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.

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.

THE HANDMADE EXPO - Stallholder of the Month

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!

Hello Out There

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

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?

Thought for Thursday

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!

My Market Pal

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!

BrisStyle Update

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.

A Little Thank You

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!

Making My List and Checking Tonight

Tonight I have tucked 3 very weary Little Buttons into their beds and I am sure I will not be too far behind them. We had a great time at the The Handmade Expo and although we were back in Brisbane collecting our Dad by 11:30 it was exhausting.

Just look what we managed to check off our Christmas List.

Presents for teachers from Mango Wednesday. All we need to do is load them up with some homemade yummies and wrap them in cellophane. I love to give teachers decorations or Christmas china as an end of year gift. As a teacher, I loved receiving them and as I decorate my house for Christmas, I remember all the little people who gave me the ornaments and plates that I use at this magical time of year. Incidentally, one of my favourite Christmas plates was given to me by someone who left for Schoolies this morning! I am sure these little plates will also give years of joy.

Christmas gifts for the nieces from Denim by Deborah.

Christmas gift for my sister from Denim by Deborah.

If Deb starts some sort of Loyalty Card business, I am in like Flynn! This takes my D by D purchase total to 8! Each one has been unique and quite hard to give away...I am sure I could squeeze in another bag or two!

Christmas outfits for the Little Buttons from min nah kids. They are cute, cute, cute!

The boys' outfits will match. I am not sure if I am going to get away with that...I have a feeling there may be mutiny from the 6yr old button! I'll keep you posted.

Sadly, there is no evidence of the biscuits from The Cupcake Ladies, Debbie's delicious Fudge from Heaven or Tina's Moreish and YUMMY, coconut ice, cupcakes. I shudder to think of the POINTS value but it was worth every one!

Molly snaffled some Bubba Chenille pants and a necklace from Handmade Heaven but she has gone to bed with them stashed beside her so the photos will have to wait till another day.

Sharon had a busy day on the Cute as Buttons front although, she seemed reluctant to accept my offer to leave one or two of the Little Buttons behind to assist her with her work! Go figure. Our next market weekend is a Double Header - The Handmade Expo on the 12th December and Boutique Markets on the 13th December. I'm going to make sure my Christmas List is ready and raring to go!

Spot the Buttons

Image: Taryn Newland

The Handmade Expo will be on at the Ipswich Turf Club, tomorrow, Saturday 21st November. Sharon will manning Cute as Buttons as I am still taking a break to care for Mr Button and the family. I will be attending the Expo with the Little Buttons in tow while Mr Button is at the hospital for his daily visit. No doubt you will see and hear us coming from a long way off!

We have great plans for present buying from Bubba Chenille, Denim by Deborah, min nah kids, Fudge from Heaven, The Cupcake Ladies and Mango Wednesday. If you see us, do stop and chat!

I am slowly replenishing the stock for Handmade Heaven. Some singlets and a few Christmas tees made their way there today. More will follow next week. We will be fully stocked with our Christmas range tomorrow so don't miss out! The min nah girls will have co-ordinating bottoms and my advice is get in nice and early to secure that special Christmas outfit.

Image: Rachael Zelensky

From tomorrow, entry to The Handmade Expo is FREE! What more incentive do you need to start your Christmas shopping?

Sunday saw Sharon making an early start to set up for the final Mathilda's Market for 2009. She was run off her feet selling those (see above) and these:

and all the other lovely singlets in our range. They are such sensible and comfortable attire for wee folk during the heat of a Brisbane summer. There were lots of familiar faces and plenty of brand new ones. Stocking up for Christmas seemed to be the order of the day.

If you're stocking up for Christmas, pop over to The Handmade Expo for a chance to win some market cash to help you with your purchases.

You might like to visit Cute as Buttons at the Boutique Markets at Portside on Sunday where Sharon will once again be holding the fort while I tend to Mr Button during his recovery. We are most appreciative of your comments on the last post. He and his donor are continuing to amaze us with their remarkable progress.

Our Market Day

The anxious shopkeeper

Saturday saw an early start for my 6yr old Button. He decided to join me at The Handmade Expo in Ipswich. He was great company and quite helpful and he had sold out of his homemade fudge by 9:30am which made him as pleased as punch. Luckily, Nanny was there to chaperon him around the market and help keep him entertained. He loved the World Record Attempt at Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes and also the rides and face painting. He found a little stall where he could select and make his own badge which kept him entertained for a goodly while and he's already planning which ones to make next month. It was a great date!

The new hair pretties

We had a lovely shady spot

We tried making shopping easier for the Button Buyers and arranged the stock in areas...Girls, Boys and They Don't Know Yet, which seemed to go quite well. We also resurrected the Jolly Green Giant which Sharon's handy, husband made for us last year to display our Christmas Lovelies. We had some coloured Christmas shirts, as requested, but they went quickly so get your orders in early. If you are an Ipswich local, let us know what you want and we will send it to Liesa in Handmade Heaven. She'd love you to visit the shop and make a head start on your Christmas shopping.

The Green Giant returns

We came home with a cute birdhouse from The Original Eumundi Birdhouse Co. and we are still in discussion as to it's permanent home. For now, it seems to be occupied.

Rainy Days and Mondays

Hair pretties - Christmas ones available on Saturday at The Handmade Expo

No, they really don't get me down! I love rainy days although I do wish the rain had held off for an extra 15 mins or so on Sunday. It did make the end of the Boutique Markets a little damp! There were lots of lovely things to see and we tried a few new ideas in the Cute as Buttons corner of the world.

Carb free cupcakes

Today was a cruisy Monday. We attended a beautiful family wedding after I'd finished at the markets and we've been moving quite slowly today. I did manage to trek over to the other side of town, with the two small buttons in tow, to source some new display baskets at a cane wholesaler. I'll be looking forward to playing with them at The Handmade Expo at the Ipswich Turf Club on Saturday.

Christmas lovelies floating in the breeze

Tweet treats

Deb's Denim Stompers

Couldn't resist this tea cosy from Maggie of Mags Bags

The Handmade Girls must be feeling fine. They have all been hosting giveaways for various milestones. Lovely prizes to be won at Bubba Chenille, Handmadies and Handmade Heaven.

Celebrations!

Ahoy there, Blogging Friends! The posts have been a little scarce of late as there have been so many exciting things to celebrate. Firstly, our landscaping is finished and beautiful. We've spent lots of time communing with nature and have had visits from koalas, wallabies and our resident scrub turkeys. I'll show you some pics later in the week.

Secondly, The Handmade Expo turned 1 and we had a great time joining in the celebrations with them at their new home at the Ipswich Turf Club.

Lastly, the little Buttons are 2 tomorrow and we are all geared up to have a whale of a time. I've just finished sewing the buttons on their shirts for tomorrow so thought I'd show you some photos of the finished products. When I was visiting Karen's blog, I noticed the Babushka shirt she made for her littlest girl and thought I'd rather fancy one of those for my Miss Molly. I have changed it a little and incorporated some chenille hair and button eyes. I think she's luscious. I know you've seen Pete the Pirate before but just thought I'd show you Will's birthday version.

Apologies for the dodgy photos...I keep hoping Tania from Myrtle & Eunice or Taryn will conduct a photography lesson via their blogs and help me develop my previously unexplored talent for photography!

I can't believe that those teeny, little 1.5kg bubs are turning 2. How very blessed we Buttons are!

Straight to the Precious Things Cupboard

Howdy, Strangers. I've been absent a bit this week due to school holiday merriment. We've been up to our armpits in playdough, duplo and little people (of the Fisher Price variety). In my spare time I've also had a bit of catch up sewing to get on with so I've had to spell the blog for a few days.

Thanks for your enquiries regarding Mr Button's recovery. Both families are well and enjoying the Autumn weather. Your kind words have been appreciated. We've also appreciated some super posts by our blogging friends who've made us feel loved and honoured. Thanks to Rachael from Boutique Markets, Micky from Handmadies and Liesa from Handmade Heaven. Pop over and see what these lovely ladies have to say. It is gratifying to know that you like what we do.

Tonight's title is a very bad take on a classic line from the iconic film, The Castle. In the Kerrigan's home, anything of note went straight to the poolroom. We Buttons do not have a poolroom, but, we do have a Precious Things Cupboard. Said cupboard is a silky oak sideboard on which reside a number of beautiful things which are precious for all sorts of reasons. The oil lamp my Dad used to do his homework by, figurines given to us to celebrate our babies' births and candles in bowls I've found in odd places and lots of other treasures. It often is home to a beautiful drawing, a playdough sculpture or an intricate lego construction. We have a very fluid definition of precious and at the moment, it is also the home of my new cordless mouse!

Now, I am sure that the wonder of a cordless mouse is not a new thing for many of you but it is a thing of wonder and rare beauty to me. I cannot believe how much easier this natty little gadget has made my life. It would seem I have made a reasonable amount of fuss about this new addition to our home, as during a quick tidy up, my 51/2 year old button decided the most fitting place for this little critter was right on top of the Precious Things Cupboard. Looks right at home, doesn't he?

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!

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!