Button Boutique

There's an one-of-a-kind store in the historic district of Frederick (a few folks have asked in the last day...yep, I'm a Marylander) that took my breath away when I first stepped into it last spring. It honestly defies logic and made me question whether time travel was indeed possible. More vintage sewing notions and accessories (in perfect condition) than I even thought still existed. Gorgeous, top quality ribbon and lace, antique hair pins, vintage sequins on the original strands, 1950's poodle skirt patches in the original packaging. Heaven. Just heaven.

My favorite was the button wall. You can see it in the background on one of the pictures. Packs upon packs of vintage buttons, still on their cards. Multiples of the same type even, so it looked like a store out of the 1940's and 50's with them all hanging on their hooks. I have since considered from time to time splurging on a few packs to put in a shadow box on my office. Bit of an indulgence, with some of the packs running between $10-$20 dollars. But, good gravy, it would make me happy to look at everyday.

Well...imagine my delight when I opened up the design team's monthly PDF file to find the new Button Boutique set and dies at the very top. I might have squealed in such a high pitched voice that dogs three counties over could hear me. The concept, brought to you by Michelle and executed by Nichole was this--create your own vintage button cards with all the versatility and options that PTI usually offers in their stamp sets. Shadow box here I come. And it was even sweeter than I imagined because I could put a modern twist into the color scheme to match my office.

Here's a closer look at the whole project. Everything but string (to tie in the buttons), ribbon (around spools), and rhinestone brad (scissors)  is made out of paper.

Check out the button cards. The little notch die is separate from the button card die. You can include it or not. I love the authentic feel it gives when you do use it.  The buttons are cut with the new button dies. I have a little tip on how to make them dimensional and more like real buttons.

First cut multiples of the dies. Around 4 to six times. Use mostly cardstock and maybe just one cut of various patterned papers that you like. (Butterfly is just there because I though it would make a pretty picture.)

Next, glue four to six copies of the same button cut together, creating a dimensional button. In the photo, the red button is only one die cut deep, the yellow is three. If you want to add patterned paper, only use it on the top layer. No need to waste it when it doesn't give much depth. You can see the

Pretty, pretty dimensional paper buttons. It's fun to take something expected (buttons) and use unexpected materials (paper).

The scissors and spools are cut on my Silhouette. I used PTI ribbon to around my spools. See that doily? To quote Albert Einstein (OK, so it was Walter Matheau in the movie IQ), "Veddy, veddy interesting, is it not?"  :) wink wink

And lastly, there's a little pinked square die included with the button card and notch. Fits the new Bitty Background Blocks. Used a few to entertain the eye.  It's the red diamond pattern in this photo.

Pretty fantabulous, is it not? Going on my Favorite's Shelf, for sure. Be sure to check out what everybody else has been up to. Rumor has been going around today that there are some really nice projects by all the girl's. I'm eager to see them.

Nichole Heady
Jessica Witty
Betsy Veldman
Dawn McVey
Heather Nichols
Lisa Johnson
Melissa Phillips
Michelle Wooderson
Maile Belles
Danielle Flanders


Supplies:

Stamps: Button Boutique and Bitty Background Blocks
Cardstock: Pure Poppy, Summer Sunrise, Orange Zest, Harvest Gold, Kraft, Stamper's Select White
Ink: Summer Sunrise, Pure Poppy, True Black
Patterned Paper: Dotti Biscotti, Men of Life, 2010 Bitty Dot Basics
Dies: Button Boutique dies, Buttons, Parisian Doilie
Ribbon: Orange Zest Bitty Dot, Harvest Gold Saddle Stitched Grosgrain, Pure Poppy Topnotch Twill
Scissors and spool dies: Silhouette