created today in celebration of my first online order!  YEAH!  It got my brain churning about the fabrics!  This may sound boring to you, but I LOVE IT!  I love fabric.  I would think that's what makes this hobby of mine so fabulous to me.  I love the colors, the patterns, and the textures.  Yes, I am the lady that touches everything within a 5 foot radius while walking through the department store, clothing, shoes, bags alike!  I can quickly find myself totally off track because I have to touch the next thing, and the next thing, and the next thing until...where am I ?!?  Put me in a fabric store and I'll see you in a couple hours.  I'm not joking, you can ask my husband!

I know you have that favorite item that you could never imagine getting rid of because ...........you fill in the blank.  I bet you it has to do with the color, the pattern, or the feel (functionality not excluded).  It's my hope that as I post my creations you will fall in love with the fabrics like I do!  It's one of those simple things in life that can make your moment that much more special.  And then to carry that something with you wherever you go is a bonus!

I challenge everyone today to find that something special and take a moment to enjoy it, whether it be a fabulously soft sweater, a game with your 3 year old, a walk with your husband, or some quiet time with the Lord.

Gotta Go, TTYL!

Check this out!

Last night I stayed up till midnight, but I got it!  Muahahahaha!  I added a contact me page!  WEEEE!  If you have suggestions or want to order something (anything confidential), you can get in touch with me through that page.  This is a learn as I go process to be sure, but success is sweet!  


And tonight's technological advance is a "Buy Now" button from Pay Pal!  Done!

Patterns

I STRONGLY dislike patterns.  I always do something wrong with them.  I buy the wrong size, cut something the wrong way, or misread the directions that make NO SENSE!  I am a hands on learner.  Giving me a bunch of words with a new vocabulary in order to make something I've never attempted before with illustrations that are just as confusing (yes this is a run on sentence) is not the way to get me excited about sewing something.  Am I the only one here?!?!  Well, because of this slight malfunction I have, I make and create my own.  I figure, I know my thought process and I work with the fabric as I go.  It takes "more time", but it sure is a lot more fun.

So, this led me to think...this is just like life.  "Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is.  His good, pleasing and perfect will."  Romans 12:2

It may be easier to follow the pattern laid out in front of you, but the joy of living it uniquely in the will of the Lord is the ultimate life.  I am created, a unique individual, and I will use my skills to create something unique.  It may take me a little more time, but God's not done with me yet either!  A little TLC goes a LONG way :)

Now back to that pattern I was making...

Ms Melinda

I am so excited!  This is my first posted bag.  Crafted for the love of pink and zebra print, this fabulous hobo bag is totally sassy and functional ;)  

Cute little pleats!

Yes, this pocket fits an iphone perfectly!

A little bling for fun!

I have enough ingredients to make 2 more of these.  $45 and she's yours.  Let me know what you think! I am not hooked up to a website yet, but I do have paypal.  We can make it work I'm sure :)

 TTYL!

I Love Making Bags!

No this is not about 'love making' bags.  I'm sorry to those of you who got the wrong impression, like my husband, although that would probably be a good money maker in itself ;).  I have recently discovered a new love all over again.  Bags, purses, totes...I've always been a huge fan, but when I couldn't find what I was looking for one season I got so frustrated I made one.  Love at first stitch!  As I create new bags I will post them here and link them to a purchasing site.  Photos and video's will be here too.


Well, much work to be done so I can put the latest and greatest on here ASAP!


I'll be talking with you soon.   <3