Late news

A quick post to let you know that unfortunately, we will not be at The Handmade Expo tomorrow, as we had planned. Mr Button is still recovering from his operation and is not up to manhandling the small buttons in and out of highchairs and nappies so I am going to keep the homefires burning. Sharon has nursed her family through a tummy bug...one after the other! She is now taking her turn with the bug and has wisely chosen not to share it with the general public.

We are sorry to miss last Expo at the Ipswich Showgrounds but we are looking forward to the new home at the Turf Club. If there is something you want and you don't want to wait until our next market, please email us at cuteasbuttons@aanet.com.au and tell us what you are after. If you are an Ipswich resident, we'll take it into Liesa at Handmade Heaven and she will take wonderful care of you. If Ipswich isn't your hometown, we will give you a call and see what arrangements we can make.

Have a great day out at The Expo tomorrow. We'll be thinking of you!

Thought for Thursday

We are all angels with one wing. The only way forward, therefore, is to embrace one another.

Unknown

My life is blessed with many angels. This week I have been reminded of their importance in my life. Thank you, Angels for lending me your wings! You bring beauty and ease to my days.

I hope that you, too, are blessed by angels who help you fly!

Lovely Blogs to Enjoy

I'm using tonight's post to finish something we started a little while ago. Steph from A Pocketful of Buttons gave us two lovely awards and this is our time to pass on the second award. It was nice to be recognised by Steph and I hope that our recipients feel the same warm fuzzies and they may choose to pass this on in turn.

This award is the One Lovely Blog award and the rules are as follows:

1. Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award and his or her blog link.

2. Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you have newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

Now, some of these blogs are not so newly discovered as others, but all of them are part of my daily reads and I gain great joy from them. I have tried to choose different blogs for each award to share the love....sorry you had to wait a little while for this one!

Liesa from Handmade Heaven

I could easily have given her both awards cos she is such an avid and chatty blogger, but I thought her Mum at Bubba Chenille might like to do a bit of awarding

Micky from Handmadies

who is lauching herself into the business of blogging and doing wonderfully well

The team from The Handmade Expo

because they do such a good job of promoting handmade goodness

Clare from Clare's Craftroom

who has great taste and fabric combinations

Tania from Myrtle & Eunice

because she makes me giggle and improves my day

Nicole from Bits of Toffee

she is a teacher in so many ways

The team from Boutique Markets

because they have reinvented themselves with style and grace

Audrey from Audrey's Crafts

who promotes other blogs very well

Cathy from Peg & Kate

has a lovely country feel to her blog

Annie from Red Bamboo

who makes me wish I could pop to Tasmania for a quick visit and to see some of the talented folk

Angela from Cowboys n Cupcakes

who I've just found and I really like her things

Liesl from Hoppo Bumpo

who makes family life a great read

Nikki from WhiMSy Love

reading this blog is like a shot of caffeine for the creative soul

the Mango Wednesday Gals

who have beautiful work and make our market days more fun

Louise from Miffy's World

great ideas which she shares generously

Wow! What a list. Thank you for your lovely blogs and for your sharing part of yourselves with us! I hope you have a chance to visit over the next few days.

Nose/No Nose?

Thanks for the comments and emails about the planes. I am having a great time sewing them. I'm hoping you are still in the mood for giving feedback...I have for your consideration Perce the Pirate. He is very dashing and I think his manly, chenille beard gives him a slightly rakish air. Now, I believe Perce is a finished product, however, some members of the CFT (Customer Feedback Team) asked me how I was going to finish him? Don't you hate it when that happens? So I am now in a bit of a quandry....should he remain as is or should I add a nose...or perhaps a tooth? I could embroider a bit of nose...what do you think?

Any and all ideas considered and greatly appreciated. Make sure I can contact you via your comment and I will put your names in a hat and let one of the little buttons select someone to receive a little thank you gift.

I will need to take a leave of absence over the next day or so. Mr Button is going into hospital to have an AV Fistula operation tomorrow and he'll need a bit more attention than usual. I'm hoping to post later in the week, but I'll try to check in and see how you're travelling in the meantime. Have a great week.

Couldn't Wait Until Monday

Now, you may have noticed I don't usually post on the weekends...I'm a Monday to Friday kind of girl. This weekend I had to break my rule because I am too excited to wait. Today I had a meeting with the head of my Customer Feedback team (aka Paddy the 51/2 year old button). We were looking at fabric swatches for the plane I told you about. It was a great meeting and we came up with a few possibilities and then he mentioned that he wanted to wear 'his' new shirt to the birthday party he was going to at 2:30pm. Lucky for me the other members of the Customer Feedback team were sleeping so I was able to finish his shirt in time for the party!

We were pretty happy with the finished product and I wanted to give you a sneak peek. We'll debut these on Saturday at The Handmade Expo but in a limited size range so please leave a comment if you particularly want one in a certain size or colour and we'll make sure we have what you need. I had to include the second shot as he was quite happy to strike, what he considered to be, a very, cool pose. I loved the fact that his bear, B.B., was also part of the shot! Please note Beebs was dressed up for the occasion.

We'll post some photos of the other designs as they come off the assembly line throughout the week. Enjoy Sunday!

Boy Stuff

The lights in the Cute as Buttons workrooms will be burning long and late over the coming week. We are busily preparing for the next Handmade Expo in Ipswich on June 27. True to our promise, we will be sharing some new things for the lads in your life. Our little robot friend is one of the new things we will have on offer. I was trying to think of a name for him...Paddy, my biggest, little button thinks we should go with Rupert. Pretty flash name for a robot but the customer is always right!

As well as Rupert, we'll also be debuting a helicopter and a plane in some different fabrics to the ones we have traditionally used for our boy designs. I'm excited about our pirate shirt. He is going to cut a swarthy figure and will have a manly, chenille, beard. I'm not sure manly and chenille belong in the same sentence but you can be the judge of that when you come along and check him out! The motorbike and train designs are still in the pipeline, girls. Stay tuned!

Have a great weekend!

You must be the change you want to see in the world.

Mahatma Ghandi

Have you ever had a serendipitous experience? Today's quote is the happy result of mine. Last night I was visiting Curly Pops' blog and she was considering writing a letter to in the hope that something that bothered her would change. This quote popped into my head - I admire people who choose to make a difference and I love the simplicity of Mahatma Ghandi's words.

Then, today, I took my 51/2 year old button for an appointment and as we walked in the door, a magnificent banner with this quote written on it was hanging from the wall! Twice in twenty four hours....this quote has come to me for a reason!

Sometimes, we can be overwhelmed by all that we need or want to do. A very gentle, wise, old, man once told me that if we changed one little thing each day, we would soon live more contentedly. I don't always remember this wisdom, but, when I do, it makes a difference in my world and it gives me courage for the times when I need to be brave to bring about a big change.

What changes are you trying to make in your world...reducing, reusing, recycling? Changing the way your children speak to each other? Changing your sleeping habits or replanning your workday? Are you advocating for a healthier menu in your school tuckshop? Perhaps you are trying to change yourself? I'd love to hear what you are working on.

Heavenly Delights

Handmade Heaven photo - Miriam

I am sitting in my relatively clean and tidy house, with the lights dim and the candles lit and all is right in my little world. Lighting the candles is my sign that it is OK to relax and enjoy some me time. Tonight I am burning one of my purchases from Handmade Heaven - it is a Golden Vanilla, soy candle made by Red Hot Wicks, the scent is divine and is looks great, too.

I also picked up a lovely Bubba Chenille skirt for Molly in lime and purple, and a cupcake tea cloth and matching napkins from Sweet Tea and Roses.

The shop is looking beautiful and I dare you to walk away empty handed. There are so many delighful things inside I just don't think it is possible to resist their charms!

It has just occurred to me that anyone reading the blog may think I only buy presents for Molly! I also buy gifts for my gorgeous Paddy and Will...but the ones for Molly are usually far more blogworthy! Therefore, I am going to challenge myself to buy some handmade goodies for my handsome lads and blog about them this month!

Books and Blankets

I've always been one of those people who need to read before I can go to sleep at night.  It doesn't matter what time I go to bed, I have to read a few pages.  As a result, our collection of books is enormous and continues to grow.  Occassionally I decide to rein in my book purchases and reread one from the existing collection.  Recently I have been rereading a book called The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs.  It sits in the Chick Lit category and my thoughtful husband gave it to me a few years back when I was going through a knitting phase.    

A few years ago when knitting experienced a resurgence and a whole new world of yarn was discovered, I decided to knit rugs for our beds.  You know the kind - cozy, cuddly throws that you can snuggle under when you have a daytime nap or are lying down to read a book.  I made three and then summer came along and the fourth throw has languished on the needles for many winters!  Reading this book again has given me a hankering to play with all those lovely textured wools and so, in spite of the enormous pile of sewing which I need to complete before our next market, I am going to finish this post and let the rhythm of the needles relax me and rest my weary mind.  I might even be brave enough to take the buttons to Spotlight tomorrow and treat myself to some new knitting accoutrements.

I've just discovered that the original book has a sequel....I wonder if the buttons are up to Spotlight and a trip to the book store?  I'll pack a few extra treats in the lunchboxes and we'll soon find out!

Our First Awards

As many of you know, we recently participated in the Sew Mama Sew giveaway.  One of the benefits of this great, giveaway was the amazing new blogs and bloggers that we uncovered.  A lovely blog called A Pocketful of Buttons run by Stephanie of Sew Fierce Couture Clothing was one of the discoveries - you'll find a link to them on the right hand side of our blog.  When I checked emails on Friday I was delighted to find a message from Stephanie telling me she had passed on two blog awards to us.  It was a delightful feeling and so, in turn, we will pass the awards on; 

Our first award is the One Lovely Blog award and the rules are as follows:

1. Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award and his or her blog link.

2. Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you have newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

I have almost finalised my list of fifteen blogs so come back later in the week to see the full list.

The second award is called a Love Ya award.  This award is bestowed on to blogs that are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.

7 Things about me

I love being at home with my children - it is the best job

I always use loose leaf tea leaves and never tea bags

I have a china teapot collection which I use everyday

Pink is my favourite colour

I have a sweet tooth

My sewing machine is a Janome

If I start reading a book I always finish it even when I don't like it!

I am going to pass on this award tonight to the following bloggers who definitely fit the bill:

Miriam from Bubba Chenille

She shares her crafty journey with lots of humour

Cam from Curly Pops

Who makes me laugh and has many beautiful things to share

Taryn from Taryn Newland

Who looks at the world through beautiful eyes

Deb from Fabricated Memories

Who is a joy - just like her bags

Melanie from Kimono Reincarnate

She oozes style and makes me yearn to go back to Japan

Rachael from la Maison sur la Colline

Because she introduced me to bloglife

Sandrine from Histoire de Soie

Beautiful work and beautiful thoughts

Sandra from Pepperberry and Co

Kind and generous and a mine of information not to mention beautiful things

Congratulations Ladies and thank you for the light and joy you bring through your blogging.

Sunny, Sunday Launch

We had a great day at the Boutique Markets launch at Portside.  It was beautiful weather and we saw some familiar faces throughout the day as well as many new visitors to the market.  Thanks for stopping by to say hello.  I will try to post some photos later in the week.  My camera was busy taking photos of the little buttons on a family outing so I will have a quiet word to some of the other stallholders and see if they have some photos we can share.

It was a busy weekend in our household and it was great to spend the day at home today getting things back on track.  We still need to head out to the shops so the cupboards are a little bare around here and dinner was a bit of a stretch.  In the end, I made a quick Donna Hay pasta recipe.  It was light, delicious and great for a cosy winter night.  Well received by all the members of the family, I thought it might be nice to share!

Pan-Fried Cherry Tomato and Bacon Penne

400g penne

1tblspn olive oil

200g bacon trimmed and chopped

1 clove of garlic, crushed

2 punnets cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup of chicken stock

1/4 cup of oregano leaves

salt and pepper to taste 

shaved parmesan cheese to serve

COOK the pasta until al dente, drain and keep warm

ADD bacon and oil to a hot frying pan

COOK for 2 minutes or until bacon is golden

STIR in the garlic and tomatoes 

COOK for 2-3 minutes or until just starting to soften

ADD stock, oregano, salt and pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

ADD to pasta and toss gently to combine

TOP with parmesan cheese

Donna Hay 10-minute meals  

Thought for Thursday

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.

Henry David Thoreau

This is one of those quotes that I like to have around the place because it helps me to focus and reminds me of the power in our thoughts. Ten years ago, my life was quite different. I was happy, well loved and successful but it was not full of the bliss that I now experience everyday. It is good to remember that life is ever changing - so dream big!

I believe that Rachael and Leasl from the Boutique Markets exemplify this quote beautifully. Less than two years ago they established a small boutique market in Brisbane's north. They had a vision to create a unique, boutique market, shopping experience and carefully collected retailers who supported this vision and whose wares enhanced the exclusive atmosphere and creative vibe of their dream. When the market outgrew it's original venue, these girls took a brave step and the final Designers Emporium market was put to bed in February this year. They maintained interest in the market and continued to build their following through their ever changing blog as they hunted for a new, improved location to match the markets they imagined. Wow! Did they ever succeed. The relaunched Boutique Markets will debut this Sunday at Portside, Hamilton and we are delighted to be part of the crazy, creative crew of retailers that you will find in this gorgeous location. The markets run from 8am to 1pm and the venue is perfect for a lazy stroll through the markets and a yummy, Sunday brunch.

We'd love you to come and visit. We are looking forward to catching up with old friends from the Designers Emporium and meeting lots of new ones, too! We have recently sourced a new supplier for our tees and are excited to be able to offer a neat, puff sleeve, fitted, girls tee as well as our standard tee. We think our designs look cuter than ever on these tees and we'd love to hear what you think.

A big thanks to Liesa from The Handmade Expo because our followers now number in the twenties! We feel very loved!

We're in Heaven

Thanks everyone for the get well wishes.  Blogging gives me nice warm fuzzies - I love the little feeling of surprise that your comments give me.  I also get a real buzz when I discover a new follower so thanks for joining us.  I have had a little bit of a break for tea and sympathy and now I am back, deep in the throes of a busy week.  There are so many wonderful things to share with you and I am not sure where to start so I'll begin at the beginning, as they say!

Monday was a lovely home day for the buttons and I.  While the baby buttons slept and our 5 year old button played with his Dad, I was busy selecting items to take to Handmade Heaven which is the first and to date, the exclusive stockist of Cute as Buttons!  I think Sharon and I spoke to each other about six different times throughout the day, trying to make decisions.  I sometimes wonder if we should get a CB radio and save on the phone bills.  

Handmade Heaven is the baby of the lovely Liesa from The Handmade Expo. She has approached this as meticulously as she does all things and it is a pleasure to be a part of it.  I popped up to Ipswich with the two little buttons after the school drop off on Tuesday morning to set up our corner of Heaven.  It looked a treat and with the lovely pink and chocolate colour scheme in the shop, it feels like you are walking into a box of delectable chocolates.  As with all good chocolate boxes, the problem is knowing which one to choose first.  I have already begun to covet some items in the shop and will be making my way there for the opening on the 16 June to make some purchases of my own.  Best get some more sewing underway to fund my little excursion!

We wish Liesa every success in her new venture and hope that you will take the opportunity to visit her in her little piece of Heaven; Shop 11, The Old Flour Mill, 231 Brisbane St, Ipswich.

We have even more good news this week so pop back and check out the rest of our excitement. 

The Dreaded Lurgy

The dreaded lurgy has struck the Cute as Buttons workroom.  After about 6 weeks of nursing the various buttons through a multitude of ailments, I have taken to my sick bed with a particularly vicious bug.  I shall rest up and return to blogging and comments on Friday.  

I'm going to go to bed with some honey and lemon tea and I do hope you avoid the coughs and colds.  If you don't, there really is nothing as comforting as the juice of half a lemon and a tablespoon of honey topped up with boiling water and sipped slowly.

We have a winner

What a busy and exciting few days.  If I wasn't reading and learning from the many, many bathroom cleaning tips you wrote, I was visiting blogs from around the globe and finding more and more interesting and clever people.

Thanks to Sew Mama Sew for organising and co-ordinating such a great collection of giveaways.  I hope you've been lucky.  The winner of our giveaway can choose a towel set in a design of their choice and will also receive some buttons and trim to aid them in their crafting.

A quick visit to random.org has produced our lucky winner:

Comment number 26, Aim!  Congratulations!  I am going to email you now and we can chat about what you would like on your towels.  I would love to have cut and pasted the widget with the results but, alas, my skills do not permit such cleverness.  

Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who entered and, if you would like some towels of your own, please get in touch with us.  We'd love to help you out.  

Short post tonight as I have to wrap a cot blanket that I have just finished for a little boy who came into the world today.  His Gran is going to take it to him tomorrow - what a lucky, loved, little man!