Wednesday, February 9, 2011

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

28 comments:

  1. Your blog photos look like an antique sewing counter! These dies and stamps look so cool!

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  2. So cute and sweet idea! Love The scissors and spools!

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  3. It will look lovely on your wall...a fabulous project
    xoxo Sioux

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  4. Love this! Thanks for all the details!

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  5. oh, erin - you did it again! i love this. i have been toying with the idea of getting a silhouette and this may have pushed me over the edge... so much wonderful detail in this project. thanks for sharing.

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  6. I can't handle all this creativity! Seriously, you know how you get a complete sensory overload upon entering your favorite carries-everything-you-ever-dreamed-of store? yep, well that's me right now! Brain freeze...in a good way:)

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  7. What an adorable, colorful project this is!!! LOVE what you've done here Erin!

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  8. so darling.. Ilove the bright colors you chose!

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  9. How adorable! You are all making me want these stamps and dies. Absolutely precious!

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  10. love your little shadowbox, Erin!

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  11. I love your idea of layering the buttons - really makes it pop. I used to travel to Frederick about once a month for work. I enjoyed the yarn store downtown plus the craft stores to shop at.

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  12. OMG, Erin!!!! I am TOTALLY DOING THIS for my craft room!!! I absolutely ADORE this little project!!!!!! I hope I can find a scissor cut on one of my Cricut cartridges. I wasn't sure about the button set and dies but this project alone has convinced me that I MUST HAVE IT!! Thank you so much for the inspiration!

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  13. Love this shadow box!
    Absolutely adorable and these buttons are just to die for!
    Lived in MD for a few years...hubby was stationed at Edgewood Arsenal in Harford County. I had wanted Frederick because Western MD is a much nicer area and GORGEOUS but...
    Have a funny story about Frederick and their interstate exit though...
    Loved you podcast...can't wait for the next!
    And your shadowbox is just amazing!

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  14. Love your shadowbox project!! These button stamps and dies will be in my cart for sure :) tfs

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  15. This is so fabulous! I would love something like this in my craft room. And to think, you can make the whole shadow box for not much more than a couple of the real vintage button cards.

    Love that you're a Marylander. I was raised there and miss it terribly. Luckily, lots of family still in the Annapolis area so I get back often.

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  16. Oh my life, this is to die for Erin! I adore your cute haberdashery collage and the modern palette really rocks! Thanks for sharing - this set and dies are top of my shopping list now!!!!

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  17. Love your shadow box!! Your office must be very colorful and fun if the colors you used are any indication. And what a good tip about layering cut out buttons to make them more realistic. A coat of Glossy Accents could also be used if you want a shiny look. Loved the Podcast...you did a great job!

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  18. What a gorgeous project! I would love to see more of your studio (hint, hint!) And is that doily die seriously a new PTI product!?!?! If so, it will be the FIRST thing in my cart on release night!

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  19. I am always amazed at your creativity! Such wonderful ideas!!

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  20. This is going to be a big hit. I love all these new products already.
    Your shadowbox looks really good.
    Eveline.

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  21. I have a vintage thread case and some vintage button cards. I will definitely be using this idea to frame them. The scissors are fabulous!

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  22. Fabulous! It is such a good idea to create a fun sewing themed shadowbox for your room. I loved reading the whole post.

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  23. I wrote a post last night but was so delirious that I think I didn't submit it! This is so fabulously creative, Erin! You are a wonder with your Silhouette, too!

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  24. I am going to copy this and give them as Christmas gifts! You are amazing!!!

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  25. HI Erin, this is gorgeous! I, too, am from MD. Just spent the last 3 years in Hampstead and am now in Aberdeen. Enjoyed the podcast the other day - good job! Heather

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  26. Great job, Erin! I Love Love Love the shadowbox and must have a scissor pattern now :-) The podcast was wonderful and I look forward to more!

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