Berrylicious Buttons

Gorgeous ALPACA FLEECES now available

2010-01-30T16:54:00.004+11:00

OUR 2010 ALPACA FLEECE range is NOW available! ... we have just successfully finished our 2010 shearing and have some gorgeous fleeces available for sale. I am very chuffed to say that my shearers comments were "these are some of the best fleeces i have seen this season" (and BOY! has she seen some fleeces!)

I have both SURI and HUACAYA fleeces available this year, in white, light fawn, fawn, medium/dark brown and black. ALL are very lusterous and superior quality. Prices range from $60 - $120 per fleece (discounts to those buying more than one are also offered). This price is for the whole fleece, right from the alpaca! (fleeces are skirted, and in two bags as the premium saddle area is separated from the remaining fleece).

Please contact me at: Berryliciousbuttons@gmail for further details

.... here are some of the girls prior to shearing:

Update on FINAL SALE (Closing Down) - SUPER HUGE BARGAINS!

2010-01-04T09:47:00.008+11:00

To welcome in the new year, I have decided to offer my final stock from Berrylicious Buttons to my blog and facebook followers at super low prices. These offers are all at great prices, and will not last long - so if you see something you like, please send me a message for further information, or to place an order: Berryliciousbuttons@gmail.com

Prices are in AUSTRALIAN dollars (happy to convert for those overseas) and would require a direct deposit payment (paypal available for those that request it, but as these prices are at rock bottom paypal payments will incur a 5% fee).

OFFER 1:
Berrylicious Brooch and Super Cool Badges:
1 Brooch $6
2 Brooch $10
4 Brooch $18

OFFER 2: Berrylicious Gift Tags Journal Tags Scrapbooking Tags (pkt 24)
These need cards come on a super cool hinged ring for easy access and are made from superior designer cardstock
1 Pack $7.00
2 Packs $12.00
4 Packs $20.00

OFFER 3: " Clippee Doo Dars" Magnetic Clips - These are fab for holding shipping lists on the fridge, childrens notices, accounts etc - Made from super high quality metal spring loaded clips.

1 for $5.00

2 for $9.00

4 for $16.00

OFFER 4: Berrylicious Bookmarks Page Markers - Super large clips to mark your pages in a novel, childrens book, recipes or to hold papers together in the office!

1 for $5.00

2 for $9.00

4 for $16.00

OFFER 5: Tinned Delights - Comes in Headwrap Headbands (1 per pkt) Bobbies (2 in Pkt) and Pony Tail Hair Elastic in this neat little gift tin

1 for $7.00

2 for $12.00

OFFER 6: CLIPS & BOBBIES GALORE! Here is a super variety of hair clips and Bobby pins at a fabulous price (choose from any of those pictured below): *a selected few of these have slightly damaged packaging, although the products are perfect

ALL $3.50 EACH! (normal price $5.00 and up)

OFFER 7: OH! La la Hair Sets

all a super doopa low price at $6.00 a set (normal price $10 per set) *some of these may not have perfect packaging, however the products are in perfect condition

OFFER 8: Single Hair Elastics (hurry! only a few left!)

1 for $3 or

4 for $10.00

I also have these left: $5.00 per set of 2

and also have a few of these left in assorted colours (these are fab weeny little clips for toddlers that dont like things in their hair so much) - These are $2.50 each

I hope you find something that takes your fancy, and I would like to wish you all a wonderful 2010 x

Traumatised

2009-12-17T16:55:00.003+11:00

well, I had soooo much planned for today. Christmas baking done, house clean, raspberries picked, gifts wrapped.

not a chance.

This morning when i went out to feed all my animals, I found Huey and Duey (two of the baby goslings i wrote about in a previous listing) drown in their little pool. I was gobsmacked at how this happened, as there were sufficient rocks in the base for their little legs to climb out with (small duckings, goslings and chicks can easily drown in water) and sat there in the pouring rain crying, crying and crying.

When something is dead, it really is DEAD isnt it?

Living on a farm, i have learnt to become a bit of a midwife/nurse etc etc. mouth to mouth to baby lambs covered in embriotic fluid (eeek!), feeding a premature cria (baby alpaca) HOURLY night and day with a gastric tube and eye dropper to keep her alive, handfeeding day old budgies round the clock that the mother has abandoned, blow drying wet chickens to warm them up and the list goes on.... but not a chance with these poor little fellows. they were dead.

d.e.a.d.

Which opened a can of worms about death, and i cried some more (for those of you that dont know me personally i have non hodgkins lymphoma and have been given a terminal status) - i think i just started thinking too hard and i just sat there in the pouring rain crying. (No doubt I will have a cold tomorrow! phewee!)

I had become so attached to these three little fellows. I was particularly careful to keep them in our shed area until they were bigger so the crows would not get them, and fed them fresh greens from the garden twice a day along with fresh water.

Yesterday I was umming and arhing whether to let them out into our orchard for some free ranging, and after discussing it with my mother we decided they were still too small and easy prey. Oh! how I wished that I had, and then this would not have happened.

I decided to let mumma, dadda and Lewy out into the orchard - If i cant protect them and keep them safe, isnt it better to let them free range and let nature take its course?

Nothing Beats ...

2009-12-15T17:50:00.003+11:00

Summer!

A big bowl of freshly picked raspberries for dinner,

little "J" on school holidays

and the sun shining!

BLISS!

Christmas Shopping MADE EASY!

2009-12-07T16:27:00.006+11:00

I have some SUPER SUPER SAVINGS for my blog and facebook followers, to make Christmas shopping easy (and a bit kinder on the budget!) These are offered to you for your continual loyalty of my blog and facebook page and are not open to anyone else:

I hope that my offer gives you super savings just in time for your last minute Christmas purchases. Orders will go out immediately, to make sure they are delivered in time for that special day: -

(*prices do not include postage, but super postage rates are available for these special deals; prices are listed in AUSTRALIAN dollars , payment: direct debit only, paypal available at extra charge)

Please contact me at: Berryliciousbuttons@gmail.com for orders and further information - HURRY! OFFER ONLY WHILE STOCKS LAST! they will not last long at this price!

OFFER ONE:
BERRYLICIOUS BROOCH

SUPER SPECIAL PRICE:
1 brooch for $6.00
2 brooch for $10
and the SUPER SAVER *drum roll please
... 4 brooch for $18.00 *thats a crazy $4.50 each!
choose from these gorgeous designs (while stocks last):

OFFER TWO:
SINGLE HAIR ELASTICS
*Majority of these are made with 28mm buttons
1 for $3 or 4 for $10
Available in these designs (while stocks last)

and last but certainly not least...
OFFER 3
TINNED DELIGHTS
2 delightful hair elastics in a cute little gift tin!
1 for $7.00 each or
2 for $12.00
*This is only a small amount of designs pictured, most designs from my etsy shop are also still available at this special price along with those pictured below.

Hope you find something you like, at this super special price!

Super Supplies Sale ... be quick!

2009-12-07T09:29:00.007+11:00

I currently have a very large quantity of supplies that I am wanting to sell as bulk supplies at really very cheap prices - These wont last long, so please submit your enquiry in any of the following to: Berryliciousbuttons@gmail.com - These prices would be for direct debit payment only (paypal is available but paypal fees will be charged to buyer) - large orders will be rewarded with FREE postage. Hurry! be quick! they wont last long!

Large quantity of FIMO polyclay flowers and discs (see previous post for photo) in various colours - prices as follows (AUS dollars) 10 for 8.55 (85c each) 25 for $17.50 (70c each) 50 for $30.00 (60c each) or a super saving on 100+ at a very cheap .30c each (thats cheap enough to resell as supplies!)
Metal Hair Clips - available in 2 sizes - I have about 40 of the large and 50 of the small still available (super cheap at .30c each AUS - this is half the actual price that I have paid for them)

A large quanity of metal self covered buttons in various sizes. large 45mm flat backs suitable for brooch making also available.
A quanity of glass beads and cute embellishments
Ribbon viole necklaces in various colours @ $1.50 each (or assorted colours 25+ at $1.00 each)

Please contact me for further details / photos / price negotiation: Berryliciousbuttons@gmail.com

This little duck

2009-12-05T18:51:00.005+11:00

Its starting to feel like spring again at our little farm at the moment. Although I have domestic ducks, I seem to gain extras at this time of year as the wild ducks seem to know that Im a fool for a mother with babies and feed them along with my own! This little mumma has been staying with us for a while, but was delighted to find 6 little babies hot on her trail the other day when I called for the ducks for breakfast.

Most of the ducks wander up to my sheds for meal times, making the journey from my dam down below.. and it is amazing to see the little tiny webbed feet going a million miles an hour to keep up to their protective mumma. They pass throught the orchard and wander up through my green lush grass.

This year I have left the grass a little longer for the mummas to hide in the grass. Last year we had 3 or 4 crows watch their journey and pluck off each baby one at a time. It was terrible, and i used to try with all my heart to shoo them away - they werent even scared of me screaming and shouting at them. Usually 2 or 3 pick on the mumma while the others grab the babies. I lost all my ducklings (about 30 actually!) like this last year, and my baby goslings as well, and although I know this is nature taking its own course I try to shoo the crows away in any way I can.

They also sit in the branches of the trees above the dam and try and swoop on the babies when mumma is unaware. I also lost a mother duck last year - I found her on the dam with all her babies gone and her eyes eaten out. It is horrific.

This year my goose had the sense to set her eggs in my shed in a old tea chest, so after the countdown of the 28 days I locked her in, gave her fresh greens every day and feed, and a big shell childrens pool to swim in. She has produced 3 lovely babies, and a protective man to watch over her little brood!

(If you look hard enough you may see a heart shape between the 2 of their necks! sooo cute!)

Hewey Dewey and Lewie!

I have been often found just sitting and gazing at their little antics. I will leave her in the shed until I feel the babies can stand up to a swooping crow. They are growing daily and I would love to let them out and wander the lush green orchard, but feel they will be gobbled in no time. Last year I had 3 mother geese and the protective boy have 3 little babaies, and woke one morning to the shrill shreiking of the mothers on the side of the dam.

So for now I am feeding them plenty of greens and keeping them safe (yes! i am as protective of the little blighters as their own parents!)

Heres a little glimpse of my oasis:

Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2009-12-02T21:29:00.006+11:00

Today I took a rare trip to the shops and stumbled across these gorgeous little metal Christmas decorations that I simply could not resist. I have a very rustic home with exposed beams and huge exposed tree trunks for upright posts, so they fit right in to my decor. My only regret is that I did not buy more!

They inspired me to make my version of a artistic Christmas tree from contorted willow that I spray painted silver. I think I may take it to dress up my table on SUNDAY to the WOODBRIDGE COMMUNITY MARKET at Woodbridge Community Hall (11am - 3.30pm) and get my shoppers into the festive spirit. The little silver bells hanging on my tree are also very rustic and lightly sanded to give the country feel, with little cut out stars on them. Little "J" did not like my impression of a Christmas tree at all and asked "mummy when are we putting up the REAL tree, that is just a stick!"

Last year I made this quilted ADVENT CALENDER (pictured in background) from a cute little penquin fabric panel. Each pocket is cut and handsewn, and has a number on them for the advent countdown. Little "J" delights in checking each pocket every morning! (I must admit, he is very good and has not rummaged through each pocket already .. I think he relishes in the surprise each day which is delightful. His restraint gobsmacks me as I am sure if it was me when I was his age I would have most probably itemised every pocket by now!). The edging was stippled by machine on free form... I am not the perfect handstippler, and this was my first attempt. Shortly after making this, I purchased a big machine quilting frame that stipples quilts up to queen size... Hopefully over the summer I will get the opportunity to play around with it.

I am very anxious to use the fabrics the lovely Amy Schimler sent me not too long ago, and hope to quilt a lap quilt with them all.

Woodbridge Community Market

2009-11-25T17:21:00.004+11:00

I attended the Woodbridge Market on Sunday.. what a cute little country market it is! It was delightful! Just hoping the weather is a little better on my next attendance!

Will be back there on the 6th December with lots of Berrylicious Goodies and some great Christmas ideas and specials.

Woodbridge Community Hall
11.00am - 3.30pm

Sunday December 6th

Hope to see you there!

Fimo Flowers

2009-11-25T10:21:00.001+11:00

I have a very large quantity of lovely FIMO FLOWERS (with bead holes) available for sale if anyone is interested. I would be happy to sell these in small quantities as well as larger quantities to anyone that may be interested. Please send me a email: Berryliciousbuttons@gmail.com to discuss.

A Very Sad Decision + Special Blog Follower Deal

2009-11-23T19:23:00.007+11:00

After alot of hard emotional decision making, I have sadly decided to wind down my etsy shop with Berrylicious Buttons.

This very difficult decision has largely come about due to the decline of my health. For those that do not know me personally, I have terminal cancer and I am finding that the business has become quite difficult to juggle with daily life and my current commitments. I have also encountered a huge amount of plagarism and struggle to deal with this emotionally.

The closure of my shop may take a couple of months, as I still have quite a lot of stock that is made and supplies that need to be used. I will also be attending the Woodbridge Market on the 6th December, and perhaps a few other markets in the new year. I may continue to do a market here and there just to keep my "hand in"... I guess we will just see how things go.

For all my lovely followers that I cherish so much, I would like to offer you a
special deal to thank you for your support and to make some savings on for your Christmas shopping! (I believe in pre christmas sales - not after christmas sales!)

For every order over $50 (excluding shipping) on my etsy shop prior to the 25th December you may select on eof the follow special deals:
1. ONE FREE TINNED DELIGHTS PONY TAIL HAIR SET* (*Design randomly selected) OR
2. 10% off your total order (excluding shipping)

(TO RECEIVE THIS OFFER: Please "Message to Seller" at Checkout "BLOG DEAL" along with which deal you would like to take advantage of. For those wishing to receive the 10% discount offer, please wait for your revised invoice before making payment. I am also happy to send you a revised invoice in Australian Dollars if requested).
HAPPY SHOPPING!

Ohh! I soooo LOVE this!

2009-11-17T21:47:00.003+11:00

I soooo wished I could afford it!
I am sooo in love with this little scooter!

New! Wee Little Hair Clips

2009-11-16T22:05:00.003+11:00

I have made some new cute little inexpensive hair clips.

Originally I made these with little toddlers in mind, as the clips are smaller than standard clips. I have made a wee little scallop edge envelope and notecard to go with them and they will retail for $2.50 (Australian Dollars).

I quite often put a little note in Little "J"'s lunch box at school (now he is older I am sure it embarrasses him no end!) and think these little mini envelopes and notecards are perfect for that! They are a super cute way of saying "I love you" "You are Special" or maybe a smiley face for littlies that cannot read yet! (lunch boxes? Toothfairy? Santa Notes? mmm .. the list is endless!)

Ohhh! and these are my new crochet "Little Treasure" Clips - These will be all available at The Woodbridge Market this Sunday - for all enquiries (as they are not listed on etsy as yet) please email me at: Berryliciousbuttons@gmail.com

Spot your Favourite

2009-11-08T11:59:00.005+11:00

Here is a small selection of buttons I have been making this morning. Im totally loving Japanese fabrics at the moment. I love the pretty blossom prints, and I adore these little hedgehogs. These are going to be made into TINNED DELIGHTS for the upcoming market at Woodbridge. If you see something you like amoungst these that you would like for Christmas gifts or just a nice treat, please message me!

What a LOVELY surprise!

2009-11-04T17:05:00.014+11:00

Today I woke up to a lovely surprise email from missymaomao http://missymaomao.blogspot.com/ ...
Missy awarded me ....

"The Kreativ Blog Award"
(Ohhh! what a lovely surprise .. thank you so much!)

It is kind of an old fashioned chain letter, and although I am one of these people that never look at spam emails or pass on those horrid things that tell you to send them to 7 friends or something dreadful will happen to you (%$#@*&) .... I dont want to be a spoil sport and will carry this lovely award on with all sincerety!

Missymaomao puts it beautufully: "The lovely thing about this award is that it continues to grow and grow like the branches of a tree"

To keep it growing, I have to follow the 7 rules:
1 Copy the pretty picture and post it on your blog
2 Thank the person that gave it to you and link to their blog
3 Write 7 things about yourself that we dont know
4 Choose 7 other bloggers to pass the award to
5 Link to those 7 other bloggers
6 Notify your 7 bloggers

mmm. now for the 7 things that you may not know about me .... (*thinking* *thinking* mmmm brain freeeze!)

1) I am a wwoof host for backpackers from all over the world and LOVE it!
2) I am a single mum that has terminal cancer (I was given 12 mths to live and that was 2.5 years ago!)
3) I own a rural property on 6 acres and breed alpacas (if only i had the time to watch the chickens play!)
4) I grow organic fruit and vegetables to supply our local community
5) I own a full size machine quilting frame (double) for quilt stippling but sadly never get the time to use it! 8-(
6) I absolutely loved the Twilight Series (novels by Stephenie Meyer *blush*) and my favourite author is Paullina Simons
7) I became interested in making pretty hair accessories after I lost all my hair from cancer treatments. Loosing my hair was like loosing my identity - and making other people feel pretty and happy was something that soothed my soul. This was one of the reasons I started Berrylicious Buttons .. originally, it was only meant to be a creative outlet for me until people started asking me to sell them some of my button creations!

.. ok.. boring i know, but hey! I hate talking about myself!

HERE ARE MY KREATIV BLOG AWARD WINNERS (in no particular order):

1. DANCE IN MY GARDEN: http://danceinmygarden.blogspot.com/
For being a lovely creative person and great friend

2. RUBY VICTORIA PRINTMAKING & LETTERPRESS: http://rubyvictoria.blogspot.com/
For creating some beautiful simple designs that are stunning

3. INNEREARTHSOAPS: http://innerearthsoaps.blogspot.com/
For the scrumptious soaps that she creates that are so luxurious to use!

4. LITTLE COTTON RABBITS: http://littlecottonrabbits.typepad.co.uk/my_webblog/
For being the first person I admired on etsy, and for the absoultely gorgeous little characters she makes

5. TIMOTHY ADAM DESIGNS: http://timothyadamdesigns.blogspot.com/
For creating fantastic orignal works of art, and for being someone that helped me and inspired me sooooo much when I was new to the wonderful world of etsy ... thank you for all the great, valuable information that you were happy to pass on and share! I appreciated your advice so much!

6. NOTIONS: http://notionshandmade.blogspot.com/
For creating beautiful classy vintage and retro inspired boutique quality products (with packaging that is just as gorgeous as the products!)

7. REDFISHCIRCLE: http://redfishcircle.blogspot.com/
For your gorgeous fabrics and lovely cheerful messages that put a smile on my face!

It was very hard to choose who to send the award on to, choosing from so many talented people was very difficult .. so please drop on over and see what these lovely people make and do! (and who they pass it on to!)

Mauricio the Magnificent

2009-11-04T16:51:00.002+11:00

ooh! while he was playing monkey games, naughty Stella (his cheeky friend) tied his tail in a knot!

Introducing Mabel Monkey

2009-11-03T16:59:00.007+11:00

This is Mabel the Monkey! What a cute little smile!

She has a cute button rosebud tail!

I would like to introduce you to Mabel, she is as cute as a button and the newest kid on the block at Berrylicious Buttons.

Mabel will be available for sale at the Woodbridge Market on the 22nd November along with some of her best buddies. If you are particularly fond of Mabel you may purchase her prior to the market, or I would be happy to make a custom "Mabel" in a colour combination of your choice.

Please email me at: Berryliciousbuttons@gmail.com if you are interested in Mabel or one of her friends!

Cupcakes and Strawberries .. What a SCRUMPTIOUS combination!

2009-11-02T10:43:00.004+11:00

Pictured above: "Cupcake and Strawberry" wholesale order that is off to Rita at Gone Rustic in St Marys (Tasmania)

Yum! dont they look good enough to eat! Thank you Rita!

Fun at the Fair

2009-10-30T21:39:00.006+11:00

Wow!

I had such a great time at the Twilight Fair this evening! - I now understand why people love doing markets! It was so much fun seeing people I havent caught up with in such a long time and seeing people appreciate and love my products!

I was in the local Primary School Hall, so a little out of the way from the rest of the stalls, but had a great afternoon. My lovely mother in law came along to help out and I was grateful of her help as we were very busy most of the afternoon.

Pictures: My lovely mother in law and my tables full of yummy Delicious Berrylicious goodies

I love seeing people choose which item they love the most and it was certainly interesting to see what people liked the best (sometimes not the things you may think they would like or would normally choose for myself!)

This was my first market, so I learnt so much from this experience - I felt that my display lacked height and order as i needed to squash sooooo much onto two trestle tables. I am a perfectionist when it comes to display so I feel I need to find some suitable boxes or trays to display my items in if I was to do markets again in the future.... Any ideas?

I thought maybe old draws would be great, but i am unsure about this as I wonder if people would naturally flick through things or are they better all laid out so people do not need to touch things to see them? I ended up laying everything out on my tables as things sold, so people dont need to flick through baskets to see my items and found this was a much better way of displaying my items - and feel that I most probably sold more this way as the first couple in a basket may not appeal to someone but the one at the back may do, yet they are less likely to flick through a stack if the first ones did not appeal to the indvidual looking. I would appreciate your comments on this - from the sellers point of view as well as a buyers!

New Fabrics to Play with ...

2009-10-30T14:25:00.004+11:00

oooh! and I have some new Kimono Girl fabric, hedgehogs and wee robots that I will also be making some new products with.

I think mostly I will be making cute badges and hair elastics with these!

Featuring Artist: Mary of Perfect Jewelry

2009-10-24T10:31:00.005+11:00

What does the mother of an almost 3 year old toddler and a 6 week old infant do while her infant is sleeping and her toddler is at preschool? Most mothers would take the opportunity to do any of the following activities:
1. clean

2. cook

3. take a shower

4. watch t.v.
5. sleep

Well, I am unlike most mothers because I take the opportunity to make jewelry!

Check out my etsy store here: http://www.perfect.etsy.com/

I started making jewelry several years ago. A friend taught me how to make a loop with wire and then off I went. I started spending my life savings on jewelry supplies. When I got married, I felt a little guilty about spending the family money so I started selling to some friends and family and co-workers. To my surprise, everyone seemed to love it and told me that I had an eye for design. With this ego boost, I started making more and more.

After a while, I was started to feel a little guilty about feeding into this consumer culture in America. At the same time, I started to get more involved with Compassion International, a charity organization through which I'd been sponsoring a little girl in the Philippines since I was in college. I decided to give most of my profits away to Compassion and other charity organizations.

What makes me unique as a designer? I am a perfectionist. I pick out the best beads and make the most perfect loops I can. I tuck in all my wires so that they don't scratch you and I also love making custom pieces that fit everyone perfectly. I hate bracelets that are too big or necklaces that catch on your clothes. I love working with semi precious gems like garnet, amethyst, citrine, onyx, and peridot. I also love love love pearls and swarovski crystals. I usually use only sterling silver, gold filled, or vermeil materials because to me, the time I invest in my jewelry is not worth using cheap materials. Most of my jewelry can be described as dainty and cute... although there are a few chunky rings and shoulder duster earrings.

I also love to blog and currently am a contributing blogger on Kimchi Mamas (http://kimchimamas.typepad.com/).

If you'd like to follow me on twitter (where I announce all my new listings on etsy) my username is so_yun.

Here is Mary's profile from her etsy shop: I LOVE making jewelry! I started several years ago and began selling them at local craft fairs. My friends and co-workers seem to love them and I am hoping the rest of the world will too! I named my shop "perfect" because I want to make perfect jewelry. Although it's hard to call a piece of art perfect, I thought this name suited my jewelry because I strive to make them perfect in my eyes and hopefully in the eyes of my customers. Another inspiration for the name of my shop is that the only truly perfect being is God Himself. I believe that God, the original Creator, gave me the ability to create beautiful jewelry and that he made the earth so beautiful for us to enjoy.I donate most of my profits to Compassion International, a non profit organization that helps children living in poverty through one on one sponsorship. I am able to do this because I have a full time "regular" job and jewelry making is a hobby and I don't depend on it to pay the bills.Have you ever discovered a beautiful bracelet only to find out it only comes in the standard 7 inches which is way too big for your tiny wrists? That standard 16 inch necklace just too tight around your neck? Or perhaps a bit too loose? You will never have that kind of problem with my jewelry because every piece can be custom made to fit you perfectly! Just tell me what you want and I will strive to make my creations "perfect" for you.I also make sure to "tuck in" all my wire ends so that it won't snag your clothes or scratch you.Please send me a conversation with any questions. I also have many more pieces on display at my home in the Bay Area

To Market, to Market Jiggidy Jig ..

2009-10-22T14:20:00.008+11:00

I have been super busy getting ready for next weeks twilight fair. I have made some lovely new products that i am really excited about and cant wait to see how they are received!

For local blog visitors, the Margate Primary School is holding a Twilight Fair Next Friday (the 30th October) from 4pm... It would be great to see some of you lovely people come along and let me know what you think of my new releases. I have also made some new super cute Snuggleberries , some with a little extra addition in the way of strawberry buttons or flower buttons!

and there will be some super specials up for grabs just for market goers.

I have even made a few things for boys (YES! as you can most probably tell i have a teenage son! hence these hiddeously cool badges)

Hope to see you there!

Featuring AMY SCHIMLER ..G O R G E O U S!

2009-10-15T21:16:00.007+11:00

I want to introduce all you fabric lovers to
AMY SCHIMLER and her G O R G E O U S fabrics.

Last week I received an AMAZING package in the mail from Amy and wanted to share her amazing talents with you.

Amy has a lovely etsy shop called:

REDFISHCIRCLE
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5938378 .

Amy is a childrens illustrator and textile designer, and creates the most wonderful fabrics. They are very high quality cotton fabric and mix and match together so very beautifully. Amy is running a special event for October and November that I feel is a very worthy cause worth supporting • All profits from sales in my shop through October and November will go to benefit a close friend/neighbor who lost her house in the flood. •

PLEASE drop by and support Amy to help her friend, and help yourself to some GORGEOUS fabrics! .. Take a look at my lovely new fabrics....oh! what to make? what to make? (a lap quilt?)

I am particularly fond of this little print!

FOLLOW AMY'S BLOG: http://redfishcircle.blogspot.com

TOTALLY love the owls!

Beautiful fabrics that compliment each other so wonderfully!

Here is a little more about Amy from her shop profile:
My name is Amy Schimler and I work as a children's illustrator and textile designer. I will be offering high quality prints of some of my original artwork and photography, some of my fabrics that I have designed, and other fun goodies. Thanks so much for stopping by. I love daydreaming, licorice (all colors), meeting new friends, making things, cupcakes, sunshiney days, splashing in the water, and a good belly laugh.Please check out my web links on the shop home page. All artwork is © Amy Schimler

THANK YOU AMY! ♥ you are a very special person

All in a day of the life of .... (come sightseeing with me!)

2009-10-08T14:00:00.009+11:00

WOW! Yesterday was a HUGE day. I spent the morning baking up a storm in my little kitchen (pictured above) and then when little "J" got home from school we took a road trip from Hobart

to Campbelltown (Tasmania) and back! .. this kind of thing is very unusual for me as I get terrible car sickness and try not to travel too far from home if I can help it (out of the 5 regions I have cancer, one is my ear canal which puts my balance all up the putt, which makes me very prone to motion sickness).

I thought I would take some snaps along the way for my international visitors on my blog to see what a lovely state I live in. Yesterday was very overcast and rainy and all the pics were taken in a moving car (so please excuse the blur as I am no photographer!) ....

Pictured above: Hobart Wharf area. Hobart is the capital of Tasmania

(a little island to the south of Australia)

Campbell Town is near Launceston on the map. We are so very lucky in Tasmania, that you can cross our whole state in only a few hours. Our little trip took about 2 hours each way.

... and this was what the trip was in aide of ..we came home with this little beauty for little "J" for Christmas! How much fun is this going to be??? (I think its just big enough for me to ride as well!) 8-)

Christmas Buttons

2009-10-06T13:25:00.000+11:00

This lovely selection will be made into bobby pins, hair clips and elastics, available instore soon!

My gorgeous friend Luisa

2009-10-06T11:32:00.004+11:00

look what was left on my doorstep yesterday! Lu you are such a wonderful friend! your random act of kindness certainly cheered up a very bad day!

Thank you Lu, you are so special!

plagiarism | copy cats

2009-10-05T21:27:00.009+11:00

What is the image on the previous post all about you say?
I know that I am bringing up a controversial topic here ... but what do you do about plagiarism?

Today I have discovered that there is another seller on etsy that is making replicas of certain products that I am making - listed only days after i have listed my items (but previously posted sneak peaks of on my blog).

I know there is nothing new about fabric covered buttons, and certainly nothing new about fabric buttons and hair accessories .. but the same fabric, the same packaging, the same wording in the listings !?!?! REALLY!?!?! first it was hair elastics, then my cupcake bookmarks and now the elastic headwrap headbands (that can not be coincidental surely!).

I searched high and low, and across the globe (TRULY!) for my little tins and spent WEEKS (just ask my friends - i drove them all insane with my neverending questioning about my little tins!!!) making decisions on which ones to go with for a new original packaging idea to "stand out in the crowd" so to speak, and now find similar tins are being used for buttons made with EXACTLY the same fabric as I use and even the descriptions are nearly worded exactly the same!

I am certainly not trying to create a hornets nest here, or any kind of negative airing. I am generally a positive person that is happy to share ideas for others to make beautiful gifts of their own - isnt that what craft is about?

All i can say is that I KNOW that my products are produced at the best possible quality, are made with the best of care (and made with love). I APPRECIATE every single customer that comes into my store. I treat each and every customer equally with the upmost of importance regardless or order size or value. I try and offer the best possible service and communication and I spend the time and effort to ensure my orders are sent out immediately, in top condition, with fantastic packaging and wrapping (and quite often add little extras to bring a smile)... Perhaps that is all i need to shine above?

Comments?

2009-10-02T22:46:00.001+10:00

The Power of a Mother and Gods Wings - a deep and meaningful!

2009-10-01T21:05:00.010+10:00

Featured Picture: Red Feather Poppy Hair Clip by HeadFullofFeathers on etsy: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30377967&ref=sr_list_19&&ga_search_query=feather&ga_search_type=all&ga_page=2&order=date_desc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title - stunning isnt it?

Well, those that know me well know that I am not really a religious person as such. However, ever since I was diagnosed with terminal cancer I feel that I have started to understand the world a little better than I may have previously. I feel that facing death makes you sit and think of lots of things that you may not think of normally - churning almost. I feel it has strengthened and fine tuned my senses, making me more aware and sensitive. I find (on most days!!!) that I am less likely to be consumed by the "little things" that do not matter so much, and allows me cherish all the little things that become the "big things!" in the end.

I have prayed many times that I live to see another day (and other days i have prayed for it to all be over with!), and I certainly understand the strength, courage and determination of a mother (being a mother has been the only thing that has got me through on some days!). I also strongly believe in karma and "what goes around comes around".

Facing death and staring at it down the barrel, I have often wondering what there is beyond death and what there is that people fear about it? ... All I see is peace.

I have found that things certainly seem to happen for a reason - sometimes a reason that we may not know until a later date, or perhaps never really understand "why". If you do a kind deed it normally comes back to you in ten fold in various ways.

Today I received one of those "annoying" spam emails that people send others in their address book in multiples and normally they go straight into my spam folder. This one touched my heart, and I thought I would share it with you all:

God's Wings -After a forest fire in Yellowstone National Park , forest rangers began their trek up a mountain to assess the inferno's damage. One ranger found a bird literally petrified in ashes, perched statuesquely on the ground at the base of a tree. Somewhat sickened by the eerie sight, he knocked over the bird with a stick.When he gently struck it, three tiny chicks scurried from under their dead mother's wings. The loving mother, keenly aware of impending disaster, had carried her offspring to the base of the tree and had gathered them under her wings, instinctively knowing that the toxic smoke would rise.

She could have flown to safety but had refused to abandon her babies. Then the blaze had arrived and the heat had scorched her small body, the mother had remained steadfast ..because she had been willing to die, so those under the cover of her wings would live. 'He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge.'(Psalm 91:4)

Being loved this much should make a difference in your life. Remember the One who loves you, and then be different because of it. My instructions were to send this to people that I wanted God to bless and I picked you. Please pass this on to people you want to be blessed. Time waits for no one. Treasure every moment you have. You will treasure it even more when you can share it with someone Special. To realize the value of a Friend...lose one.

Be happy. Every day matters. Love your children with all your might. Cherish your friends and take the time to smell the roses!

Thank you all for following my blog - I love and appreciate all your little faces and love it when you leave comments!

... Blessings x

Wishlist Wednesday ...

2009-09-30T19:21:00.006+10:00

Crochet Necklace by lovely crochet: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27177762&ref=em

I LOVE the gorgeous Button Bouquets from SUNWEEDS (fellow DUST TEAM member)
Button Flower Bouquet from the lovely SUNWEEDS: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24514268&ref=em

Dripping Red Necklace Elegant and Gothic by littlewaltz (fellow DUST member): http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29124080

LOVE the photo. LOVE the whole mysterious gothic look!
(takes me back to my teenage years!! lol)
Gothic Hooded Shrug: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31697269&ref=em

GORGEOUS - what more can I say?

2009-09-29T22:01:00.009+10:00

I just LLLLUUURVE this image - I think it is just stunningly beautiful. I was quite memerised by its beauty when i saw it in the treasury on etsy "Frozen Tears" tonight:

This GORGEOUS necklace is available from:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6845691

Im not usually one for glitz and glitter, but this treasury stole my heart 8-)

... as blessings rain down on another flock

2009-09-29T13:53:00.003+10:00

Yesterday my favourite little (alpaca) girl was featured in our Tasmanian Newspaper (Page 7 for you local readers). She was the little premature one that i fed with a gastric tube for a long time and I was told she would not live (by the vets - three times!). I fed her for 6 months, the first 2 months were hourly feeds NIGHT and DAY! (it nearly killed me! - I have a document that I wrote regarding this that was published in The Australian Alpaca Association Newsletter if anyone is interested in hearing more about her journey - its a pdf and I would be happy to email it to you on request) My dear friend Irene (85 years young and still brilliantly busy with life) had taken her to "blessing of the Animals" at a nearby church (she popped her in her little van and off they go to little outings together - its lovely!) and she was very well recieved!

Funny how the newspapers just take things for granted .... They printed that she was owned by my friend that took her! (bit peeved at that considering she was such hard work when she was born and i would have liked to be recognised as a stud by this feature). Her full name wasnt even used .. but there you go - you never can trust the media!?!?

BERRYLICIOUS FEATURE by Dance In My Garden

2009-09-27T23:10:00.001+10:00

Wander over to Lu's lovely blog to check out the terrific feature she has done on Berrylicious Buttons ...pssssst! there is also a Berrylicious giveaway!

http://danceinmygarden.blogspot.com/

WEEKEND SALE! ...shop! shop! shop!

2009-09-24T19:30:00.008+10:00

****This weekend I will be participating in Etsy's Weekend Deals. Lots of my lovely DUST team members are also involved in this great sale, so make sure you have a great weekend of shopping up big!

I am offering 10% off your entire order - excluding shipping

across the weekend September 25-27th

*Please include the code 'WEEKEND DEALS' in the message to seller during checkout, and discount will be given as a refund through PayPal

*******MAKE THE MOST OF THIS GREAT DEAL AND STOCK UP FOR ALL YOUR CHRISTMAS and BIRTHDAY PRESENTS! WE ALSO HAVE GREAT DEALS ON MULTIPLE BUYS FOR GREAT SHIPPING SAVINGS!

SHOP & ENJOY! http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7355549

Make your own Snow Dome

2009-09-24T09:46:00.010+10:00

I just LOVE babushka dolls at the moment - isnt she just so lovely?

When I was little I used to love the Christmas snow domes, and wanted my mother to leave them out all year long. Little "J" seems to have inhereited the same love for snowdomes that I have, so I went searching on how to make your own. I thought little handmade fimo characters would be terrific as the ornaments, or even some olf christmas decorations that you no longer hang.

I thought I would share this lovely craft with you all, as I am sure your children (and you!) would love to make some too:

Materials:
Clear Glass Jar with a tight lid (pickle, pimento, jelly, baby food)
Small Waterproof Ornaments,

Figures or Decorations
Distilled Water or Water that has been boiled and cooled

Clear Silicone Sealant (Aquarium Sealant) or Florist Clay
Egg Shells (not sure if the egg shells would discolour the water so that would be a trial) or Foil Confetti
Glitter (I might try sequins)

Glycerin or Mineral Oil

Optional: Plastic Lid to fit inside the jar’s lid,

Circle of Fabric, Ribbon or Lace

1. Choose a Clean Dry Glass Jar - A baby food jar is perfect for a small kids craft, pimento jars have a unique ball shape, and pickle jars are large enough to allow you to add several elements to your scene. Just fit your jar to your desired final effect. Remove any labels and food residue.

2. Plan your Snow Globe Scene - Search your sewing kit and home craft supplies for materials and inspiration. You can make people, animals, trees - you name it - from craft foam. Sewing findings are a great source of small decorations too. Also consider miniatures at the craft or hobby store. Remember to shop the day after a holiday for lots of discounted items!

3. Secure the Figures and Decorations inside the jar lid with silicone sealant or florist clay. In order to elevate the scene so it is in clear view, glue a plastic lid inside the jar lid or build up the area with a little extra florist clay. Be sure to leave the edges clear so you have room to screw on the lid. Set aside to dry.

4. Prepare Your "Snow" using the shell from a hardboiled egg. Separate the shell from the membrane, place in a sturdy ziploc bag, and crush with a rolling pin. Finer particles will fall more slowly in the snow globe and have a more pleasing effect. However, avoid crushing eggshell into a powder as it will simply float in the water instead of falling gently.
Depending upon your theme, you can change your "snow" to go along with it. Try themed confetti available at craft stores to add an interesting element to your creation. If you’re doing a Halloween or Thanksgiving scene, look for foil leaf confetti in fall colors. For Easter you can use foil flower confetti. For a sports theme, use glitter in your favorite team’s colors. The possibilities are endless and ensure that you are creating a one-of-a-kind snow globe!

5. Fill the Snow Globe - When you are pleased with your snow globe scene, fill the jar with distilled water, leaving a little space at the top to accommodate the figures. Add several drops of glycerin to keep the snow suspended and floating properly. Mineral oil or baby oil can also be used in place of the water and glycerin.

6. Add Snow and Glitter - When adding eggshells, make sure you have enough to cover the lid once it has settled to the bottom. Use silver glitter along with the egg shells to make shimmery snow - use one teaspoon of glitter for every inch of water. If you’re adventurous, experiment with different effects. Use a drop or two of colored lamp oil to create a swirling effect. Add food coloring to the water or use different colored glitters.
Close the jar tightly and shake your snow globe. Observe how the snow falls and the overall look. Tweak till you get the desired effect by adding a little more snow, glitter or confetti.

7. Seal the Dome - When you’re sure the figures and scenery are arranged to your satisfaction, and the snow to water ratio looks good, add a bead of silicone sealant around the threads of the lid and close tightly.

8. Add Final Touches - For a more decorative and finished look, cut a circle of pretty fabric a little larger than the jar lid. Secure to the lid with an elastic band. Hot glue a piece of ribbon or lace over the elastic band.
You'll be proud to display and enjoy your original winter crafts snow globe creation.

Have fun making snowdomes! If you make some, send me some pics! I would love to see what you make!

CHRISTMAS!!! CHRISTMAS !!! CHRISTMAS!!! there I said it!

2009-09-23T14:06:00.005+10:00

I know its a horrid word to say this early in the year, but i have been working towards getting my Christmas stock ready for Berrylicious Buttons, and it has put me in a festive mood early! I can honestly say I have never been this organise for the festive season. But this year I am really looking forward to it!

I am usually one of those people that cringe when they see all the Christmassy things going up in the shops, but i have to admit if I dont start getting Berrylicious Buttons ready for the Christmas rush now, I will probably miss it! .. so I have been working on some nice new Christmassy stock for the shop.

My hair clips and hair ties in the "Tinned Delights" range have taken right off and i have been busy making lots of those (FAB for Christmas stocking stuffers or quick gifts for school friends!), along with some Christmas gift tags. I am also making some little felt Christmas decorations, and they will become available soon. There will also be some lovely handmade delights that I will be working on over the upcoming weeks.

I think my new PageMarkers would be fabulous gifts for childrens teachers .. but HURRY! for those, limited stock is available.

I have put a special section in my shop called "The Christmas Shoppe" which will house the Christmas gift tags, decorations and all things Christmassy .. although all my lovely Berrylicious Delights will be lovely well received gifts.

All my orders will be gift wrapped free of charge for Christmas gift giving! (please message me on what items you would like wrapped separately for this service)

.. Tis the season to be Berrylicious, tra la la la la laa laa la la ....

NEW! Berrylicious PageMarkers

2009-09-21T17:41:00.002+10:00

Ive been meaning to make these gorgeous fabric covered button bookmarks for a while, and finally got around to it! They are super cute, and come prettily packaged in a neat little match style inspired packet - just ready for gift giving (or a special treat for yourself!)

I have made the first ones in the Babushka and Cupcake range, which I simply adore at the moment. I think its cute to be able to buy a couple of things in a range to co ordinate gits together as well.

I can make these in any of the delightful designs I have in my "Tinned Delights" range if you prefer any of those designs. I can imagine these would be the perfect gift for "Teachers Christmas Gifts" and great for that quick and easy present. I am sure they would delight most people. Great for bookmarks, cookbook markers, paper organisers, shopping list holders and I love using them to keep my accounts in order.

They are made from a super heavy duty paper clips, and the backs look really neat and tidy:

I only have a limited amount of these nice clips available! So, HURRY! Stocks are limited and are AVAILABLE NOW: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31279063

Introducing Berrylicious Headwraps | Headbands

2009-09-21T17:37:00.000+10:00

I have just made a new range Super cute headwraps! these are great headbands for the little toddlers that may be too young for clips and pony tail elastics. They have a nice non slip backing to them. I have made a few in the Babushka, cupcakes and this nice black and pink Kitty style for starters. They would also suit little ladies and of course the young at heart! They are presented in my neat little Berrylicious Gift Tins!

The headbands would be terrific stocking stuffers for Christmas (yes, sorry!! been thinking of Christmas lately and making lots of things ready for the rush, ready to stock up my shop!)

HURRY! these will be a limited edition release for a short time only. AVAILABLE NOW INSTORE! http://BerryliciousButtons.etsy.com

mmm.. decisions decisions

2009-09-10T20:59:00.001+10:00

Today I made these sweet little cupcake hair clips for a little friend for her 6th birthday.

Im totally head over heels for cupcakes at the moment and I think these type of clips are so much easier for "little ladies" than elastics. Now the only decision is do I make some for my shop?? (I already have elastics in my tinned delights range and think clips will be a nice addition, but I am also aware that quiet a few other people are doing covered buttons on clips and dont want to tread on anyones toes)

The buttons are handmade and handsewn covered buttons made with quality Japanese fabric, and then using a little embroidery thread in a similar colour I have handsewn the buttons onto the clips (is there an easier and neater way??)

What do you all think? will I or wont I? (oooh! they are sooo adorable!)

NEW! Snuggleberries

2009-09-08T17:16:00.003+10:00

Meet Charlie Stumbleweed, Binkys brother. Moonbeam Gloweave (Super cool rock star and lead singer of "The Licorice Allsorts" in Snippetsville) and Lavender Hibiscusleaf ..

Check out their cute and unique stories instore: http://berryliciousbuttons.etsy.com/

BERRYLICIOUS FEATURE by Celeste from ETSY IT UP!

2009-09-08T13:41:00.008+10:00

PLEASE check out this gorgeous feature + giveaway Celeste from ETSY IT UP!
has done about Berrylicious Buttons: http://etsyitup.blogspot.com/2009/09/berrylicious-buttons-giveaway.html

YES! it includes a fab GIVEAWAY from Berrylicious Buttons!
(dont forget to enter!) It is certainly worth winning~!

POSTCARDS from Cosmic Planets

2009-09-07T17:06:00.001+10:00

Today I finished making my "trial" COSMOnaut, what do you think??

He's super cool and cosmic! and just the right size for little hands to hang onto and snuggle. COSMIC cosmonaut and his pals will be available in store soon!

FEATURING: Gone Rustic

2009-09-07T09:24:00.006+10:00

Ive been meaning to tell you all about Rita from GONE RUSTIC for a while. I first met Rita when she purchased a wholesale order of my lovely Oh la la hairsets. She is such a lovely person to deal with and her work is just so stunning.

Rita owns "Gone Rustic" the gallery in St Marys, Tasmania. Pictured above are some of her beautiful works of art. I particularly love her wallhangings. They are beautiful, original and I find them a little mesmerizing! I recently saw one of her gorgeous works at the Hobart Quilt and Craft Fair, where Rita had won a "first" in the quilt exhibition. I stood there stunned at this gorgeous wallhanging for a long, long time before realizing it was one of Ritas gorgeous pieces.

To take a better look at Rita, Gone Rustic and what she does go to: http://www.gonerustic.com/

www.myspace.com/gonerustic? or http://www.gallery37.etsy.com/

For those of you in the state (Tasmania, Australia) Rita is running a ELEMENTS EXHIBITION of mixed media art on the 5- 23rd of October. Please see www.gonerustic.com/Events.html for more information

And the Winner is ....

2009-09-06T20:41:00.001+10:00

CONGRATULATIONS: Our lucky winner of the FLOWERING TREE BOTANICALS $10 SHOPPING SPREE IS: Veri-Tea!

Enjoy spending this lovely voucher! I am almost green!

*Please contact Layla at Flowering Tree Botanicals for your voucher. Voucher must be used prior to 6th October 2009

My New Tinned Delights - Available now in store!

2009-09-04T12:55:00.000+10:00

DeJa Vu and the Ultimate Treat!

2009-09-02T20:29:00.008+10:00

My mother popped around this morning and brought with her the ultimate treat!

She brought her vintage button tin with her for me to fossick through. While I was sifting through all the lovely buttons so many childhood memories came back to me.

Many of the buttons had been in my mothers button tin when I was young and used to play with her buttons way back then! (not much has changed in that regard!) .. many of the buttons were no doubt fashionable back in the 70's and some had Australian Army imprinted into them. I wonder where they have travelled?

There were also some lovely little "bobble" buttons that would be quant little noses or eyes for my new Snuggleberry characters, and some lovely little yellow flower shaped ones!

These lovely little buttons used to be "treasures" to me when I was young, creating bits and bobs with them at our kitchen table. Many a dolls dress made with them .. funny, nearly 30 years later and I am still doing the same thing with the same tin of buttons!

Berry Nice Treasury!

2009-09-01T23:50:00.007+10:00

Take a look at this gorgeous Treasury of all things Berry Nice! http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=79665

Of course it is extra special, as the lovely Maddo has featured me! ... and all the items in this berry nice Treasury are from DUST team members - Thank you Maddo 8-)

OOOhhhh ...Beautiful Ribbons Galore

2009-09-01T21:40:00.014+10:00

My dear friend Luisa popped around for a nice cup of T recently and we got chatting about supplies. Lu has a gorgeous etsy shop called DanceInMyGarden and makes the most beautifully made bib and washie sets along with bunting, Dilly Bags and so much more!(http://danceinmygarden.etsy.com/)

Lu told me about Ribbons Galore .. and I was soooo impressed I wanted to share this lovely online shop with you.

Ribbons Galore have the most beautiful ribbons that I have EVER seen! take a look at these:

They also offer you some great ideas on how to use their fantastic ribbons on their site:

Take a look for yourself: http://www.ribbonsgalore.com.au/index.php

Pretty Pre-Wedding Gift (custom order)

2009-09-01T16:20:00.005+10:00

A little while ago I made one of my mini memory quilts as a custom order for a pre wedding gift for a couple in Ireland. The lovely couple that it was made for have given me the ok to "show the world" (I take privacy very seriously so when I make a custom order, if it contains names and photos etc I will not disclose the item without approval) .. so here it is!

Complete with a photo of the happy couple on fabric in sepia tones, wedding vowels and their names. This little memory quilt was backed with magnets at the customers request. The edging and backing were made with glittery fabric to complete the wedding theme!

To order your own memory quilt please click here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28279921

Delilah Peppersnout

2009-08-30T15:35:00.005+10:00

After showing Binky Stumbleweed to the world the other day, I received a custom order for one of my new little softies in pink .. Please welcome "Delilah Peppersnout!" She is made with nice fluffy polar fleece and finished with some beautiful fashionable locks!

.. Each softie I make will be orginal with its own unique name! .. I wanted to share her with you as she will not be listed on my shop and I am just so fond of her!

The Tooth Fairy

2009-08-28T11:51:00.002+10:00

Yesterday Joshua lost a tooth and normally he puts it under his pillow for the tooth fairy to visit. Its been a while since he has lost one as he is 11 now, so this tooth was rather impressive to him! At bed time I asked him where his tooth was and he said "Im going to hide it, because I want to keep this one. I will leave it out for the Tooth Fairy tomorrow night after I have showed all my friends at school tomorrow" I proceeded to tell him that the Tooth Fairy doesnt make deals to my knowledge and that if it wasnt left out tonight, I am sure that it would be unlikely that she would return for it.

When I went to find his tooth after he was sound asleep, I found a little note he had written to the Tooth Fairy! It was sooooo cute it made me melt, and I just wanted to share it with you:

Dear Tooth Fairy, I want to show my friends my tooth and put it under my pillow tomorrow If you dont get the money for it take it, its under my patch in this pillow. p.s. can you plz right underneath just so i know if you took it or not p.s.s. I did not mean to be greedy or rude
love Joshua

Heres a SNEAKY PEAK

2009-08-27T18:07:00.005+10:00

For all of you lovelies that like to see a sneak peak of new and upcoming products, here is a special treat! I have had my tinned delights in the woodwork for a while. I found it very difficult to find just the right tins, but I am delighted with the end result - I am hoping you are too!

I have just ordered some gorgeous Japanese fabrics in little cupcake and russian doll prints (along with a bundle of other cute deigns) and will be eager to start making some really cute little tinned delights with those when they arrive. I find it very difficult to find nice prints in pure cotton that have little pictures small enough to fit on the 23mm buttons I use, so I was delighted to find some of these nice little prints today.

This gorgeous "ROSE" set (pictured above top) is the first set to be made in my new "tinned delights range" and will become available shortly. I hope to offer a huge selection of colour choices for both young and the young at heart... what are your favourite colours at the moment?

Introducing .. Binky Stumbleweed

2009-08-26T13:50:00.003+10:00

I set about to make some of my litttle dream characters today, and came up with this little fellow "Binky Stumbleweed", bit of a serious looking fellow isnt he?

Although he needs a little bit of polishing here and there, I am quite happy with the outcome .. what do you think?

PSSSSSTTTTTT!!! Theres a secret I want to tell you!

2009-08-25T17:42:00.003+10:00

Last night I had the strangest dream! I had some lovely little bright coloured characters running around doing wierd and wacky things in my house! giggling and playing hide and seek!

As a result, I have decided to make some little cute soft cuddlies that represent these friendly little characters! .... stay tuned for futher details!

Happiness is Bright Fabrics!

2009-08-24T14:54:00.004+10:00

After alot of spring fever in my house last week, I decided to clean out my work studio and get organised a little better. I am the type of person that needs to have a a clean, tidy and organised work area to have a clear head for designing new products and thought I would have a spruce up of my studio work room.

I came across some lovely bright fabrics that I purchased some time ago for a large single quilt, and decided I had better start using them to enjoy them. At this point I am not sure of whether it will be a quilt for Joshua or an item for my shop!

When I quilt, I always spend most of my time designing what blocks to make and put together, and what the features will be. I very rarely use pre made patterns as I like to design the quilts myself and make them original. .. so with this fun bubbly fabric I decided to be a bit random - cut, sew and put it together!.

I just love the little alien print .. its so happy and fun! Arent the colours just so fun and delightful?

Flowering Tree Botanicals Feature + Giveaway

2009-08-22T13:30:00.006+10:00

Remember when I was looking for a nice gift for my mother in law recently? I ran into Layla from Flowering Tree Botanicals on etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=3293 and decided to place an order with her to see what her products were like... they look good enough to eat! .. well, my order arrived last week and i was delighted! (although they looked so good Lola my mother in law pinched one of mine to add to her birthday present I had already given her!)

Layla makes gorgeous soaps, bath bombs and beauty products. I ordered a few different soaps (my favourite being the coconut ice soap, but i also adore the shower steam discs!)

"Flowering Tree Botanicals carries over 600 delicious herbs and spices, fragrant teas and all natural bath and beauty products to soothe and relax your body and soul. We have over 100 varieties of fizzing bath bombs in stock! "

What I particularly like about Layla's shop is the fact that Flowering Tree botanicals is proud to donate a healthy portion of every purchase to It's Meow or Never Animal Rescue & Sanctuary, a non-profit, no-kill animal rescue organization. The products are never tested on animals ... only happy humans!"

As a special bonus to my blog readers Layla has offered a $10 shopping spree to giveaway to one lucky reader. To enter this competition please:

1. Follow this blog

2. Write your answer to this question on the comments section here on this post - what is your favourite product and why in Layla's etsy shop http://floweringtreebotanicals.etsy.com/

3. Extra points are added to your entry for those that follow both Berrylicious Buttons and Layla on face book or Laylas blog - here are the links: http://floweringtreebotanicals.blogspot.com/ http://www.facebook.com/floweringtreebotanicals

The lovely $10 spree will be drawn on 5th September and will be announced here on my blog. You have to be in it to win it, so make sure you put your entry in!

*For those of you that are fascinated by the world of the Twilight Series, Layla makes a range of Twilight inspired products too! check them out at her etsy shop!

http://www.etsy.com/search_results_shop.php?search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_3293&search_query=twilight

A little Note for those that love freebies (and beautiful art):

2009-08-22T13:13:00.003+10:00

I just love original art and came across CindyDouglass recently on etsy. Pictured above is one of Cindys gorgeous works of art: Fireworks04 Over Water Oil Painting

Cindy dropped me a message throught the week to pass on to my freinds that she is running a giveaway at the moment. For those interested here is her message:

"It appears your blog is really taking off! Congratulations! It looks great. Just thought I'd let you know that I will be giving away a free custom ACEO (playing card sized art) of the winner's choice when I receive 250 fans to this page:http://www.facebook.com/CindyDouglassArtistNo purchase necessary by anyone. Just become a fan of my artwork. Easy, huh? I'd greatly appreciate if you would post this in your freebies/giveaway section. "

.. no probs, Cindy - DONE!

SPRING HAS SPRUNG competiton WINNER!

2009-08-14T23:14:00.002+10:00

Thank you to all the great entries in my quick comp this week!

You have all offered terrific ideas.. I particularly like Sunweeds Secret Gardens idea about christmas decorations (BTW I simply love your beautiful creations and love having you on pop in to my little blog .. i did not realise how similar our things were until i looked at your blog tonight!)

..but ... (drum roll) .. the winner is: DEBORAH GIBSON! your suggestion of leaving them to use for mulitple uses has prompted me to make a variety of things with them rather than just one! (they are just too cute to be restricted!!!) *Deb, please contact me within 14 days with your mailing address to claim your prize!

Scrumptious Gift Tags, Journaling Tags, Customer Tags ...

2009-08-14T13:10:00.005+10:00

My new gift tags are berry scrumptious!

Available NOW! Each set comes with 24 gift tags the neat little ring clip and fabric or ribbon bow that is pictured. These lovely gift cards are made from thick good quality designer cardstock. Some of these delightful tags have pretty embossed glitter and they each measure 11.5cm x 5.8cm with a pretty scallop top. Each tag has a clean white backing that is ideal for that personal message or journal note.

Dreamin' of the 60's and the Whole Flower Power Experience ...

2009-08-11T15:48:00.012+10:00

Pictured Above: Lets GO! Calypso, Berry Delicious, Woodland Wonder ..... See my previous post on how to win one of these gorgeous flowers!

I think all these flowers I am making today are a combination of wishing for the cold wintery days to be gone (bring on Summer!) and listening to the Damien Leith CD "Catch the Wind" while I am working!

Its very much like listening to John Denver and I *blush* admit that I would have loved to be around in the 60's when all things were flowers and beautiful!

Spring has SPRUNG! at Berrylicious + Free Giveaway Competition

2009-08-11T14:12:00.008+10:00

I have been working on some new Berrylicious Flowers today to encourage spring to arrive! They look gorgeous all together in their Berry inspired colours, and now i am wondering what i should make them into ...

TO ENTER: Please cast your vote + follow my blog:

Magnets ?

Brooches ?

Hair Clips ?

or just to leave the backs plain to let who ever purchases them into anything they want

(ie to sew on a scarf or hat, cushion, scrapbooking or to make them into what ever they feel they would dazzle up) ?

I was planning on magnets, but i am keen to hear what everyone thinks they would like them as?.. maybe you have a new idea that I have not thought of ? .. Cast your vote to win!

Competiton will be drawn 14th August - HURRY! to cast your vote by leaving your choice in the comments on this post.

(Winner will be announced here on the 15th Aug)

Inner Earth Soaps Giveaway

2009-08-10T08:29:00.002+10:00

Remember back in July I featured Inner Earth Soaps from Bondi? http://berryliciousbuttons.blogspot.com/2009/07/featuring-innerearthsoaps-gorgeous.html

Well.... Erin is doing a amazing giveaway on her blog at the moment and I thought you all may be interested! .. simply to good to be true!

Check it out at http://innerearthsoaps.blogspot.com/

Featuring: Elly Nelly

2009-08-09T19:26:00.011+10:00

A few weeks ago, i was wandering around etsy relishing in all the gorgeous wares and discovered "Elly Nelly" and their beautiful wall graphics. I absolutely love Elly Nellys lovely designs - I think they are classic and beautiful and often find myself wandering around my home imagining what i can put where, and thought i would share their wonderful talent with you all:

I particularly like Maurice Monkey (pictured above) .. he is soooo cheeky and mischievious I have to admit I have fallen in love with him! The opening blurb in Elly Nellys etsy shop sums up exactly what i think is so wonderful about their gorgeous wall graphics:

Beautiful and fun images created for you by designers who want to enable you to quickly & inexpensively transform any room into a happy and artistic space. These designs are easily applied and look great on walls, windows, mirrors, fridges, tiles, ceilings, bathrooms, toilets. Any smooth clean surface is suitable! No need to knock holes in walls, these artworks are self-adhesive yet removable (not reusable) when you are ready for a change and a new graphic! With our great choice of designs you will have no excuse, you can create without picking up a paintbrush.You're in control. That plain wall, that ordinary mirror can become a feature in next to no time! And once you've seen for yourself how clever you can be you'll be back for more of our constantly evolving collection.

Elly Nelly is a mother and daughter team, Elaine & Nell Oliver. Elaine lives in Cairns, Australia, while Nell is based in New York City, USA. They are both textile designers with an intense interest in patten. With their own unique creative approach to design they were inspired to set up their own studio. Their aim is to produce a creative range of designs using different mediums. Wall graphics were the first to be developed and the complete range can be seen here at http://www.ellynelly.etsy.com/

They now have a range of prints available http://www.ellynellyprints.etsy.com/
A fusion of hand illustration and stylized modern graphics bring the Elly Nelly series alive. From simple organic and nature inspired designs to delicate prints and patterns of all kinds, Elly Nelly hope you love and enjoy their designs as much as they love and enjoy creating them.

(pictured above) Meadow Study One - PRINT by ellynelly

WHERE TO FIND ELLY NELLY:
contact@ellynelly.com http://www.ellynelly.etsy.com/ http://www.ellynelly.com/

TableScapesCompany Competition Winner Announcement!

2009-08-08T13:28:00.009+10:00

Hello all ... Thank you to all the fantastic entries in our first (of many to come) competition - all the entries were very good and it was hard to choose a winner from those submitted. Our lucky winner of the beautiful Fabric Napkin Set from Heather at TableScapesCompany is Emily Gale, here is her fantastic entry:

"A paper napkin is like a one-night stand: fun and convenient at the time, but grubby and used the next day. Cloth sticks around. Cloth wants to know what you’re having for dinner the next day, and the next. Paper = commitment-phobe. Cloth = true love"

Note to Emily: to claim your prize, please make contact with Berrylicious Buttons at: Berryliciousbuttons@gmail.com providing your shipping address for Heather to send your lovely prize to you! * Contact must be made within 14 days or the prize will go back up for grabs!

This is the gorgeous prize that Emily has won! We hope you enjoy your prize Emily, and make sure you show off your lovely napkins to all your friends!

For all those that are admiring Emilys lovely prize, please visit TableScrapesCompany at

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7219812 for your own fantastic fabric napkins to cherish.

A special thankyou to Heather at TableScapesCompany for offering this wonderful prize. I would also like to thank all those that entered, please keep entering our competitions, your entries were all fantastic! - luck may be on your side for our next great competition! x

Reflections on childhood treasures

2009-08-07T22:18:00.008+10:00

I have spent the evening both trying to come to a conclusion on who our winner is for the Fabric Napkin Competition brought to you by Berrylicious Buttons and TableScapesCompany and sewing Joshua's dearly beloved PigWigs ears back together - what a combination!

As i sat sewing PigWigs poor worn out ears back together as best i could, i wondered how it is a child chooses his or her favourite childhood toy? Is it like a love at first sight type thing or a soul mate situation? Or is it nothing in particular that draws the two together? and what of those children that never have such a toy, such a treasure? who do they confide their deepest darkest secrets with and snuggle into of a night when the dark looks eery in bed?

It is bizarre that Joshua had some lovely teddys and other gorgeous toys given to him when he was young by family members and friends but none took his fancy in the slightest, until one day (at 6mths of age) my sister Deb met us in the city for a cup of coffee and gave Josh PigWig .. I remember his gleeming eyes as he grabbed him with his chubby little baby fingers and has not let him go since! (Josh is now 11!)

... PigWig is a funny old character, he is sewn together to resemble Piglet from Winnie the Pooh, but to us he has become someone entirely different - a family member even! I remember buying a "reserve" piggy for the time we thought we had lost him (and found him deep in the depths of Joshies bed later that day after turning the house upside down 10 times over looking for him) and i must admit even i could tell he wasnt PigWig. PigWig ("Piggy" on his affectionate days) has gone on road trips, interstate holidays, to the supermarket, to the hospital, to the market, off on adventures all over the place, he has been lost and found numerous times and he has even had a bounce or two on the trampoline over the years ..but i am sure nothing could have prepared him for the Grade 5 camp!! (poor PigWig was hidden in the dark depths of Joshies sleeping bag hiding from the horrid tortures of boys that may like to ridicule him entirely!).

[Josh drew this little card for me about 18 mths ago to give me courage when i am sick. I have had a particularly bad week pain wise this week so it is ironic that i have written about this tonight .. he said piggy gives him courage and he will give me courage too! I use this little picture for my profile picture on facebook and it reminds me of the courage Joshua gives me to to trudge on, on a daily basis - come what may Piggy is there to give us all courage!]

PigWig has become threadbare and resembles a colour that isnt quite pink anymore regardless of the amount of washing you give him... but yet, it does not surprise me that he is still tucked perfectly under Joshuas chin sound asleep as i write this x

(our competition winner will be announced tomorrow morning!)

Introducing Little Treasures .. ..

2009-08-05T15:56:00.017+10:00

"Latte Cupcake" Little Treasure

"VanillaStrawberrySwirl Cupcake" Little Treasure

"Strawberry Lemon Cupcake" Little Treasure

Today I have made some lovely new hair clips in a new range I am calling "Little Treasures" ... Little Treasures is a new range that I am now working on progressively that will be bright, fun and a little naive! "Little Treasures" may mean a variety of things, it could be a treasured clip, a precious gift for a little treasure, or a treasure that will keep your childhood alive (it could also mean lots of other things to you of course!). I have called the fabric flower Little Treasures "Cupcakes" .. i think they simply look sweet enough to eat!

Pictured Above: Crochet Layer Cotton Flower Little Treasure, Cotton and Button Little Treasure, LATTE Cupcake Little Treasure, and Mohair Magic Little Treasure

I sure hope you all like them as much as I do!

Getting Organised ..

2009-08-03T21:10:00.008+10:00

VINTAGE Oh la la Hair Set VOGUE Oh la la Hair Set COUNTRY ROADS Oh la la H/Set

NEWLY LISTED ITEMS: http://berryliciousbuttons.etsy.com/ only $9.90US a set!

Today was great in so many ways, i finally feel as though i have achieved something! .. although i have been UNBELIEVABLY busy over the last few weeks, it is all coming together so well! I just wished i had more time in the day!

I have been anxiously waiting on quite a few supply orders to arrive and received some today! (its like christmas morning most days at my home at the moment when the post man arrives!). I have been asked by many for childrens hair clips, and I have some really cute and pretty ideas for some childrens hair accessories to compliment my current ranges... so watch out for those! (*if you would like to be contacted when they are released please contact me on the email: Berryliciousbuttons@gmail.com)

What else is new? I am also curently working on some little gift cards, and tags to add to my shop! I have a real obsession with pretty papers and cupcakes at the moment and thought there is no better way to show them off than in a new range of cards. I am also making some super large paperclip bookmarks which are gorgeous!

I have also been madly trying to arrange some new packaging materials (days and days of measuring, annoying friends with asking their opinions, visiting a million and one online shops across the word, measuring some more, asking EVERYONE a million times of what they like out of the choices, measuring some more, asking some more .... and PHEW! yes! i placed an order!!! - *all my friends and family now sigh with relief!*)

.... and I cant wait to put this into place! It is sure to make my range look more professional and chic, and will be applying this to an exclusive range .. I am my own worse enemy and keep trying to perfect everything! (that is until i come up with a better idea!) I think great packaging really makes or breaks a product, and as a designer I am so obsessed with the way my products look, so I am hoping that my recent purchase will really make mine look fab! (ooooh!!! all soooo secretive!!!)

What do you think of my newly listed Oh la la Hair Accessories (pictured above - more instore on etsy) ... comments?

FEATURING: Clackamascrochetchic

2009-07-29T18:45:00.009+10:00

I dont know about you, but I am just loving all things crocheted at the moment! I guess I am a little envious as I never been able to knit or crochet, even though i have tried! Lisa from clackamascrochetchic on etsy makes some wonderful crocheted goodies that are really very nicely made and well priced. I simply love the little washcloths (pictured above) and Lisa makes them in a range of gorgeous colours.

Lisa says "I have been crocheting for about 16 years and I love to crochet and that's why I have my shop on etsy. It also allows me to be home more with my 2 daughters who are 2 1/2 and 11 weeks. I love making cute things for people to wear and feel special in. My little girls flower flapper hats have been a big hit for baby shower gifts" ... well i think Lisa's little bags are just as gorgeous ! Lisa also makes womens hats which are lovely as well!

Lisa has offered all Berrylicious Blog readers a special offer: FREE SHIPPING! to make the most of this great offer please select your purchases, proceed to check out and type "Berrylicious Blog" in your message to the seller. Lisa will refund you the shipping price... this offer is for a limited time, so please make the most of it and treat yourself, your littlies or a lucky friend to a beautiful gift!

VISIT LISA's SHOP - CLACKAMASCROCHETCHIC on ETSY: http://clackamascrochetchic.etsy.com/

I have been featured!

2009-07-29T12:34:00.000+10:00

I have been featured on this great blog! check it out! http://blog.hand-craftedcreations.com/2009/07/berrylicious-buttons-hair-and-clothing.html
comments????

JUST GORGEOUS Oh la la Felt Flower Hair Accessories

2009-07-28T12:34:00.004+10:00

I have just finished making my new felt flower hair accessories. I am starting to make a range of clips and ties that are suitable for littlies fingers (they are also for the big girls too!). These are the first in this new range. The customer can choose whether they are sewn to a clip or a nice sturdy hair elastic and colours are listed for easy choice selection .. hope you like them!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28450623

FEATURING: innerearthsoaps - GORGEOUS handcrafted soaps made in Australia

2009-07-23T22:15:00.008+10:00

GORGEOUS HANDMADE SOAPS: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6074112

I had been looking for some lovely handmade soaps for my mother in laws birthday when i came across Erin at Innerearthsoaps. I had searched high and low on etsy for soaps by an Australian soap maker (I had, as usual, left it to the last minute to try and source a great gift and had no time to have any shipped from the US)

I finally found Erin after searches and searches and looking through listings and listings! ... and I am so very pleased i did!

The order was sent out promptly and when i received it everything was packaged so very beautifully and carefully - you could tell that Erin strives to treat all her customers well and takes care when packaging things off to customers (not just shoved in a bubble bag without so much as a second thought, as i have experienced on other occassions from OTHER sellers). The box was neatly packaged and each soap packed invidually with a label marking each type and ingredients. All were made with the utmost of care and presented simply but beautifully. They were packed in a box with good fill that ensured they got to me safely and in the same condition they were sent in (i'm very big on presentation and correct packaging - i like my things to arrive just as they have left me too and give the customer a nice little buzz unwrappng their new items!). Erin also included some nice little samples which i am thrilled with as i will not get to use the ones i purchased due to being a gift! I can thoroughly recommend innerearthsoaps, and will definately be back for more!

"Erin is a soapmaker in Bondi Beach who makes hers soaps completely from scratch using the cold process method. She uses the highest quality oils, butters, botanicals, therapeutic clays, essential and fragrance oils in her soaps. They have a silky, bubbly lather that cleanses the skin gently wihtout stripping it of its natural oils. No more dry, tight feeling ... her handmade soap is a world of difference from commercial soap! With well over 300 sales on her Etsy shop and not one unhappy customer, I would definitely recommend checking it out here at http://www.innerearthsoaps.etsy.com/."

OK... Here it is WEEK ONE COMPETITION! Courtesy of TableScapesCompany

2009-07-23T11:33:00.003+10:00

Heather of TableScapesCompany is kindly offering these gorgeous napkins as a fantastic prize for this weeks competition!

To enter simply become a follower of this blog (click on follow this blog on top left) OR become a fan on facebook (see box on left for link) and write in 50 words or less why everyone should stop using paper napkins (please email entries to Berryliciousbuttons@gmail.com) The lucky winner will be announced on Friday 7th August and the gorgeous napkins will be sent directly to the winner from Heather. Goodluck!

To view this beautiful prize please visit: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25186853

Hand Quilted Wallhanging

2009-07-23T10:52:00.000+10:00

This is a recent custom order i have created for a lovely young family with two little girls as a housewarming gift for their new home. They had recently lost everything they owned in the Victorian Bushfires. To me it represented the two little girls I was sewing it for, supporting each other as sisters and felt it was very fitting. It was hand quilted and edges with handmade pure cotton bias with a leafy print. The flowers were embellished with mother of pearl sequin detail. I would happily make another if you like this one, i really enjoyed this project! Comments?

Stay Tuned ..

2009-07-23T10:43:00.001+10:00

Later today I will be posting a competiton for you to win a beautiful set of napkins from TableScapesCompany .... be sure to check back for details!

Featuring: Heather from TableScapesCompany on etsy

2009-07-22T20:52:00.001+10:00

"I create handmade, cotton coth napkins. I have always loved fabrics, and started making napkins about 2 years ago when I became fed up at how many paper towels and paper napkins my little family of 3 was using. One day, I bought some cotton fabric, made 4 napkins, and have never bought another roll of paper towels or a package of paper napkins since! I decided to start selling them on Etsy, because I loved creating (hopefully) one-of-a-kind looks, and I wanted to convince people to give up paper towels and napkins. I've been on Etsy about 3 months, and have only had 4 sales, but I'm still creating and listing, and trying to promote like crazy!I try to find fabrics that remind me of something in my life; just today, I happened to come across some fabric in a discount store that just filled me with images of my beloved grandmother, who passed away a few years ago. It's unusual fabric...it's kind of a deep robin's egg blue with cardinals, finches and bluebirds on it. I hope to have it listed soon, and I hope it touches someone else as it has touched me. Plus I hope to convince one more person to at least give cloth napkins a try! :)

The item i would like to feature today is: Cloth Napkins, 4 in a Set, Cowboy Americana Print with Yellow Backing http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27193121- Adorable cowboy design reminiscent of American decorating in the fifties and sixties. I think these are just gorgeous and would love to pack them in my picnic basket!

"This cloth napkin set is a great accessory for those who like to decorate in the "Mad Men" style! Size is approximately 14 x 14, and can be folded in a variety of ways for a formal dinner or luncheon, or a casual get together. Also great for use everyday....use instead of paper towels and paper napkins to save money and the environment!All TableScapeCompany cloth napkins are made double layers for added strength, durability and a more polished look. These are not like the less expensive single-layer napkins you may find in discount stores. My double-layer napkins will last much longer! The yellow fabric that serves as the backing on this napkin is made with a cotton blend...not sure of the exact material, since I "saved" it from being thrown away!These make great birthday gifts for moms, grandmothers, aunts, girlfriends! Also makes a creative and thoughtful wedding or bridal shower gift!"

SEE ALL OF TableScapesCompany's GORGEOUS ITEMS AT: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7219812

Featuring Gorgeous Things!

2009-07-22T20:45:00.000+10:00

Over the last couple of days I have come to the decision that i would like to feature some of my favourite etsy sellers and their lovely handmade wares in my blog. I am so overwhelmed by how many gorgeous things i come across on etsy and would like to keep a record of the items (and people!) that come my way for various reasons.

I am hoping to be able to offer a few freebies in the way of competitions, so stay tuned in order to win some lovely handmade goodies!

If you would like to be featured on my blog please contact me for further details!

2009-07-19T22:47:00.000+10:00

Today has been wonderful - I have spent a truly lovely day with my little one that i can hardly believe turned eleven years old today. It only seems like yesterday that he was born, and although I am happy he is maturing and turning into a responsible and sensitive young man i cannot help but feel sadness that he is no longer a baby and alot of the innocence of childhood are no longer there.

This year we had a very low key event and it almost seemed strange not to be catering for hords of children and making the usual party food fare.

This year his presents were different than usual and i wanted to test the waters on how he accepts both child like gifts and mature presents. I was very rapt to be one of the lucky people to have managed to purchase a lovely rabbit called Roger from Julie of Little Cotton Rabbits ihttp://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7065742&ga_search_query=LCR&ga_search_type=seller_usernames in the UK. He is so well made and a true delight. I have had this gift tucked away for a little time and i was delighted to see the sheer glee in Joshuas eyes when he opened him. He has taken him to bed now and tucked him under his chin. It is lovely to see that he still has such innocence - being a eleven year old boy these days seems to not allow innocence by others.

The other was a handmade journal (pictured above) from a lady in the US called Bindingbee http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6032235 . Her work is very unusual .. but very much the type of thing that i had in mind when i set out on the journey of finding "just the right" journal for Josh. I hope that this book becomes very much his personal space of freedom and somewhere he may be able to loose himself in. Its a lovely leather covered handmade book with handmade paper and Meg glued in some old envelopes for his special bits and bobs to be put in, together with some photo corners and some other treasures. I am hoping this book becomes something he can reflect back on to as he grows. If it seems fit i may even write some little things into it for him to read to lift his spirits after i am gone for times he feels lonely or abandoned or perhaps words that i would have liked to say to him at the time when his first child is born, or the day he may be married or what have you. We will see where this goes and will work together under Josh's direction for what this is to become. It is quite the "merlin" book with an old handstitched rusted washer on the cover and an antique key hanging as a book marker. The message in the insode of the cover reads "This is the key to your mothers heart, the key that only you will ever hold"

Tomorrow is a new day, we will see what it brings.

Phew .. a sunday and no work!

2009-07-12T21:47:00.000+10:00

Well... it has been a nice change just doing some family things today. It has been a while since i have had a "lazy" Sunday!

Berrylicious is doing nicely and i am happy with the way it is going so far. I have completed some really nice custom orders and last week made a whopping 20 pony tail holder sets with printed logos for House of Dance (Tas) .. they were all handsewn because the logos needed to be centred on each of the 60 buttons... a huge job but very rewarding to see the end result.

It has become very cold here and i think perhaps the coldest winter i have know for some time. The chooks are loving being outside all day fosiking in the garden for nice little grubs and worms.

I discovered that we have a "resident" bunny in the vegetable garden today. I feel a little like Mr McGregor and scatting him away everytime i see him, but i feel there must not be too much to eat for him elsewhere at the moment, as he continues to risk his life to put his little nose back in my garden and doesnt bother too much when he sees me now. He has thoroughly enjoyed all my little carrots and taken the top clean off my silverbeet. ... oh well... at least he is not hungry!

2009-06-23T21:40:00.000+10:00

Everyone has a story and ours is still being written, but in the end the moral will be: act with your heart, accomplish with your mind, and be in your spirit."

2009-06-21T21:59:00.001+10:00

What a funny day it has been today. Berrylicious buttons is becoming a very big part of my day, and completed my first custom order of 10 hair accessory sets! how exciting! I am very happy with them and think the presentation looks fantastic

2009-05-01T13:05:00.016+10:00

Hello,
I appreciate you dropping in and hope you find something that interests you in my little blog.

My name is Susan and I am a 37 years old mother of one. I simply love beautiful handmade things and was delighted when i discovered etsy! I spent a long time relishing in the delights of etsy as a buyer and admirer before opening my own Etsy shop called Berrylicious Buttons.

I have always been a crafter (of many types and forms), and was a full time graphic designer before being diagnosed with terminal cancer approx 2 years ago. I turned to craft for relaxation and to make beautiful things for my son to keep as life treasures after I am gone .. I love making other people happy and thought perhaps others may like some of my treasures as well and Berrylicious Buttons evolved.

I was given a button box of my grandmas after she passed away and my son and I have had an obsession with them ever since! we would sit and play with them for hours, first sorting colours, then shapes and then Joshua would keep his "precious" ones to the side ... I love the history they have to offer, the pretty designs and shapes, where have they been and what have they seen in their life? The colours are endless and they remind me of a treasure chest of gems and jewels!

Pictured Above: I made this lovely pencil roll for Joshua from Grandmas buttons sewn on the cover in a wave of colours backed with a lovely piece of ruby red velvet from one of her dresses. The internal fabric were upholstry fabrics that grandma had in her fabric stash. The pencil roll is extra special to Josh as he had a special bond with grandma and he always loved her button box.. often as a young toddler he wanted to play with her buttons and i was worried they would end up getting lost or misplaced. This is now a treasure he can keep without the buttons disapearing!

I live on a beautiful rural property just south of Hobart in Tasmania (Australia) where I spend my days dreaming, creating, designing, gardening, baking, and breeding alpaca with my lovely family .. (I have gorgeous 'raw' fleeces available in both Suri and Huacaya for sale every year in December/January for those that may be interested). I love to surround myself with animals, and some of my lovely furry or feathered friends may pop up here and there in my blog from time to time!
This is my 20 year old cat "Weegie" (her real name is Megan but my nephew could never say her name properly when he was little so she ended up being called "weegie")

Pictured Above: This is what i wake up to every morning out of my bedroom window - Bliss!
We are so very fortunate that on our gorgeous property we have an abundance of local birds and wildlife that come to visit us and delight us with their antics! There is a river that runs through our property where you can sit and enjoy the natural beauty and ponder the days events ... and if you are lucky enough, you can watch platypus play ...

Pictured Above: Monet Silhouette and mum grazing happily behind

Pictured Above: Shura (our gorgeous German Shephard) pictured with Princess Irina the alpaca baby (baby alpacas are called "cria") .. Princess Irina was born 5 months premature and we are very blessed that she is still with us and doing very well.

Whats going on behind the scenes at Berrylicious at the moment? ... As per usual, I have a million and one projects on the go! (and a million more in my head!) at present im really enjoying making my 'Little Treasures' Range of hair accessories, I am finding myself obsessed with pretty designer papers and papercrafts .. and cupcakes! ...(stay tuned for some new Berrylicious treats there) and I am working on some beautiful hand pieced and raggy quilts for my etsy shop! ..

Pictured above: Some of my memory quilts that i have made .. I love creating fabric memories for people to treasure! (these particular two were wallhangings) They are made with old photographs printed onto fabric and sewn together with snippets of lace and buttons ... they really are scrapbooking in fabric! My mini memory quilts are made the same way: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28279921

I have recently made a beautiful pre wedding memory quilt for a customer and it turned out simply gorgeous! . It included their names, a wedding vow quote written in fancy text and their photo!

Pictured Above: This was my first attempt at quiting (quite a grand project for a beginner - its a double!) I made this for Joshuas bed as a birthday gift a few years back. All the appliques were hand stitched and little wizzard and medieval type buttons were sewn on here and there. It is backed with a lovely soft sage green chenille. This project was so rewarding and got me totally hooked on quilting!

Please drop me a line to say "hello" .. I would love to hear from you!
Warmest wishes and may all your days be Berrylicious

♥ Susan