Creating memories

By Travis Kees

May 14, 2008 10:43 am

— Debby Long is a woman with talent. She is using this talent to create very unique memories. She creates purses from the uniforms of soldiers.
Soldiers that want to give their mothers something different. These purses are very stylish in design and are made using patterns that are adjusted by Long.
They are made using pockets, material and patches from the soldier’s uniform. Only the inside liner is not made from the uniform.
She got into this line of work as basically a hobby. Her daughter-in-law, Dondra had given her a purse similar to the ones she makes for Christmas.
It was made out of Debby’s son Casey’s uniform that he wore in Iraq.
“I balled like a baby when I received it, I felt so proud. I am proud of all of my children.” said Long.
“I have another son Derek that will be going to Iraq in July. I have a daughter, Shelly that was also in the Army, she served in Germany in the 80’s.”
Debby does charge for the purses, $40. She has an embroidery machine and is in hope of making her own business.
She not only makes purses, but quilts, personalized baby quilts and hats as well. She also is looking forward to making a couple of purses of some Vietnam veterans.
She recently made some mother’s day gifts for Ashley Etienne for her mother Holly Stewart. Long is receiving complements all over town, people are even wanting purses who don’t have children or loved one in the military.
Long has only been working on this project for a mere two weeks and is already up to her neck in orders.
She also makes Celebrate Life for cancer purses and hats. For orders or would like to contact, her email is gbcgallery@embarqmail.com.

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