SWEET SUCCESS!!!

I did it!! I made my goal of 500 button crafts this year! Today I hit and passed the 500 mark!!

I'll admit, I didn't entirely think I would pull it off this year. Last year was so intense and took so much out of me (willingly given, but still a bit exhausting) I wasn't sure I could keep it up this year. But, with a bit of a summer hiatus and a pick up in the fall, here we are... goal met!

This Saturday I will be at the North Woodside Community Centre Kris Kringle Pancake Breakfast & Craft Sale. Hope some of you local types can make it!

I'd also like to say hello and thank you to my international readers. Congratulations to the Americans on electing your president. Hi to the person in Peru who joined us this week. Always nice to see a European contingent as well... every time I see a country pop up on the map I think of how much I want to travel someday and see all the places you guys are from. Someday!

Now,  it's late here and I'm quite tired. I spent five solid hours trimming dental models today. A wee bit hard on the body, but quite satisfying to watch the pile of untrimmed models go down!

Hope you all have a great evening... cross your fingers for me and my 6/49 ticket... oh the things I could do with 31 million dollars! That's a whole lot of wishes!! Spread the Happy!

445! Almost There!!

Oh my gosh!! I think I'm going to do it! I can just about see 500 hovering in the near future! Woot!!

I made another twenty fridge magnets today and I like this batch quite a bit. I think I must be part crow... the shiny buttons grab my attention. Caw caw! :)

I'm feeling all giddy right now, can you tell??

Ok, so big update... I am not going to be donating to Plan Canada after all. They never responded to my email which I think is a little inconsiderate. So... I have decided to support Children's Wish again because I think it makes a very big difference for some very amazing children. I felt really good about last year's efforts and although I don't think I'll be able to raise quite as much this year, I think every little bit helps. It's like the blog home page says: Small things make a big difference.

So... if you'd like to support Children's Wish with me, let me know, buy a craft, make a donation, whatever you want to do. It's a great way to spread a little happy in the world and I guarantee you'll make a big difference for someone who could use some happy.

I'd also like to take a moment and send out my best wishes and hopeful thoughts for all the people affected by Hurricane Sandy here in Canada and down in the States. I'm a bit shocked that we haven't had more of an 'event' here on the coast... but I am also thankful too. I just hope that everyone stays safe and gets through this as best they can.

For those of us not under water, I hope tomorrow's Hallowe'en is safe and fun for all. Good night and stay tuned for the craft tally! Getting excited!!

Almost to 400...

Wow! I'm just shy of four hundred button crafts!! Just in the nick of time... the craft show is in two weeks. Do you guys think I can make another hundred crafts in two weeks?? I think so!!

I wrote to Plan Canada to see about donating the money all officially and stuff and no one ever wrote me back. I guess they're not that interested? Well, I can either collect it and donate it on my own, or I can call up my friends at Children's Wish and go that route. Thoughts? I'm still on the fence... would like to support Because I Am A Girl.... but am not impressed that no one replied to my email.

Anyway... it's going to be a busy busy weekend getting the kids and the house all decked out for Hallowe'en. The weather is gorgeous today and the colours on our tree are beautiful. I wish I could keep the world at "Autumn" instead of heading toward winter... sigh. All seasons are beautiful though. Just have to focus on the beauty of twinkling snow and ice rather than the slush and the cold. :) It's all good!

Will keep you posted on the craft tally, and maybe when I get to my 500 goal I'll take and post some pictures!

35 more today!

I decided to make some smaller magnets today. They are cute and little... perfect for putting up photos on a fridge, or smaller notes. I use several small magnets on my fridge and thought that a bunch of smaller options would be good too.

Almost to 350 now... probably going to have to take a little break though. I have a costume to make for my little boy! He's going to be a "one-eyed, one-horned, flying purple people-eater" for Hallowe'en. Yeah. Try picking that up at Old Navy! LOL

I have lots of elements, just have to put it all together. Should be a fun one at the neighbours' doors... I can see it now...

My Son: Trick or Treat!

Neighbour: Hello! Well, now what are you supposed to be?

My Son: (in a mad excited rush) A oneeyedonehornedflyingpurplepeopleeater!!

Neighbour: (with a confused expression) A what??

Me: (slower) He's a one-eyed, one-horned, flying purple people-eater. You know, from the song.

Neighbour: Uh...

My Son: (after getting some candy) Thank you! Happy Hallowe'en!

Neighbour: (still looking shell-shocked) Um, bye....

Yup. Good times ahead. :)

The craft show is fast approaching! I need to get my act in gear on display stuff. Where can I find good jewelry display stuff for super cheap?? I really don't need to be spending a fortune on something I'll only use once or twice. Sigh. We'll see if I can come up with something...

Spread some happy!

60% There!

I have 312 crafts made! Woo-hoo! That's just over 60% done!

I have to do a little research on Plan Canada's site before I officially designate it as this year's recipient of all the profits. It's not too late so maybe I'll pop on their and see what I see.

Today I had two wisdom teeth out so it was a bit of a crafty quiet day. I came home and rested during the morning then popped a second movie on and began to slowly make some earrings. This evening I made a few more while my husband watched a tv show he likes but I just can't quite get into. I don't know, it just makes me uncomfortable.

Anyway... so it's up to 312... phew. Still not sure if I'll hit 500 but I'm sure going to try!

There's my quick little update and I'll pop back in a few days. :)

Goodnight!

Over Halfway!!

Good evening all!

So... I'm trying to do a nightly update to my tally as I create so that I don't have to recount that which I've already created. I think I'm up to 274 crafts! More than halfway, and about a good solid  night's work away from 60% done!

I've made six little Christmas trees with stars on top courtesy of a tagged post on Facebook that my friend Serina posted. They are stacked green buttons, in varying shades, with a little pearly star on top. I love them!! I want to make more but I'm out of stars and my green supply is getting down to mostly little buttons.

Based on the design I decided to try a snowman wearing a little black top hat. Love him too! So much fun can be had with teeny little buttons.

The downside to my night was when the glue ran down my fingers.... whoops! Luckily I noticed in time and pried my skin apart. Ouch. No trip to the emergency room for me please!

So it has been pointed out to me that I haven't posted a single picture of my latest creations. Possibly I haven't posted any pictures. I might have one of the cell phone charm I made at the very beginning, but I'm doubting that even. I'm sure I'll get around to it eventually...

In closing for tonight, I'm going to send out some more happy vibes to my friends who could use them and to any one out there who needs a little influx of happy. Hope you are all well and smiling!

Good night!!

232 Crafts!

As of tonight I have 232 completed crafts! More if you count every pair of earrings as two crafts, but I don't... so we'll go with 232.

Bonus... it's a palindrome! Yes, I'm a nut for palindromes... I can't help it.

The majority of the crafts are the fridge magnets. I think they make up about half of the total. However, I now have a good deal more earrings on offer and I'm hoping to pick up some more necklace stuff and the pins to make the keychains I want to do.

I did 30 crafts tonight... and if I can keep that up for a few weeks I should be able to hit the 500 goal by the end of the year for sure!

I'm pretty happy with how it's going... with the exception of the glue. It's leaving a funny film on some crafts that comes off if I rub it. Not a huge deal... a bit time consuming... but I worry that it'll come back later. That wouldn't be so good at all. The pricier crazy glue doesn't seem to do it, but the super glue and the jewelry glue (which you'd think wouldn't do it) does. Hmm... might have to buckle down and get more of the 'good stuff'. Yeesh.

Just a quick update... Happy Thanksgiving Canada!

Necklace Time!

I'm starting to think I might be addicted to craft supply shopping and subesquently craft making! I just had to nip over to the store on my lunch break today to pick up/clear out all their magnets and I bought a bunch of cord/necklace stuff too. They didn't have the pin things I want for the keychains, but I know where to go for those. Perhaps tomorrow night...

I had signed up for a soccer class, but sadly not enough people joined so it got cancelled. Ah well, another night of the week free for craftiness!

I'm feeling pretty good about making it to my 500 goal! And... over 400 page views so far! Somehow I doubt that it'll crack 12000 like last year's project, but then again I was blogging every night and posting pics of the week's work on the Fridays. I haven't done that this time because I'm just too busy. That year took a lot out of me... worth it of course... but hard to keep that up!

Getting super excited for my new job... I'm working there this Friday and then starting up 'for real' next Friday. Should be pretty awesome!

So... that's some happy for me, now I'm going to send some happy out to the world... and one person in particular. A really sweet, kind person that I know is having some medical tests done on Friday and she's nervous about it. So... if you can, please send some happy vibes out there for her. Thanks!!

And now, let's see if we can get to 500 views by Hallowe'en... share this blog with your friends! I'll try to get some pictures up... you know... eventually!

Good night!

New Ideas!

So tonight I made another dozen magnets, but the best part is, my husband helped me figure out how I'm going to make the keychains I so wanted to make! Now I'm extra excited to do those too!!

It'll mean another trip to the craft store(s) but I think it'll be worth it!!

I'm also going to try to sort out getting a table at the local farmer's market, probably in late November/early December. I think another friend of mine (who does stunning art work in a variety of mediums) is interested in getting a space too. That would be nice... to sell some art and keep each other company. :)

Anyway, not much else is new... just trucking along. I think I just might reach my goal!

Still debating the charity though... Plan Canada or Children's Wish? Thoughts?

Shopping and Creating

Today I took my son out for a shopping trip. We went to Michael's and Wal-Mart in search of buttons and things to make crafts with buttons. It was a success... a tad expensive, but what the heck... once the finished products are sold it'll more than make up for the up front costs.

So... today I made fourteen bobby pins and three necklaces. I think I need to get more chains/cords because wow did they ever turn out well!

Sadly the jewelry glue I was using doesn't seem to be doing the buttons any favours... some of my crafts seem to have a dull sheen on them. Luckily it wipes off, so perhaps I just need to give them a gentle wash and they'll be good as new. Would really hate to have all that work be for nothing!

I paid my fee for the craft show in November... I'll be in the gym again so I sincerely hope it's an unseasonably warm day. Otherwise, at least I know now to wear my boots, several sweaters and bring a blanket! It's not too bad if you're a shopper, but when you're just sitting still it can get very, very cold!

So anyway, that's it for tonight's quick little update. Seems a friend of mine has found a baggie of buttons for me so I'll try to swing by her place this week and pick them up. Thanks Fran!!

Have a great week and spread some happy!

Two Dozen!!

Tonight I made two dozen fridge magnets with buttons! I like them... I would keep them all if I could... but I'd rather sell them and do some good in the world.

So... I haven't yet done a full tally of all the completed crafts, but I'd wager that I've cracked the 100 mark by now. As I'm hoping to get to 500 I still have my work cut out for me. Luckily, the rate I've been working at it lately will/should get me there in time!

I have tentative plans to see if some of my friends would want to get together for a crafty party sometime in October. I think that could be fun... munchies, buttons, good times. :)

Tomorrow: more fridge magnets! I have enough magnets to make another 16 at least, and I know where to get more! I even have a fun idea for how to display them at the craft show(s) I'm going to go to. I've got my eye on one for sure... but I'll see about some others soon. I don't want to go too crazy... but they were fun to do last year and I expect they'll be fun again this year too.

Good night all... if there's anyone still reading this. My apologies for the lack of pictures so far and the big hiatus during the summer. Maybe this weekend I'll get a tally going and some photos. Maybe. :)

Spread some happy!!

Back In The Game!

Phew... has this ever been a long time coming...

I have made a whole bunch of earrings in the last week or so and have organized all the finished crafts into a tupperware thingy. I also have plans to attend at least one local craft show this November.

So... while there was a bit of a grinding to a halt over the summer, I'm back at it with a vengeance now.

Sometimes I lack follow through it's true... but I'll be damned if I'm going to let the busy-ness of finishing school and trying to find a job while juggling two (somewhat demanding) children to keep me from my goals. I may not get to 500, but I'm sure going to try!

Hoping to get to a dollar store or a craft store soon to get more supplies for fridge magnets. They turned out pretty well so far so I'm going to make more!

Another update to come...

Ten More

Tonight I made ten more pairs of earrings. Some are one button, others have as many as three per ear. I'm enjoying it... although I'll admit I was a bit clumsy this evening and my fingers have some gluey patches. Only time will make them good as new!

My lovely friend Veronique was talking about setting up a website and fundraising for Plan Canada's Because I Am A Girl. I thought, why not? I was thinking about Plan Canada early on and not quite sure if it was doable... but since she's already made some button crafts with me, and I think if we pool our resources we ought to be able to make a good go of it. At the moment I believe her plan is to set up a separate website where people can donate, and this one will keep on with the buttons (yes, I will post pictures eventually I swear) and we can sell button crafts here and at craft shows as the year progresses.

So... if anyone is out there reading... we have a plan. For Plan. Canada. Yup. I guess I should get some more details and contact Plan Canada to see if there are any bureaucratic hoops to jump through. So... more details to come!!

And for now... I'm going to bed. Happily moving this project forward because, yup, I'm done school! Our three week work term starts this week, I start on Tuesday, and then I'm going to be a licensed dental assistant. Watch out world... here we come!

I'm full of happiness right now and I hope it spreads out to you too!!

Good night!

Finally some progress!

I made fourteen crafts tonight!!! Woo-hoo!! I made six pairs of earrings, five fridge magnets and a ring. It feels so good!

Hoping to post some pictures very soon. It's late and I have school in the morning so not tonight.

Stay tuned! Things are going to pick up!! :)

Time Marches On

How are we here, in the middle of April already?? Well, I guess nearing the end of April... oh my.

I know I've been slow on the posting and creating. This is due in part to my promise (only slightly dented) to my husband not to go crazy with this until school is over. Well... school is almost done. Tomorrow is my last day of patient clinic, I have a one-week computer course, then it's off to a local dental practice (will wait for permission before I mention them by name) for my three-week work term, and then I will throw myself out into the world of work in hopes of finding a job. :) I'm feeling somewhat optimistic... and a little terrified.

Anyway... the upside to this is I will hopefully not procrastinate much more on the creating side of this venture. I still haven't fully decided where the money will go, but the Children's Wish Foundation is ranking pretty high again. I can't help it... it's such a good cause and I already have a decent relationship with the people there. Still open for suggestions though.

Now, it's late and I should be sleeping already. Tomorrow is a half day (yay) followed by a big end-of-term group lunch. I made fudge tonight for our last day... and then my good friend and I are going to do a little shopping for some scrubs. This is exciting. Doesn't sound like it to most people, but for us it is quite thrilling. No more ugly white jacket!! Woo-hoo!

So, good night everyone... thanks for reading this and for your patience as I wrap up the scholastic portion of my life. Can't wait to explode button crafts all over the place. Good night and go spread some smiles tomorrow!

So Happy!

Today I got into the button craft making!! I made a pair of earrings, little blue buttons with clear star buttons on top. I also made a bracelet in earthy autumn tones. To add to that I made two pairs of hair clips, one with black and orange buttons, one with black and green buttons. My lovely friend came over and made some crafts too! She also made some hair clips with striped buttons and a ring with a fabulous black and sparkly button she found in the collection.

Good times!! I will post pictures, but not yet... I have to take them and I want to be sure nothing falls apart. We had a little difficulty with the glue, but I think it might have been because it hadn't fully set. Here's hoping!

So... we're off and running... yay! March Break is going to be good news for this project!!

Good night!

Quick Update

I have bought some more supplies...

Have had a few offers of buttons, still working on the pick-up/delivery... but thank you thank you!!

My son said the sweetest thing tonight... for details to to http://acanvasaday.blogspot.com He is amazing!!!

Two Crafts Tonight!!

I was struck by a bit of creative fancy this evening... so I made two keychains out of buttons. I think they turned out rather well so I think I'll make some more. One is yellow and white, the other purple and blue.

I have some beads that I might use too... sort of a mix. I'm going to focus on the buttons though.

So, I don't have the pictures off the camera just yet, but I will get them up here soon.

Oh, and hello to viewers in Latvia and Columbia! So far there have been readers in Canada, Ukraine, Russia, Sweden, Germany, USA, Australia, Netherlands, Columbia and Latvia. Very exciting!!

Not too much else is new... my little guy turns four this weekend... that's pretty mind-blowing... for me anyway! We're doing a birthday party for him and it is looking like most of his daycare buddies will be coming!! Good times!

And now... to bed. Another long day comes to an end and I'm happy to say it was a very good day.
Spread the happy!!!

Gone for a bit, not forgotten!

Hey all... yup, took a little breather for a bit... had to focus on wrapping up A Canvas A Day (met & exceed my goal, yay!!!) and school of course. In the past couple of weeks our whole house has been sick, but we're on the mend once more so things should definitely hit the upswing.

I have plans to make some more cell phone charms in the near future. I've even had a couple of friends express an interest in crafting together, so this ought to be great! I welcome suggestions for a charity. I am starting to think about Plan Canada... maybe setting a goal for one of their larger gifts of hope. Or to support a specific project. I'm not sure, but the idea of it being a practical gift to improve the lives of a family, person, community, what have you, seems like a good idea to me. What do you think?

In other news, it's only 9pm... on a Saturday night... and I'm exhausted. I fell asleep watching Mary Poppins with my husband and son. Eep! So, although it seems a tad lame, I'm going to bed super early. Well, maybe the extra sleep will help with my lingering cold and upcoming scholastic ventures. Good night all!

Button Bonanza!

This morning one of my teachers approached me in the hall... with a huge tupperware thing FULL of buttons!! There are some from her, her mother, and her grandmother! So amazing!!!

I'm including a picture because it was a very nice, and quite unexpected way to start a Monday morning.

And here are some pictures of my first button craft... a cell phone charm! I've already received two requests for one from ladies in my class! Here's to fun accessories!

I also want to thank a good friend and mentor for her email today with a few suggestions for button crafts. Thank you!!!

And now... to bed! I'm doing an evaluation over tomorrow plus a new one... radiograph time!! Woo-hoo! Here's hoping all goes to plan. :) School is going very well so far and I hope to keep on a positive track. So, with that, good night and happy thoughts!