Taking a Break - Sort of.....

I've decided to take a bit of a break from the hustle and bustle and constant pressure to create and get everything done.  I had thought perhaps I'd close up my shop for the holidays but then decided against that.  What I've decided to do is to take a break from custom orders for a bit (until at least after the holidays) and only make buttons that I want to make.  I've got lots of buttons and button jewelry/jewellery made so will list these when I feel like it so there will still be lots of new items going up.  I've been wanting to work on some other creations and haven't really had much time to do anything "just because".  I've got lots of ideas for ceramic and glass buttons so hopefully will work on a bit of these.  I've also become really interested in cake decorating and hope to make a few of these creations.  That might be a bit harder because since I'm always watching what I eat I'm not sure I want the temptation of having these goodies around but we'll see.  Hopefully I'll start by making a few creations for the upcoming holiday party at work and then we'll go from there.  I do feel a bit more relaxed now that I've decided to slow down a bit to enjoy the holidays.  I must admit making the sales is really great and I appreciate each and every one of them so I'm a bit hesitant to do anything to slow this down.  As well right now there is the added pressure of getting items mailed out and hoping they reach their destination in time for the holidays.  I really don't want to disappoint anyone even though I know (as do they) that I can't control the postal system.  Still I never want anyone to be disappointed.  We'll see how far this self imposed "sort of vacation" goes.  Perhaps after a few days I'll be anxious to get going again but we'll see.  It's been a busy few months of button making so perhaps a break will be good.  I'll start focusing on my business plan for the new year and perhaps start thinking about some new designs.  I've already made a few Valentine's themed buttons.  Crazy I know.....  I'll drop by here from time to time to let you know how it's going.  I hope you all take some time to enjoy your family and the holiday season as well.  Family is the most important thing after all.  As my family grows smaller and smaller with the passing of family members this becomes even more important and apparent.  Happy holidays all!

Christmas Owl Handmade Buttons

I just love this colour combination of red and turquoise.  This is an unusual colour combination for Christmas but I think it looks great.  These buttons are listed in my Etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/listing/86498051/christmas-buttons-christmas-owl-handmade.  The Christmas rush has started and I have been busy in my shop at Buttons By Robin.  I have tons of ideas for my ceramic buttons but am having a hard time keeping up with my resin button orders.  That’s not a bad problem to have though J . I do know things will slow down a bit shortly as I’m in Canada so I only have another week or so before orders that are mailed out won’t be delivered in time for Christmas.




I do have a few days off from my day job right now so I’m going to take full advantage of it. I’ll spend some time with my husband but will hopefully get a lot of work done. We are planning a vacation to some warmer climate in February (not sure of the destination just yet) so I’ll do a bit of exploring about that as well. It is just such a pleasure to be able to sleep in a bit and enjoy a couple of leisurely cups of coffee in the morning before starting my day. When I have to go to my day job it’s up and out of the house at lightning speed and there just never seems to be enough time in the day. When I get home from work it’s pretty much all I can do to package up any orders that I get. I have no creative energy left after working all day as a policy analyst. It’s not a very creative job. It’s actually pretty structured and well “analytical” but I don’t have the energy left at night to do more with my Buttons By Robin. I always have such big plans and then exhaustion sets in J We’ll see how the next few days pan out while a have a vacation from work. I’m looking forward to it. How do you cope with keeping up the energy after your day job ends to find a bit of that creative spark that is within you?

Customer Service

It's easy to say that customer service is your number one priority when all is going well.  You're really put to the test when something goes wrong or turns out not as it should.  If you sell at all something is bound to go wrong at times.  The most frequent problem I run into - and thankfully it isn't often - is something taking a bit longer to arrive in the mail than anticipated.  I'm in Canada and the majority of my packages goes to the United States, Australia and Norway.  Most of my international customers are aware of the shipping times but not everyone.  Sometimes people don't realize I'm in Canada and that the mail will take a bit longer to arrive.  I do email at the time of purchase to let them know approximate shipping times etc.  It's understandable that some people don't read the messages.  We're so inundated with emails that it's normal to ignore what appears to be just another email.  The best advice I can give when a problem comes up is to communicate and be empathetic to the situation.  My customers are usually really understanding when they realize that I'm a bit further away than they may have realized.  They are also reassured when I let them know that if there should ever be a problem I will fix it.  Just being in contact and responding in an understanding manner goes a really long way.  It may be cliche but treat your customers the way you would like to be treated.  As long as they know you are there to fix a problem should it occur and that you are understanding and responsive they will probably be more than happy to work with you. 

Cooler Weather and Winter Themed Handmade Buttons

The weather is getting cooler so it's making me start to think of the upcoming winter weather (as much as I hate to do that).  Oh well if you can't beat the cold weather I can at least make some buttons in bright and cheerful colours/colors to help cheer up the dreary and cold winter days and nights.  I must say I do love these beautiful cardinal buttons http://www.etsy.com/listing/84084955/bird-buttons-cardinal-on-branch-handmade.  These have just been listed in my Etsy shop.  They really want me want to get out the knitting needles and knit something up.  The sad truth is I don't have much patience for knitting but I do admire those who do.  I can do a few basic knitting stitches but rarely finish a project.  I hope these buttons inspire you to pick up a project to start to fill those long winter evenings.

Finding The Creative Muse

No pictures today.  I'm feeling a little blah.  I'm off from the day job this week and had all the intentions in the world to create, create, create and yet I don't really feel like it.  I'm having some success with my buttons and I really appreciate it but for some reason I'm just not in the mood to make buttons these days.  At least not my resin buttons.  I think it's a combination of having a couple of packages go missing and some technical difficulties.  These are all part and parcel of business and of creating but for some reason it's really having an impact on my wanting to create.  I'm pushing through and continuing on but I'm also turning this into a positive and using this as a reason to rethink my direction.  I have been making some ceramic buttons and jewellery pieces this week though.  With ceramics there is no immediate gratification but I am looking forward to firing up the kiln maybe tomorrow to see how they turn out.  I've got lots of ideas and am learning as I go.  I've never taken a ceramics class but have read lots of books, completed lots of Internet research and watched lots of videos.  The problem with ceramics is that when things don't turn out it is extra disappointing because there is so much time invested in it.  Well wish me luck as I sit back and work on some fun projects and wait for my creative muse to reappear.

Halloween Owl Handmade Buttons.

I keep telling myself I need to stop with the Halloween buttons.  I really have enough on my Etsy site www.buttonsbyrobin.com.  I mean really how many Halloween buttons can someone use.  What do you use Halloween buttons for anyway?  Despite my trying to be rational about it I just love these Halloween designs so when I found these images I couldn't resist so here they are http://www.etsy.com/listing/80204614/halloween-buttons-halloween-owl-handmade.  Halloween is fast becoming a very popular holiday.  I find myself drawn to it more and more.  When I was young it was just the one day.  You dressed up at school in your costume and then went out for candy that night but other than that not a big deal.  Now my neighbourhood is fully decorated and people seem to get right into the "spirit" - no pun intended.  I guess it's just a simple holiday with no big expenses associated with it and no big expectations.  Perhaps that's the appeal - oh and all the spooky creatures that come out that time of year as well!  Happy Halloween all.

Large Dragon Sewing Buttons (Handmade Buttons)

Finding images that work for boys seems to be more of a challenge than it is to find images for girls or for women.  Maybe I'm just more drawn to those images (being a girl and all :) ) but seriously even with clothing it's much easier to find cute things for girls.  I have a son so I know what I'm talking about.  Boys want to be stylish as well and I think these dragon buttons have just the right amount of masculine appeal and cuteness!  They can be found here http://www.etsy.com/listing/79075379/dragon-handmade-buttons-5-large-sewing.  The buttons pictured here are my larger size but I've also made them in the 3/4" (2 cm) and 1/2" (1.5 cm) sizes.  I've heard from my customers that they like variety.  The ones in the picture are 1" or 2.5 cm and would probably be good to decorate pillows or maybe along the tops of curtains in a nursery.  They sure are cute and not too frightening for the little ones!