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.

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

Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.
Anais Nin

I love the idea that we are always able to grow and change - it gives me great hope. I also love the idea that there are worlds in me which I am yet to discover and that, through the happy serendipity of friendship, these worlds will unfold. I have mentioned before that I have been blessed with beautiful friends. One of my dearest 'heart' friends and her darling husband came to our house today and sent Mr Button and I away to spend some grown up time together. We finished conversations, went to the movies, strolled through antique stores and looked at the things inside and finished by sitting down to lunch. It was a kind and thoughtful gift and we feel lucky to have had time together.

So, dear Lou-Lou, many, many thanks for today and for the world that was born when I met you! It is a great place to be.

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!

Button Envy

The other day I was visiting Clare's Craftroom and catching up on her news. Her post was a great one all about buttons and the joy they give her. Click here to read the full post. This was a topic close to my heart as Sharon and I LOVE buttons...hence the name - Cute as Buttons. We spend hours sourcing our buttons and even more hours choosing which button to place on our creations. I literally have drawers of buttons and Sharon is the same. When we were making our business sign, my eldest son and his Nan selected and placed each of the buttons in the lettering. He shares my childlike fascination for buttons. My Nin (my Mum's mum) had buckets and buckets of buttons which I think came from a lifetime of recycling and probably from some of her CWL friends. When she died, the buttons were shared amongst her seven daughters and when I have a really special project, this is the button box I go to. This is a wall quilt I made a few years back and I managed to use some of my favourite buttons in the heart. I think of my Nin and Mum whenever I look at it and makes me happy!

When I read Clare's post and the comments, I started to think how much fun it would be to organise a button swap. We select 25 buttons from our collection and send them to someone on the list. Then we could post photos of our creations or just save them for a rainy day. You could do a colour collection, texture collection, crazy collection or just a lucky dip. So, if you'd like to receive a parcel of buttons in the post, leave a comment and I'll start organising. If you want to send and receive more than one parcel of buttons, let me know the number of parcels you are preparing. It will feel like Christmas!

Thought for Thursday

Some people enter into our lives, leave footprints on our heart, and we are never the same, again.

Flavia.

Does anyone else remember the Flavia cards? For many years, this has been one of my favourite sayings and I often reflect on it when I meet new people and feel blessed that so many positive footprints are on my heart.