Category: Art

Corporal Kenny

   Sgt Grit – I have been looking at my dress greens hanging in my closet for many years now and it just doesn’t seem right. They are there because they mean too much to me but no one, and rarely myself will ever see them. I tried them on recently and apparently they used some weird material (51 years ago) because the uniform has really shrunk! I can’t even get the coat on over my shoulders and I’d have to use bungee cords to fasten the front if I did get it on. I’m certain the muscle in my body didn’t expand THAT much! I recently saw a thing on TV showing a very kind person that made teddy bears from military uniforms. My sister-in-law (Deb) is a schoolteacher (elementary grades) and an expert with a sewing machine. After very little begging and pleading, she offered to make a teddy bear for me, which I have labeled “Corporal Kenny.” Rather than make the teddy bear from the uniform, she made the teddy bear from suede leather because it somewhat resembled fur. Then she cut the uniform down to size to fit the teddy bear. While reducing the size of the uniform, she was careful to retain the original shoulder patches and belt. The belt and hat both still have my original name stamp on the inside. I’ve attached some pictures to show the final product. One picture is with me so you can get an idea of the size of the teddy bear (not me). Others shows a closer look the bear, the detail on the arm and pocket, and the dress shoes and shoe laces. The only problem now is finding just the right spot in the house to display Corporal Kenny, and it will be out in the open because I think it is really neat. Deb said it was labor intensive but she would be maybe willing to make a few more if somebody else wanted one. She is not looking for a career on the sewing machine however and it would be on her schedule. You can email me if interested. Maybe this would be an opportunity for somebody else that has experience with making teddy bears to jump in here to offer their services. I just know that I’m very pleased with Corporal Kenny and glad to see my uniform come back to life. read more

Wood Craft Gifts

Sarge,

I live in a retirement community which is also home to several Marines – WWI Guadalcanal, Chosen Reservoir, the Cold War and Viet Nam. A couple years ago I made myself an EGA from American black walnut and got a few comments from the vets. So I set to work making one for each and every one of them, plus a few for my fellow-Marines with whom I served in the 1950's. Thought you might like to see what they look like. Keep up the good work of keeping us "old" Corps guys informed and in touch. Semper Fi! read more

USMC Poster in France

My daughter and son-in-law were on a business trip to France. While in Paris, they toured the Napoleon burial site and the war museum (Musee deI'Armee). One of the World War 1 displays was this USMC poster. I have never seen it before and thought all of us old (but not that old) USMC vets would like to see that the Corps is still fondly remembered in France. read more

Metal USMC Poster

Sgt. Grit and all other fellow Marines and family members,

My wife and I purchased this awhile back at an estate auction. I got into a bidding war with one person when it came down to it. Guess he didn't know he was dealing with two former U.S. Marines that never give up when they want something. Especially something like this. It is the heavy guage metal and is in really good shape considering. Maybe someone out there will recognize the Marine in the picture and the two other men with dreams of becoming one of us. read more

Pencil Portraits

Semper Fi Devil Dogs. Look forward to getting your newsletters and hearing the stories from our brother and sisters, and also their families. Keep up the great work. Glad you have the catalog sales. My wonderful wife surprises me with something from your website every once in a while. I noticed that you are offering a pencil sketch of portraits. Attached is one my wife surprised me with several Christmas' ago. My son serves our country in the Navy( Our beloved Marine Corps Taxi Service) he is in the portrait with me and if you can make it out in the back ground a scroll with the Oath of Enlistment. Every bit of Marine materials I receive even after being retired for 12 years it makes my chest swell with pride. read more

Marine Clay Bust

 I don't have a story just a picture to share. This is a clay bust that I made in the art program at the college I attend. You can see it is not finished as it has not been fired yet and still needs the buttons and eagle, globe and anchors. It is modeled after my husband though the facial likeness is not exact. (This was my first time ever doing this kind of thing!) Just so proud of my husband, my father-in-law and my own service in the Marines. read more