Jillions of Buttons

Love Those Roses!

2011-12-31T21:47:00.000-08:00

I am normally giddy with anticipation on New Year's Eve. I know that when I wake in the morning I will get to watch the Tournament of Roses Parade! Alas, I will be forced to wait an extra day this year.

Roses have always had a way of making me sentimental. The first perfume I ever wore was rose scented. Rose is the flower for June babies such as myself. I enjoy growing roses in my garden (although I have not been so successful here in Colorado!). To seal the deal I was privileged to be a "Petal Pusher", not once, but twice!

I remember it rained both years. The float barn is so cold! There are supervisors running around making certain that we are busily buzzing around the floats; time is ticking! When our shift is over we are sore, tired, frozen, and there is glue everywhere! All I want to know is....when can we do it again?
Then the big day arrives. We gather before dawn at the prearranged spot on Colorado Blvd with cameras in hand.

The parade begins and it NEVER disappoints! The queen and her court are so lovely. The bands are incredible. The horses are beautiful. The floats are magnificent! Here comes the float we worked on. We cheer wildly as it passes, pointing to the sections each of us decorated. Too soon the parade is over. Shall we go to the park where the floats are on display after the parade? Maybe later. The consensus is to make a Tommy Burger run!

Traditions make life so special. I still watch the Rose Parade on TV (sometimes twice), squealing like a child on Christmas morning as I recognize bands, equestrian groups and city sponsored floats. I have a not-so-secret dream of a family reunion trip to Pasadena; my children, their spouses and our grandchildren. We celebrate Christmas at my Dad's house, spend a couple days working on floats, camp out overnight on Colorado Blvd and see our handiwork up close as it motors past us. I have it all planned out!

This year I will have to settle for watching it on my big screen TV, but it won't diminish my excitement. There is a whole new year ahead of me. I can't imagine starting it any other way. I hope you'll join me. Pasadena, here I come!

Life Happens

2011-12-30T17:36:00.000-08:00

I love to write on my blog, so it's hard for me to understand just why it has been so long since I last wrote. All I can think of, is that I've been busy with Life.

There is one day left of the year 2011. This year has been challenging and I have learned many lessons. I am absolutely to start fresh with the year 2012!

To that end, I have a new schedule, a new plan and a new attitude.

The new schedule is on my web site and I'm adding new classes and programs frequently.

The new plan involves following through. Less talking about it all and more doing what needs to be done!

The new attitude comes from reminding myself that worrying (or complaining) doesn't change anything. Prayer. Trust. Accountability. These are things to dwell on.

So, here we go. Bring on 2012!

Free Pattern Day!

2010-09-17T16:03:00.001-07:00

OK, here we go! Our first Free Pattern Friday!

In honor of my daughter, who is serving in the US Navy, I picked this project.

This cute little star is quick, easy and versatile! You can wear it as a pin, a hair clip, purse clip, flip-flop decoration, or package trim. Make it large or small, the choice is yours.

Directions:

1. Print out the pattern templates provided below. There are 3 sizes given, so choose the #1 and #2 pieces that correspond to the size you wish to make. You can shrink or enlarge any of them on a copy machine. Trace the templates onto the right side of the red and blue fabrics with a wash-out marker.

2. Sandwich a piece of blue (right side to the table), a piece of batting, and the blue piece that has the pattern traced on it (right side up). Pin together, if you need to.

3. Sew through all three layers on the traced line for each color. You can do this by machine or by hand.

4. Trim approximately 1/4 inch outside your sewing line. I used pinking shears to trim mine.

5. Place the small triangle on top of the “rocket” shape, matching the bottom triangle point to the “V” point, as shown in the picture.

6. Place a button (or 2!) on top and sew through all layers. I used several strands of embroidery floss and tied a bow. Be sure to place a dab of Fray Check seam sealant on you knots to keep your button secure!

They work up so quickly, you could make several on one piece of fabric and chain sew!

Attach a pin or other finding to the back and wear it proudly!

Project Runway

2010-09-08T20:40:00.001-07:00

Taking a break from my travel log series….sort of…to show you some fun button fashion:

While on our trip to Atlanta for the American Sewing Guild Annual Conference, my daughter-in-law, Lisa, and I went shopping. We combed through the Forever 21 store at an upscale mall in Atlanta and found the cutest button clothes! This jacket had a double row of metal buttons, but closed with hooks and loops.

This jacket had a zipper, but was “embellished” with buttons. I think I would have hidden the zipper and used prettier buttons, but I haven’t gotten any phone calls from Tim Gunn or Heidi Klum, so I guess that’s just my opinion!

Finally, this dress was Sew-adorable! I think it was a lightweight jersey; very soft and flowed nice. It is, as you can see, strapless. The skirt has box pleats with these sweet bows and button centers. Now, I won’t be wearing this dress (or any other garments from this store!) anytime soon, but I sure can apply this technique to something else…say, a purse!

I recently was told that my Warman’s Buttons Field Guide is out of print, with no plans to reprint it. I am very hopeful that we will be producing a second edition or newer version of this wonderful little book, but I have no news yet. I have been told by many in “the industry” that buttons are HOT right now, but they feel it will cool off very soon. I could not disagree more! Not only have buttons been enjoying a popularity similar to when quilting was brought back into the forefront, but if we, the consumer, continue to buy, design with, request, use and cherish our buttons we can send a strong message to the powers-that-be. Button Up!

The Initiation of Gorski Men

2010-09-04T21:01:00.001-07:00

There is something magical about the second Saturday in July when you’re in Sister’s Oregon. The town is inviting, the flowers are blooming, the mountains are glorious and the quilts are spectacular! oh, and one other thing…there are more people there than in the state of Rhode Island!

This is looking north on the main street in town, halfway through town. There are 3 main streets and the whole south end of town, and they all look like this……I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else!

It takes a huge team of people, including the local fire department, to put up and take down all these quilts for a one day show. That’s right, one day! Not to mention the planning, etc. that must be done all year long to make this the best quilt show in the country (in my humble opinion). The craziness is part of the charm and you meet some of the nicest folks!

There were dogs everywhere and Tristan wanted to see them all. This nice lady let him pet her puppies while Babcia ran around taking pictures of blankets and Dzia-Dziu relaxed in the shade. We ate ice cream, shopped for a new cowboy hat, and learned something that all Gorski men must know:

Where to find the “man bench” outside the quilt shop door! It is tradition for husbands (and grandsons) to sit on this bench outside The Stitchin’ Post, hold packages, give out money and reply, “yes, Dear” on cue. Tristan has been initiated! Steve is a pro at it!

As promised, we did not stay all day, and returned to Bend for some Pizza and swimming in the pool. Tristan got better each day as he practiced his swimming. He was such a quick learner and we had a great time together.

This photo shows one of my favorite views in the whole world: The 3 Sister’s Mountains and, on the far left, Broken Top. Further to the left you would see Mt. Bachelor, and to the right, Mt. Washington, Jefferson, and Black Butte. The Deschutes river runs through the center of Bend and fish and birds abound. Paradise!

By the way, if you’d like to see all of the quilt photos I took, here is a link to the album. They are truly exquisite, but too many to post here! Enjoy!

View Full Album

Reindeer and Llamas and Snow, Oh My!

2010-09-02T20:15:00.001-07:00

We pick up our story as we wake up in Bend, Oregon on a gorgeous Friday morning. As we eat breakfast, Steve and I can’t help but fondly reminisce about the trip we took with our own 3 kiddos. We spent several glorious days in Bend one Easter when they were about Tristan’s age and it is still a favorite memory. We are hoping to show Tristan some of those same magical places his daddy enjoyed.

First stop: Operation Santa Claus Reindeer Farm. The farm has dwindled alarmingly since we were here with the kids. We talked to the owner who told us that government regulations and disease problems have caused him to keep the numbers low. We drive down the road to where the reindeer are lying in the shade of a few trees. There are a few little ones among the adults.

They are fun to look at but there are llamas down the road, so off we go.

Any time we visit Bend, we try to stop at the Hinterland Llama Ranch. It is a stunningly beautiful place with hundreds of llamas, a barn full of swallows and a house and garden that are a showplace in their own right.

As we come up to some of the enclosures, the llamas seem very curious about Tristan. In fact, when we walked up to one area, all 8 llamas actually ran to the fence to check us out.

I lifted Tristan and they took turns sniffing him.

Finally one allowed him close enough to stroke his neck. Tristan was delighted!

Tristan kept insisting that he wanted to talk to the farmer, and we did find one of the hands who talked to us for quite some time. I was saddened to that after many years, the owner was retiring and the ranch was for sale. Does anybody have $4, 500, 000 they can loan me?

On our way out, we stopped at the pen with several mamas and adorable babies. This one wanted to go home with Tristan! They were so sweet, running and frolicking together. We hated to leave.

We spent the rest of the day driving up to Mt. Bachelor and playing in the snow and lava beds. We put our feet in the cold, cold water of the Deschutes River, “just like Daddy did”.

It was a memorable day. Too tired even to go swimming (gasp!) we slept soundly!

Tomorrow: Sister’s Outdoor Quilt Show and passing on manly traditions!

A Lesson in Polish.

2010-09-01T20:57:00.001-07:00

I love being a Babcia! That’s Polish for Gramma, by the way and pronounced “bobsha”. Tristan is the son of our oldest son, Chad, and his wife, Anna. He looks so much like Chad, but then, a cock of his head will transform him into his Mother’s son! He is, without a doubt, the biggest blessing in our lives.

We recently took a vacation with Tristan. Here we are, on day one, feet in the water at Mukilteo Beach in Washington. We then proceeded to “jump” the ripples he called waves. We laughed and screeched and nearly fell in ! What joy!

The next day we stopped to visit old friends and Tristan played with his new best friend, “Kat”, at this play place while we adults chattered away and watched them at play. Mostly we asked each other where they got their energy form and “remember when?”.

Tristan’s Dzia-Dziu (more Polish, sort of pronounced “Jaw-Jew”), insisted it was time to teach his grandson how to speak “cow”. Not just any, cow…Tillamook Cow! It’s a special dialect that only Steve can speak. (true story!) Tristan was delighted to find he can now speak English, German and Tillamook! Here we are enjoying real Tillamook ice cream! Yummy!

It’s been a long time since we’ve heard those immortal words, “Are we there yet?”, but Tristan knows them very well! We took the rest of the day to cross over the Cascades into the town of Bend, Oregon, or, as I like to call it, “Paradise”.

To be continued……

Spreading Button Love!

2010-08-31T11:18:00.000-07:00

Thought I would share a couple more fun sites with you:
Bonkers About Buttons and I Have a Notion . Both refer to wonderful creations by 2 Martins In A Nest . I am in awe of these talented ladies and just had to share them with you right away! Enjoy!

Buttons For a Cause!

2010-08-31T10:34:00.001-07:00

I saw this on the California Button Society blog and thought it was important to share with all of you. It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything new….I’ll try to do better. This is the jump start I needed!

Jill

Memories of Carmen

2010-04-29T12:29:00.001-07:00

So many buttons were created to commemorate historical events or echo themes of the times. Glass fruit buttons, manufactured in Germany, were originally created to pay homage to Carmen Miranda’s wonderful fruit covered hat she wore in the 1943 movie, The Gang’s All Here .

“Miranda's enormous, fruit-laden hats are iconic visuals recognized around the world. These costumes led to Saks Fifth Avenue developing a line of turbans and jewelry inspired by Carmen Miranda in 1939. Many costume jewelry designers made fruit jewelry also inspired by Carmen Miranda which is still highly valued and collectible by vintage and antique costume jewelry collectors. Fruit jewelry is still popular in jewelry design today. Much of the fruit jewelry seen today is often still fondly called "Carmen Miranda jewelry" because of this.” (from Wikipedia)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carmen_Miranda

I have just finished my latest creation and I’m naming it “Tutti-Frutti”. I have, at the moment, 5 kits available at the price of $40 plus $5.00 Priority Mail shipping (includes pattern, buttons and everything you need to make the bracelet as seen) :

I have to admit, it turned out just “peachy”! (You may groan now!).

Be the first to make this adorable bracelets for yourself or as a gift. It only takes 4 hours of your time ( I promise! Even if you have never beaded before!)

Email me at Jill@JillionsofButtons.com

or call me at 719-661-9218 to place your order. The price will be slightly higher when it is posted to the web site this next month.

I Saved The Best For Last!

2010-04-17T10:22:00.001-07:00

Was I kidding?

When I saw this card, toward the bottom of the stack of cards, I literally gasped. When people tell me they have buttons to share with me, this is the last thing I expect to see.

The first thing that caught my eye was this incredible large Satsuma. This button was made in the Satsuma province of Japan in the late 1800’s to early 1900’s. The material is a type of porcelain with a distinctive shank style and decorative style. (This is a very interesting subject. I may have to write about these buttons in my Newsletter!) This button is worth at least $150.00 on the open market.

When I snapped these photos, I was in a bit of a hurry and so I did not think to document or even look very closely at these buttons. I see at least one other small Satsuma (3rd button down on the left) and the top right button is a flat steel button with a yellow metal embellishment (hand holding flowers). I think I will have to meet up with Barbara again and look this card over more carefully. These were obviously her relatives’ “deluxe” buttons!

The buttons at the bottom of the card show at 2 enamel buttons (far left and right). They are beautifully painted and show no wear at all! The center button features a fan design on a “Japanned” brass button. I believe there is a beaded button and several mirror backs, but I am only surmising.

The buttons with the photographs are called Ferrotypes, or Tintypes, and were popular and inexpensive to purchase in the late 19th century. The smaller Tintype button may have been a Civil War soldier’s mother or sweetheart and could have been worn on his uniform. The button in the center has an unusual border for the period and I am thinking that this looks a lot like President U.S. Grant. If this is the case, this may have been made as a campaign type button and mass produced, but I would have to do more research to be sure. One thing is certain: it is a fabulous button!

The buttons to the left are Indian silver buttons. The button to the right shows a bird with cut steel embellishment on a metal button. Next to this is a mountain scene carved onto a material that was then set into a metal frame. I will not even hazard a guess as to what this material is without closer inspection.

As you can see, Barbara is the custodian for a phenomenal collection of 18th, 19th and 20th century buttons. We can learn so much about our past from these miniature works of art. They certainly have given me cause to do some more research and learn more about some of these buttons. Keep an eye on my Newsletter and this blog for the results of my educational pursuits!

Until then, Button Up!

Barbara’s Buttons III

2010-04-16T15:10:00.001-07:00

These uniform buttons were sewn to a piece of velvet and mounted to a piece of cardboard. There are Army, Navy American Legion and railroad buttons here. My favorites were the Confederate Army Infantry and Artillery buttons circa 1860-65:

These buttons are just plain fun! I see a Bakelite “cookie” button as well as extruded rods, colored glass and plastics. Cool design, too!

Last, but not least, are these small metal buttons. There are pewter, brass, white and yellow metals. I see Twinkles and cut steels as well!

I am saving the best for my last post of Barbara’s buttons tomorrow. You will be impressed! Don’t miss it!

Barbara’s Buttons II

2010-04-15T07:29:00.001-07:00

Since I discussed China buttons in my Newsletter that was released today, I’ll share Barbara’s card of Chinas:

Isn’t this fun? Here is a close up of one area. Notice the one Calico that is a blue body with a white design. While these are not rare, they are not plentiful, either. Most Calicos are a white or crème color body with a colored design applied.

In addition to Calicos, there are inkwells, stencils, hobnails, hollow-eye ringers, and Aurora luster buttons in this close up! There may even be others, but it’s hard to tell from the photo!

Button collectors made do and this card shows just how far they went to conserve resources! Let’s look at the back of this card:

Note the date on this wonderful campaign poster! Sept.15, 1936! It sure is handy when your family helps you date your collection!

While this next card does not come from Barbara’s button collection, (I believe this is from the collection of Pam Maine) I thought it would be a good time to show it. Here is another favorite way for collectors to arrange their China (in this case, Calico) buttons. So much fun!

Tomorrow, part 3 of 4. Stay tuned!

Barbara’s Buttons

2010-04-14T19:39:00.001-07:00

I recently spoke to a wonderful group of ladies at the League of Northern Colorado Quilters in Ft. Collins, CO. A lovely lady, Barbara, brought a box with some carded buttons to show me. I’m afraid I can’t recall exactly which family member they belonged to, but they were only a small portion of what was left to her. Let me share these beauties with you!

This is a card of Black Glass buttons. They are sewn to a piece of cardboard with a heavy thread in a lovely arrangement. The center buttons are especially gorgeous. Here is a close up of the very center button:

As I recall it was about one and a half inches across and very round on the back (like a half ball). The outer design is incised while the center is deeply carved. This picture does not do it justice!

Then there was a card of Goodyear Rubber buttons. Isn’t this a clever way to mount them?

This card is completely covered with Whistle buttons, many of them made from Vegetable Ivory. A Whistle is a construction method that has one hole on the top of the button and two holes on the underside.

There are several other cards to show you, so I’ll break it up into a couple of posts. See you tomorrow!

I Live For This!

2010-03-23T10:09:00.001-07:00

It’s my favorite time of year….Baseball is back! I was able to see 2 Spring Training games at the new Surprise, AZ stadium. The second game I went to was a night game and I went alone, but the first game was a 1:05 start and I went with my brother and his family.

The weather couldn’t have been better, the grass greener, the hot dog tastier! We sat in the outfield where the kids could play and I kicked off my shoes to caress the grass between my toes. Oh, yes, I live for this!

Here is Daddy (my brother, Jay) explaining the finer points of the game to his crew of three.

Grace enjoys a hot dog.

Jeannine gets some sun and lovin’ from Ryan.

Seth was determined to catch a home run ball, but there were none in this game between the Royals and the Brewers.

Not that it matters, but the Brewers won this one.

“Put me in, Coach, I’m ready to play! Look at me, I can be centerfield!”

It’s My Job

2010-02-27T13:36:00.001-08:00

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

2010-02-21T17:46:00.001-08:00

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!

2010-02-19T10:07:00.001-08:00

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.

2010-02-16T11:13:00.001-08:00

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?

2010-02-14T16:03:00.001-08:00

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!

2010-02-12T17:10:00.001-08:00

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!!

Special Stockings

2009-12-13T17:19:00.001-08:00

I wanted to share these photos from fellow button enthusiast, Marlen Hudson. She used some of her fabulous Bakelite buttons from her collection and made a very special and elegant stocking.

This is a great way to use those keepsake buttons! Notice that she stacked some of her buttons to create more definition and texture. Lovely, Marlen!

Yo-Yo-Yo for Ho-Ho-Ho

2009-12-08T09:08:00.001-08:00

I know I talk a lot about the Clover Yo-Yo makers but I can’t help it. A great tool is a a joy forever! I have always wanted to make a garland from yo-yo’s and buttons and I can’t imagine making one without the makers to make quick work of it while I watch TV at night in my comfy chair.

This beautiful garland was made by Lisa Smith-Sittniewski at Alterity. You can view her beautiful creations on Etsy. Here is a link to her site:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Alterity?ga_search_query=Alterity&ga_search_type=seller_usernames

Too cute! Now if all of this is too much for you, you could certainly make this garland from felt circles glued to a pretty string (use 2 circles back to back with the string in between) and a button on top. it’s all about the buttons, Santa! Yo-Yo-Yo!

Thank You So Much!

2009-12-07T15:22:00.001-08:00

I have had the most wonderful response from my newspaper article, and I want to thank all of you for your comments and support! It means the World to me and make me all the more certain that this is my God-given path in life.

Thank you and God Bless you!

Button Greetings!

2009-12-07T15:13:00.001-08:00

I love receiving all of the beautiful cards and pictures from friends and relatives. I would place them in a pretty basket and that would be that. This year is different!

With just a couple common items: ribbon, large buttons, and clothes pins (in this case, mini ones) or paper clips, you can do this:

In just moments, by stringing the ribbon through the button holes and slipping the buttons over tiny tacks you can have this:

and enjoy your beautiful greeting cards! It couldn’t be any easier!

Here is a close up:

Bewitched By Buttons

2009-12-06T11:19:00.001-08:00

http://www.gazette.com/articles/button-90352-turns-business.html#slComments

Here is the link to an article published in today’s Colorado Springs Gazette Business section about me and my buttons. What fun!!!

It’s a Forrest!

2009-12-05T19:31:00.001-08:00

Well, just as I was getting ready to post my button tree idea, I happened upon this magazine:

And look what was inside:

Now wouldn’t this be cute with different color Yo-Yo’s and one color tiny buttons, or vice versa? Of course you can make these trees lickety split with the Clover Yo-Yo makers. Give it a try!

From “Tree” To You!

2009-12-05T18:55:00.001-08:00

OK, that was bad, but you did chuckle, right? This next idea was born when I found these painted jars (for holding candles) at a dollar-type store.

I simply covered a Styrofoam cone shape with felt, glued a tiny ornament type finding on top and covered it with buttons. Here’s how:

1) Take a piece of felt that is at least as tall as your tree shape in height and at least twice as wide as the height of the tree. Find the center of the longest side and mark with a pin. I simply laid the cone on the felt along the top edge with the tip at the pin. Roll the shape to the other side, keeping the tip in place and marking the bottom edge to achieve a half circle. Cut out the shape about 1/2 inch outside the line you drew (to tuck under the tree bottom).

2) With the center point at the tip of the tree shape, glue one straight edge of the felt to the Styrofoam, keeping the line as straight as possible vertically. I found a glue specially formulated for Styrofoam works best. Wrap the felt around the tree until the edges meet. You may need to do some trimming to butt the pieces edge to edge, or you can overlap slightly, but you will have a ridge if you do.

3) Allow the glue to dry thoroughly! While you do this, you can attach a toothpick to the ornament you chose for the tree topper. When this dries, insert the pick in the tip top of the tree.

4) Attach buttons and beads (if you like) to the tree either by gluing them with E6000 adhesive or by pinning them with straight pins. If you are industrious, you could even cut your own “U” shaped pins from a small gauge wire. I found that even if you pin, a tiny dab of glue was helpful to keep the pin in place securely. Use as few or as many decorations on your tree as you like!

5) Glue the tree to the chosen base (clay pots, glass wear, candle holders, etc.) by tacking the edges neatly under the tree form (some trimming can be helpful to reduce bulk and achieve a clean finish). Apply a bead of E6000 to the base and place the tree on top. Allow to dry thoroughly.

Make several and give them as hostess gifts or door prizes at your next get together, to the gang at the office, or your best sewing buddies.

I hope you’ll share photos with me of your creations! Enjoy!

A Button Welcome!

2009-12-04T08:48:00.001-08:00

Some of you may have seen this idea before, but I love it so much, I just have to share it again!

Purchase a simple and inexpensive wire wreath. Fluff it out by bending the wire branches and attach buttons of all kinds to the wire ends. Twist, if necessary to secure the buttons, or slide them on as far as possible.

This wreath features 30’s and 40’s plastic buttons, but even shank buttons would work! Don’t forget that you can stack buttons to get more interest as well! Wouldn’t our Button Mixes work well here?

How Sweet It Is!

2009-12-03T07:27:00.001-08:00

Don’t forget to Button Up when you bake! This came to me via a quilting friend. When others know you like buttons, you’ll be amazed at the things you’ll see and receive! Sweet Dreams!

Button Sugar Cookies

INGREDIENTS

2 c. flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. butter or margarine
1 c. sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 Tbsp. cream or milk

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Cream butter until soft. Beat in sugar, egg, vanilla and cream. In a separate bowl, sift 1+ 1/2 c. flour with baking powder and salt. Gradually stir the flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Add enough remaining flour to make dough stiff enough to roll out. Refrigerate until well chilled (at least 2 hours). Place on lightly floured board; roll about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into desired shapes with floured cutters. You can use almost any shape for buttons. I used circles of various sizes and flowers. Poke 2 or 4 holes in the center of each cookie with the end of a straw (for the button holes). Place on ungreased baking sheets. Bake 8 to 10 minutes. Remove to cooling racks.

Decorate with various colors of butter icing. Add details and the "thread" using an icing bag and a small circle tip.

All Wrapped Up!

2009-12-02T13:52:00.001-08:00

Buttons make a wonderful accent to a gift package!

Use a lovely wire-edge ribbon to tie a bow on top of a wrapped gift. Then, using a wire or twist tie (for a temporary attachment), attach a beautiful button to the center of the bow. Our new Christmas buttons or a twinkly Susan Clark button would be stunning!

You might consider inserting the button through the center of a silk Poinsettia flower. Remove the plastic center that comes in the flower and run the button shank and/or wire through the resulting hole. Now you can tie it anywhere! Attach a pin back on the flower (if you don’t want to harm the button) or glue a tie tack style pin to a flat or damaged button shank and you have an instant wearable that can be removed and inserted in any flower that goes with your outfit! A wonderful birthday wrapping idea, too! Wrapping and gift all in one. Here is a picture of a small pin I made inserted through a small pink silk flower:

Be sure to check my web site for a New and exciting jewelry finding that will enable you to make jewelry of all kinds using your buttons without harming them or having to decide on just one button to use!

This twine was run through red buttons and felt circles and can be used to tie around a package. This is a purchased product, but you could make it from ribbon or silky cording. The felt is nice or all buttons (sew through type) would be festive. After trying to tie it around a package, I found that I would prefer that the pieces were spaced closer together than shown here. Wouldn’t this make a cute garland, as well?

And So It Begins!

2009-12-01T11:05:00.001-08:00

Advent, the season of preparation, is upon us! As promised, I have some great fast, easy and adorable gift and decoration ideas for you and I will be posting one idea every day until Christmas. Let’s kick it off with something we all need no matter where you live: Gloves! That’s right, even in Arizona and California you can wear thinner gloves to keep your skin form that dry Winter air! Why not make them festive by adding ribbon, yo-yo’s, trims and, of course, buttons! Make them elegant or silly, for yourself or as a stocking stuffer. Gloves are on sale everywhere right now and they are always a welcome gift. Here are a couple ideas to get you going:

This cute little guy is from the new JHB Collection of Christmas buttons. Simple and effective!

More Christmas buttons and a extra-small Yo-Yo with a sparkly gold button in the center.

Regular sew-through buttons would be great sewn on with beads of decorative thread!

Pretty Poinsettia buttons; simple yet elegant!

Button Up and stay warm in button style!

Where did Fall Go?

2009-10-30T18:42:00.001-07:00

I just had to share a couple photos with you of our early snow. I grew up in Southern Cal and moved to Tucson so snow was a real adjustment for me here in Colorado! This is already our 3rd snow this month.

This was the view from our back deck of Pikes Peak on Monday.

I have been told that it always snows here on Halloween, and true to form we had an all out blizzard the first full day we lived here back in 2004. It was also my first day at work and they threw me in a truck and said, “go for it”. I saw my safe driving record flash before my eyes several times that first day, but I made it back in one piece. I DO NOT miss driving in this weather, but I do think of all the other couriers out there and pray for their safety and health.

This picture of Pikes Peak was taken from just East of our home. The snow yesterday really blew, but today it is nearly all melted! They have a saying here: if you don’t like the weather, just wait 5 minutes! It’s so true!

Love Those Buttons!

2009-10-29T17:57:00.001-07:00

There were several button distribution companies at Quilt Market. I think I’ve dealt with nearly all of them except for Dill Button Company. Dill is based in Germany, but has offices here in the States. I have been a fan for a while and so I made sure to check out their booth.

I posted photos of purses in my blog entitled Quilt Market (part 2) that were part of their display. Here is a quilt made with those same yummy buttons, and a close up detail showing lots of big, bold, beautiful buttons! Note the stacked buttons with the paisley shaped pink center as well as the flower button centers.

I had the chance to speak with several Dill company executives (mostly men) and it turns out that they (surprise!) collect buttons. I was thrilled to be able to show them my books and they purchased several copies! I was honored.

In addition, I have decided to order and carry Dill buttons in my store! There are several sizes, shapes and a myriad of bright colors. I’ll let you know when they arrive. Any special requests?

Speaking of orders, this quilt was also hanging in the Dill booth:

I fell in love with it! It turns out that the quilt’s maker has a pattern for this adorable piece and I have ordered these as well. I hope to have these new products available by the beginning of December. (Note the knitted belt hanging on the right side of the quilt with the Dill button fastener). Until then, Button Up!

The Creative Spirit

2009-10-28T08:03:00.001-07:00

While at Quilt Market in Houston, TX, I had a couple moments (literally) to see part of the Quilt Show in the next building. Boy am I glad I did! I happened to stroll past the area displaying the quilted wearables and found the garment you see here.

Well, of course what caught my eye were the buttons! I’m sorry that I didn’t write down the maker's name, but I do know that she said her husband made the buttons for her from scrap lumber he had.

Now there are a lot of buttons she could have chosen to use, but I think it just extended her creativity to make (or design) the buttons she wanted for her garment. Buttons are easy to make using store bought forms, and don’t forget to embellish them! One of my favorite things to make are buttons created by taking a plain covered upholstery button (found in every button jar around) and add beads and other embellishments to it to create a whole new button! I have even found a new button-making tool that I will introduce in my November newsletter. Inspiration is everywhere. Button UP!

Buttons in the News!

2009-10-27T12:29:00.001-07:00

I wanted to share this article with you. My good friend, Carol Cienna is quoted in it. I think you’ll find it fascinating!

http://www.philly.com/philly/phillywomen/Buttons_especially_vintage_offer_special_touch.html?viewAll=y&c=y

More Quilt Market (Yo-Yo Ideas)

2009-10-15T18:52:00.001-07:00

Clover has come out with 2 new Yo-Yo shapes that you can create.

You can now create butterflies and clovers with these new tools.

Now, if you want my opinion, and I KNOW you do, the clover doesn’t look anything like a clover and the butterfly can be made using a regular round yo-yo maker of your choice. I do not plan to carry them, but if you all want them, I may change my mind. Any opinions?

In addition, Indygo Junction has unveiled a new pattern: Yo-Yo Monkey! I have placed my order and hope to have this cute little guy added to our inventory of other yo-yo animals and pin cushions very soon! Look for other new Indygo Junction additions to be unveiled in next month’s Jillions of Buttons Newsletter.

While at Market, I saw several designers use yo-yo’s in some really lovely ways. I want to give credit to the designers, but my paperwork is being brought home by my friend, Sandy, and I do not have it yet. Please realize that these designs are the work of others and should be treated as such. I am also planning to carry a few of her purse patterns, so you will know who she is very soon!

I loved the stacked look and the choice of fabrics. I offered my opinion and told her the only thing I found lacking was, of course, a button (or two)!

This bag was made using the extra-small Yo-Yo maker. The colors were lovely!

Try using all kinds of fabrics for creating your yo-yo’s and don’t forget to check out Amy Barickman’s Yo-Yo Fashions book for lots of hints, tips and great ideas for using yo-yo’s!

Quilt Market (part 2)

2009-10-14T11:54:00.000-07:00

I think the most popular pattern available at Market was any kind of purse pattern. While I have chosen a few to add to my inventory (and I’ll share those with you shortly), here are some cute ideas for embellishing your purse creations with buttons:

Don’t you love the big, colorful buttons on these bags? They are from Dill Button Company and I will be adding several styles, sizes and colors to my inventory before the end of the year.

Tomorrow: New Yo-Yo shapes and design ideas!

Quilt Market (part 1)

2009-10-13T18:55:00.001-07:00

While Houston was gray and gloomy outside while I was there, it was bright and lively inside the convention center where Fall Quilt Market was held! I think I could have been there 5 full days and not seen it all!

On Friday, I was thrilled to be chosen to present a Schoolhouse Class to quilt shop owners. We discussed my newest book, Busy With Buttons, and they were able to see the projects up close.

I hope you all appreciate seeing these pictures….I have never been comfortable seeing myself in pictures. I guess I could feel better by saying that the lighting in the room was very poor!!!

On Sunday, I presented a demo and signed books in the F&W / Krause booth (my publisher) and had a lot of fun!

While it was fun to be in the spotlight, my favorite part of Market was coming home with lots of fun new ideas . Tomorrow I’ll tell and show you a few of them!

Two Thousand Dollars for Mice!

2009-10-04T11:17:00.001-07:00

$2137.00. That’s how much one button lover just paid on Ebay for an antique horn button entitled “The Mice in Council,” after an Aesop Fable. It is very rare and in good condition always brings in the big bucks! The detail is incredible!

This is the seller’s description of the button:

“Superb Large (1 and 3/4 inches diameter) Antique picture button dating from the 19th century...Made of pressed Horn.....depicts a curious tableaux of Mice sitting at a table underneath a tree in which a cat is hiding,all within a landscape of mountains,buildings and a crescent moon.....excellent condition..”

Here is the back of the button:

Many people have asked me what the most expensive button I own is or that I have seen. While this may qualify as my answer to that question, I have always told the asker that worth is very different from value. My most prized buttons in my collection are worth about 10cent each to anyone but me, but they are one of the items I would go back into a burning building for! Here they are:

Most of you already know about these: they are from my Nanny’s robe and when I see them, I see her. I hope you will never look at buttons as utilitarian items after this!

I’m Ready For My Close Up!

2009-10-03T14:47:00.001-07:00

My animals are always at my side while I’m working. Many of you, if you have talked to me on the phone, have heard my dog, Annie, begging me to throw her ball. While I was photographing my latest quick craft to share with you, Meow-Meow came over and lay down as if she were there for her photo shoot! She often parades across my computer keys for attention, but this was a first! Here are the photos I took:

Is there anything more appropriate than a black cat as a backdrop to an orange pumpkin? Here is the pumpkin, made with the XtraLarge Yo-Yo Maker. Any size would work. Make a whole basket full!

A Very Special “Happy Birthday”

2009-09-15T10:21:00.001-07:00

On Sunday, September 13, I was privileged to participate in the Birthday Bash for Nuts N Bolts Needle Works in Woodland Park, Colorado. The setting for this fabulous shop is the mountains above Colorado Springs and the day was gorgeous! In addition to the quilts, fabrics, notions, yarns, and fun gift items, we were treated to a delicious array of finger foods and birthday cake. There were lots of giveaways and make and take classes as well. That’s where I came in!

I taught many of the ladies in attendance to make the Button Button Dangle. Here are a couple of the ladies enjoying themselves:

And me, talking, as usual!

Next month I will be teaching a class for the Beaded Button Bracelet at the shop. My schedule has all of the information, if you are interested in taking this fun and easy class.

Thanks to all of the ladies at Nuts N Bolts for a wonderful day! It was also my nephew, Kevin’s 8th birthday. Kevin was lucky to be born on my Da’s birthday (my maternal grandfather) who passed away a couple of years ago at the ripe old age of 99.5. After helping him to celebrate so many birthdays it seems only fitting to continue to do so in conjunction with Kevin! So, Happy Birthday to all. Let’s eat cake!!!

Back In The Saddle Again

2009-08-30T20:00:00.001-07:00

Well, I feel like I’ve been gone for a month (oh my, it has been a month!). I have been going nonstop and it’s time to get back on track.

When we left off, I was heading to Denver for the National Button Society Convention. I entered 2 trays into competition (no ribbons, but no “measles”), made lots of new friends and spent WAY too much money on gorgeous buttons!

This is a photo of my roommate, Roberta Schuler from Tucson, AZ. She won several ribbons, including this original sample card from JHB Button Company as a prize.

I was also thrilled to meet Millicent Safro of Tender Buttons in New York. She liked my books so much that she purchased several copies as gifts for her friends! Now that’s what I call an endorsement!

I was recently in Loveland, CO for a show where they had a fabulous display of the Hoffman Challenge Quilts. I sure do admire those who can create such imaginative creations. This one is by my dear friend, Sharon Schlotzhauer (her talents are also displayed in my Busy With Buttons book!). She received a 2nd place, if I’m not mistaken.

Last, but certainly not least, I have been at the ball park, feeding and cheering on my Reno Aces / Diamondbacks who were visiting the Colorado Springs Sky Sox. I could go on forever about “my boys”, but I’ll just post a couple photos and say that John Hester was called up the next day and hit a home run in his first major league at bat! Could it have been my Rice Crispy Treats and words of encouragement? Probably not but I’m happy for him anyway!

Manager, Brett Butler.

My buddy, Chris Young.

Catcher, John Hester, the newest Diamondback!

To be continued tomorrow!

Living for Love

2009-07-31T15:42:00.001-07:00

I have three incredible children! They bring Steve and I so much joy! But I have also been blessed with a precious grandson and 4 beautiful Godchildren. Meet Alan. He is the oldest son of my best friend, Colleen and he now has an adorable daughter named Reina.

Recently I went “home” to California and got the chance to visit with Colleen, Alan and Reina and spend a day at the beach. Reina and I spent the afternoon making sandcastles and jumping the waves that washed over our feet. It was Heaven on Earth!

My Beach themed Beaded Button Bracelet was designed with these special kinds of memories in mind and I wear it when I want to feel surrounded by my favorite things. I hope you’ll create your own memories and commemorate them with a button creation!

Junior Buttonists!

2009-07-27T20:29:00.001-07:00

While at the Firehouse Quilt Show in Highlands Ranch, Colorado recently, I had the privilege of encouraging some budding Junior Button Collectors! I hope you will all do the same by sharing your buttons and remembering to designate them to others for future collectors to enjoy!

This young man is also a very talented quilter at the tender age of 17!

I never get tired of seeing others enjoy digging through my button buckets!

Oh, The Possibilities!

2009-07-21T17:57:00.001-07:00

This bracelet is the latest creation by my friend, Becky. I “talked her into” trying the Beaded Button Bracelet pattern. She was skeptical, at first, but she tried it and now she can’t stop!!! It’s fun, fabulous and easy, even if you have never beaded before (just ask Becky!). You can find the pattern, button sets and complete kits in our online store at www.JillionsofButtons.com. They take an average of 4 hours to complete, so you can work on them for a hour each evening and finish in time for the weekend, but be warned: Once you start, it’s hard to stop!

Below is the first bracelet Becky made.Too cute!

Bead&Button Magazine - Goodyear rubber buttons

2009-07-20T09:39:00.001-07:00

Bead&Button Magazine - Goodyear rubber buttons

Shared via AddThis

Strange Plants in California!

2009-07-19T19:17:00.001-07:00

These are flowering artichokes! I had never seen one before our trip to California. These were growing in front of a winery in the McDowell Valley (my maiden name!).

These were in Carmel and I have no idea what they are, but they were certainly intriguing!

These seemed to be blue, green and purple! Here is a closer look. Again in Carmel…the land of unusual plants!

Lots of Inspiration in Denver!

2009-07-14T20:25:00.001-07:00

I had a fabulous time seeing so many of you in Denver this last weekend. What a creative bunch you are! Here are a couple of the many wonderful ideas I found to share with you:

Look at this fun, chunky button necklace!

This pin was made from shell buttons and beads.

Why didn’t I think of this?

Just a few of MANY fun button ideas. More to come!

Light Up My Life

2009-07-09T08:45:00.000-07:00

I am fascinated by lighthouses and their lenses. We saw some amazing Fresnel lenses on our trip.

A 1st order Fresnel lens. Note the size next to us as we look through the glass! This extremely heavy lens turns effortlessly on the ring of “Chariot” wheels.

A 4th order Fresnel lens and the modern version that replaced it in the Crescent City light.

The 3rd order Fresnel lens still in the Point Cabrillo lighthouse.

This 1st order Fresnel lens came from the Point Arenas lighthouse and is on display in the Maritime Museum in San Francisco. It was taken at eye level, but the mechanical workings were below the ground level in a pit. It sustained quite a bit of damage when the Coast Guard dismantled it and left it out without protection in the elements. A lens like this would cost more than 2 million dollars to replace.

Tomorrow: A Botanical Study!

Lighthouses

2009-07-08T08:02:00.000-07:00

Steve and I are lighthouse buffs. I even have a “passport” that is stamped when we visit new lights. We saw or visited 8 on this trip! I can’t post all of the pictures, but here are a few:

Crescent City Lighthouse

You can only get to this one when the tide is out. After 3 trips here, we finally timed it right!

Point Cabrillo Lighthouse

What a gorgeous (original) lens! The cliffs just beyond and around the light are amazing! You could hear the sea lions barking and see them, as distant brown bodies, on the surrounding rocks. Doris and I sampled wild blackberries off the vines that were growing everywhere!

Point Arena is a classic tower! The lantern room stands empty with an automated light mounted on the outside. The surrounding cliffs made you realize the power of Mother Nature.

Tomorrow: Lenses from these beauties!

Good Times, Good Friends!

2009-07-06T19:35:00.001-07:00

In the Redwoods.

Our trip up the California Coast was absolutely the best! Even though I grew up here, I never get tired of the ocean and all the fun things to do here. Beast of all was traveling with our very dear friends, Don and Doris Ford. I went to high school with these two crazy kids and Don and I share a love of all things Scouting, Monty Python and Mel Brooks (especially Young Frankenstein).

Run, Doris, Run!

You know you’re really good friends if you can spend a week in a car together and still be friends after you get home! We ate at a lot of little local cafes, saw lots of flowers, lighthouses and wildlife.

Riding the Skunk Train

I called this “The Crooked Road Trip” because we traveled on 4 of the curviest roads I’ve ever been on, and that includes Lombard Street in San Francisco and Bouquet Canyon Road to get us back to Don and Doris’ home in Lancaster. Good thing I don’t get car sick!

It was the best birthday present ever! Thanks guys!

Birthday Bash

2009-06-30T11:25:00.001-07:00

Here are photos of many of my friends and family who attended my Fabulous at Fifty Birthday Bash! I’m a very lucky woman to have them all in my life!

The Cousins: Carole (cousin), Jo (my sister), Jeri (cousin and Carole’s sister), Me, and little brother Jay.

2 of my 3 children: Emily and Bryan.

Patti, Marti, Me & Karen; the Edgefield Street Girls. We grew up together on the same street and we are still best friends!

Our neighbors, the Espinoza’s lived across the street from our forst home in Moreno Valley, CA. Our kids and theirs played together. They are still very dear friends.

My Godson, Alan, and his daughter, Reina. His mom, Colleen, is my best friend. Here she is:

Well, I have lots more photos from the party, but I’ll have to continue this another day. I will post a few from our trip as well this week.

My first book signing!

2009-06-29T16:54:00.001-07:00

Well, it’s official, I’m an author! Yes, I know my book has been out a while now, but I finally had an official signing of my Buttons Field Guide on Saturday, June 27 at the Barnes & Noble store in Denver Colorado. I didn’t have many sales (I get nothing from them anyway), but I talked to a lot of people who shared their button stories! Here are some pictures, taken by my ever-loving’ Bear.

A display in the store.

Some very nice ladies. I had a table with my books and one with buttons for educational purposes (OK, just for fun, too).

The store asked me to autograph a few to keep on hand. You can also see the American Quilter magazine with my article in it. In addition I had an advance copy of my next book, Busy With Buttons, on display. Everyone was very excited about it!

My next signing will be at the National Button Society Convention in August. I can’t wait!

50 and Fabulous!

2009-06-24T18:30:00.001-07:00

I had the most amazing birthday party on June 13 at the home of my Dad and Step-Mom, in Cerritos, CA. I had family (I have 4 siblings and 4 step-siblings, not to mention cousins), friends from my childhood, friends from my children’s childhood, and friends from high school come from near and far (hope I didn’t leave anyone out!) Best of all, my son, Bryan, and his wife, Lisa, drove in from Nellis AFB in NV and my daughter, Emily, surprised me by flying in from Pensacola! I just wish my oldest, Chad, and his family could have come.

Well, here are some pictures of the festivities. Today’s post will be “the preparation”.

Jeannine made her famous Caramel Rolls for breakfast with Ryan’s help!

Grace helps Lisa with a flower arrangement.

Seth puts streamers on the chairs.

Steve and Bryan prepare the food…with attitude!

Everyone helped and these are just a few of the photos. Just getting ready was fun! Tomorrow: the guests arrive!

More Childhood Photos

2009-06-21T19:57:00.000-07:00

We all have our family traditions. Believe it or not, one of my most cherished memories is getting “firsties” when my Da (Grandpa) opened a beer. When we got older we would take him a cold beer while he worked in the yard. I promise you that it was only a sip, and a rare treat to share with our Da.

What can I say? I do love to drink beer!

And here I am with my mass of golden curls and our family Impala. I had very long hair until my son Chad was born and I just couldn’t deal with the upkeep anymore.

Well, onward and upward! Here’s to the next 50!

Look out Christie Brinkley!

2009-06-09T18:22:00.001-07:00

It’s long been understood that I am a sucker for fashion and you can see by this picture that it started at an early age! This was taken at my Nanny and Da’s house in Bell, CA. I’m wearing what we called “The Coolie Coat”. My Nanny was convinced that it was always cool in the house so we would have to wear this gray sweater, usually with the sleeves all rolled up! Ah the fond memories!

Mrs. Barr

2009-06-08T13:41:00.001-07:00

Shortly after I sent out my May newsletter I received word that Mrs. Barr had passed away. I feel that I have lost a friend and mentor extraordinaire. I wanted to share this with all of you:

Jean Howard Barr

Jean Howard Barr, 89, died peacefully in her home May 8, 2009. She had sincere and loving caregivers, flowers, candles and Nat King Cole helping her make a graceful transition.

A long-time resident of Denver, Jean had a wonderful life. She was the proud matriarch of the Barr family and founder/CEO of JHB International, a Denver-based wholesale button distributor incorporated in 1969. She will be fondly remembered as “Mimi” to her grandchildren, “Mrs. Barr” by her loyal JHB employees and “The Button Queen” to people associated with her industry around the world.

Born and raised in Walpole, MA she went on to receive a degree from Brown University. She worked for Macy’s in New York City during the depression years, dancing to Frank Sinatra live at “The Rainbow Room” on weekends.

Jean married Jim Barr in 1943, the love of her life. They immediately moved to Denver, where she resided while he trained with the 10^th Mountain Division Ski Troops and during his service in WWII. Together they had two wonderful children, Jay and Sandi. The family spent summers together at their magical cottage on a now 100-year-old family compound near Boothbay Harbor, Maine.

After starting her successful button business, she quickly became an icon in the sewing and crafting industry. She was a bold businesswoman, often traveling alone throughout Asia and Europe. She was a prestigious “Million Miler” with United Airlines and traveled the world over many times creating lasting relationships on both a personal and business level.

She was a lovely lady with a lot of spirit and a smile that could light up a room. She will be missed by everyone and remembered as a remarkable person who left a lasting impression. The family would like to thank everyone for their kind thoughts and prayers as we all say our goodbyes.

She is survived by her son, Jay, brother, John, grandchildren; Skip, Bill, Jordan, Krista and Andy, and great-grandchildren; Calli and Livie. She is preceded in death by her daughter, Sandi, husband, Jim and brother, Bob.

Services will be held at the Fairmount Mortuary Chapel on Saturday, May 16^th at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers we ask that those so inclined make a donation to a charity of choice.

Just Once!

2009-06-08T08:03:00.001-07:00

I often find myself in a quandary: I get so excited about an upcoming event and I think it will never arrive soon enough, yet when it gets about a week away, I wish there were more than 24 hours in a day so that I could finish up with all I have to do before the event arrives!

This Friday Steve and I fly to California for a week long celebration / vacation to commemorate my 50th birthday. I never thought I’d be excited about turning 50, but it turns out that I am! This has been such a memorable year for me that I think it’s only fitting that it be my 50th year here on God’s beautiful Earth. Many members of my family, as well as many of my childhood friends, will be at a party on Saturday, the eve of my birthday. Then Steve and I will spend a week driving up the coast with my very dear friends, Don and Doris. I’m very blessed as well as excited.

The problem is that I’m not ready! Mind you, this is how it always happens, so I should know the drill, but once, just once, I’d like to have everything handled and be able to relax and enjoy the days leading up to an anticipated trip or event. Just once. Alas, this is not that time.

At 50, I find myself looking ahead. How many more years will God allow me here? I have so much left to accomplish, will I be ready when he calls me Home? I pray I will be….just once.

Marvelous Month of May!

2009-06-03T11:46:00.001-07:00

What an incredible month May was for me! First I was off to Quilt Market, a trade show for shop owners. I brought home lots of ideas and new products to share with all of you in the days to come. Next, Steve and I drove to Reno, NV for a fun show. Not only did we have a good show and a great mini vacation, but I met Sue Hausmann form the TV show, “America Sews” and “America Quilts”. She and her husband, Herb, were so great to talk with.

Now that I am home again I will do some catching up with the web site and this blog and try to post daily and bring you up to speed on what I’ve been up to. I’m really excited about all the new stuff I have to share with you!

Button Up!

A New Legacy!

2009-05-03T07:17:00.001-07:00

At our April Colorado Quilting Council meeting, one of our members brought this fabulous old quilt to share. It is made of Yo-Yos sewn to a solid background. This alone would make this a very special quilt, but if it’s special to me, it must have…

Buttons!!!

Hundreds of buttons were added to the centers of the Yo-Yos! Now that’s Buttoned Up!

The woman who made this quilt must have spent months, if not years, making all those Yo-Yos, but now you can make them quick, easy and uniformly with the Clover brand Yo-Yo makers. Even small children can be taught to sew using these nifty tools! They come in several shapes and lots of sizes to fit any project. Check them out on Jillions of Buttons under Patterns. You won’t find a lower price than mine; I guarantee it!

Jazz It Up!

2009-04-22T11:52:00.001-07:00

I Love attending the Pueblo Quilt & Stitch Expo in Pueblo, Colorado! Not only is it where I first became a vendor and where I met all my fabulous vendor friends, but it is always a showcase of creativity and talent! One of my past customers came by this year to show me what she had done with the buttons she purchased, and she was happy to let me share this photo with you:

This is so simple, yet so very effective! The movement created by the beads combined with the size and texture of the buttons is wonderful. You could use the fringe options from the Beaded Button Bracelets in this same way. You could even have fringe or beads attached through the buttons’ holes! Button Up!

Colorado State Spring Button Show

2009-04-21T07:30:00.001-07:00

Well, we survived a wild weekend of weather! Could be worse…I could be in Phoenix today (103!).

The State Show was fabulous, as usual and I bought a lot of new buttons to add to my collection. I entered 2 trays for competition. One was disqualified for having a button on it that did not fit the award criteria (I should have used my magnifying glass) but the other was awarded a 2nd place ribbon! This tray was for Butterflies and Flowers, 25 any size (10 each and 5 free choice). Here is my tray:

I know it’s hard to see all of the buttons, especially with the ribbon in the way. I’ll take another photo that is easier to see and post it soon.

These are pictures of the showroom. All the competition trays are hung for all to drool over (about 20 separate awards to compete for). You can enter as many trays as you have buttons for, as long as they fit the criteria set out by each award. The clubs write and sponsor the awards. By the way, my 2nd place card came with a cash prize…$3.00!

Intense shopping!

Boxes filled with cards of buttons, as well as poke boxes to dig through. Nirvana!

Tomorrow: New buttons I brought home with me!

I’m Ready For Spring!

2009-04-05T19:14:00.001-07:00

Even though we haven’t had much snow this season, I’m ready for it to stop snowing! I’m ready to get into my garden and see some flowers! Until then, here is an idea to cheer you up!

I bought a floral bouquet at the craft store and replaced the flower centers and stems with a shank button on a wire. No cutting, no gluing, just bend the wire with a pair of pliers and plop them in a vase with the greenery!

Here’s a take along version:

With this one, you will need to remove the shank of the button to glue it to a tie tack finding (using E6000 of course!), so DO NOT USE ANTIQUE BUTTONS FOR THIS PROJECT! You can change the flower any time, and pin it onto anything! Makes a great little “thinking of you” gift.

Button Up!

Jill

It’s all in the Details

2009-03-29T19:43:00.001-07:00

Last October I helped Kathryn Wald choose a button for a quilt she was making. She had fabric with her, but not a design for me to see. We spent some time auditioning buttons and finally chose one. While in Tucson in January for their Quilt Fiesta Quilt Show, I was pleased and proud to see Kathryn again…this time with her quilt!

It is entitled “Caught On A Dream”, and it is gorgeous!

There is beading surrounding the button in the center of the Dream Catcher. Great job, Kathryn!

From My “Heart”

2009-03-28T07:40:00.001-07:00

I met this sweet lady in Phoenix, AZ at the Quilt, Craft and Sewing Festival in January. She allowed me to share this great design idea with you. Using the Clover Small and Large Heart Yo-Yo maker, she made 2 colors of heart yo-yo’s, added her favorite buttons to the centers, and attached them to her shirt neckline and sleeve. My picture does not do her creation justice: it was adorable! This is just another example of asking yourself, “Where can I put a button on this?”.

Snow Day

2009-03-27T14:33:00.001-07:00

Well, it could have been worse…I could still be driving for FedEx! The snow wasn’t so bad, but the roads are still very, very bad! Steve stayed home, as his office, and most of the town, closed for the day. Here are some pictures of him shoveling our deck this morning and our dog, Annie, catching the snow as it fell. She goes wacko in the snow!

Tonight is a big night!!! My Arizona Wildcat’s face the biggest challenge so far as they play Louisville tonight for the right to a spot in the Elite 8. Steve and I spent most of Sunday afternoon at our favorite sports hangout screaming our heads off for my Cats! I even did a solo rendition of “Bear Down” for the whole bar! GO CATS!!!

Last, I want to share just one picture of my sweet grandson, Tristan. I recently got a new batch from his Mama and I’ll share more soon. For now, just say “aaaawwwwwwwwwwww, he’s adorable!”

Button Quilts ala Wal-Mart

2009-03-19T20:16:00.001-07:00

While I was at the Tucson Quilt Fiesta in January, I was privileged to meet quilt artist Karen G. Fisher. She is a force to be reckoned with in every way! She made a series of wall quilts designed to showcase buttons she purchased at her local Wal-Mart. The buttons are a line distributed by Blumenthal Button Company. Here are a couple photos of the one she entered in the show.

In addition, Karen made some of the awards ribbons. I sure wish I had won one of these! Button Up! Karen did!

Button Mayhem

2009-03-17T08:49:00.001-07:00

I must organize my buttons today!! I am trying to prepare several “trays” for our Colorado State Button Society Spring Show and competition that’s coming up in May. What is a “tray”, you ask? I know it was a curiosity to me when I first heard the term. Here is a picture of a tray I entered for an award written for green glass:

Note the numbers under each button; this refers to a section listed in the National Button Society classification book. This book is the guide for all competition trays, from the number of buttons required, to the size of the board they are mounted on! This tray did not win a ribbon, but I was not disqualified either…a miracle for a newbie like me!!! (One button is missing, I know. It was sold to a friend of mine for her tray!). I’d like to show you another tray tomorrow. Today I need to get busy!!! Enjoy!

Jill

So Little Time

2009-03-12T19:38:00.001-07:00

I admit it…I’ve been too lazy lately to write for the past few days. I was going to say that I was too busy, but that’s only a small part of it.

I’m taking a class from a friend of mine. Moo McDermott is teaching me to make a gorgeous quilted jacket. I’ve been putting kaleidoscope blocks together all week long! This Saturday we are making the jacket pattern. I’ll have to post a picture of the finished product when I finish it (don’t hold your breath!).

Sunday is our Colorado Springs Button Club meeting and I need to get some of my competition cards ready to take. This way we can review each others’ cards and critique them before the judges do! Here are some of my new buttons I recently purchased:

These, and others, are coming from a lady in Czechoslovakia and I can’t wait to get them in hand so that I can catalog them and add them to my collection!

We are expecting snow tomorrow, so I will be able to get in some more sewing and button organizing!

P.S. Happy Birthday to my dear friend, Karen and my favorite baseball player, Steve Finley. Hugs and Kisses to you both!

New Friends

2009-02-27T15:03:00.001-08:00

I have found a wonderful new group of button friends in a community called Button Bytes. In addition to a membership that includes some of the most respected and knowledgeable people in the Button World, but you can ask questions or just learn from the queries of others! A fun thing they do is called “Wild Wednesday” where members can sell their buttons. Oh My Goodness! Lock up your checkbooks, ‘cause the temptation is incredible! I hope to have a link for Button Bytes on my web site.

I also met a wonderful lady who makes lovely “No Harm” button jewelry and has a beautiful store on Etsy. Check out her creations.

Tomorrow I travel to Denver for a Button Workshop, sponsored by the Colorado State Button Society. We will review the rule for competition, catch up with good friends, and buy and sell our buttons! Too much fun! In addition, my March Newsletter will be published. I hope you enjoy it! I’ll be featuring artist Cindy Webb and her buttons. Don’t miss out!

For Love of a Button

2009-02-25T16:08:00.001-08:00

These are my favorite buttons in my entire collection! They are plastic, a dull yellow color, about 2 inches across and have impressed lines. They will never win an award or be included on a competition tray. You would probably discard them in a heartbeat, even to craft with, yet I would not sell them to you for a million dollars! Why do they mean so much to me? They once were sewn to a quilted yellow robe that my Nanny wore until it was so threadbare it was cut up for dust rags. She wore it when she bathed us on Saturday nights (when we slept over) before we went to church. She wore it in the morning when she served us a breakfast of our favorite coffee cake. She wore it while she rocked us in a red rocking chair and read us a bedtime story or sang us a song that we now sing to our own children!

My Da (grandpa) lived to the age of 99 and a half, passing away in January of 2007. Nanny followed him in August. After 70 years of marriage, we were not surprised.

In case you were wondering, I also have a set of plain white buttons from Da’s pajamas!

Collect what you love!

The Gorski Zoo

2009-02-24T09:40:00.001-08:00

Meet the rest of the Gorski family! Many of you have talked to me on the phone have “met” my dog, Annie! When the phone rings she goes crazy, grabs her ball and heads for the backyard so that I will throw the ball off the deck to her. After all, I’m not busy…just talking on the phone! This picture shows her on my “handwork” chair in my craft room. Annie’s favorite trick is to take a single button from a box (tells you what my craft room looks like!) and brings it to me, hoping to swap the button for a treat.

This is Meow-Meow. She adopted us shortly after we got Annie. She is very vocal, as her name implies. We were sure she had another family so her name was only temporary. Guess what…it stuck. She is a lover and prowls the neighborhood with her boyfriend next door whose name is Moose, a very large (neutered) tabby who terrorizes Annie from time to time. Moose and Meow-Meow are so cute together!

I tell you all this so that when you order from my web site, jillionsofbuttons.com you will know whose fur is all over your buttons when you receive them! Kidding (sort of!)!!! In addition I carry a great line of cat and dog buttons for your projects!

Spring Cleaning

2009-02-23T11:30:00.001-08:00

Here in Colorado Winter can be a real roll of the dice! This last weekend the weather was so nice that I got the cleaning bug and spent some serious time putting my basement / office in order. I feel so much better now!

This week will be spent adding new buttons to my web site, JillionsOfButtons.com and writing my Newsletter for the month of March. I have lots of great things in store and I can’t wait to share them.

March is not only National Craft Month and National Quilt Month, but the 3rd week in March is National Button Week! I plan to celebrate all of these events with lots of pictures and ideas here on my blog all month long! I hope you enjoy them! Feel free to share your own pictures and projects with me so that I can pass them along. In addition I hope you will check out the National Button Society web site and think about joining! The benefits are incredible and yearly dues is only $25.00!

I’ll leave you with a couple pictures from The Phoenix Quilt Craft and Sewing Festival. What a great way to use your buttons!

2009-02-16T08:03:00.000-08:00

I love being on the road, but being home is wonderful! With all my inventory in the house, dirty laundry, and no food in the house, this Valentines day was busy but satisfying. I'm not done yet, but it feels better to have some of the house clean!

Sunday was Button Club meeting. We covered a lot of ground in a short time, discussing the Colorado State Show that is coming up in May, the National Show that will be here in Denver in August, and the awards list (subjects for competition) for our State's 2010 show, already! I sold and autographed several of my new books for my friends and we bought and sold buttons from each other. I aquired some great buttons, my favorite of which are 5 new Battersea Pewter buttons, one of which has the coveted "head" shank. I'll try to photograph it and post it for you to see.

Meantime, I'll post pictures of my Sister-in-law, Jeannine, along with my neice, Grace and nephews Ryan and Seth. We made button covered picture frames while Aunt Jill visited a few weeks ago. They will be Junior NBS members if I can keep this up!!!

Button Up!

Jill

2009-02-13T10:04:00.000-08:00

A First for Me

2009-02-13T09:23:00.000-08:00

My first ever blog posting! I guess it's time to move into the 21st Century and get with the program. I especially want to be able to connect with all of the other button lovers out there, as well as quilters, sewers, and creative people of all kinds. I think that this, combined with my web site, Jillions of Buttons, and my monthly newsletter will help me to do just that. Like many of you, I want to share ideas and information about our God-given gifts. I hope you'll join me!

Meet my family:

Chad, wife Anna and son Tristan

Bryan and wife Lisa

Emily

My husband, Steve (or Bear, as I call him) and me!

Chad and Emily are in the Navy and Bryan is in the AirForce