Feeling the (button) love....

...You guys..... !!

I'm quite lost for words.

You truly are wonderful, caring and thoughtful.... and I feel blessed to be a part of this community.
When Cam dropped by my house today, I thought it was to give a belated Easter Egg to the smallest in the house. She handed me a big parcel containing countless vintage buttons, cards and sweet, sweet words....all sent from different corners of the crafty Blogosphere and each one wrapped in a unique and beautiful way.

I loved reading each note - the stories behind the buttons and the thoughts that went with each gift. (And I loved the chocolate, Kate!)

A huge thank you to Christina, Cam and ... oh, if I do ll these links, I'll be here all night.... THANK YOU EVERYONE who was a part of this "cheer-up project".

I can confidently assure you that your mission was accomplished!!

'Er Indoors

I didn't get out much this last week. Not even virtually.

The week began with a HUUUUUUUUGE catch-up on internet orders, ordering stock and entertaining a not-quite-at-school kid. Then it was straight in to Beginner's Sewing Classes.


I really am loving my new teaching space (and in this "Melbourne goes tropical" week, have fallen in love with with the air-con all over again). The classes were fun and it was very rewarding to see people leave with a whole new set of skills and ideas. (I also discovered my new favourite dip and some yummy choc-chip cookies).

All the while, I've been enjoying my new coasters, made by Vireya. I love them. Really, really love them. There are 10 of them - enough for a full class and everyone in the office!


The news from Queensland shocked me into a stunned silence in blogland and social-media world. I didn't feel that I could say anything trite and everyday.... but felt powerless to do or say anything meaningful.

I signed up for an auction to raise funds for flood relief efforts in QLD. See Toni's blog for more details about this fund-raiser, and watch this space next week for an auction of one of my handmade bags. It's a little something that I can do. If you can too, why don't you? Or why don't you bid your donation on one of the many auctions happening next week?

Faith Restored

I received a beautiful surprise in the post today. I wish my camera could do justice to the colour and the intricate patterning on this painting. It sings.

At the moment it's perched where there was once a hat I loved - to remind me of all the good, generous people in the world. Cathy really is one of those special people.

I also thank all of you who have sent comforting words or spread the word to be on the lookout for a garish orange fedora.

There is still hope that someone somewhere will spot it and send it home to me.

In the meantime I'm loitering around this laptop sleeve with a dangerous-looking gadget...

...

Thanks Cathy - you made my day.
I'll keep the faith.

xxn

Lovely Loot

People very generously gave me lovely presents at the blogmeet on Friday.

Extraordinarily beautiful Myrtle & Eunice cards...

Dear Fii's tiny hexagon brooch - sewn with love and tiny stitches.

I've often marvelled at the super-thoughtful gifts that Nikki from My Black Cardigan has made for other people. This time I was the honoured one. She made fortune cookies for me - MADE THEM ESPECIALLY FOR ME.... she of the one-year-old twins!!! Each one with a tiny crafty message to make me smile. You're too sweet, Nikki (and gosh, you have a lovely name!).

No presents were required and I was touched and humbled by the talent, time and thought that went into these.

Other people made beautiful baked goodies - my favourite almond macaroons, rich brownies and cakes, super just-out-of-the-oven scones, orange and poppyseed cake, apple crumble, florentines..... all too good.

Thanks lovely ladies... You're all busy gals and I appreciate all the time and thoughtfulness.