Looking Forward and Still Looking Up...

In the past week I have heard so many say how they are glad 2012 is over and hopefully 2013 will be better.

Like the New Year's resolutions we make this time of year, I think we all say something like that every year too, don't we?

With so much sadness in our own circle of family and friends and the nation's sorrow over the Sandy Hook Elementary shootings and the two fireman who lost their lives in the ambush in Webster, New York, it is the hope in each of us that helps us look forward to a new beginning in a new year.

I have my hope in the Lord and so I can look forward to a new year and all that HE has for me. If I keep my eyes looking up toward heaven (striving to live a holy, obedient life) I know that I am on the right path.

Sadly, today I am closing The Button Lady Shop on Etsy, that was opened in October 2010. I am unable to do the crafting and sewing anymore to make my vintage button items. If you own one of my items, it is now a one of a kind collectors piece!

NaNa's Things on Etsy just celebrated a one year anniversary in October and is still going and growing into 2013.
I am working my way back up to 300 items and so I have been thrifting and hunting for great stuff to list. I love all kinds of vintage things so there will be a nice variety, from wicker doll chairs to jewelry to kitchen items, home decor and baskets. You can also find some of my vintage button items there.

I am thankful for the past year, with all it's triumphs and woes and look forward to what is in store for 2013.


Hey, at least 2012 ended with a white Christmas and lots of snow in Upstate New York.... finally!!

That's my light up snowman buried in the snow!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

AnnMarie :)

FareThee Well, The Button Lady, Farewell

As of today, October 1st, I have decided to close The Button Lady shop on Etsy. It will officially close December 31, 2012.

Everything in my shop is 50% off. Use the coupon code SHOPCLOSE50 at checkout. No further reductions will be posted.

The Button Lady was my first shop on Etsy and I have thoroughly enjoyed being there for two years. But, due to chronic neck issues and arthritis in my hands, I can no longer do that kind of crafting.

My second shop on Etsy is NaNa's Things where I sell vintage items from Upstate New York. Some of my Button Lady vintage button items will be there for sale as well as some button lots for sale. Please visit me there to see what I have, as I have no physical limitations to go thrifting and antiquing to buy great vintage items for you! I add new items daily.

I have had a great response already to my sale....here are some items still available...

A cute embellished change purse

 

An autumn leaves stretchy bracelet

 

A wild animal print pin made out of vintage puzzle pieces and vintage buttons.

 

A funky gold wide headband with gold vintage buttons.....make a statement!

 

There are many hair accessory items for adults as well as children.  In addition to the 50% off, all hair accessory items are buy one plus the shipping and there is no shipping on any additional hair accessory items you buy.

 

All the items are one of a kind and special to me. I hope you visit and find something you like.

 

AnnMarie :)

 

 

 

Hearts and Love and Friday the 13th

It is Friday the 13th but that doesn't bother me at all. You see 15 1/2 years ago I chose the
13th as my wedding day in July and it has been a blessing ever since. On our honeymoon to Italy I discovered that the Italians consider 13 as their lucky number so I bought a gold 13 charm for my bracelet that I still have and cherish.

We all know that next month on the 14th is the day of Love, Valentine's Day. My husband is not much for Valentine's Day. And with all the craziness the retail arena has added to it, displaying all the red merchandise right after Christmas, has made me not much for it either.

My husband and I don't need a nationally recognized holiday once a year to celebrate our love anyways. Ever since our wedding day, for the past 15 1/2 years, or 186 months (!), we have celebrated our love and wedding day on the 13th of each month. Today is one of those days. We give a small gift with a note expressing our love. That gift could be a candy bar or a bracelet. A box of Twinkies or a new pair of jeans. This morning I received a 6 pack of Pellegrino sparkling mineral water. I gave my husband a new pair of pajama pants....Iron Man. Perfect gifts for each of us!

Next month we will exchange something else on the 13th and we may or may not recognize the 14th. On that note I know there are alot of people that just LOVE to give LOVE on Valentine's Day. I wanted to make something to put in The Button Lady shop on Etsy just for that, so I sat on my couch the past few days handstitching these versatile hearts to help celebrate the day. 

This is mauve velvet with very unique shades

 of pink vintage buttons.

Looks right at home with my girls....

For those of you that love purple and red....a white felt heart embellished

with vintage buttons, red stitching and a purple bead chain.

Hang it from a doorknob for a Victorian look....

Blue and white is so soothing....

carved floral buttons add a shabby chic feeling

Hang a heart on a cupboard....

or a bedpost.....

Here is your true Valentine heart in red and white.

It is made of  red embossed felt

and looks great on a mirror....

Is it Valentine's Day or St. Patrick's Day?

 This heart will work for either one....

It can hang on a chair year round....

or add to an antique lamp



All of my handstitched hearts are nice additions to any room in your home to give it a shabby chic, Victorian or just a unique look.

If you give a gift on Valentine's Day to your Mom or sister, your babysitter or best friend, these hearts express love to her as well as giving her a year round handmade gift.

They can all be found in The Button Lady shop where there are more pictures and ideas for each heart.

How do you celebrate Valentine's Day? Do you give gifts to your extended family or just to your significant other?

Love to you from my handstitched hearts to yours........

AnnMarie