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.

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 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.

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?

Still Kicking About the Traps

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.

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?