Hand Made Hand Painted Primitive Crow Buttons

Here is a set of primitive crow buttons that I just listed in my Etsy store http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5069403 today. I made these a while ago but I still love them just as much as when I first started making them. These buttons are wooden and approximately 1 1/4" from the tip of their tails to their beaks. I seem to have a fascination with crows. Maybe it's because they are such a prevalent image in primitives which I am also drawn to. It's funny because I like to make primitive art and yet I do not have a single primitive piece decorating my home. My home is very minimal in design with very clean-lined modern furniture. I live in the biggest city in Canada but was born in the country. I guess the primitives are a nod to the country girl that lives within the heart of this city dweller.

New Hand Made Ceramic Hedgehog Buttons

This is the second type of hedgehog buttons I've made. These are shaped like a hedgehog whereas the others were hedgehogs painted on a square button. Similar buttons are currently listed in my E-Bay store http://stores.ebay.ca/Artisan-Adornments-by-Robin_W0QQsspagenameZMEQ3aFQ3aSTQQtZkm and on Etsy http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5069403. I'm growing quite fond of these cute little guys.

Hand Made Ceramic Pumpkin Buttons

Just a quick post to show you some cute pumpkin buttons I made. I'm certainly in the Halloween mood these days. The ideas are flowing and time seems to be getting away from me. I've been reading a lot of really great technique books lately and I'm hoping to put a few reviews of the books here for those of you who might be interested. I like taking the ideas/techniques presented and then adapt to my own ideas. Have you read any good craft/art technique books lately?

Happy Anniversary to Me (and Hubby of Course)

I don't really get personal too much on this blog but I wanted to post that today is my 3rd wedding anniversary. My husband and I have been together for over 7 years now and married for three as of today. He is my best friend and my biggest support and I love him to pieces. OK enough mushy stuff. I hope you all have a wonderful day.

Cat in Pumpkin-Hand Made Ceramic Buttons

I've been working on my Halloween buttons for a while now. I want to have a fairly good supply on hand for the fall season. It's important to be working ahead so you have the items ready when the season approaches. As well crafters who make items to sell in the fall need their fall supplies early as well. While I love all the great fall and Halloween buttons I've made they really aren't selling all that well. Either they aren't what customers want or maybe I'm just a bit overanxious to get them out. The problem in that I am usually in love with whatever I am creating at the moment so want to get it out there to share with others. I must admit I probably wouldn't be buying fall items in the heat of July so perhaps I should just put them aside until the time is right. When do you start making and/or selling your fall items?

Hand painted-Hand Made Ceramic Hedgehog Buttons

Here is my latest and, of course, my new favourite buttons. It's funny how our latest creations are always our favourites and then we move on to the next "favourite". I guess that's good though because it keeps us creating and stretching. These buttons are ceramic and are painted with my own hedgehog design. Suddenly I seem fascinated with these little guys these days. I've never been particularly drawn to hedgehogs before but hey who knows what might be next. I have a few ideas percolating. Making ceramic buttons does take quite a bit of time though because you have to make the base, let it dry and then decide what you are going to paint. If it's a new design you have to create the design and then test it out. With these particular buttons I painted the hedgehogs first without the clear over glaze in case they didn't turn out how I wanted. If I don't put the over glaze on I can go back and retouch and fire again. This gives me a second chance to fix any mistakes. In this case I didn't have to do that as I liked how they turned out so I just applied the clear glaze which gives everything a nice shine and also seals the porous clay. So I took two steps where I could have done one. I'm very very pleased with the overall design though so live and learn. As I get more experienced and more confident with ceramics/clay I'll learn new tips and tricks but until then I'll muddle through. Some experiments work some don't. These are posted on E-bay right now so that will be the test. If someone likes them enough to buy them then that's a pretty good indication I'm heading in the right direction.

Hand Made Steampunk/Altered Art (Sewing) Buttons

Here is a picture of my latest hand made buttons. I call these my steampunk or altered art crow buttons. I call them steampunk crows because the images are shaped like a crow filled with images of watch parts. Watch parts are often associated with the steampunk theme. I find myself being drawn more and more to these types of images although I'm unsure what exactly it is that draws me to to them. I love vintage pieces, watch parts, vintage typewriter keys, vintage game pieces and all sorts of bits and pieces. I've gathered quite an assortment of these images and always have some grand plan for them which more often than not doesn't actually materialize although I continue to collect and continue to imagine all the wonderful things I'll make with my collection. Perhaps it's just the collector in me using this as an excuse to collect. Come to think of it maybe I'm also drawn to bird images, in particular crows, because they like myself seem to be drawn to shiny bits of "stuff" with no apparent value They're drawn to it simply because it is shiny and bright. Do you share my love of collecting? What do you collect?

Happy Canada Day - Canadian Flag Pin

Happy Canada Day everyone!!!! It's Canada Day today here in Canada so I thought I'd post a picture of something Canadian related. Actually it's not often that I make something with a Canadian theme in mind. It's not that we're not proud to be Canadians-we are-but here in Canada it's very different than in the United States where Americana and the Fourth of July is very highly celebrated. I think Canadians as a whole are a much less vocal about their patriotism and I'm not exactly sure why that is. The Canada Day holiday that we celebrate on July 1st. isn't as elaborate or as extensive a celebration in the US but perhaps that's because the actual day off celebration hasn't been in existence that long.

Anyway, I encourage all Canadians and friends of Canadians to get out and celebrate with family and friends or even by yourself. Do it quietly or elaborately or any way you choose. In a few days it will be our turn to celebrate the Fourth of July with our US friends. However you celebrate, have a safe and wonderful day. Happy Canada Day!!!!!!!!!!!