Am I crazy.....

A confession-I LOVE lobster and am a sensational lobster picker! Nothing goes unpoked or unprodded and basically nothing goes uneaten. I learned many years ago that 1 pounders are hardly worth the effort. Just no fun. Well, being 3 1/2 hours from the ocean here has limited, in fact, plain old diminished my lobster eating since we moved south 5+ years ago. My last lobster was in June of 2004 on the beach of Cape Cod.

Ahhhh, so sweet.

Anyway, I finally found a place here who will not only order larger lobsters but will steam them also. Yay!!!!! I ordered them for New Year's Eve and can't wait.

So here's to ending 2007 enjoying one of my favorite foods (with my favorite man) and hoping 2008 will be filled with peace, great health & prosperity for my family,friends and all of my blog pals. Oh, and also, lobster more than once every 3 years!

The slowdown.......

Well, the Christmas season is already a memory. The hustle and bustle has given way to a massive clean up with wonderful memories. I hope there isn't too much of a slowdown on ETSY. It is still so exciting to see "Congratulations-you made a sale!". I did create an on sale section in the shop for those who like to put things away now for next year. I certainly do!


I'm also trying to come up with some new "products". These are new for me and they are quite handy. We'll see how they go.
Now on to New Year's Eve...

Kid Talk

We took the boys to see the drive through holiday lights at the science center. This year they had a new section where you could walk and see some ponies and of course, Santa. Caleb immediately ran up to Santa and sat on his knee. I couldn't hear the beginning of the conversation but after a few seconds Caleb jumped off. Santa called out "So, were you a good boy this year?" And without missing a beat Caleb turned back and said "Not so much!". Santa did compliment him on his honesty!

Kindness

Isn't it always easier to be kind rather than mean? Especially at this time of year?

There's a wonderful, kind elderly lady in my neighborhood who recently underwent knee replacement surgery. I wasn't told until she was already home from rehab. It was also mentioned that her cell phone case was tattered. So I immediately knit her a new one and delivered it. She was thrilled. By the way, her cell phone-the latest on the market, embarrassed me since mine is circa 2001!

I told her that I was sorry I didn't know of her surgery earlier so I could help and she dismissed my guilt with a wave of her hand. Now she has invited about 20 ladies,myself included, to a thank you luncheon. Too sweet. Too kind. What a dear she is. Sadly she'll be moving soon to be closer to her son and his family. I hope they appreciate her kindness. I do!

Gift Promo Time!

I was tickled to discover ThoseGreathouseWomen on etsy, especially when I read that they were a mother and daughter team. Neat and original products like this I Spy bag that I bought for Braden. Well made and clever. I suggested them for the etsy finds newsletter and they were included today. They deserve it! Jaime is a sweetheart and I wish them continued success.

Time Passes

Some things don't change and that's okay. At Thanksgiving, one of the things I was grateful for was never being in the headlines or on the news. Neither me nor anyone close to me. I got a strange look when I said it and then it sunk in. There is so much awful news and I have never been a part of anything monumentally awful like a natural disaster or war....or that positive either, like winning the lottery. That has been true my whole life. Okay, why am I going on like this, after turkey day, no less? Well, my birthday is Saturday and according to the numbers, a BIG one, so I have become a bit pensive, I guess. I really am so happy with my life today,where it is and what I am surrounded with. I know it sounds funny but I was always young until now! With a birthday in December and skipping a year in school, I was always the youngest around. I was 16 and a freshman in college. Well, now I'm not so young BUT the alternative isn't a choice. So what will change Saturday? I'll still cherish my wrinkles-I've earned them. I may stop obsessing about the few extra pounds-the pasta was worth it. I'll continue to take time to smell the roses and I already wear purple! Buttons will still be fun to me. I always remind my family that I love them and keep in close contact with those not nearby. So what will be different? Not much and that's okay by me! Just a bigger number...at least it's not my jeans size!

Happy almost Birthday to me!!!

Cyber Monday

Monday, November 26 is called "Cyber Monday". Apparently people who couldn't shop over the weekend or didn't finish their shopping will sit at their computers ( at work!) and shop. I am having a sale through Monday night to encourage shopping in my store!

♥SUPER CYBER SHOPPING SALE at All About The Buttons♥
From Thursday November 22 through Monday November 26, my gift to you is free shipping on everything! I will refund any monies due you through PayPal so you don't have to wait for a revised invoice. Stay home, stay safe and shop online for great gifts.♥

Us Chickens and a Turkey!

Our Thanksgiving was the most peaceful in years. It was just the 3 of us and although the others were missed (they did call) it was so relaxing for me. I wasn't conflicted as to cooking and serving vs. playing and chasing. I am thrilled the other parents had a chance to see the boys as it's been way too long for them. The 3 of us ate too much, laughed alot and groaned with gusto as we stuffed ourselves. Jas went home with more than 2 meals and we have plenty for tomorrow. The best is the soup which simmered for hours today as I steadfastly refused to leave the house for the shopping frenzy. I don't get the thrill of the chaos but to each their own. Anyway, my shopping is just about finished as I stuck to my buy handmade/etsy plan this week. I am waiting for 3-4 packages and done! This is what came the other day from inedibleglass. I am pleased and hope my daughter-in-law will like it.

Shadows in a shadow box!!!

This is my latest shadow box and if I do say so myself, I love it although it was a nightmare to photograph. The first 3 rounds had my striped shirt reflected on the glass. Then there were deep shadows from the sun. The colors here are not quite true as they are more washed out & faded in reality. I never realized how tricky it is to photograph things to post online. Some people are not just talented crafters, but amazing photographers as well. I am in awe. Despite my troubles with the camera, I am pleased with this piece.

Another Road Trip

I just returned from another road trip, this time to NY to see John's Dad who is almost 93. We're great together in the car. John drives well on the highway as opposed to local driving which gets me crazy! We take 2 days to do the 800+ miles so the total trip is a little over 1600. We had great weather although a bit chilly and virtually no traffic delays which is a major miracle. His Dad is doing well and it was fun to see other family members and good friends.

We did do a sizable chunk of holiday shopping for the devoted Mets and Jets fans down here. We can't find the paraphernalia for those teams in SC so we loaded up in NY. I will finish those gifts off with handmade goodies.

And possibly the most productive part of the trip was this pile of 21 mini purses, tissue holders and cell phone holders that I was able to knit...obviously not when I was driving! Some are sewn already but they all need buttons which I did not bring with me. Then onto etsy they will go. Unfortunately I didn't make any sales while we were gone

but hopefully this week will bring some orders. Good to get away...

great to be home!

An Accidental Great Idea

Promoting yourself, your products and your etsy store can be time and money consuming and I have tried to follow all the suggestions of more seasoned sellers when I can. The other day I was mailing a personal card and accidently put an All About The Buttons return address label....hmmmm, I thought. I went right to the computer and printed up some labels that now say "Buy Handmade" with my etsy address beneath it. I intend to put these on every piece of mail I send. Any reason not to?

Looooong Day

Yesterday was the harvest fair and the big question...how was it? The fair was a roaring success for the school and they just about made their goal money. And me? Well, great response to my things. Talked up ETSY and made about 8 sales. I am pleased and figure I probably would have spent at least as much if I hadn't gone! It is an exhausting day...my bones are still screaming!

What tickled me the most was the balloon artist that was there. He created such amazing 'sculptures' for the kids I was fascinated. He made a halo piece for one little boy that looked like a giant spider with legs tickling his face. Another was a helicopter sitting on the child's shoulders. Great fun!

I didn't sell any but wanted to share my new item. I have been intrigued by felting and tried this:

It's made with red wool, gold thread and a snowflake button. It can be a Christmas ornament on the tree or a 'gift' attachment to a package. I'll post the others later this week. I'm pleased.

Time Flies

I haven't posted for a week because................? I feel a bit like my days are very short and are whizzing by but I do get a great deal accomplished. I am now preparing for my first (in over 7 years) little show which is on Sunday. It's a harvest festival, a first annual and a donation is all that it costs to show. There will be loads of kids activities, pumpkin decorating, food and about a dozen crafters. I had forgotten how much there is to do to get ready with deciding what to bring, pricing, packaging, set-up, etc. Sunday morning I will de-activate some things that are on etsy so I can bring them. It's hard not to be excited but I don't want to be crushed if there's a poor outcome so I'm trying to be level headed. With kids expected (and parents, of course) I'm bringing mostly my less expensive items like bookmarks , barrettes, and magnets but the purses and hats as well. Maybe 1 or 2 clocks...we'll see.
Wish me luck!!!

Memories

Just 'met' Erin from DinnerTimeChimes on We Love Etsy and the unexpected happened. Erin makes wonderful chimes and keyrings using old flatware. I randomly clicked on her etsy mini and this keyring popped up. This was my Mom's everyday flatware that we used while I was growing up. What a rush of wonderful memories of food, dinners, and fighting with my brother came rushing back. (Yes, good memories of fights with my brother...I always won since I was younger!!!)

I wonder if in today's world of take out/go out will an old spoon trigger any memories for our children or grandchildren. I think I have to buy this keyring!

I also love when anyone repurposes stuff! I feel I do that with my buttons to a degree but Erin certainly takes it to the max. Thanks for the memory rush!

Is it time for Christmas shopping?

I have posted several things on etsy with a Christmas theme but wonder if it's too soon. Realistically it's not, but so many people seem to be December/last minute shoppers. If something has to be mailed, that creates problems. As I get older I like even more so to be done early. So have I started? Well, yes, in the card collections I am amassing for some friends but I have not one gift, or thought for that matter, for family. I noticed in one of the boys' rooms yesterday that his father (my son) purchased the one idea I had. Neither of the boys nor their parents "need" anything but that's besides the point. My daughter-in-law is dieting and I know I'll buy the wrong size. Son is VERY fussy but he did love these cufflinks from blockpartypress. My husband...possibly the most difficult guy on the planet. UGH!!!

Better get started...74 days to go!

Road Trip

I have only lived in South Carolina for 5 years. I spent the previous bazillion in various parts of New York. My close friend just came down for a week and we went on a girls road trip. Thinking Thelma and Louise? Nah, more like Lucy and Ethel. Anyway, our destination was Charleston and the beach. We left here on a glorious day weatherwise and drove straight into a watery onslaught! We couldn't even go look at the beach due to high tides and flooding. It stopped 3 days later when we were about 30 minutes from my house. Ugh, were we soggy! We wound up shopping till we dropped at an outlet center that had our personal favorite, Eddie Bauer. Their clothes just fit me well, last forever and are always in my favorite shades. We shopped so much that she had to borrow a medium sized suitcase to take her loot home. But great fun nonetheless. We also ate like pigs...some great meals and great snacking as well. That's what you do when you're away from home, right? She bought some Christmas presents but she stopped when I told her to shop on ETSY.
And now reality but with great memories!

Etsy Shout Out!

In the past 2 weeks I have ordered several things, several times from ohcrop16 and cardblanc and in fact, their packages arrived on the same days! What great service from both! Kathy at CardBlanc packages beautifully and she has had buttons that just tickle me...like I really need more! She knows I have a problem....I haven't had time to use them but I will soon.

Leica from ohcrop...well,her craftsmanship is outstanding. Original designs that are executed perfectly. I think I'm addicted. Both Kathy and Leica are also super fast shippers.

I have decided to give cards as Christmas gifts to several friends. I will package up assortments for each. I love having a stash of cards on hand and not being caught running to the store. Etsy has some fabulous cardmakers and Kathy and Leica are among the tops. Forget Hallmark...ETSY is the source for buttons & cards.

Etsy

There's apparently a great deal of furor going on over at etsy and I'm not really sure what it's all about. Apparently some people are upset about their perception that the rules have changed in the middle of the game. I agree, that's a point to ponder BUT you are on etsy as a source/avenue for you to sell your creations. As long as you follow the rules and behave in a professional adult manner, what's your beef? For one-of-a-kind artists, as most of us are, it is the best resource on the internet to date. Others may be more outspoken, more profane, more daring...so what? Do what you went there to do...sell. Stay out of the forums unless you have a valid question and stop causing trouble. Trouble births trouble. Your creative outlet may have to be released elsewhere if you can't play by the rules. And my vent is over...back to creating!

Books and Etsy

I'm a reader. I always resented working since it limited my reading time. I am a reader and a book lover so I never turn down pages or rarely write in a book. I have always loved bookmarks and have been making ribbon ones for awhile.

Last night I used some leftover cotton yarn and made this and some others. I posted them today. Time will tell. At worst, I'll have a lot of bookmarks to give away. DON'T turn down the corners!!!! Better

to use a tissue than mar a book! Better yet, check mine out on etsy... some shameless self-promotion!

It's broken....

...the heat,that is! This was a VERY hot summer setting records all over the place. Finally it seems to have cooled a bit. We even opened the windows and shut down the a/c. Might not last but it is glorious for now. Actually, last night, dare I say that it was chilly. I will have to watch the porch plants if this keeps up. Wouldn't want to lose this one. I started it from a 2" cutting in June! Etsy has to wait when the weather is like this. I have to be outside. So why am I sitting at the computer????

I hate being tired..........

I really dislike feeling tired. I want to do so many things and I just can't. We had company for 4 days-great fun, terrific food,lots of laughs and just wonderful to see these friends. But all the cleaning and cooking and cleaning and cooking...well, you get the picture. After they left and one load of laundry was going & the dishes were done I seemed to have enough energy to garden a bit (no humidity,no bugs-isn't that shoe the cutest?!). Had a Coke hoping the caffeine would help...didn't.

I just hope a good night's sleep tonite will put me back on track. I love what I do and want to do more but when I'm tired I can't and that's why I dislike fatigue.

I've been tagged!

I think I'm flattered...not quite sure. And I certainly hope no one I tag will be annoyed.
I am to share 7 facts about me that of, course are basically unknown to the reading public!

1-I was an elementary school teacher for 33 years. For most of that time it was a wonderful career but I am so THRILLED not to be teaching any longer. I have great memories, wonderful friends but education has changed and not (IMO) for the better. Glad to be out.
2-I can cook but really don't want to any longer. I have proven I can get around the kitchen and now I'd like to get out of the kitchen! When I was single, my fridge was always empty. My brother suggested storing sweaters in it! I despise rhubarb, radishes and cream sauces. I have been known to have ice cream for dinner & I never met a cookie I didn't like.
3-I have one son,33 years old who is married to a wonderful woman. Together (obviously!)they gave me 2 adorable,handsome and brilliant grandsons, ages 5 and 2.
4-I have been married twice. First time for 18 years and now for almost 8. Second marriage is peaceful,calm,intelligent,funny and will last.
5-I can, but refuse to pump gas. HATE the smell!
6-I am a bleached blonde! My natural color was deep brown but I started graying in my late 30s. Everyone in my family went gray early. I saw a picture of me from a friend's wedding and I almost choked. No, I did choke! Called the hairdresser ASAP. Many people think it's natural because I'm fair with freckles and blue eyes but no, every 8-9 weeks I'm in for a touch up!
7-I basically taught myself how to use a computer with a little phone help from my older brother. I never took a course or read a book about using a computer. I don't know alot compared to some but I'm damn proud of what I can do because I figured it out myself. And that's true of alot of areas-taught myself to knit, crochet, sew, cook, garden, and how to create a shop on etsy and a blog and I'm done!!!!

Now I have to tag.
Here are the rules:
1. Link to your tagger and post these rules.
2. Share 7 facts about YOU: some random, some weird...all devastatingly interesting.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post and list their names (linking to them).
4. Let them know they've been tagged by leaving a comment at their blogs.

I tag:
funkybytara
mommyandmeboutique
sygnetcreations
allisonstrine
mosaicodecor
justanotherdaydesigns

Leap of faith

Well, the box for the consignment arrangement is out. It was a great deal of work but nothing ventured,nothing gained. It certainly is a leap of faith on my part.
So much of what we all sell is so much better in person than a photo can provide. The needle jackets I bought from FunkybyTara are so terrific in real life, I just custom ordered another one for crochet hooks from her. Her photos are great and I'm thinking, maybe mine aren't. How do you convey the softness of an item? Or the quality of your work? Not all photos can show that, so buying online is a bit of a leap of faith. Fortunately, my leaps have been positive. I think, from my feedback, others' leaps from me are also positive. But then again, how many times have I bought something in person and was ultimately disappointed? Many....

Finally, I did it!!!

Did what? Well, I just finished cleaning up and reorganizing the studio. I never had trouble finding anything but it was getting hard to walk around. This is mostly a studio for me but it also is a storage area and a place to dry those clothes that you don't want to go in the dryer. There is also exercise equipment up there that serves as a catch all for other stuff!!! It's a great space, good light and I can walk away without cleaning up because it is the only room upstairs.

#1-ribbons & paper & thread, oh my!

#2-3-4-the wall and table where I 'work'! Buttons,buttons and more buttons!

The neatest, nicest section is where I have all the finished projects waiting to be sold (the last picture)...may that space become empty!!!

Consignment

I was just approached for a consignment arrangement. The optimist in me says "Hey, what do you have to lose? It could be a fabulous outlet." The pessimist says" Are you nuts? Sending $75-100 worth of things to a total stranger 5 states away???"....But even though I have reservations, I think true effort is going to be made by the owner to market the stuff and now, pre-holiday season, seems like the perfect time. I set the prices and my etsy name stays on each item. Wish me luck!!!!

New purchase and product!

I was thrilled today to see the arrival of my needle scarf purchased from FunkybyTara. I absolutely think this is a terrific idea and very clever. Great way to keep needles together, especially when traveling. It is executed beautifully and the color is just great. Tara is a doll. Check out her shop!

Hmmmmmmmmmm......

There's a distinct possibility that I am not needed anywhere today. The kids are moved in. The boys are back at school. Hubby's working. The house is clean enough. No dinner to cook for tonite.
Do you mean...?
Is it possible....?
Can this be true...?
I can go into the studio and create??????

Doing the happy dance!!!!!

Oh,one last thing...check out Bella Colle...beautiful things!

Wonderful Etsy People

I have had nothing but wonderful communication and dealings with etsy people. DBrownDesigns gave me a shout out on her blog that was very cool. Check her shop, she has beautiful jewelry. I had a mis-communication sale to DeesHomeGoods and Dee couldn't have been kinder and more understanding even though because of my stupidity, the sale cost me!!! Her soap looks great ,especially the key lime. Live and learn!
But once again, etsyians are the best!

I was very pleased with Tina's clock but it's nerve wracking to do a custom order. I actually did hers on the diagonal and was also worried she wouldn't like that either BUT today she left me a glorious feedback. Thank you, Tina.

I have no more of those perfect wooden trays so this series is complete. Here's Tina's and the last one made from the adorable picture called First Love, published in 1926. I have 2 clocks in the works made from reproduction gameboards. So far they are very cool, if I do say so myself!

Norman Rockwell

Tina, from CatherineStOriginals has requested a clock made from a Norman Rockwell picture. It has rekindled my admiration for his work. Wonderful, caring pictures. I have done three and have displayed here my version of his "Christmas Trio". I haven't made Tina's yet as she has to select a picture but I am looking forward to doing it. Check my etsy to see the other one I just posted. What an eye he had! And what a love of family.

Birthdays

Two years ago today Braden was born. Thirty three years ago tomorrow, his father was born. So thirty-three plus two makes me.....thirty-five? Nah...didn't like my life when I was thirty five. Love it now but boy those numbers are getting high. I know, I know, age is just a number, blah, blah,blah. I do think etsy is keeping me younger. It's an odd experience to develop a relationship over the internet, through etsy, with some very wonderful people who may be younger than your child! Does it matter? I somehow have an insecurity that when they find out I am possibly older than their parents, they won't like me. Dumb? Yeah, but it's there.

A dilemma!

Okay, it's July 30th and to some the summer is over. Business wise is it time to begin listing fall things with holiday right behind or is it too early? To solve the dilemma, I made a summer clock titled "End of Summer"! Check it out in full on etsy. School starts here in 22 days and to me, as a former teacher, that certainly is the beginning of fall but we started days after Labor day...I'm so confused!!!! I am paying more attention to the start of school this year since Caleb will be starting kindergarten. Where did the years go?

Moving

I'm not moving but my son and family are. Until they are in and settled, my time is becoming limited. (etsy is NOT neglected, though!) I've been helping with the packing and shopping. When they move they'll be only 1/2 mile away and my time will be GONE!!!!..... just kidding! They found a fabulous house and I am thrilled they'll be so much closer than 25 minutes. And it has been fun being a little part of their decision making and choices for the house. I am blessed. Yesterday I took home Caleb's clock to fix and Braden's frog. I am the go-to fix-it person in my family. Must get to it.

Clocks and stuff....

Okay, the huge sale was not so huge BUT there is still potential in the future for some ongoing connections. Linda is a doll in trying to connect me to another crafty group-quilters and her work is amazing.
I did complete the baby clocks. One is pictured. They are fun to make and I hope the new parents love it. I am having trouble finding clock works and the online source is confusing but I will have to order there since the local source stopped carrying them. Anyone know of a clock connection?
I am finally making some headway with re-organizing the studio. A few more shelves or cubbies should do it.

A ramble.......

I feel a bit anxious today-I may make a huge sale with future potential...we'll see.
The silver heart ring arrived. I was hesitant at first due to its unusual shape. It takes a bit of getting used to but I do love it. It is heavy and crafted well.
I need to get busy today. I have 2 baby clocks to make-one for etsy and one as a gift for a friend. They have done better offline than on the site which is curious to me. It makes such a unique baby or shower gift. But first I must clean up the studio which is a nightmare. Pictures will follow WHEN it's neater.

Friends!

Thank goodness for etsy and friends! Having viewed several pieces of mine on etsy, my good friend made a purchase of 4 items and collected a custom piece for a friend of hers. Rebecca has been passing out my business cards like crazy. How great to visit with a friend, sell some pieces and have a delicious lunch as well! She has great taste to boot as she choose 2 of my favorites, the shabby flower and the country kitchen clock. How dull life would be without friends!

ETSY

I have been creating things since my first scarf at age 8. In later years everyone said I should sell whatever it was that I was making at the moment. "Start a website"..."Sell online" they yelled. The difficulty was how to sell one-of-a-kind items in a mass produced world. Nothing I make can be exactly duplicated. Then along came Etsy! The answer to a crafter/artist prayers with a venue to sell and create! A bonus is the friendship and camaraderie amongst the sellers from all ages and walks of life.
If you value handcrafted work of any and all kinds check out Etsy. You can look at individual sellers, shop by categories, check out what has just been listed or sold and see little user created mini galleries called treasuries. As a buyer as well as a seller, I am thrilled with the many purchases I have made from soap to greeting cards to jewelry and more.
Where else can you find an arts festival 24/7/365 around the world with not hundreds but thousands of vendors? Thanks to the people who created this place. The world needed it.

Mmmmm...good!

Shout Out....Just received a bar of BANANA glycerin soap from normasbathandbody and the smell is fabulous. Norma is a doll and this soap is wonderful.

Heat.......

It couldn't be hotter and it's only June 28th!!!
Got a note that I was mentioned on Sew Bettie's blog which is very cool-http://www.bettie.typepad.com/. Her shop isn't open yet but one to keep an eye out for. Looks like a very talented lady! Love the button ring she made. Of course I do!
I also discovered and bought from a new etsy seller rickzx
Gorgeous things! I'll show you what I bought...

WOW!!!

Yesterday was so exciting,sales wise! I was actually going to keep this piece myself since I had never done anything like it & I really loved it. Yesterday I decided to sell it. Took photos, listed it and immediately went to the etsy forums to place it under promotions. I did that and just clicked on the link to make sure I pasted correctly...it shows up SOLD!!!! Not 3 minutes. Then I went to e-mail and was feeling skeptical that it was a scam since the buyer just joined and apparently this was her first purchase. (There have been horror stories of this happening-sales from new members and no payment) The etsy e-mail notice was there but no PayPal confirmation so now I'm really anxious. Waited another few minutes and bam!, there's PayPal!!!! Very exciting! I e-mailed a thank you to the buyer & she responded very excited about her purchase. Maybe this is the kick start to a sales turnaround!

Time

There always seems to be a shortage of time. My "job" only takes 7-9 hours a week and yet, I'm always rushing with a longer list than what I started out with! I spent the better part of today re-doing some etsy photos and visiting the forums. Not productive but fun. Creatively I made some more collage cards. I really do enjoy them and so far the recipients seem to like them. Tomorrow I have the boys from 6AM till...? Maybe I better go to bed now! I will try harder to be attentive here.

New Listing

I just listed this clock and wish it could find a place in my home!!! I would hate to eat off of this plate but for a clock, I love it. Hope it finds a great home. Will show the picture as soon as the site lets me!

Weather-Water-Wine

Saturday's rain really amounted to nothing. It's been unusually dry here this spring AND unusually hot. Today it hit 90. I don't mind the heat as long as the humidity is low and it has been. So with no rain we also had a water main break and for 2 hours this morning we had no water. Thankfully I had just filled the coffee pot before it trickled out. I had to water outside tonight...my plants were weeping. Of course, in the process I watered myself thoroughly.
So to continue the cool down, some wine!
Creatively today I have started something that won't be for sale. Well, maybe if it works! I'm knitting a gift bag...hmmm....think it'll work? I'll let you know!
Oh-got a treasury on etsy today, my 3rd one. http://www.etsy.com/treasury.php?id=1181173326154U96713 Dedicated it to the lack of peaches due to the April freeze. I think it came out well. I can't believe the only peaches we may get this year will be from California when they grow them right down the road. A real shame.

Rain

I hate rain but, boy, do we need it here. I despise having to water the lawn-it's like throwing money down the drain. It's been drizzling for a few hours and these are the first drops we've had for at least a month.

I made some personal birthday cards for friends today. I don't sell them. Who could compete with the great cards found on etsy? Sunday the etsy card makers are having a big sale and I'll be there. Check out http://www.etsygreetings.blogspot.com
I especially love www.BitsyCreations.etsy.com Joan is a doll and very talented.

Block Party Press Rocks!!!

I just received the most wonderful urban Lego cufflinks made by www.blockpartypress.etsy.com
They are for my son for Father's Day. They looked terrific online but are even better in person. As a child he was a Lego fanatic and now plays with them with his 2 sons, so these just really hit home. Tamara is a doll and the packaging was beautiful. Check her out. Great things and wonderful service.

Holiday Weekend

Hubby has to work all weekend and Monday also so it's been quiet here. I made alot of promos today and had fun playing with my buttons. Also loaded the denim purse onto etsy as well as a great batch of mother of pearl buttons. I get rid of buttons and then buy more...make sense?!
Gave 2 purses as gifts tonite and they had a great response. I love making them and they are so handy. The yarn colors are delicious!
Still working on figuring out this blog. Have to devote some time tomorrow but I think it looks okay so far. I discovered mtjoyschool on etsy and read Debra's blog. Her house sounds wonderful although demanding. So interesting to learn about others and their art. I guess that's one of the perks of blogging.

Denim BooBoo

I just finished this one and haven't put it up on etsy yet. I 'found' this cotton yarn in one of my stash baskets. It was a small ball and I didn't know how much was there but gave it a shot and it worked. Love the yellow and pink threads running through it. It will hold store cards, business cards, lipsticks or balms, band aids, whatever! Great as a holder for a gift card present...2 gifts in one!

Phew!

It took forever but I finally got the etsy mini up. Must remember the variety of things you can do if you right click!!! Now you can click on the mini and go right to my etsy shop. Neat!

First Entry

Okay,here I am blogging and what does that mean? Well, check back and find out how buttons dominate my life but we'll certainly talk about other things as well.