Monday, May 4, 2009

A Day (well okay three weeks) in the Life of an Indie Button Creator!

This month has been quite dynamic ~ espeically for the past couple weeks while I have been filling two wholesale orders for two amazing LYS here in Portland. 

I am so excited and honored to have a presence in these two Beautiful Stores. 

And I now I am packaging up flower buttons to contribute to the Showers and Flowers Phat Fibers Sample box for May! And as always I continue to enjoy the sweet interactions I get to have with my wonderful Etsy customers in their pursuit for "just right button". 

And now a quick description of what I've been up to!

First I apply the texture before I cut out the button.
This is a multi step process that involves, stamping, drying and then cleaning up the buttons.


Buttons drying here....



Once they are all cleaned up and button holes are ready to go, they are ready for their first firing. After their first firing (the bisque firing) I apply glaze to the buttons. (Sometimes glazing is like painting with invisible ink! You never know how a button will turn out until it has all ready has been fired! Talk about mystery and intrigue:-) 


Then I load  them into my little kiln to have their second firing. 
Your buttons get fired to a temperature of more than 2100 degrees F!.... 


To become transformed.



This is how I package my buttons for my wonderful retailers.
I call them "Button Adoration". They are my buttons of love!

 

And this is me saying thank you to ALL!
I must express, part of Evolving to Joy is knowing that I am growing a business that is so rewarding and fun for me and for all the people I get to meet in person and through the internet! I am grateful to all of you for your support and enthusiasm for my buttons. 

Wishing you a Joyful Day!
Shelby


4 comments:

Trish said...

I bought one of your buttons for my swap partner yesterday at the shop and I sold some of the little flower ones. Have a great day. Trish

Shelby said...

WOW! Thank you so much!

Terre Busse said...

I liked seeing the process. A lot of work goes into your sweet buttons. I love all the shelby buttons I have!

Alpaca Granny said...

Thanks for sharing your process. I'm a once upon a time potter, so this was interesting.
Maple