It’s My Job

I am glued to the television.  CNN is showing live pictures of Hawaii, where my daughter, Emily, is stationed.  I already knew this, but the feed line at the bottom states that 4 American warships have pulled out of port.  She is on one of them.

I went to my Navy For Mom’s web site where I am a member of a group of Moms with children on her specific ship.  They told me that all of the sailors were recalled to the ship for immediate departure, and not to worry.

So then I texted my daughter, in case she was already on ship, and she called me to say she was driving to the base and she would give me updates whenever possible and not to worry.

As I sit here watching, I feel like I’m holding my breath…and I am worried.  I’m the Mama.  It’s my job.

Just Rewards

If you read my monthly Newsletter, you know how excited my niece, Grace, is about her China buttons.  The reverence she shows when holding them and the excitement in her voice when she tells you all she knows about China buttons is contagious.

Here is Grace, studying some of her buttons newly acquired from Aunt Jill’s poke buckets; a reward for her, and her brothers, for helping me to break down my booth after a recent show.  A fair wage, in her eyes!

But make no mistake, her favorite buttons are her Chinas, or as she puts it “Chiiiiinas!!”

It makes me giddy to hear her be so excited about such a small thing.  It makes me all the more resolved to share my enthusiasm for buttons with as many people as I can and hope that it rubs off.  It begs the question: Do I feed Grace’s passion or does she feed mine?  Can we, as adults, help our children discover those things that make them passionate, and thereby feed our own passions?

                   ( Calico China buttons, about 1/2” in diameter )

If you read the story in the Newsletter, you are also aware that most adults between the ages of, shall we say, 16 and 40, think that buttons, and for the most part all things textile related, is something that “old ladies” do and thus perpetuate a stereotype.  I know that I have, personally, had no luck in persuading my own daughter to appreciate sewing, buttons, quilting or the like, and I am sorely disappointed….but only for myself.  Emily, my youngest child, is serving in the United States Navy and doing things I never imagined she could do.  She gives everything she does 200% of her effort and she is my inspiration.

While Emily may never share my love of fabric and buttons, I can continue to inspire others to know more about their craft through my books, lectures and classes, as well as through this blog and my Newsletter.  I invite you to find ways to inspire others and help fuel their passion.  I promise you that you will be rewarded for your efforts in surprising and heartwarming ways!

 

                                                       (Our Emily)

A “bead-utiful” Time Was Had By All!

Another class I taught in Sun Lakes was the Beaded Button Bracelet. 

We had a ball and everyone learned a great and stylish way to use their buttons with no harm to the buttons!  They may look deep in concentration, but they really are smiling!

This is my favorite and fantabulous Sister-in Law, Jeannine, who helped me with my classes and shows.  She is my cheerleader deluxe.  Here she is working on her bracelet.  Too much fun!!!

Button Necklaces on Parade.

While I was in Phoenix at the Quilt, Craft and Sewing Festival I met several talented ladies wearing a variety of button necklaces.  Here are a few of them.  Enjoy and be inspired!

Isn’t It Romantic?

 

These are the ladies from the Sun Lakes (AZ) Sew ‘N’ Sews who took my bag class.  We embellished the fronts of the bags and they finished them at home.  Aren’t they lovely?  You can make your own using the instructions in my Busy With Buttons book.

Here is another option.  I used images from The Vintage Workshop and printed them on printable fabric.  You could use a picture of your Valentine, as well!  Happy Valentines Day!

On With The Show!

It’s been a while since I have been able to write and I’m anxious to get back to it!  I had the opportunity to meet and share ideas with many people while I was in Arizona and I have some photos to share with you of projects made by these clever and talented ladies.  I’ll share one each day, so you have something to look forward to.

Meantime, I am working on some wonderful new projects and I hope to be able to share them with you very soon.  I hope you’ll stay with me.  I promise it will be worth it!

This fabulous collection of “address tags” was made by one of the ladies in the Sun Lakes (AZ) “Sew ‘N Sew’s.  Ann Marie made it in her stamping group.  Each lady made cards with her personal info on the back and decorated the front. 

Then the ladies traded cards with each other and now they have a one-of-a-kind address book!

Ann Marie saw the “Button Topped tags” in my Busy With Buttons book and then created her card in a similar fashion. The letters stamped spell her name and, of course, she chose some great buttons to embellish her cards! Can you use this with your friends or group?  Be sure to share with me if you do!!