A New Summer Treats:

AND THE WINNER IS:

Congratulations to Kathi K. from the beautiful Oregon State in

winning the month of May's "Trash Bag Giveaway"!!!

Thank you all who participated ...and another is on the way shortly!

(above: Kathi with her winning Trash Bag Original)

Thank you Kathi

for being such a good sport and submitting an appreciation photo..and

an adorable one at that!

NEW CUSTOM BUTTONS FOR ORDER!!!

GLENN SUPRISED ME WITH A ORDERING PLACK OF 15 BUTTONS HE MADE...

10 OF THEM FROM MY ORIGINAL SKETCH DESIGNS: NUMBERS 2THROUGH 11.

(NUMBERS 1 AND 12 THROUGH 15 ARE GLENN MANHERZ ORIGINAL BUTTONS)

MANY OF THEM ARE DESIGNED AS SETS...LIKE MY FAVORITES 2 &3, 4 & 5, 7 &8, AND 9 & 10.

GLENN TOOK MY DESIGNS FROM A SKETCH AND CREATED HIS OWN INTURPRETATION OF THEM...

THESE BUTTONS CAN BE ADDED TO ALL CUSTOM ORDERS ON TRASH BAGS (AN ADDITIONAL COST APPLYS DEPENDING ON BUTTON SIZE AND DESIGN)

NOTE: MAKE SURE TO ASK ABOUT CUSTOM "NAME" BUTTONS, AND "INSPIRATIONAL WORDS" BUTTONS AS WELL .

NOTE: ALL BUTTONS SHOWN ARE MADE EXCLUSIVELY FOR TRASH BAGS BY ASHLEE NICOLE.

Custom Coin Bags Featuring Glenn Manherz Buttons:

FEATURED ARTIST: GLENN E. MANHERZ

ARTIST: GLENN E. MANHERZ

BORN: 1932 Winner, South Dakota

Glenn Manherz is a local "Internationally Known" wood sculptor that I've been fortunate enough to meet here in Phoenix, AZ. I was more than honored when approached with the idea of collaborating on some hand-carved buttons for my line of Trash Bags. When asked if I may feature him on my site and tell a little about him...he said "of course"...

WHEN DID HE START WOOD WORKING?

Glenn started wood-working as early as 9 years old..."I used to make my own toys....trucks, tractors......even sling shots." He and his brothers used to make their own wagons out of old buggy wheels and such.

While on a camping trip with his family back in 1967, by fate, he and another gentlemen by the name of Jack Elmer Pence crossed paths. Jack was ill with emphysema and with his spare time carved wood. He invited Glenn to come a visit his home and studio in Mesa, AZ...while on that visit had asked Glenn if he ( with some help of friends) might be willing to lay cement in his studio in exchange for lessons. Glenn has been carving ever since. He told me his first carving was that of a roadrunner...and still has it!

Glenn uses an array of types of woods in his sculptures: pine, walnut, citrus....his personal favorite is Bass wood...Northern Bass wood to be precise...says the quality and tinsel strength of the wood is extraordinary...which means it's grain is very tight and doesn't split.

I asked Glenn if he used scrap wood..."Why, there ain't no such thing as Scrap Wood"...LOL we had a good laugh.

Well into his 70's ..."76 years young", he says...he now has sold in all 6 continents and is internationally known and has placed in many local art shows. He has even taught woodworking classes here locally. Most of his pieces sell for well into the thousands.

What an awesome and genuinely sweet man he is...and is talented and gifted beyond words.

I am so excited and so very blessed to able to use his art to enhance my bags and bring them to my customers to experience first hand at reasonable prices for everyone.

Below: Some of Glenn's artwork...

I just fell in love with this set of dove buttons made from Citrus wood...Glenn says it starts to look like ivory more with age.
The detail in this bolo tie was amazing...was carved from Bass wood. The boots...spot on!


One evening Glenn had asked for our walnut shells and later returned with these guys ...

These buttons were made specifically by Glenn for a custom Trash Bag project for a special group of woman:

"B.A.T.S"

and here they are below used on the custom Trash Bag coin pouches:

BELOW:

My first Trash Bag featuring Glenn E Manherz buttons:

This bag will be listed in the shop !

More Summer Camp Goodies!

I been trying to pump out
as many new items to this collection
as I can....I'm having so much fun
with this batch, I don't want to step
away from the machine!

above: "FIRST AID"
left and
below: " GONE FISHIN"

Summer Camp Nostalgia: A new Trash Bag Collection

I admit, I've been kinda stuck in rut...Life's been hectic...kids, financial stresses, illness...I've been asked quite often, "when are you going to post summer items?" I was inspired majorly after finding some great plaid and floral prints to do something fun and warm...when I stared at all of these wonderful summery fabrics I thought..."Summer Camp"....

This is just a taste of my new "Summer Camp Collection"...some have already sold, but more....much more on the way!

Ashlee Nicole

Diaper Bags!

This month I had a couple of rare custom designs I created for a two very deserving new mommies. I had such a blast making these two bags...both for little girls (excuse my aweful photography...ick...lol). One wanted a soft pink, green shabby chic feel.....the other, polar opposite...lol....a beautiful rich purple and black color scheme...both adorable and classic....I hope you two are enjoying your bags!

Spring Treats in the Shop!

Wow, I realize that, yes, it has been quite some time since I've last posted....with staying behind on my own (with a 6 year old and a 7 month old) while the Hubby set up shop in AZ, and relocating, and getting the kids settled in, and oh, ya.... discovering that I am carrying a 3rd (yes count them....3) rugrat.........Life has been a little hectic.....but oh my goodness, I can not begin to tell you how excited and comforted I am to be back in the sewing room creating again! The shop is stocked with a few new goodies, but much more on the way!