A Button Clutch and April's Giveaway!!!

I am so excited about today's post for a few reasons...one, because I made something that I think is really cute inspired by the giveaway, two, because I get to introduce and highlight a very talented and beautiful friend, and three, because I get to give away one of this friend's amazing creations!!! Happy Monday to me and all of you! 

Let's jump into the refashion first and get that over with so we can move onto the most exciting part...(though, I hope you protest and ensure me that the refashion is just as exciting ;) right?) My inspiration for today's project was buttons. Makes sense as you read through the rest of this post.

I started out with this small woven mat that I found for $1 at the thrift store. I don't wear yellow much as it doesn't flatter my skin tone, but I love a pop of yellow in an outfit and I knew exactly what I'd make it into as soon as I saw it.

I pulled a random collection of buttons and beads and started laying them out to get an idea of what I like best and decided on whites/ivories. I folded the mat in half, straight stitched up each side and made a pouch.

I played around with some different layouts and decided on my favorite...

Pulled out some vintage snaps and sewed everything in place.

And made myself a cute little button clutch! My little black wristlet that I use as a purse/wallet on an everyday basis fits perfectly inside with a little extra room if I need to throw a little something else in there :). I'll probably fashion a wristlet strap that I can detach in case I'd rather just carry it around as is, which is what I'll do for now.

Vintage button love!

 Super simple, but oh so cute and now, whenever I want a pop of color, this is my go-to accessory :).

Now, onto meeting my friend!

This is Betsy :)

Meet Betsy...isn't she stunning!?!

I am a 32 year old single mother, of a fabulous little boy named Devyn. Challenging...but worth every bit. The three things that keep our household going are fun, laughter and most importantly love!

I work full time between two jobs. One, being manager of the marketing department at a local restaurant. The other, tending bar for a beautiful wedding venue. I have a very fun loving, independent and open minded spirit. I like to think I possess equal parts of sass and class. I appreciate the simpler things in life. If anything stands out among others, I'm interested. All that is unique. Different. My style.

Any color, any style!

I started designing my button bracelets during the Fall/Winter of '12. It all just started as a hobby. I would hang out at my folks' often. Noticed mason jars galore full of buttons my mother had displayed all around the house. Asked her what her intentions were with them...was less than thrilled with her answer of "nothing". They looked great as decor and all, but were screaming at me to do something. I picked the buttons I adored and from there went to a local hobby store. Came across a DIY button jewelry book. It was love at the first turn of page/cover! I made a few pieces and introduced them to my friends and family. They turned out to be a big hit. So, I began shopping at thrift shops and flea markets. Boutiques. Estate, yard and garage sales were great places to hit, as well. I frequent Goodwill and other consignment shops. Buying apparel simply for the buttons.

These are too beautiful for words!

I currently have my bracelets in three gift shops. Plan on getting more on board as soon as possible. Have attended a couple craft fairs/bazaars in surrounding towns. Looking to get involved at a couple local farmers' markets, as well. 

Bracelets are $10. S&H $3.25.

I can be reached via e-mail or phone. Facebook, as well. I'm always happy to customize. I'll design to your request. You tell me colors and styles you have in mind...I'm on it!

Aren't her bracelets amazing!? And I love that she's using vintage/secondhand buttons because they truly make each finished piece unique <3.

Now that you've had a chance to learn a bit more about Betsy, I get to show you the awesome giveaway!!! One lucky winner will be taking home one of Betsy's bracelets...and here are your choices :).

Blue or white...white or blue?

You can either chose the blue or the white as your favorite, and if you win, it'll be making its way to your wrist!

Which would you choose?

I love how well these are made and how sturdy they feel but how delicate they look! So easy to wear and light as air. I've been drooling over her bracelets for a few months now and am so excited to see them in person! I love them for myself, of course, but these are also amazing gifts for Mother's Day (coming up soon here) or any special occasion you'd like to celebrate.

Ok, here are the details on how to enter. First, its open to the U.S. only. Second, you have to leave a comment here on the blog. You may comment on Facebook, but if you want it to count, gotta leave one here too. Tell me which color you'd like best and if you could customize a piece what your color combination would be :). The giveaway is open for one week, at which time I will announce the winner!

Remember that Betsy's contact info and pricing info are included in the pic above with her business card, so if you want to get moving on designing your own piece, make contact! If you send a quick email she has a ton of photos of her work that she can direct you to in no time at all :).

Thanks, dear, for letting me feature you! Hope you all enjoy looking at these as much as I do and I can't wait to see who the lucky winner will be...

Peace,

Andrea