My Creative Space

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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!

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.