Not entirely sure if that title refers to the passage of time, or sanity. Both probably. We've squeezed in a quick trip to my folks for some sea air and a little buttony goodness.
Some garlands, made from the bounty that lurks in my Mother's Charity Shop button box. When a garment donated to them is not fit for sale, they recycle it for rags, but always snip off the buttons first. Sets get carded up and sold on, but the odds and sods make it into a giant tin. I've been thinking of ways to up-cycle them and am hoping these garlands just might hit the spot with the charity shop punters.
Then a whizz home, a re-boot of the washing and a cross country scurry to meet up with Karen and Monica (and assorted offspring, all male!). You'll have to see Monica's post here for all the details, because Karen doesn't have a blog (though she does have an amazing craft room, so there's still hope) and I forgot to take a camera. Which was ridiculous. Especially given how much fun was packed into one day.
I blame it on a stinking cold - one of those ones that begins just as the pressure of real life eases off, thereby perfectly timed to co-incide with all holidays. I'm having difficulty stringing any coherent thoughts together at all - can you tell?
Hope you feel better soon. Love the button garland - looks like there's some real treasures in there!
Posted by: lina | 30 October 2008 at 00:06
I love the button garlands, I think I may try and do that for my bathroom window, it needs some cheer :)
Posted by: raspberry | 30 October 2008 at 00:35
The button garlands are such a great idea!
Posted by: Rebecca | 30 October 2008 at 05:30
I walk by a window decorated with button garlands very often. But I always forget to take my camera. I love the way yours turned out!
Posted by: Simone | 30 October 2008 at 06:58
I have made the mistake to read your blog this morning with No 2 next to me.
The result? it's 8.30am and although I haven't had any breakfast yet, I've already made two button mobiles.
I'm very hungry and slightly grumpy... and it's all your fault!!!
(our mobiles are made of left over yarns and discarded buttons - all the gold/military/80's ones, shiny and goldish and totally garish. Basically all the ones appealing to my son's 'versace' style... scary really)
Posted by: monica | 30 October 2008 at 08:33
But you clearly have no trouble stringing button garlands together - great idea. Hope the cold is banished quickly.
Posted by: Diana | 30 October 2008 at 08:42
The button garlands are fabulous.. something else on my ever growing list of things I would like to try! Looks like you had a fab day out... hope you're feeling better soon.
Posted by: Gina | 30 October 2008 at 09:02
Whenever I go back to my parents (in Herne Bay) I enjoy a trip round the many charity shops stocking up on buttons and old retro quilts and pillow covers to cut up and sew with. The garlands are lovely, they would look so nice in my window!
Posted by: Bev | 30 October 2008 at 09:41
Hope the cold eases soon - awful things. I do like your buttony idea. I've been lookng at the button posies that crop up all over the place too, but our charity shops don't seem too keen on recycling buttons. Hmmmm.
Posted by: dottycookie | 30 October 2008 at 09:42
Love the button garland what a great idea.
Posted by: Cele | 30 October 2008 at 10:06
You sound like a busy bee. Lots going on.
I love the simple little garland. What type of string did you use? I like it.
My mom several years ago went to a thrift store and asked them if they had buttons and the lady pulled out a very large box of buttons, where they did the same thing. Removed the buttons from clothing that wasn't suited to resell. They sold it to her for a few buck. It was one of her best finds every.
Posted by: Gina | 30 October 2008 at 13:17
Your post seems very coherent to me! Love the button garlands and hope you're feeling better very soon. K x
Posted by: kristina | 30 October 2008 at 17:45
Those button garlands are just gorgeous! Lucy x
Posted by: Lucy Locket-Pocket | 30 October 2008 at 19:01
Those button garlands look fab! I would definitely try them if I could think of somewhere my son wouldn't get them.
Posted by: Rachel | 31 October 2008 at 06:09
Those button garlands are lovely. We have a button box but everything in it is black or grey. I don't think that's going to work as well, sadly.
Posted by: The Coffee Lady | 31 October 2008 at 08:52
oh what a beautiful idea :: I love the phrase "up-cycle" that you used, also love the way you beautifully photographed the beautiful up-cycled button garland. Beauty all round, thanks for sharing
xx
Posted by: Lucy@Attic24 | 01 November 2008 at 15:40
Where did half term go? it's nearly over and I don't seem to have done anything 'half termy' yet!
The button garlands look lovely.
Hope the cold gets better soon.
Posted by: Helen | 01 November 2008 at 22:06
I love your button garland - such a lovely idea!
Your day out sounds perfect. It's great how kids will just get on and play together so well :-)
Hope you're feeling better!
xxx
Posted by: Lesley | 03 November 2008 at 20:29
what a great idea! i've been looking for ideas to use up some of my button stash. This is too cute.
Posted by: wayfarer | 04 November 2008 at 04:19
That button garland is my new favorite thing in all the land!
I can get the resident nearly-5-year-old on something like that to decorate for the holidays!
Posted by: Jess | 10 November 2008 at 21:22