Cute as Buttons

Thought for Thursday

2011-11-10T20:55:00.003+10:00

We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.

Cynthia Ozick

At Button Central this week, we are grateful for excellent teachers, skilled and caring vets, tick bite antidote, our dreaming puppy and a friend with an overlocker when mine is on the blink! What are you grateful for?

Road Trip!

2011-11-07T20:40:00.004+10:00

Our market presence has been a little thin on the ground this year due to a combination of family life and breaking my arm earlier in the year. It hasn't healed quite as well as we'd hoped and I'm heading off to the specialist this month to see what we can do next. I've tried to stick to indoor markets and ones where I can take a helper to assist with the lugging and hauling which has been a little tricky with the dodgy arm. I was absolutely delighted to be asked to participate in the Christmas in the Country Art and Craft Show in Gatton last weekend. It ticked all the setting up boxes and was run over three days which was also appealing. I've included a few snaps of the day and some of our new products.

It's been a rough year for the folks in Gatton and the surrounding areas. It was quite moving to listen to stories about how the year unfolded and how it has affected them. When epic and tragic events unfold around us, we feel for those involved but our lives quickly return to normal and their lives are forever changed. It may be something as simple as houses that still have half walls and no carpets, house guests that are still living with them or crops that just couldn't be harvested.

I met a remarkable lady who was a fellow stall holder had lived through a year in which her home had been damaged, her family had been displaced for some time, she'd lost her Mum and the crops which are a huge part of their income had been unable to be harvested or of no sale value. On set up day, Thursday, she produced the most formidable array of gorgeous wares, including Christmas Cakes which were sold out by lunchtime. She was beaming from ear to ear and looked energised and vibrant that night when most of us were stifling yawns and wishing for bed. That day, her husband and 29 cutters had harvested the best crop of onions in memory. She beamed with pride and happiness for her husband and I felt a good part of that pride and happiness, too. I felt quite privileged to listen to her talk and share in the experience in some small way. Aside from the Art and Craft Show, it was a chance to meet some excellent people. If you happen to see produce or goods from the Lockyer Valley when you are filling your shopping baskets and trolleys, buy up big! I hear the crops are top notch this season and I know the support is very appreciated.

Who Remembers?

2011-10-30T23:41:00.004+10:00

This week we celebrated a big milestone at Button Central. It was the two year anniversary of Mr Button's kidney transplant. We celebrated with some together time and we thanked in a very small way, our super hero donor. We reflected, we gave thanks and we counted our many blessings.

Over the weekend, I've been thinking about Remembering (please note the capital R!). We will always remember the transplant anniversary. I think the Little Buttons will eventually remember the stories but perhaps the date and some of the details will be hazy. I know without a doubt that they will remember and thank our hero. Our closest family and some of the squillions of extended family and friends Remember. A good many friends don't because life goes on and the healthy, vital Mr Button becomes the new norm which, is kind of nice, too. What I have found quite surprising this week, is that many, many people who are not intimately connected with us, Remembered. They asked after Mr Button and his donor, they marveled at his excellent health and the changes this gift brought to our family, and they talked about organ donation.

It's not easy to share something so momentous as this. Sometimes talking about it can be difficult and feel a bit invasive. Sometimes you worry that people are tired of listening or may even be judging your choices and actions. Sometimes you want to forget about the icky stuff for a while. Then I Remembered that our talking about it has led many other people to talk about it - people who may otherwise never have discussed organ donation with their families and friends. Maybe someone will register as an organ donor because we've shared our story.

That would be grand, because, WE WILL FOREVER REMEMBER the good and great gift that our hero gave Mr Button. A gift given to one, Remembered by many.

Spot On!

2011-10-26T18:27:00.004+10:00

Popping in quickly to let you know that Elise Hutton has the sharpest peepers of all the Buttons following the blog. She spotted our new Store tab which links to our website. Elise, you may purchase one of our tees for the grand price of $1! I'll make a special listing for you in the store. Email me with your choice and we'll get the ball rolling.

Did you like playing spotto? I'm going to list some spot bargains in the store over the next few days. I'm calling it market reseach! With changes happening to Facebook, I thought some fun and games might give me an idea of who reads status updates and when they read them. Any tricks to help make sense of the crazy world of Facebook are worth their weight in gold. I am fairly sure 'Lil Red' has eagle eyes and fully expect she'll pop up in the games. She's such an enthusiastic player I would love her to win something!

PS. The photo above will give you a little hint of what to look for in the Store.

Spot the Difference!

2011-10-16T21:33:00.004+10:00

Over the weekend, I had the chance to finish off a project I've been working on and also made a change to the Facebook page. It's one of those jobs that's been a monkey on my back for months so I thought it might be nice to have a little game to celebrate. If you are so inclined, pop overhere and see if you can spot the difference. The first person to leave a comment with the correct answer on this post can purchase one of these

or any of our other tees for the grand total of $1. Be sure to leave your contact details on your post so I can get in touch with you and let you know if you are the lucky winner.

I'm Stuffed!

2011-10-15T18:22:00.003+10:00

I've been playing around with some of our designs and making them into softies and rattles. Today I was working with our Dino friend. It wasn't as straightforward as it looked because the 2D design needed some tweaking to take it to 3D. There were several trials which have since been adopted by the Little Buttons. No challenge, I am sure, for the doyenne of softie making but it kept me busy for most of the day.

At the end of it all, I agreed with Heidi the Dino. I was stuffed and needed a snooze in the shade, too!

Thought for Thursday

2011-10-13T17:10:00.001+10:00

The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are.

Unknown

One Cheeky Monkey

2011-10-11T17:30:00.004+10:00

This little fellow has only had a couple of market outings to date but every time he heads out, he's snapped up quick smart! Will is our cheeky monkey. He's the one who has found mischief, had a blast and escaped long before you've even realised what he's been up to! I like the azure shirt as often the options for boys tend to be the standard navy/white and red (which I am also quite fond of!). It's just nice to offer some variety for the little fellas. I also get a buzz out of using textured fabrics like chenille and buttons and other embellishments as it is a great way to encourage descriptive language in the smalls eg. The monkey has rough/fluffy/furry hair. His nose is shiny and round. Once an Early Childhood Teacher, always an Early Childhood Teacher!

I've quite recently made a girly version of this for Molly. She has a fetching ric rac bow on the side of her head! I'm not sure how well she'll go but it suits my girl down to the ground. I like to team Will's shirt with a pair of brown shorts from Nan's Garden. I'm also keeping my eye on the goodies from Miriam at Mimmis and Bubba Chenille so I can snap up a pair of shorts in a chocolate chenille.

Handmade Heaven is closing down while Liesa awaits the birth of her new bub. It will be reopening online shortly and our Monkey mate will be one of the new designs available in the online store. Our remaining stock in Handmade Heaven has been reduced to 50% to make way for fresh new designs. Snap up a bargain over here. Lots of other goodies also on sale.

Let's Go Shopping!

2011-10-08T15:18:00.005+10:00

Here's hoping the Perfectly Pink Themed BiMC was a great success. If you didn't manage to make it over to St Augustine's, you can still manage to snap up some pink goodies online.

More handmade shopping lists here.

The Gentle Art of Saying "No"

2011-10-07T19:26:00.004+10:00

Since my last post, the littlest buttons have turned four. It's an interesting age, full of questions, challenges adventures and new learnings - for them and for their parents! Sometimes, setting boundaries can be exhausting can't it?

When I was studying teaching, I remember completing an activity on creative ways to say "No!". I'm sure most Early Childhood teachers have done something similar. This week, My Creative Space is all about saying 'no' in a really clever way! You might be able to use this list in your parenting, when your husband asks if you've been shopping, when someone asks you to whip up a project or two or when you're tossing up whether or not to begin a new project. All I ask is that you use this list for good and not nefarious purposes (such as hiding excessive fabric purchases!).

A DOZEN WAYS TO SAY 'NO'

The LOOK - you know what I mean...we all have one. The one that says, "Go ahead and do that but be prepared for the consequences!"
NAME and TONE - Say their name and use the TONE that matches the LOOK (in number 1)
I'll think about that.
Say yes but mean no - 'You can do X after you have finished Y'.
Distraction - "X, can you come here and help me with this, please?"
Say hello! Just remind them that you are there and watching.
Is that safe.
Will that make Mum/Dad happy or sad?
What will happen if you do that?
What do you think about that idea?
Talk to me about what you are doing.
Is that a good choice?

I'm sure you have lots of other strategies that work. These are just some of the tried and true ones from Button Central. For truly creative pursuits, visit here.

P.S. I can't say any of these are a fool proof way of hiding expensive fabric purchases from Mr Button but I have had some success with #5 when used in conjunction with Grand Final Football games!

My Arch Nemesis

2011-06-13T21:51:00.004+10:00

Well, the long weekend is almost finished. Ours was delightful and I hope you enjoyed yours. If you've been following this sporadic blog for awhile, you may remember that I purchased one of these last year.

It has been languishing in a drawer up until this weekend. Thanks to this tutorial, I have become very friendly with my arch nemesis and possibly slightly obsessed. I think there may be many more of these to come!

Just quietly, if any Advanced Rufflers can explain why my needle keeps hitting the foot and snapping, I'd be very glad of the advice. I'm not sure if I'm pulling or pushing the wrong way or if I need a heavier needle. Any ideas?

Let's Go Shopping!

2011-06-11T20:54:00.004+10:00

Joining in the BrisStyle Gals with some fabulous Etsy finds. Robot Love abounds at our house at the moment and there are oodles of spacey Etsy goodies to snap up.

Whobot Painting by Starfish Quay

Retro Robots Collection by Indie Laser

Robots Cuddle Blanket by Laughland

Ronny Robot Sewing Pattern by Freddies Friends

Happy Family Futuristic Robot Tee

Head on over to the BrisStyle blog for more Etsy finds or to play along.

Happy Birthday Grandpa Bob!

2011-03-12T22:09:00.005+10:00

Hello neglected bloggy friends. I'm sorry I haven't paid you much attention over the last while. the crazy Christmas market scene made way for a shocking start to the year in my homestate and it didn't stop there. It seems our half of the world is topsy turvy at the moment and as I look at the footage from Japan I keep wondering, "WHY?" and I know I am not alone. A decided lack of craftiness happening at my place at present and you can find out why here. It's driving me slightly nutty and I am prowling around the craftroom like a caged lion. I've been whiling away some hours sourcing labels, working on my website which is almost ready and discovering some delicious fabrics with help from this lovely, quilty friend.

Today we joined with my Mum, sister and nephew to celebrate what would have been my Dad's 70th birthday. We had homemade chocolate cake with many candles so the small fry could make some birthday wishes in his honour. How proud he would have been!

I thought I'd do something good today in his honour, too and share our day with you! I have some great plans for the bloggy days ahead...think, make, talk and share days and I'm all ready to go!

My Creative Space

2010-11-27T16:55:00.003+10:00

Is a bit crazy at present. Lots of orders to fill and markets to prepare for, but, amongst all that a special custom order for a handsome lad. Paddy's Christmas concert was on Friday. He wanted an elf on a yellow shirt...one of his favourite colours. This was a collaboration. Paddy drew his elf, I transferred the design to some fabrics he chose and finished it on the shirt. He was as proud as punch and there was absolutely no chance we wouldn't spot him amongst his classmates.

You can pop in here if you want to see some other creative spaces, I'm running a bit late with mine but masses of other folk were more organised!

Thought for Thursday

2010-11-25T23:19:00.003+10:00

Hey, I don't have all the answers. In life, to be honest, I failed as much as I have succeeded. But I love my wife. I love my life. And I wish you my kind of success.

Dicky Fox – Jerry Maguire

With all the end of year hoo-har that is happening about the place, I find myself reflecting on things that have happened this year, where I'm at and where I want to go. When I first watched Jerry Maguire, longer ago than I care to remember, this quote stuck with me. I remember having quite an in depth conversation with some of my cousins about what it is to succeed and the need to match our values with our measure of success.

I think, at this time of year, we can sometimes get quite caught up in really crazy measures of success...how many presents are wrapped, how many jobs are ticked off on the Christmas list, when you mailed your cards...IF you mailed your cards. It's good to take a minute and just remember what success really means for me. How about you?

Balancing Act

2010-11-16T20:10:00.005+10:00

Image: The Blessed Nest

We're walking a fine line at Button Central at the moment. Christmas is not so far away and it would seem the term 'Silly Season' incorporates the whole market bizzo which is happening about the place at the moment. As we head into a weekend of back to back markets, I'm trying to balance my desire for a clean and tidy house, my desire for sewing time and my desire to just sit and 'be' every now and then. We're doing OK at the moment. You can see the floors, no one is about to contract botulism or the plague, the stock piles are looking respectable and Mr Button and I are enjoying a quiet cup of tea on the lounge. I'd tentatively like to say we're on track. (Touching wood and crossing fingers as I type)

One reason is because I popped into this blog and had a bit of a read last week. Lots of very good commonsense ideas for navigating your way through crazy patches. I've opted to reinstate my menu planner, weekly organiser and I'm cleaning up one thing a day that bugs me...like a cutlery drawer or something along those lines. How do you keep the wheels on the bus when life becomes crazy and frantic?

You could always pop into the BrisStyle Twilight Market or The Handmade Expo and tell me in person on the weekend.

Thought for Thursday

2010-11-11T22:00:00.004+10:00

I never lose sight of the fact that just being is fun.

Katharine Hepburn

Just in case you need reminding!

Clearing the Cobwebs and Karlas

2010-11-08T19:58:00.005+10:00

During my recent stint of full time teaching, Button Central descended into a bit of a cesspool! No, I'm not just saying that...it really was quite a tip. I literally had to ask people to step over the boxes and market goods as they made their way into the house and finding them a place to sit involved wild sweeping movements across the couch to remove miscellaneous bits and then a fair amount of toe poking to shove the stuff from the top of the couch underneath the couch so the guest had somewhere to put their feet. I don't function well in mess...it makes me dither.

Yesterday, after a family outing I press ganged the Buttons into action and we had a major clean up, a bit of furniture reorganisation and a big toss out. Order restored, I lit the nice candles and cut some Lemon Myrtle branches for the vases. It lifted the literal and the imagined cobwebs and I felt ready for action so I tackled the Made for Me towel order list. I've cut out all but 3 of the names for the girl towels and tonight I'm starting on the boys.

I even squeezed in a bit of train track building along the front verandah with the two Littlest Buttons. As they were busy tootling along the tracks, I noticed a visitor in one of our trees. She'll probably move tonight but today she was lovingly spied upon and chatted to. Will is very fond of 'Karlas' so I'm hoping she picks another one of our trees to munch tomorrow.

My Creative Space

2010-11-05T20:02:00.003+10:00

My creative space this week involved lots of sewing to boost the stock levels for a crazy month of marketing. I also had an order for a ballet slipper tank to match a tutu her little one is wearing in a family portrait. Jodi needed the ballet slippers to be in a pale blue instead of the usual silver. I didn't find any sequins in the shade she wanted so I used a Princess satin and some matching, sparkly, tulle which I layered over the top to differentiate between the inner and outer part of the shoe. I was quite taken with the finished look and I'm going back for some more satin and tulle in pink, I think!

You can catch up with some more creative folk over here at Kootoyoo.

Thought for Thursday

2010-11-04T20:26:00.004+10:00

Love life and life will love you back.

Arthur Rubenstein

Life is grand at our place. Hope nice things are happening wherever you are. Wet on the roads today when I headed out to the launch of Kaleidoscope Markets. Some very fearless Mums braving the elements and managing to keep their little ones dry as they made their way into the spacious Lake Kawana Civic Centre. Fiona, you assembled the friendliest crew of helpers and it was really interesting to do a daytime weekday market. Hope you are well on your way to that rest!

More markets happening this weekend. Visit here to find out more. As soon as I find the cord for my camera, I will pop some photos into this space...feeling a bit nude without the visuals!

2010-11-04T08:46:00.005+10:00

If you're looking for something to do today, the 4th of November, you will find Mrs Button at Kaleidoscope Markets - Lake Kawana Community Centre from 8.30am till 1.00pm.

She would love it if you popped in to say hello.

Posted by the dutiful Mr Button :)

P.S. Caloundra didn't look like this on Thursday, but there is always next month! Maybe I can convince Mr Button that I need a couple of days in Caloundra before each market!

1 Year Today

2010-10-27T16:00:00.005+10:00

Today is an anniversary. One year ago, this happened. There are no words big enough, deep enough or grand enough to describe the depth of gratitude and love we feel towards Mr Button’s donor. We think of her every day, she is always in our prayers and we love her to the moon and back.

You are our hero. You made this happy and healthy life with our Daddy possible. You are deeply loved.

Having Fun at the Beach!

2010-10-23T23:11:00.005+10:00

That's what we'll be doing for the next week! I might pop in from time to time but only if the weather isn't playing nice. We're all very excited about the holiday...the little blonde headed, stompie wompie, real gone surfer boy, in the photo above has been dressing himself in boardies, sun shirt, goggles, thongs and sun hat since Wednesday! I think this is a delicious photo of him!

Thought for Thursday

2010-10-21T20:11:00.004+10:00

Never see a need without doing something about it.
St Mary of the Cross

Words to live a life by - and without doubt, that is what she did. We've been very excited about Australia's first saint at Button Central and the little folk I have been teaching were awed and amazed to see their teacher singing on the steps of the Vatican as part of the celebration. He taught them a song based on this quote before he left. As I listened to them singing it, I couldn't help but think we have a wonderful future in store if this generation take St Mary's motto as their own. Challenging, too, if we are to lead by example. It's a challenge I like!

Tuesday Treasures

2010-10-19T20:51:00.003+10:00

What a week we've had at Button Central. We had such wonderful plans for the weekend. I had Saturday and Sunday markets, Mr Button and the small fry were meeting me at the coast for a weekend of swimming, frolicking and relaxation. All the plans came unstuck and the only outings that occurred were trips to the doctors, pharmacy or local store! It happens like that sometimes, doesn't it? Mr Button decided to strut his stuff in a game of soccer with the kids and finished with a spectacular dive and a startlingly, sprained ankle! As my Mum would say, "It never rains but it pours."

Tonight, new antibiotics are making me smile, Mr Button's foot and drink are on ice. The only people awake are over 1m in height and the room is heavy with relief and calm. I'm about to tuck into my treasure for the week...my first mango of the season. As far as I am concerned, mangoes are a treat and a treasure and my favourite part of summer!

For some less edible treasures, visit Clare over here.

Where Have All My Blog Posts Gone?

2010-10-13T21:08:00.005+10:00

Image: Taryn Newland

Well, I know the old ones are not missing but it has been a 'long time passing' since a new one appeared! What have I been up to, you ask? Well, we've recently acquired a new computer which has taken a wee bit of settling in. I have also been busy marketing and have tended to opt for the quick and easy facebook post instead of blogging. Sometime ago, I agreed to two weeks of teaching which started on Monday. YIKES!!! I'm not entirely sure what I was thinking when I said, 'Yes!', but, we're here now and getting amongst it! Incidentally, the teacher I am replacing is in Rome singing at the cannonisation of Mary MacKillop and I'm ever so excited for him, albeit a little worried as I am also taking his music classes and he's set the standard rather high!

In between my heroic efforts to dry washing and completing twin toilet training, I have been working on these Christmas shirts and also some Pink Ribbon Remembering Tees in adult sizes. You can order any of these via email or Facebook. My current favourite is Santa!

Please note: When discussing toilet training, I've used the term completed in a very loose way!

Tuesday Treasures

2010-09-27T20:39:00.003+10:00

When we went looking for a new house, it was almost the end of winter and as we drove past our current home, a wallaby was sitting in the front yard watching us. I was sold before we even stopped the car! I made a bit of a pretence at looking about and kicking the tyres, so to speak, but there was no doubt that this was where we were meant to be.

Mr Button is a bird lover and watcher. We live amongst a gazillion trees and can always find something to watch as we sip a cup of tea on the deck. Today, my treasure is my view.

Pop over and sit awhile with Clare to find some more treasures.

Thought for Thursday

2010-09-23T10:25:00.004+10:00

Soulmates are people who bring out the best in you. They are not perfect but are always perfect for you.

Anonymous

Happy Anniversary, Soulmate! Thank you for this lovely life. xxx

The Handmade Expo

2010-09-21T08:17:00.004+10:00

After a month away from markets to concentrate on a bit of family time, it was great to head back to Ipswich for The Handmade Expo. I had lots of new designs to promote, a different layout to test and friendly faces to catch up with.

I tested the water with some bright Christmas tees and they were snapped up by organised folk who won't be running around the night before the school concert wondering what the small fry can wear! My made it shop is stocked up at the moment and I will be adding the Christmas tee to it this week, just in case you're one of those organised individuals, too.

At My House

2010-09-20T19:37:00.003+10:00

Holiday time at my house. Lego creations that grow day by day. No rush to get out of the PJs. Story sharing. Bouncing on the tramp in between showers. Hide and seek. Trains and dolls. Dog cuddling, chicken feeding. Colouring and drawing. Some friendly first aid on a willing, but, slightly startled patient. Fun, fun, fun!

Now that all the wee ones are tucked up in bed, there's going to be a bit of TV viewing and a lot of appliqué cutting at my house. It's a nice place to be.

Visit here to see what is happening at some other houses in Blogland.

Thought for Thursday

2010-09-16T09:30:00.010+10:00

Thoughts are like boomerangs.

Eileen Caddy

It's amazing how true this quote is, isn't it? We say it in a million different ways; Positivity breeds positivity; Karma will take care of it; What we think we create, and I am sure there are more. I'm going to use this as my benchmark today and before I embark on a train of thought I will decide if I want it coming back to stay with me. I spent last night lying awake thinking far too much so today is a new day full of great boomerang thoughts.

If you are a reader who is not familiar with boomerangs, you can find an explanation here.

Tuesday Treasures

2010-09-15T10:14:00.002+10:00

Running a bit behind schedule with my treasure for this week. Weddings have been on my mind a bit of recent times. I've been to engagement parties and a Hen's night and it tends to make you remember your own special day. I chose to have my wedding bouquet dried and framed as a keepsake. I loved my bouquet of tulips, gerbras and roses and as a framed piece of art on our wall, I think it is magnificent!

Visit Clare for more treasures, here.

Thought for Thursday

2010-09-09T21:13:00.002+10:00

Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's party!"

Robin Williams

Do you feel like a springtime party? Come and join me at the Boutique Markets at Portside on Sunday where I will be celebrating with loads of new Spring designs and maybe one or two celebratory Authentic French Macaroons.

My Creative Space

2010-09-03T21:32:00.005+10:00

It may come as a surprise to you, Lovely Readers, but, my creative space this week has been all about.....

After a sinfully, expensive, button hoarding quite early in the year, I have been slowly running down the stock and resisting the siren call of the button stockist. This week I reached a point where I could browse for buttons with good conscience. After all, you can't have lions and pirates without noses, cakes without cherries and ladybugs without the heart to carry on. So, if you are reading this Mr Button, all future button purchases arise from necessity and are therefore sanctioned as 'reasonable'.

For more creative spaces, take a wander over here. Taryn Newland took this photo of my buttons and you can see her lovely blog, here.

Thought for Thursday

2010-09-02T23:54:00.002+10:00

A really great talent finds its happiness in execution.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Oodles of happy and talented people loitering about St Augustine's Church grounds for this Saturday's BiDM. For a sneak preview of the lovelies to be snapped up, visit here. How's your Christmas list looking? They've also got Fathers Day covered.

A Bit Too Far?

2010-09-01T22:06:00.006+10:00

Not sure where it is coming from, but there is a certain Dame Edna 'ish' feel to some of the things I am playing with at the moment.

I must admit to a healthy, background in Amateur Theatre prior to the arrival of the Little Buttons, so that could also have something to do with it.

Just quietly, I'm a bit worried about where it is all heading...could I be taking it a bit, too, far? You will let me know, won't you?

Flea Market Finds

2010-08-29T19:22:00.005+10:00

These beauties didn't come from a flea market, they were a gift from the very kind neighbours across the road, so I hope we still qualify! The little girl who used to play with these treasures is now in her middle years of high school and they've been gathering dust.

Today they came to our house and after a family working bee they are happily ensconced in the cubby just waiting for Little Buttons to whip up all kinds of gastronomic marvels! They were made to order by a couple who used to frequent the local markets about 12years ago. They are in near perfect condition and are obviously built to last. What lucky Little Buttons!

For some fair dinkum Flea Market Finds, visit Sophie, here.

My Creative Space

2010-08-28T19:35:00.004+10:00

This week my creative space is about how a little idea can stay with you and evolve over time. When I was a lass, I had a bit of a thing for Noah's Ark...I worked a few cross stitched pieces and collected lots of plates and embroideries on the theme and as I collected them I always had a notion to use them in a nursery one day. When I was pregnant with my eldest son, I made a Noah's Ark, patchwork, cot, quilt using this little guy to complete the nursery. When the twins came along, the quilt became a wall hanging and my little friend turned up in a canvas.

In a side note, I do hope the twins understand that although they have a very basic, appliquéd animal, blanket (made whilst on compulsory bed rest), it is the mothering equivalent of a patchwork quilt for the firstborn child. I'd hate to think I've created some sort of in utero sibling rivalry requiring hours of counselling. Perhaps I should get started on a couple more quilts just in case.

Recently, he has been revamped, texturised with chenille goodness and modified to be a Cute as Buttons design. I wonder what he'll look like in another seven years? For infinitely more creative doings, pop over and visit Kirsty at Kootooyoo.

Thought for Thursday

2010-08-26T22:05:00.005+10:00

Do ordinary things with extraordinary love.

Mother Teresa

When I wander through blogland, I find so many examples of this sentiment. I know when I make from love I am always prouder of the results...I even think the photographs I take in love turn out so much nicer!

Mr Button getting a bit of love because he found a new playground.

This post prompted my choice of quote for today. How loved is that little poppet? There's more love here, and here, and here.

What ordinary things did you do with love, today?

P.S. I've decided to be a bit more relaxed about using photos of my children on the blog. It'll be fine - won't it?

Tuesday Treasures

2010-08-24T20:59:00.003+10:00

My treasure today came from The Metropolitan Museum of Art. I bought it when I visited New York about twelve years ago with a really, special, friend. It reminded me of the Royal Winton and Peony Ware style of pottery which I quite like. I love the colour, the texture and the size. It is perfect for petit fours at the end of a delightful dinner party or for some little pieces of fudge with a cup of tea. Most of the time it sits on the Precious Things Cupboard but I use it often and it is indeed a treasure.

Thanks to Clare for hosting this game. You can find more treasures over here in Clare's Craftroom.

2010-08-19T21:47:00.003+10:00

Sometimes the most urgent thing you can possibly do is take a complete rest.

Ashleigh Brilliant

Do you ever read something that seems it was meant just for you? I did when I found this quote. Resting is a part of life that I think we sometimes undervalue. Did you know that Maria Montessori was the first educator to 'recognize children's innate need for intervals of stillness to nourish their inner peace'? (Wolf 2007, via our school newsletter) I think the universe is telling me I need to take care of my own need for rest and inner peace. How about you?

Tradition

2010-08-18T21:07:00.004+10:00

It is birthday time for the littlest members of Button Central. One of our family traditions is a 'birthday suit', so to speak. Each year I make a special shirt for the Birthday Prince or Princess. Some members of the family have quite convoluted requests but Will and Molly were happy for me to decide. I say these models were Cute as Buttons!

BiTM's Night Under the Stars

2010-08-13T20:43:00.005+10:00

A fortnight ago, I spent a balmy, winter evening in the wonderful company of the BrisStyle gang in King George Square. As I sit here in multiple layers, wrapped in a blanket and sipping tea, it is a little hard to believe that on that night we were wearing short sleeve tees and I even spotted some shoppers in sundresses and tank tops! It was a gorgeous evening with lots of enthusiastic shoppers who were genuinely excited to discover our handmade treasures beneath the twinkling lights.

At the last BiTM I was part of the Co-Op stall. This time around I decided to set up shop in my own marquee and spread out a little. Nanny Button came with me to help out and she was worth her weight in gold! As the office workers started to make their way through King George Square, the crowds surged and I thought about phoning for reinforcements but we seemed to grow the extra hands required and sailed through the night, footsore but very happy. I did manage to sneak away for a visit to Nan's Garden, Kitty Boo Boo and Mon Petit Poppet. Molly was the lucky recipient of one of Steph's dolls and they haven't parted company since.

You might remember this post about something new I was working on. Well, the Molly Mop Tops were a big success and will now become a standard item in our range. So, Emma from {the handmade amoeba}, please let me know where to send yours as the name you suggested is the one I have chosen! I am also getting ready to post one to the winner of our first, Facebook draw. Best get a wiggle on as it is almost time for another one so sign up if you haven't already done so!

The new, shorter denim skirts with trims and small appliques were also a hit. I have made more summer, denim skirts featuring embroidered butterflies, flowers and cherries for The Handmade Expo's 2nd Birthday next Saturday. I will be letting you know about the birthday special a little later next week. Hopefully next week will see a return to normal programming about here and I will reply to your comments and emails very soon!

Saying Goodbye

2010-08-11T19:57:00.005+10:00

It's been a little while between posts because there have been other more pressing things happening in our part of the world. We've been saying goodbye to my Uncle John. I've told you about him before. He was a clever, clever man who worked hard and overcame quite a few obstacles to make a happy and successful life. He pursued his dream to be a carpenter and then his skill and attention to detail saw him become a gifted joiner and restorer. He was most proud of the work he did in restoring Lilyvale Cottage at the Rocks in Sydney, the restoration of the Australian National Maritime Museum, making some of the furniture for the Senate Chambers in the new Parliament House in Canberra, and the restoration of the lifts in the Queen Victoria building in Sydney. He restored his house in Homebush, made beautiful gifts for his family and friends and was a perfectionist in all that he did.

He was the ninth person in Sydney to receive a cochlear implant in his forties and once he had it, he really worked to improve and clarify his speech and make good use of this amazing technology. On the 22nd of August, his sister will receive an award on his behalf, because of his commitment to, and pursuit of, what was quite an adventurous procedure twenty years ago. His family ties were very strong and as our children came along, it was funny to see this confirmed bachelor embracing another generation. He passed away on a bushwalk with his Bushwalking Association and it is comforting to think that the last things he saw were his much loved Australian landscape.

Each day, when I look at the beautiful, chip carved, Celtic clock he made us for our wedding gift, I will remember him. Each year, when I hang the Christmas garland he carved for us, I will tell my Little Buttons some more stories about him. When I think about him, I will smile, because I believe he led a life well lived.

Flea Market Finds

2010-07-25T15:43:00.003+10:00

Today's Flea Market Find fills me with glee! When I was a little girl, we would visit my Nana and Grandad who lived on a proper farm, cows in the milking shed, hay in the barn, eggs in the hay, chickens in the yard. They lived in an old Queenslander with a wood stove, an enamel basin in the bathroom as a vanity sink and sleep outs on the verandahs. I loved the smell of the farm, wood, metal, fresh bread, clean fire, hay, spices. They didn't modernize or move until the early 1980s and there's a big part of me that wishes they had stayed in the old house.

My Nana was a C.W.A stalwart and an amazing cook. When we visited she would lay the table and serve morning tea. Always, there would be a plate of All Spice biscuits on a Peony Ware platter which I came to love. In a little shop in Ipswich, I found a pin dish in the exact shade and pattern as Nana's. It lives with me now and makes me smile.

If you'd like to see more Flea Market Finds, visit Sophie at Her Library Adventures.

My Creative Space

2010-07-23T17:13:00.004+10:00

In my creative space this week, there are hair pretties and brooches getting gussied up and ready for the BiTM next Friday in King George Square. Any that don't find homes on Friday night will be joining Deb and I at the launch of The Butterfly Tree market on the Gold Coast on Sunday, August 1. More details about the markets are here and here. The fabulous host of all this creative goodness is Kirsty over at Kootoyoo.

I also have quite a bit of white fluff lurking in my space this week. My Molly girl goes through a great number of pyjama tops because her damp/wet hair drips all over the neck and makes it wet and erky. I've been trying a few ways to prevent this but wasn't totally happy with any of them and decided to make something to do the job. I don't have a catchy name for it so let's call it an After Shower Cap. It's based on the principle of a shower cap but is made from towelling. After the bath just pop it on the hair for half an hour or so and the towelling absorbs most of the moisture. Like a towel, it can just air dry over a door knob or hook. I'm fairly certain I had something like this when I was a wee one but the details are sketchy and I'll have to confer with Nanny Button.

I've added an applique and some binding because we like a bit of girly bath stuff around here. In spite of Mr Button sniggering and asking where I've hidden the sheep, I'm so darn happy with it I think I might make one for myself and then a few more to take to the markets. I'd really like a better name for it and would love some ideas. If your idea is selected then one of the After Shower Caps will make it's way to your house. Just let me know if you want the Molly size or the Mummy size.

Thought for Thursday

2010-07-22T20:44:00.002+10:00

Happiness is like a kiss...you must share it to enjoy it.

Unknown

Today was a very happy day at my place. Lots of time in the sun, lovely people about the place and plenty of cuddles and kisses to boot! I hope that you had someone to share your day with and that happiness and kisses abounded.

Tuesday Treasures...just a touch late.

2010-07-21T16:23:00.006+10:00

Thanks for thinking of this little game, Clare. I love looking at your treasures and this week I am going to share one of mine. My Godfather and his wife made this for Mr Button and I when we were married. We repainted the hallway just before our twins were born and it has been languishing in the spare room waiting to be reinstated on our wall. Shamefacedly and sotto voce she admits that the twins turn 3 in August. When I found it today I did indeed greet it like a lost treasure!

It's a framed version of a song called Five Little Pennies and has five highly polished Australian pennies along the side. I'm fairly certain Uncle Kev used to do a fair rendition of the Danny Kaye version of the song at family BBQs but you can listen to it here.

It's a treasure because of the time Uncle Kev spent sourcing pennies and scientifically trialling the best means of polishing them to such a glossy finish.

It's a treasure because of the time my Aunty Marg devoted to mastering clip art and word processing!

It's a treasure because it is a beautiful wish to make for a couple as they start their life together.

It's a treasure because it was given with great love!

Market Wrap Up

2010-07-18T16:30:00.005+10:00

Oh my, it was a cold and frosty start to The Handmade Expo, yesterday! I am sure that readers from the southern parts are scoffing at the notion and thinking I should toughen up, but, it was so cold, the clever Kellie Christie was wearing gloves when she stopped by to say 'Hi' and I lost count of the number of buttons I dropped because my fingers couldn't hold onto them. Like most Queensland, winter days, it soon became gorgeous and sunny. As the sun came up, the visitors arrived and enjoyed the sights and smells of the Expo.

It was great to catch up with some of my new facebook likers in person and I really appreciated the feedback on the new designs and fabrics. Steph's bunting was oohed and aahed at appreciatively and served as a nifty little distraction for the toddlers while the Mummys shopped. You really must make some more of these, Steph. I'll have to take orders soon!

Mandy and Susan, the Little Buttons gobbled their Gingerbread Pops with great glee and Mr Button would like to congratulate Debbie of Fudge du Ciel on another sterling batch of fudge.

After a day of cuddling, playing, baking and tidying Button central is almost ready for the week ahead. I'll be popping up to visit Liesa in Handmade Heaven to drop off some orders and to restock the Cute as Buttons corner later in the week.

My brain is already ticking with ideas for the BiTM which is not too far away and when the amazing Deb from Denim by Deborah recovers from her weekend of walking we'll have some other exciting market news to share. After walking 96km in 29hrs, we'd better give her until Thursday to recover and we'll tell all then!

My Creative Space

2010-07-15T20:44:00.005+10:00

This week marked 100 days of Year 1 for the biggest button. We were asked to dress the centenarians in appropriate attire for the occasion. Whilst Paddy had grand plans for us to sew 100 buttons on a shirt, I managed to sell him on the idea of an appliqued 100 and a bit of legalised graffiti with a 'stain' pen. For clarification on the term 'stain' pen check out this previous post. 'Stain' pens are a highly valued piece of merchandise in the Button household and are currently kept under lock and key for reasons best explained in that post!

My creative space has also been full of lots of these:

in readiness for The Handmade Expo, this weekend, at the Ipswich Turf Club.

Now, if I manage to do something a bit more creative with these:

before Saturday, our new range of Cute as Button tote bags will also be available for purchase. Probably best if I leave things here for the week, the fingers are twitching to get started!

To see the creative worlds of other wonderful folk, pop over to visit Kirsty at Kootoyoo.

The Winner Is...

2010-07-13T22:14:00.004+10:00

Kim from Cuggles! Kids. Thank you for your lovely comments, for playing along and for waiting patiently for me to announce a winner. A sick six year old slowed down the drawing of the giveaway and whilst I racked my brain for some Myrtle & Eunice style prize giving, I fell back on our faithful friend, the Random Number Generator.

A trip to Handmade Heaven is on the agenda tomorrow and a lovely, photo filled post will follow. Let me know what you would like Kim, and I will bring your prize to The Handmade Expo on Saturday. I do hope the wood-fired pizza man is stocking up on his kindling.

P.S. Due to my technical limitations, I have managed to insert this widget thingumy-bob but apparently it will change everytime you use it. Be assured #8 was the number that came up when I gave it a whirl and if I paid more attention to Mr Button I could probably fix the thingumy-bob but would you mind just taking my word on it, please?

Cute as Buttons on Facebook

2010-07-09T23:34:00.005+10:00

After a fair number of weeks pottering about as myself on facebook, I am feeling like I have the hang of it enough to activate the Cute as Buttons page! Feel free to pop over here to become a fan if you are that way inclined.

To celebrate my foray into this brave, new, world, I will be offering 10% discount on all purchases at the Boutique Markets on the weekend. Just in case our out of town friends would also like to play, I will offer free postage on all Etsy purchases made on Sunday! You will find the link to our Etsy store on the right hand side of the blog. This celebration business is fun!

My Creative Space

2010-07-09T15:15:00.000+10:00

Laminated cellophane cut into beakers and test tube shapes as party decorations.

This week my creative space belongs to my sister but I was hanging about the place for some of the goings on so feel that I have some claim to the space if not the creativity! I told you about the Mad Scientist Party she planned for her 8yr old son. It was a great day and a stroke of genius, in my opinion. A party posse of 8yr old boys can be a formidable sight, but, Professor Sumner V kept them happily occupied with the requisite amount of controlled mess, goop slinging and competitive game playing.

Nanny Button sourced many white business shirts from the local op shops to create lab coats for the guests which offered some protection as they hunted in goop to find rocks and spell out a word.

Followed the clues to determine which animals to rescue from the Gelli Baff.

Made and tested paper planes to decide which was the fastest model.

Explored the box of mystery.

And finished with a nail biting relay of volcano exploding.

She planned it down to the last detail and did a fantastic job which is a jolly, good, thing, because her almost 7yr old nephew/godson just told me what he wants to do for his birthday. Luckily for me, I know a scientist who is looking for a new gig!

To explore many more creative spaces, pop over to Kootoyoo and visit Kirsty, the happy, host of this game.

Thought for Thursday

2010-07-08T20:14:00.002+10:00

Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

For oodles of enthusiasm and inspiration you can't go past the BrisStyle Eco Market at St Augustine's church on Racecourse Rd at Hamilton. The BrisStylers have outdone themselves with lots of eco friendly wares. Pop over here to check out some of the goodies on offer. I've been taking advantage of the posts to further my Christmas shopping list.

On Sunday there'll be even more inspiration at the Boutique Markets where I'll be enjoying the sun and company of other enthusiastic and talented folk. Do stop in and say, "Hello!".

Flea Market Finds and Giveaway Time!

2010-07-05T20:26:00.005+10:00

We are back from our country jaunt and enjoying a cruisy holiday mode which is a pleasant change from the hurly, burly of the school term. When I checked the blog, I was a wee bit excited to see that we were perched at 99 followers. After a luscious, Sunday lunch in the country, Andrea fromOnstage Entertainment leapt on the keyboard and took us up to 100! Next time you are looking for entertainers for a function, give them a call. I've been hoping to get to that number because it seems that in blogland, a giveaway is the customary way to celebrate this milestone so here is mine:

The prize is:

An item of your choice from the Cute as Buttons range.

Some buttons and trim so you can make and play.

Something special from the BrisStyle BiECO which I will select on Saturday.

All followers are welcome to enter. Leave a comment on this post and tell me what you would like to win from the Cute as Buttons range. The competition will be open until 11am on 11th July. I will find some highly interesting, random,way to select a winner. Chances are it probably will be nowhere near as entertaining as this or this.

Andrea, you win a prize because you were number 100. Kate, you also win a prize because you prompted the joining! Let me know what you would like for your wee ones. I would like to say a great, big THANKS, to all those lovely folk who follow and leave comments. I am chuffed and delighted to have you around.

I'd best tell you about my Flea Market Find for the week. It comes with a bit of a mystery. It is an old travelling trunk which my Mum picked up in her fossicking. It seems to be made of a light wood covered in some sort of heavy canvas. The handles are thick, leather and the second photo is of the label inside the trunk. We'd love to know what the AFC abbreviation on the front represents. I've done a bit of googling but haven't turned up anything concrete so far. If you've got any ideas, please share them as we'd love to know a bit more about Lieutenant C.K. Evans.

For more fossicked treasures, visit Sophie at Her Library Adventures.

Be Back Soon

2010-06-27T08:43:00.006+10:00

Yesterday was a great day at The Handmade Expo. Lots of customers wandering through and my favourite addition to the stallholders - Jeff and his woodfired pizzas! Happily, Micky assures me he will be back next month. The new tractor and train designs rolled out the door so quickly I wasn't organised enough for a photo. I'll try to snap a few this week.

It will be a bit quiet around these parts until the end of the week. We are packing up the buttons and dog and heading to my Mum's place for some country style R & R. It is also my nephew's birthday so we are going to be part of the shenanigans. His Mum has organised a Mad Scientist party which will be a hoot. Happy Birthday Dom, my beautiful godson! May your year ahead be joyful and blessed.

Hope you are enjoying your weekend and if you are on school holidays, RELAX!

THE HANDMADE EXPO - Stallholder of the Month

2010-06-25T20:23:00.005+10:00

I had some very exciting news this week. The Handmade Expo Girls chose me as their stallholder of the month. I had a feature on their blog for the week and a stallholder profile in the print ad they ran in the Ipswich papers. It was a lovely way to start the week and I really appreciate the support and interest from Liesa, Micky and Miriam.

I'm still busy preparing things for tomorrow's Handmade Expo. One day I will have nothing to do but sleep the night before a market...alas, it is not the way things will pan out tonight. I am really looking forward to tomorrow's market. I am hoping to take some initial tees with me and I have some little tractors and trains on long sleeve tees for the boys which are hot off the Janome.

Come on down and say hi! There'll be wood fired pizza, great coffee, cupcakes and the usual sausage sizzle to feed the body and a host of crafty, handmade goodness to feed the mind and spirit. I'll be the one with the bags under the eyes!

Thought for Thursday

2010-06-24T22:32:00.003+10:00

Let a joy keep you. Reach out your hands and take it when it runs by.

Carl Sandburg

This morning my two little ones spent almost an hour in the bath. They were a bit sandy after their morning play and when my Molly Girl said, "Bath", I couldn't refuse. Talking is a new skill for our girl and it was the first time she'd said that word. Her new word total for the week is 3 so we are on fire!

Once they'd given themselves a bit of a hoozle to remove the dirt they grabbed the basket of bath toys and selected cups and paint brushes. Listening to the giggles and squeals of joy as they painted the tub and the walls with the bubbles was magic. We could have played that game all day! I hope your day was joyous, too.

My Creative Space

2010-06-24T08:17:00.004+10:00

This week I have been playing with some more products in our Made for Me range. This range started with a request from Kylie at Buzzi ‘n’ Moo and it has proven to be a very popular addition to the Cute as Buttons line up. The new initial and name tees have also come about thanks to requests from lovely customers!

Some of my newly acquired d’oyleys have been put to good use and Deb’s leftovers are also being given a new life.

I'm still not completely happy with the girl name tees (2nd photo) and am tossing around a few other ideas to help get them right. What do you think?

Pop over here to see the creative space of the wonderfully, crafty, folk at Kirsty’s place.

Flea Market Finds

2010-06-20T18:04:00.005+10:00

My Flea Market Finds cost the princely sum of $2 at a school Trash 'n' Treasure market. There has been a great deal of familial debate as to the purpose of the items. Mr Button assumed they were an abstract table ornament of some kind and was surprised to learn they were just resting on the table en route to the sewing room. The 6yr old button thought they were a small clothesline for the dolls.
The female, 2yr old, button thought it was some kind of bubble wand.

The male, 2yr old, button recognised the potential of those clips and proceeded to snap all and sundry whilst making wild, crocodile noises.

Of course, I am sure you've worked out that with a coat or two of white paint, these will make excellent displays for hair ties and hair clips on the Cute as Buttons market table.

For more Flea Market Finds, visit Sophie over here.

Thought for Thursday

2010-06-17T22:24:00.004+10:00

I only feel angry when I see waste. When I see people throwing away things we could use.

Mother Teresa

Stumbling across clever and passionate recyclers is one of the fantastic side benefits of this crafty, handmade, sub-culture that exists in blogland. There are so many people finding ways to love and reuse things that someone else has thrown away that you can't help but be inspired. The BrisStyle Eco Market on July 10th is a one stop shop for Earth friendly, recycled, goodness. Be sure to pop that date in your diary. I'm taking along my Christmas list and hoping to cross off one or two or five more gifts. Hope I see you there!

The One That Got Away

2010-06-15T15:43:00.010+10:00

Image: Renee

As I was browsing through Renee's photos from the Boutique Markets fashion parade, I spied something familiar in the background of one of the dog shots.

Just behind the the dog leads, at the start of the carpet, you will see the elusive blonde haired and blue eyed model who went to extreme lengths to avoid strutting his stuff. He was caught on camera as he made a fleeting appearance in pursuit of a smooch with a dog. I thought I'd pop this one up so you could see the complete set of Little Buttons.

Thanks to Miriam from Bubba Chenille for his pants. He quite fancied himself. He just wasn't prepared to be fancied by the rest of the world!

If you're looking for us tomorrow you will find us in Ipswich helping Liesa celebrate Handmade Heaven's first birthday. Cute as Buttons has been a part of this heavenly venture since day one and we are delighted to celebrate her success. She has some great giveaways and specials to help celebrate and online shopping is most welcome.

Didn't We Have A Lovely Day?

2010-06-14T15:37:00.006+10:00

Thank goodness it is a Public Holiday in my neck of the woods today. Yesterday was a wonderful, completely exhausting day and we needed a little bit of recovery in the form of a long weekend. It was the Kids and Pets Big Day Out at the Boutique Markets at Hamilton. Quite literally, every man and their dog was there to join in the fun. Mr Button, the Little Buttons and Nanny Button also came along. The petting zoo was a hit and so were the crazy antics of the balloon, bending man. We were also lucky enough to be beside Marcus the guidedog who was patted and admired often and well by the young and old alike.

Part of the programme for the day was a fashion parade. We tried to prepare the little ones for the event by chatting about what would happen. We practiced walking down the red carpet when no one was watching. We got ready with time to spare so no one was rushed or stressed. We were somewhere in the middle of the pack so they could watch and see what they needed to do. Leasl announced it was our turn. Two of the Little Buttons sashayed their way down the carpet with big smiles, but, the third was nowhere to be found. Will decided to take to his heels and was found in the dressing tent stripping himself to his nappy. It would seem some of us are just not meant to be in the spotlight!

Image: Renee

Happily, we did manage to get some clothes on him a bit later. He even made a brief appearance on the red carpet albeit to kiss one of the canine models. My crew stayed around to help me pack up and thanks to a brief tutorial from Jules of Earthly Jewels, Mr Button has now mastered the art of dismantling a marquee. This is a skill I intend to put to great use. It really was a lovely, happy, day!

Thought for Thursday

2010-06-10T21:18:00.005+10:00

Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.

Edith Sitwell

Oh, I do love winter. My week held; a comforting coffee and chat courtesy of Liesa when I popped into Handmade Heaven to drop off some orders. I also bought some of the snuggly flannelette pyjamas she has in the shop for the little buttons and I am predicting a comfy night's sleep for all.

Good food this week was a knockout batch of Apricot Chicken. One of those old favourites that is yummy and delicious on a cold winter's night. Your Mum probably made it for you when you were a wee one.

COAT 1.5kg of chicken pieces in flour.

COMBINE a 405g tin of apricot nectar with a packet of French Onion soup mix in a small saucepan.

STIR until it thickens.

PLACE chicken in a casserole dish.

POUR nectar mixture over chicken.

BAKE in a moderate oven for 1.5hrs.

GARNISH with toasted almonds and fresh green herbs.

Which brings me to tonight. Whilst we don't have a friendly fire to sit beside, Mr Button does have the heater roaring and we are wrapped in blankets and sipping tea as I am working on this post. It is a picture of domestic bliss. Ahh, there really is no place like home!

My Creative Space

2010-06-04T17:43:00.006+10:00

I am trying to multi task tonight with my preparations for tomorrow's BiDM and some sweet making for our School Fair on Sunday. In the BiDM corner of the house you will see lots of this:

and a bit of that:

In the School Fair neck of the woods you will see some of this:

and a LOT of that!

Must remember not to mix the two areas up as I am sure people will not take kindly to blobs of caramel fudge on their newly purchased goods! Please note: Mr Button would like to be credited as the maker of the caramel fudge. He has thrown himself into the maelstrom that is our kitchen and is saving the day/putting his shoulder to the wheel/making his wife love him a wee bit more.

Visit the Kirsty the queen of creative spaces here to catch up with lots of other wonderful folk.

Planning Your Weekend?

2010-06-02T22:29:00.005+10:00

If you've started thinking about what you are going to do this weekend, be sure to set aside some time to take a stroll through the beautiful grounds of St Augustine's Church on Racecourse Rd at Hamilton on Saturday. You will be greeted with a vision of handmade loveliness at the BrisStyle Designers Market. Shop there from 9am - 2pm and then pop into one of the lovely spots on Racecourse Rd for a bite to eat. I have already started shopping for birthdays and Christmas! Cute as Buttons will be inside the hall so stop by and say howdy while you are there.

Flea Market Finds and Family Time

2010-05-30T17:06:00.005+10:00

We've just spent a very happy day at my Mum's place in the country. She is, without doubt, the best Flea Market Finder around town and she had a stash of d'oyleys for me to bring home so that I could wash them and give them a new life on some Cute as Buttons clothes.

I won't be using these for Cute as Buttons but we couldn't pass them up as they were just the kind of thing my Nin used to make out of the nylon ribbon that coathanger covers used to be made from. I think she used a loom of some kind and I remember many and varied versions of the basic pattern being made into lipstick purses, toilet roll covers and of course, d'oyleys just like these. They'll go into my linen cupboard after a little TLC.

There was also a gorgeous, squishy dolly for Miss Molly which I shall have to photograph some other time as Mary the doll was far too busy being loved to pose for a photoshoot!

My Mum and Dad built their house on property that was always passed down to the eldest son in each generation in my Dad's family. Our house was built adjacent to the house block where my great, great grandparents lived and the first photo is of some lillies which bloom around the base of the old tank stand whenever we have some wet weather. I love it that these little flowers lie waiting for just enough moisture to pop up and share their beauty. Not strictly a flea market find but I quite like the shot and it is in keeping with the idea of appreciating and finding new beauty in things that once were!

For more Flea Market Finds, please visit Sophie at Her Library Adventures. Many thanks, Sophie for the chance to join in the fun.

My Creative Space

2010-05-28T20:13:00.004+10:00

It is my first time playing along with one of these games. I do like reading what everyone else is up to so I thought I'd give it a whirl. At present I have abandoned the sewing machine and I'm working my way through a mountain of beautifully textured wool to make a cosy throw for our bed. I launched myself into this project about 5 years ago, churning out two single bed throws and a massive double bed one for my Mum before I ground to a halt quite early in the life of the one for our bed!

I would love to possess the knittery skills of some other folk about the place but find I totally lack the patience to master anything beyond straight knitting. I've decided it is a bit like kaftan sewing, choose something with a gorgeous texture to distract the admirer from the utter simplicity of the project!

It's just getting to a nice little length to have sitting on my lap on a cool, Brissy night. To discover a whole host of other creative folk, visit Kirsty at kootoyoo. Thanks for letting me play along, Kirsty! I've had a jolly nice time.

Thought for Thursday

2010-05-27T21:32:00.003+10:00

How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.

Anne Frank

Simple, eloquent and something to aspire to. Cuddling a small child, returning the shopping trolley to the bay, being patient on the roads, giving a genuine compliment to an acquaintance. So many achievable things I can do to make the world better. It's a nice thought to take to bed!

Hello Out There

2010-05-26T21:11:00.005+10:00

Hello and welcome to the new followers out there. Hello and THANKS A BUNCH to the old followers who have been patiently awaiting this post. Before I launch into a very image heavy recap of the last couple of weeks, I would love some advice on juggling. No, not the small ball kind (although that would probably win me big Brownie points in the Prep classrooms this week) but,

Blogging/Facebook/Crafting/Marketing/PARENTING/Day Job (ie. odd bits of relief teaching when Mr Button can be home to mind the wee folk)/Finding time to cover grey hair, trainingwith the Mad Exercise ~~Fiend~~
Friend, waxing legs,

kind of juggling. Really, how do you do it? All advice gratefully received and happily acknowledged! I've noticed a few of us having this conversation of late so I am eager to hear from the wise women and men who are part of our world.

It's been a busy but delightful couple of weeks, the Mothers Day Boutique market was loads of fun and was made even nicer by a visit from Mr Button and the Little Buttons. The day was quite festive in feel and I really enjoyed myself.

The Handmade Expo in Ipswich was one of those perfectly clear autumn days that remind you just how lucky we are to live in this part of the world. I set up next to Sandra-Ann Millinery and was greatly entertained as the locals selected their exclusive creations for the Ipswich Cup. Micky modelled hers beautifully and I hope I haven't let the cat out of the bag too soon. I stocked up on min nah bottoms for the Littlest Buttons who seem to have grown about 15cm in a matter of weeks. The girls have introduced a new little skirt which is very cute with tights. Molly thought she was it and a bit in her outfit over the weekend.

I have finished some more name towels for orders and am about to start work on another batch tonight. I am working my way through an order for Buzzi 'n Moo. Kylie has asked for a Babushka towel set so that lovely little lady will be making an appearance on towels and I will post some photos of the finished product.

I've been a bit obsessed with kaftan like garments of late, particularly the kind that don't require any ironing so I took a bit of time off from Cute as Buttons sewing and made myself a couple. I was moderately happy with this one:

but, I really think I nailed it with version 2. I know the photos aren't in the least bit helpful in terms of overall look but really, how do you photograph a kaftan nicely?

You can see it in the flesh at the next BiDM which is at St Augustine's on Racecourse Rd at Hamilton on June 5th. I am so happy with it it may just be my market attire on a regular basis. I'm not promising a tutorial but I will pop up a post with some more info about the process a bit later in the week. It is embarrassingly easy compared to some of the other tutorials about the place! I know you said it is easy Steph, so I will eagerly await your next instalment!

Now, as a little reward for reading this far, here is a fast and delicious cake recipe which I made for the Little Buttons afternoon tea. It is a one bowl wonder, which I love, but still moist and light. If you are a gingerbread fan you will really enjoy it. (Note to MEF/aka Deb: I did have one piece but just so I could make sure it tasted alright!)

GOLDEN GINGER SULTANA CAKE

125g softened butter, chopped

1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar

2 eggs

2 cups plain flour

1tspn ground ginger

1 cup golden syrup

1/2 cup milk

1/2 tspn bicarb soda

1/2 cup of sultanas

1/3 cup glace ginger, chopped (I omitted this to prevent small children gagging and complaining)

LINE 20cmx30cm lamington pan with paper

PREHEAT oven to 160C

COMBINE all ingredients except sultanas and glace ginger in medium size bowl

BEAT with electric mixer on low speed to combine

BEAT on medium speed until smooth and changed in colour

STIR in sultanas and chopped ginger

SPREAD into pan and bake for about 55min

COOL on cake rack

SPREAD with cinnamon flavoured icing.

I feel like I have just finished War and Peace so I think I shall stop here and head off for a cup of tea and maybe one more slice of that cake.

Thought for Thursday

2010-05-13T21:20:00.005+10:00

Friends, they are kind to each other's hopes and cherish each other's dreams.

Thoreau

This week has been a mighty friendly one at my place. Mothers Day markets with family and friends at Portside, a road trip with Denim by Deborah to visit Handmade Heaven and restock and a natter with Cathy from Peg and Kate, catch ups by phone and in person with friends during the week and seeing all The Handmade Expo folk on Saturday at the Ipswich Turf Club.

Made for Me Bathtowel in Handmade Heaven

Image: Denim by Deborah

Towel stock in Handmade Heaven

Image: Denim by Deborah

Deb's delightful bags

Image: Denim by Deborah

I'm a lucky duck, don't you think?

Still Kicking About the Traps

2010-05-08T20:48:00.002+10:00

Popping in ever so fleetingly to say a quick 'G'day' and an even quicker 'Hooroo'. Today was spent here in great company. I chose an indoor Boutique Indie stall and loved my neighbours,tasha2shoes and Therese of Little Mary Moo's Place. Therese's Mum came to my aid with a marvellous assortment of bandaids in a Little Mary Moo purse, after an unfortunate incident with my finger and the hinge on the trestle table. I am happy to report I now stock my own selection of bandaids in my market basket, just in case you need one. I am about to go and purchase this little purse from her Etsy store to hold said bandaids as a little reward for my stoicism!

Tomorrow is of course Mothers Day. So to all the mums who are reading, have a cuppa, put your feet up and enjoy being taken care of for a day. Once you've done that, pop on down to the Boutique Markets at Hamilton where I will be spending my day alongside many other magnificent mums. Do call in, I'd love a cup of tea and some company and I'll even show you my VERY sore finger.

Somewhere New to Play

2010-04-27T21:26:00.003+10:00

The sewing machines are whirring, glue guns are hot and ready to go, paintbrushes are a blur of movement all over Brisbane in preparation for Friday night's BrisStyle Indie Twilight Market in King George Square.

I'm trying out a new option on Friday. I will be part of the BrisStyle Co-Op and will be sharing a marquee with Julia and Patricia. There are also nine other lovely BrisStylers in our co-op pod so I figured it would be a great way to socialise under the guise of work!

Some of my aunts and cousins will be coming in for a look see on Friday and that's another reason I'm quite twitterpated about the event. Hope to see you there between 5pm and 9pm in King George Square on Friday.

Now I know the insights into the creative side of this blog have been a little light on in recent times but I promise, as soon as I have the nod, I've got lovely things to share so stick with me for a while longer!

We Remembered

2010-04-25T19:30:00.000+10:00

Taken from Patrick's Show & Tell for the week:

These are my Grandpa Bob's medals.

He was a soldier in the Vietnam war.

I did not meet my Grandpa Bob.

He is in heaven.

On Anzac Day we will remember him.

And with much love, we did.

Thought for Thursday

2010-04-15T20:39:00.007+10:00

Celebrate what you want to see more of.

Thomas J. Peters

The weekend is almost upon us and aside from two days of play, we're celebrating a couple of other things at our place. The 6yr old button lost his first tooth today and is absolutely ecstatic and more than happy to pose for photos.

On Saturday he is playing his first, official, soccer game and he's equally excited about that. We may have a problem getting the boots and shin pads off the small sister whose fashion sense is taking quite an alarming turn.

Cute as Buttons won't be at The Handmade Expo on Saturday because I will be cheering for the soccer players but you should definitely pop along and have a bit of a look at the many lovely things on display. There are lots of new things there as well as many of the old familiar stalls. It's important to support and attend these great local markets - celebrate them! That way they'll know we want them to keep coming back.

While I am celebrating things I like, welcome to lots of lovely, new, blog followers. It's nice to know I'm talking to someone! Thank you to Kathy from Sweet Simplicitee for your Sunshine Award. I'm as proud as the toothless one!

Raincheck

2010-04-10T21:44:00.003+10:00

I'm thinking we Buttons must have stepped on a black cat's tail while walking under a ladder and knocking a mirror to the ground! We've been struck down with a variety of dreaded lurgies and instead of all taking to our beds at once, we seem to be tag teaming. In fact, the healthiest member of the household is the one taking a bucket load of immuno-suppressants which is the good that is coming out of the bad!

I am going to keep my germs to myself tomorrow and won't be at the Boutique Markets. I'm a bit miffed to be missing a catch up with all my market mates but there is always next month! Luckily the BiTM and BiMC are also not far away! If you need something before then, I'm only an email away, cuteasbuttons@aanet.com.au or you can visit the Etsy store over there in the column on the right.

Did It Look Like This At Your House?

2010-03-28T07:42:00.000+10:00

Did you have lots of these scattered about the place last night? Wasn't it nice and restful? Thank goodness Earth Hour happens at a time when the Little Buttons are in bed or I don't think I would be using the word restful!

I did a bit of cutting by candlelight and recycled some scraps for the Year 1 collage table. Mostly I just enjoyed the quiet and the lovely scents of the candles as they burned. Something big started crashing about in the bush just as the hour was winding up. Mr Button and I tried to do a bit of spotlighting to discover the visitor but we struck out. It sounded as though it was koala sized which made me happy. I like it when they come to stay in our trees.

Thought for Thursday

2010-03-25T19:53:00.005+10:00

Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.

William Morris

We have a house full of sick kids at the moment and as a result we had an unexpected day at home. I took the chance to apply this rule to our living room and have a jolly good Toss and Tidy. There is plenty more to do in the rest of the house but at least the space where we gather and relax is looking and feeling nicer. As my good friend Louise always says, "Good comes out of bad!"

I hope you have somewhere beautiful to sit and enjoy your night.

My Market Pal

2010-03-24T18:21:00.006+10:00

On Saturday morning as I was getting ready to start my preparations for The Handmade Expo, a snuggly little 6yr old declared he was coming with me for the day. Paddy has developed quite an attachment to THE. I suspect the attachment is based on more than just spending a day with me although I know that is part of the attraction! My Mum, sister and nephew also visited the market and it really was a lovely way to catch up with them.

A reliable source informs me that some of the other attractions at the Turf Club are the fudge, the super generous cupcake ladies, Pauline from the Snow Cone van and his latest love, the bloke who Airbrushes hats. While I was busy tending my wares, Aunty Vick took Paddy shopping. The hats you see in the picture are the result of the shopping expedition. Good grief, I am just not ready for this kind of 'tude'! I'm thinking the days of dressing him in button embellished tees may be gone. Do you think I am in with a chance? That is his cousin is in the photo with him, I don't usually show my children's faces on the blog but in this instance, I made an exception. I believe the 'eyes' have it!

Thought for Thursday

2010-03-18T20:10:00.005+10:00

A little preamble to the thought this week. It is taken from a school newsletter. Four women from the community were interviewed. The collective age of these ladies is 377 years so they can certainly be considered to be community elders. They were asked to explain respect. This is an excerpt from what they said:

Respect is looking for the good in others,

instead of judging others.

Respect is laughing and enjoying life,

instead of growling and complaining.

Respect is being interested in what others are doing and saying,

instead of only being interested in me.

Respect is taking time with one another,

instead of rushing the time you have with one another.

I like the simplicity and down to earthness of these observations. I'm going to think about that last one when I am trying to hurry small folk through the day and I am going to slow down, breathe, and give them respect. Have a great end to the week!

Sailing Through the Week

2010-03-15T20:26:00.006+10:00

Are you sailing through your week, so far? Mine is off to a great start. It was nice to be back at Portside for the Boutique Markets, yesterday. You couldn't help but notice the cruise ship in port and it certainly proved a talking point for lots of shoppers. The weather played a few tricks on us but nothing too serious and the company was great!

Looking back at the photos of the day it seems I did manage to have a little nautical theme of my own happening.

Serena from Avant Garb was across the way from me and her wrap skirts looked great. She uses lots of black and splashes it with these beautiful Japanese fabrics. I really liked the purple one and I think I might just be tempted next month.

It's going to be a busy week replenishing stock before The Handmade Expo on Saturday. I best go and see if Mr Button has left any more of his jeans laying about the place as the new denim tees were a bit of a hit on the weekend and I will need to get busy with my scissors and sew some more.

Please Select From the Following Options

2010-03-13T15:47:00.004+10:00

Hypothetically speaking, if one was to embark on a new project using pre-loved denim jeans and skirts, and, when cutting stars from said denim, one inadvertently picked up a pair of still loved denim jeans which someone had left lying around near the ironing board and proceeded to cut several stars and a couple of large hearts from them, the most appropriate course of action would be:

a) contritely confess the mishap to the owner of the jeans and offer to make reparation

b) reattach the missing pieces of the jeans with a combination of blanket stitch, interfacing and wood glue

c) when questioned about the missing jeans, deliver a stern lecture on the importance of putting things back where they belong and slip a confession in at the end

d) when questioned about the missing jeans, look vague and motion in the general direction of the laundry for the next few months

To see the results of this misadventure, pop along to the Boutique Markets at Hamilton tomorrow. Mr Button's jeans may, or may not, be there as well!

Sincere apologies for that first sentence. In spite of several attempts to rewrite it, it still sounds like a Dr Seuss book.

Thought for Thursday

2010-03-11T19:48:00.004+10:00

In teaching you cannot see the fruit of a day's work. It is invisible and remains so, maybe for twenty years.

Jacques Barzun

I am happy to report that I did survive my day of relief teaching. I was surprised and delighted to discover some of my past pupils teaching at the school. They have grown into beautiful, remarkable and gifted young teachers. I also came across some parents of past pupils who were on staff and I loved hearing about stories of their children who came to me as tiny, wee, folk and are now grown up and doing amazing things.

I did come home in a bit of a state and it wasn't because I'd broken the library computer, forgotten to do a lunch duty or accidentally dismissed the students 5 minutes early. (I know, I'm not sure I'll be asked back either!) I had a great day and spent it with bubbly, eager to learn and gorgeous kids. Some things made me sad yesterday. Dear little folk who didn't have anyone to pack their lunch, help them find their glasses, listen to them read, cuddle them on the couch or send them to bed in time to get a good night's sleep. Sad and angry little people who have a lot in their heads and hearts and haven't yet mastered the verbal skills they need to express the tumbling thoughts and emotions.

I said a quiet thank you prayer in my head for the teachers at that school, who arranged lunch, who patiently reminded the parent about the importance of the glasses, who stroked bunched up, angry shoulders, found a good thing in the day and showered praise and congratulations, spoke kindly, regardless of the message and sprinkled a fair smattering of humour and cuddles about the place. I said a thank you prayer because they were there today, doing it all over again.

I'm Doing Something Exciting Tomorrow

2010-03-09T15:51:00.005+10:00

In a previous life, before the last lot of small fry arrived, I used to teach. I haven't taught in a classroom for two and a half years, through a combination of choice and circumstances, but, with my big boy starting Year 1, I've had a bit of a hankering to get back amongst it. I'm off to play with a Year 4 class and I must confess to quite a bit of excitement. It's a combination of the feeling you have the night before you go on a holiday and there is also a fairly large flock of butterflies flapping about in my tum!

I'm putting the Janome in a holding pattern until tomorrow night. P'raps I better blog so you know I made it through the day! I'm sure it will be grand. This Old Duck still has a few tricks up her sleeve and I've asked Mr Button to pick me up a book of raffle tickets so if all else fails I'll use blatant bribery to keep things in hand! Now to pack my basket with my tools of trade (as shown in the photo above)!

I Love it When it Rains

2010-03-07T20:38:00.006+10:00

Well, to be honest, I loved it that the rain complied with the BrisStyle guidelines and managed to stay away between 9am and 2pm on Saturday!

St Augustine's was green and shiny from the rain and provided a beautiful backdrop for the shoppers and stallholders alike. Great to see some familiar faces and also lovely chatting with lots of new customers. One gorgeous visitor came from the Sunshine Coast and was dressed for the event in her gumboots. She decided to make the dash to Brisbane when the floodwaters receded enough for her to get out and stock up on her BrisStyle supplies. What a dedicated shopper!

I have to admit to doing a brief happy dance when a gorgeous Gran purchased the first of my upcycled, denim skirts for her granddaughter. There will be more of them available for purchase at the Boutique Markets at Portside on Sunday. Here's a little sneak peek before I go. Hope your week is outstanding!

Thought for Thursday

2010-03-04T17:05:00.001+10:00

The best way to have what you want, is to want what you have.

Marley and Me

Mr Button and I had a chance to watch this movie the other night. That quote has really stuck with me throughout the week. I think it is good every now and then, to be reminded of the importance of being in the moment, knowing and loving and giving thanks for the blessings in our life.

It's really that song we sang in Kindy; The Bear Went Over The Mountain, by another name, isn't it? It's a lesson I'm still learning. Thank goodness I have patient teachers.

The Things We Do For Love

2010-03-01T21:38:00.003+10:00

Image: www.eontarionow.com/images/Rain.jpg

It is raining where we live...really bucketing down. Puddles on the road, soggy grass, damp, damp, damp.

It is Kindy sign on at 8am tomorrow. Kindy is an optional year of part time early childhood education for children aged 4-5. Our local C & K Kindy is brilliant. It was a fantastic introduction to formal education for Paddy and we'd love the twins to have the same solid start.

I have only one problem with the place: I started camping out in the line up to sign on, this morning at 8:45am. Yup, you heard me, camping out. Yup, that's right, almost 24hrs before the sign on. Chairs, tents, tarps and port-a-lights on the nature strip. On the plus side, a lovely chance to meet and chat with some of the parents of the twins' future classmates. By the way, did I mention it is raining? Quite a bit, in fact.

Mr Button assisting where possible by stepping in for his turn in the camping out zone. He seemed quite chuffed when I left him there. I think the rigging of tents and tarps in the torrential downpour smacked of a Boys Own adventure and he doesn't mind a bit of that. He was dry at the time. He won't be now. Did I mention it was raining in our neck of the woods?

Changing Lives

2010-02-26T11:11:00.008+10:00

If you've been around here for a bit, you would know that last year was one of extreme highs and lows in the Button household. Mr Button found out about this time last year that the long talked about kidney transplant needed to happen or dialysis would start. There was lots of uncertainty and fear and watching him change and watching our family change, way too many trips to the hospital and long, boring, stressful hours without him. Then, there was THE GIFT. It came from an everyday hero and it gave great hope and wellness for him and for our family. Now, we see the real Mr Button again and life is changing into a mundane and healthy normal. It's a blessing I thank God for many, many times each day.

Our story has a magnificent, happy, healthy ending. Mr Button's kidney came from a living donor and they are both doing very well. Many of the people we've met throughout his treatment have received their GIFT through the Australian Organ Donor register. Others are still waiting. It is a terrible thing to lose someone you love. It changes you and your life forever. I have seen how that terrible, aching, loss can transform someone else's life and I urge you, if you haven't already done so, to talk about about organ donation with your family and to make your wishes known here.

This week has been Organ Donor Awareness week. A very personal reminder of the need for thought and discussion is here.

BrisStyle Update

2010-02-26T07:46:00.005+10:00

On Saturday I kicked off the market year at The Handmade Expo. It was a great day with just enough rain to take the edge off the heat. The steam train was running alongside the market and my Mum was reminiscing about the days when she and her six sisters were frequent commuters on the train. I was imagining those beautiful, foofy 1950's skirts and dresses, backcombed and set hairstyles and gloves, squeezing into those little carriage doorways and not picking up the grime and dust from the coal train! Apparently there was a knack to it and headscarves were a handbag mainstay.

I did manage a little treat for myself in between customers! Mel from Dragonfly Designs was nearby and she was selling some Creative Artyfacts beads. I've been coveting a unique, handmade, glass bead for my charm bracelet and Liz's beads have a sterling silver core. Liz was at the BrisStylemarket in November, last year but the Little Buttons prevented any hard core purchasing! I have great hopes for Saturday 6th of March which is the first BiDM for 2010.

Molly's Wimcee skirt

The beautiful and now, Great Aunt, Steph from Wimcee will also be there on the 6th. Last year, she very generously gifted Molly a beautiful red and white skirt which she has worn almost constantly. I have to hide it when I hang it on the washing line or she stands underneath the line and rouses until it is dry! What can I say? The child knows quality when she sees it. Might be time for me to extend Miss Molly's wardrobe!

Cute as Buttons will also be a stallholder amidst the beautiful grounds of St Augustine's Church Grounds, on Racecourse Rd, at Hamilton. I'm very excited to be joining the ranks of the BrisStylers and I am having a delightful time preparing lots of lovely goodies for the event. Take a peek here for all the BiDM goss.

Thought for Thursday

2010-02-25T21:52:00.004+10:00

Change always comes bearing gifts.

Price Pritchett

Hello out there! As it has been two months since my last blog post, I thought it was an opportune time to launch back into it for 2010. I'm feeling a bit like one of my friends who frequently hangs onto already overdue library books in the hope that there will be an amnesty on late returns. No amnesty for bloggers so here I am, back in the saddle, albeit slightly shamefaced!

I love the notion of change as a gift. It's a great way to approach life and a brilliant attitude to pass onto children. It helps make them more resilient people. We've taken to playing a game at the dinner table which I picked up here. Each night we share a high and a low from the day. It's a low key way to talk through some of the challenges that we're encountering as we deal with things like; the start of a new year of schooling, Mr Button's long awaited return to work, the end of the BEST HOLIDAY EVER. The game is not a hit with everyone, bear in mind one of the smallest buttons won't speak and the other small button tells us that seeing the neighbour is his high - everyday! She is a pretty great neighbour so I do understand where he is coming from. More about the changes at Button Central over some future blog posts and lots of lovely pictures, too.

There, it's done! It's like I was never gone. Promise I won't leave it so long between visits next time.

Do You Hear What I Hear?

2009-12-25T00:03:00.004+10:00

Do you hear:

wrapping paper rustling as Mr Button begins his annual ritual of wrestling with the ribbon just prior to bed?
the carols from Christmas Eve mass still going through your head?
the excited little voices checking just one more time that tomorrow REALLY is Christmas?
the hum of the air conditioner?
Mr Button, Uncle Button and Mr Button's good mate carrying the ginormous trampoline up the hill from the neighbours into our yard? Have I also mentioned that we live on the side of a mountain?
the sound of cool drinks tinkling on ice for the strongmen?
Christmas cake being munched?
Christmas books being read aloud?
the turkey sizzling in the pan, ready for tomorrow's lunch?
snuffles and snores from tired little buttons tucked up in their beds?
blessings being counted and thankful prayers for the good and beautiful life we live?

Merry Christmas to you who have made such a difference to my days and have brought me so much pleasure. I hope the things you hear fill you with the same warm, squishy sense of contentment that I am feeling. Christmas Blessings and Peace to you and to your families.

A Christmas Treasure

2009-12-23T08:57:00.005+10:00

After a fortnight of barely catching breath, I thought I'd do a quick post and share one of our Christmas treasures. My Dad's brother John, trained as a carpenter many, many, years ago. I think it is probably more helpful to say he is a fine, arts, craftsman. He became quite skilled at chip carving and some of his work is in Parliament House. One Christmas he presented us with a beautiful Christmas string. Each one is an ornament in itself. I love looking at them and notice something different each time I walk past. It was the most surprising and delightful gift!

I couldn't quite show all the pieces and capture the hanging string so I have placed it flat on a table. The detail in each piece is extraordinary. I love the gentle, rustic, colouring of the timber.

Thought for Thursday

2009-12-10T18:28:00.004+10:00

Laughter is an instant vacation.

Milton Berle

Remember I was telling you about the sewing frenzy taking place around here? Shortly after I wrote about that my trusty Janome threw a hissy fit. I reacted calmly and set about replacing needles and re threading and in a desperate move, cleaned that bobbin area which required unscrewing the plate and pfaffing about with the brush. It was at this point the crisis began. Those wily feed dogs wrapped their tails about their legs and wouldn't go back up. The manual clearly states that for normal sewing to occur the feed dogs must be up - and they weren't. After frantic jiggling, unscrewing, re screwing and gentle coaxing they were still down.

There was no calmness by this stage. Mr Button found me hyperventilating, gesticulating at the 80+ pieces of sewing still needing to be done and laughing maniacally while I rocked back and forth in my chair. Luckily he had his wits about him and suggested we email the sewing machine repair man who lives in our neighbourhood. I shot off an impassioned email detailing the problems, the urgency with which the machine was required and begged for his help. I believe I may have offered to mow his lawn, bake Christmas dinner and give him a pedicure but the details are a bit hazy.

My cry for help sent to cyberspace, I returned to the machine for another look and as I switched it back on, low and behold, the feed dogs were at attention. I asked no questions but threw myself into my work and, to be honest, totally forgot about the repair man.

He phoned today obviously prompted by the urgent tone of my email. I had to report that at this point things seemed to be OK. He sounded a little surprised by the miracle and asked what I had done. He lives a few kilometres away from us but when I gave my reply, I swear I could hear him laughing without the aid of the phone. The phone call was as good as over once I said, "I just turned it on." There may have been more to it but it was hard to hear over Mr Button sniggering in the background.

A Little Thank You

2009-12-09T22:10:00.003+10:00

Frenzied sewing seems to be happening all about the place at the moment. We are preparing for two markets this weekend and also filling lots of Etsy orders. Some of our fellow bloggers and marketeers were busy last weekend at the BiDM and are now looking down the barrel of 3 consecutive markets on the coming weekend. It surely is a crazy time of year.

In the middle of all the craziness, Mr Button wanted a gift for one of the doctors who have been taking care of him over the past 6 weeks. She is not too far away from having her first bub so I thought this might come in handy during our hot, hot, summer.

There is more to this story than a simple picture. I have a new arch nemesis: The Ruffle Foot. I shall share more about this epic tale at a later time but for now, I would like to state that no super, whizzbang, machine ruffling was used in this garment and it was not for want of trying. I resorted to a good old fashioned gathering stitch and my own little fingers gathered the fabric. Sometimes you just can't beat the old ways!

Little Fimo Family

2009-11-30T20:00:00.003+10:00

This Little Family came to our house in 2003. It was the first handmade Christmas ornament our Paddy Button received and was given to him by Nanny Button. She purchased it from our Parish Craft Stall. One of our parishioners made a few sets and they were snapped up quick smart. I think it would be fun to make some Fimo Christmas ornaments with some of the rumpty fingers around Button Central. Perhaps I'll have to visit Raspberry Pink at the BiDM on Saturday and stock up on some supplies.

Just for fun!

2009-11-29T15:55:00.004+10:00

Today I made this for the Molly Button who has recently discovered the joys of twirly skirts. It took no time at all and I am positively delighted with the result and the twirling it provoked. Will Button, twin brother of Molly Button, donned said twirly skirt after it had been discarded and proceeded to name all the Babushkas one by one and have a bit of a twirl himself. At that point Mr Button left the house muttering under his breath and calling all Buttons outside for some rough and tumble. Last I heard, he was explaining that twirly skirts are not acceptable de rigeur for footy.

Of course, one of the side benefits of using this little piece of fabric is being able to make lots of these with the leftovers.

I have three ideas floating in my head for them.

Some more of these cause I do love making them and giving them to people.

Or something like this on a tee to go with the twirly skirt. Please note the date on this post, Kathy had completed Christmas outfits for her twins by November 17 and was finished early enough to blog about it!

I also have a hankering to try something like this. She is, of course, totally correct about the addictive nature of the self covered button. These kits really should come with a warning and a number for some sort of help line.

The Dogs are Barking**

2009-11-28T22:58:00.005+10:00

Or so my mother would say. After yesterday's post I was awash with feelings of creativity, originality and the virtue that comes with organising presents in a timely fashion. Today I took a little time out to float around in blogland and found dozens of people had already started making birds and what not for Christmas trees the world over and to be perfectly frank, some were even nicer than mine. No, I'm not posting any links, you'll have to go and find them yourselves! Trust me, it won't take long.

I was telling Nanny Button this information and her reply was, "Well, I didn't like to say anything at the time when you were so excited, BUT, we girls (meaning my aunties), did the same thing years ago when you were all babies. Yours are still very nice and the fabric is probably different." So there it is in a nutshell, fashion is cyclical and obviously, so are Christmas ornaments.

I shall not be deterred, however. I have no recollection of such ornaments and that should mean a goodly number of other family members will also have forgotten the last time the pinking shears got a good workout. Production is in full swing!

Here's one of the handmade ornaments we have received in past years. A dolly peg angel. I love her rustic wings and the simplicity of her outfit. I'm going to share a few more over the next few weeks because they are just too nice to keep to myself!

**Rough translation: Everybody is doing it.

Ties that Bind

2009-11-27T16:04:00.006+10:00

"Wombat loved Christmas. He loved the carols and the candles, the presents and the pudding, but most of all he loved the Nativity Play."

Wombat Divine by Mem Fox (probably the sweetest Christmas story, EVER, by the best children's author, EVER, if you want my opinion)

I am a bit like wombat in many ways and I REALLY love Christmas and always have. One of the things that I love the best are the traditions which pepper the way my family celebrates this time of year.

This is a tradition from Nanny Button's side of the family. I've told you about Nanny Button and her family before....Nin (my maternal Grandma) was the consumate crafter. She had seven girls, one of whom is Nanny Button (my Mum) who is crafty to her core and always finding ways to help me in my little projects. There is a good bit of craftiness running through the veins of the rest of those sisters and also through the squillions of cousins they've gone on to produce.

A number of years back, the family decided that present giving for the mob was requiring a small loan or petty thievery which was not really in keeping with the season. The collective wisdom was that Santa would bring a small gift to any of the wee folk who still went to primary school. The rest of the families would exchange cards and a decoration. Thus, a family legacy was born!

The craftiness takes on a life of it's own in the lead up to Christmas. I think Nanny Button may be the most secretive of all, going to great lengths to keep her decoration a mystery until the party date. People do all kinds of things. Sometimes they are simple - card and glitter in a tree shape with family names printed on it. Sometimes they are exquisite and elaborate - like the beaded angels, sometimes it is Christmas baking. Always they are precious and uniquely beautiful. I love, love, love this part of Christmas and I love, love, love my Christmas tree and it's treasures.

Due to a not entirely explained delay receiving shirts from our supplier, there is a bit of a lull in the Cute as Buttons market restocking department. In the space, my mind turned to the decoration we are going to give this year and I have been having a lovely time playing with some ideas today. My efforts over the last few years have been less handmade and more mass produced. This year I am going to redeem myself! Using pinking shears, I cut two of the birds I designed for Cute as Buttons a while ago, and added the wing heart from Sharon's bird. I running stitched the wing to each side of the body and then running stitched the two bodies together, leaving an opening to stuff the bird and adding a ric rac loop for hanging. I then stitched a button on each side for an eye. I was pretty pleased with the results so I didn't stop there.

I made a heart:

Then our 2008 Christmas tree:

Next a star:

Finishing with this year's Christmas tree.

I can't wait to give them to the clan and you never know, they might even pop up around the place if you think you'd like some for your tree.