Button swap

To raise spirits, Samm over at the 'Made-it' forum decided to put together a button swap in which you:

1. Had to create two crafts using buttons

2. Had to choose 30 buttons from your own stash

and send them off to your recipient.

The above pictures are what I came up with to send to my person, who ended up being Samm.

For my first craft piece I found a button that I thought would look nice as a pendant. I cut off the shank on the back of the button and made a bezel setting for it, set the button and hung it from a 1.5mm s/silver cable chain.

I didn't want to use my usual packaging so for my second craft piece I made a cute little lined pouch and decorated it with buttons.

Samm said she loved both gifts and started wearing the necklace as soon as she opened it. Yay!

x Narelle 

Caring crafters

The response to the Victorian bush fires from the crafting community has been overwhelming.

A lot of crafters/artists from all over the world are selling their wares in their Etsy shops, Made-it shops and even on eBay and donating all proceeds to Red Cross or Victoria Wildlife.

Not only do these people have big talent but they have big hearts too.

Please, if you're looking for a gift for someone soon or even a treat for yourself, click here: 'Hand-made Help' and buy yourself some hand-made goodness. You will be helping the lives of so many people and animals.

Every bit counts.

x Narelle

Heartbreaking

Over the weekend Victoria has been devastated by horrifying bushfire.

Worse than Black Friday, worse than Ash Wednesday.

Around the state at least 131 people have died, countless victims injured and around 750 homes destroyed.

In conjunction with the Victorian State and Australian Federal Government, the Red Cross has launched the Victorian Bushfires Appeal 2009 to assist individuals and communities affected.

If you are able, please donate to this appeal here: Red Cross donation

Not forgetting that the current fire situation has left a disastrous impact on our wildlife, including the loss of at least two wildlife shelters to the fires.

Donations are desperately needed to help save the animals.

To donate to the Wildlife Victoria's Urgent Bushfire Appeal 2009 please do so here: Wildlife donation

Prayers and thoughts go out to those affected.

x Narelle