A simple yet decorative decoration is this weeks special 'Product of the Week'!

These wooden tea pot shaped hanging decorations are great for displaying around the house whether it be the kitchen, dining room or living room! Hang one on a hook, door knob, twiggy tree or over the corner of a mirror or picture frame.

At approx 3.5in in size these tea pots have been hand painted and distressed to give that shabby chic look and then finished off the a vintage cream button - each tea pot has a different button making them all unique!

For this week only you can have your own personalised text hand stamped onto the front of the tea pot for no extra cost. Have the text of your choice whether it be family names, sayings or messages making a great gift idea even more perfect!!

You can buy these decoartions for £2.25 here in the 'Online Shop'

Random Button is having a Market Night over on Facebook on Wednesday 17th April 2013 from 7.30pm. If you haven't heard of a Market Night before then it couldn't be easier to join in! At 7.30pm we will upload a 'sale' album to the Random Button facebook page - all of the items will either be one offs or current stock lines at reduced costs. It's a first come first serve basis so from 7.30pm the first person to comment 'Sold' is the winning buyer and will then have 24 hours to send over their email either through facebook or emailing it tomail@randombutton.co.uk so we can send over a paypal invoice. These items will only be available for one night only so you snooze you lose!!

Here's some of what's on offer...

So I've decided to do a 'Product of the Week' feature where every Sunday I'll upload one of my favourite pieces from the website. I'll try and give you some interior styling tips, gift inspirations and I might even give you some exclusive discounts!

Filled with seasonal 'Cottage Garden' flower seeds like Gypsophilia, Cosmos, Iberis and Matthiola (plus many more varieties!) these floral bundles are made using pretty vintage fabric swatches and tied with rustic string giving your wedding a special shabby chic twist!

You will be given a stack of easy to follow care/sowing instructions for each of your guests so even the most un green fingered family and friends can grow pretty flowers.

Just a quick blog to let you all know (that's if you haven't seen already!) that I'm having a special giveaway over on the Random Button facebook page!

You can be the new owner of this trio of goodies by simply liking the facebook page and sharing the giveaway post that is pinned to the top of the page, once you've done that leave a comment to let me know you've done it! Simple!

Each comment will be given a number - 1st comment number 1, 2nd number 2 and so on - when the giveaway closes on Thursday 14th March at 7.00pm the numbers will go into a random number generator and hay presto the winner will be picked!

Up for grabs in this giveaway is a pretty knitted cushion with button stitched fluttery lace hearts, a mini knitted hanging heart and 2m of lovely rose and polkadot pattern bunting!

Good Luck!

(Giveaway is in no way endorsed by Facebook and is only open to UK addresses)

x

So you might have seen on the facebook page I posted last October I was starting a special piece for myself - something to pick up when I had a spare few minutes and knit - nothing too taxing but something that I could keep as a bit of an heirloom piece. It was pretty chilly at the time (nothing compared to now though! brrrr) so a blanket was the first thing that came to mind! I looked for a pattern but all I could find were really complicated ones - even though they looked really nice they weren't a pattern you could follow easily in front of the tv! In the end I made it up as I went along!

I uploaded the finished article to facebook the other day and found that many people thought the same thing about wanting a non complicated blanket pattern! So for anyone else that has thought they want to have a go at making a simple blanket or throw here is the pattern I worked to to make a large stocking stitch with garter stitch border blanket... (I don't think Debbie Bliss has anything to worry about when it comes to knitting pattern writing though!)

I used 8 x Stylecraft Special Chunky and 7.5mm circular needles.

Blanket size - approx 157cm x 147cm (when laid flat)

Cast on 170 stitches.
Knit in garter stitch (Knit every row) for 18 rows or until work measures 8cm/3in.
On next row (with the wrong side facing you) Knit 10 stitches, Purl 150 stitches, Knit 10 stitches.
*You might want to place a stitch marker before/after the 10 Knit stitches to make it easier to see where to change the stitch. (I just use a knotted loop of contrasting yarn)*
Next row Knit all stitches.
Carry these two rows on until work measures approx 140cm/55in or until the blanket is the length you'd like it.
Now repeat the 18 rows of garter stitch that the pattern started off with.
Cast off.
Sew ends in.
Snuggle with a cup of tea.

If you wanted to spice it up a little you could do the borders in moss stitch (Knit 1, Purl 1) or you could change yarn colour and do stripes!

It's been a few weeks since I last blogged so I thought I'd get back into the swing of it by sharing with you all what I've been creating over the last few weeks! Back in January I received a lovely email from a customer asking about ordering some bespoke bunting ... 60 metres of it! The customer wanted purples and lilacs in a shabby chic /vintage /pretty theme - I got together a collection of fabric choices and she selected her favourites!

So this Christmas to make it a bit more interesting I took part in two Christmas gift swapping events!

If you've never heard of them before where have you been! It is what it says on the tin really ... the idea is you put together a collection of gifts then simply send it off to your swapper and someone will do the same for you!

This is the first year I've taken part and I would recommend you sign up to a swap next Christmas! I opened both of my presents on Christmas day!

The first one I entered was Fabric Godmothers Christmas Swap! My swap partner for this one was Sue and she put together a lovely selection of items for me! My favourite pieces are the fab handmade vintage fabric covered mirror and badges and especially the beautiful Christmas decoration! It went straight on the tree soon after this picture was taken! The chocolates and hot chocolate didn't last long I can tell you!

So we all made it through to the other side then!

I hope you all had a lovely Christmas! I can't quite believe it's been and gone! You spend so much time working up to it in all the preparations etc. but then in a blink of an eye it's all over and done with and the decorations have started to creep into the box to go back up in the loft ready for next year ... or should I say this year as it's now 2013!

It really has been a great year! What with all the Jubilee celebrations and the Olympics/Paralympics it certainly has been a year to be proud to be British! (and we can't often say that!)

There's so many people that I'd like to thank for making 2012 a fantastic year for Random Button that I would be here for ages! So in general I would just like to thank everyone that has helped me out in some way during the year, placed orders, visited the website/facebook page/blog, left comments and messages and just generally been there throughout the year! Without all of you I wouldn't be able to do a job that I love!

There's lots more exciting things to come in 2013 including new designs and website developments that are already taking shape so things are looking rosy for this coming year too!

In the meantime I've started the sale rolling on both the website and thefacebook page so be sure to check them out to get your hands on some handmade pieces at discounted prices!

Happy New Year!
x

Christmas seems like it's been going for months already! But then considering I started working on festive themed ideas back in September it's probably fair to say that it actually HAS been going on for months already! I've tried not to get to into it just yet! I knew that come Christmas day I'll be sick of the festive cheer so I've reigned it in ... until tomorrow that is! For me the 1st December is when it's acceptable to listen to the xmas tunes, feast on mince pies for breakfast and watch really naff Christmas movies when I should really be working! Not to mention all the present wrapping which has to be one of my favourite jobs! (Even though I start off trying to wrap really neatly but then halfway through the pile to be wrapped you start to be a bit slap dash and give up all hope of trying to make the presents look pretty ... and don't get me started on those really awkwardly shaped presents that end up looking like a mess of paper and cellotape!)

This year I've had a go at making Christmas cake and Christmas pudding as well! (Is that a sign of getting old?!) They're all made up and I'm feeding them with alcohol, whenever I remember, they look pretty edible so we should get away without being poisoned on Christmas day!

I was photographing some of the Christmas baubles that are for sale on the website during the week so I had to put the Christmas tree up! I resisted in putting the whole tree up though and only did a section! I think the crop feature on the computer is my new best friend! If only could of seen what it really looked like out of the finished images!

       

I haven't done a shop feature for a while so I thought with everyone starting to look for Christmas presents I would point you in the direction of RosieB Home and Interiors in Chipping Norton.

Nestled away in Horsefair this gem of a shop is full to the brim of lovely shabby chic and vintage items all handpicked by the owner Rosie. She has a great eye for unique gifts for the whole family so you're sure to find something for everyone in this shop!

If you're anything like me you'll walk around constantly saying "ooooo", "wow" or "I want one of those!"

So if you're in the Chipping Norton area and you're looking for gifts or a treat for yourself - even if you just fancy a walk and a browse around then head on over to RosieB Home and Interiors!

So as the wedding season is in full swing and lots of happy couples are walking down the aisle I thought I'd indulge in some wedding themed blogging! There's so many lovely wedding items available out there and whether you're planning your own big day or if you've been invited as a guest you'll easily find something special for the day!

Here's 4 of my favourite pieces available from Wow Thank You !

A great idea these days is to have a sweet table at your wedding (who doesn't like sweets right!!?) - it's a great alternative to wedding favours as well! These paper bags from By Elinor Rose ... Vintage Stationery  add a lovely romantic twist!

                   

So the Olympics have arrived!

The amazing opening ceremony has started off what is to be a great few weeks of sporting action around the UK and I'll be joining the nation in getting behind Team GB in both the Olympics and Paralympics!

Here's a few Olympic and British themed handmade pieces made by talented UK designers and all available from Wow Thank You , to inspire you into creating your own piece of Team GB spirit!

If you're feeling creative you could make your own Union Jack flag! This kit by Creek Boutique  is a great crafty idea for adding a little bit of shabby chic to your flag waving celebrations!

Sewing Kit by Creek Boutique

This fab little Bisque heart is hand painted by Laura Lee Designs  and perfect for hanging in your home for that touch of patriotism!


Union Jack Heart by Laura Lee Designs

This mushroom house by Hippywitch Crafts  is just too cute for words! Great idea for a pin cushion or even just a little ornament! So much work has gone into this! I'm loving the tiny bunting and Union Jack!

Mushroom House by Hippy Witch Crafts

Wall Hanging by Elibee Gifts

So here we are again! Friday! Weeks are flying by at the moment and with only 6 months til Christmas - yep 6 months - summer will be well and truely over before it's even began!

The Random Button 'Friday Feature' this week goes to Simply Chic Gift Boutique !

Simply Chic Gift Boutique

Simply Chic - In Store

PiP Studio Tea Pot £32.95

Random Button bunting available from Simply Chic

Random Button giveaway on Facebook

Hello! So another dreary day is in store and it's looking like it will be hanging around for a few more days at least! What ever happened to a thing called 'Summer'? I'm sure it's supposed to of started by now?!

Anyway welcome to our second Friday Feature! This week in the spotlight is ... Finishing Touches Too!

Finishing Touches Too

Finishing Touches Too stock photographs

Random Button at Finishing Touches Too

Good Morning!

Welcome to Random Button's new 'Friday Feature' where we will be sharing any great shops of designers etc. that we've found this week!

The FIRST 'Friday Feature' goes to Polkadot of Winslow !

Polkadot of Winslow ...'is the most fabulous little shop nestled in the pretty Market Square in Winslow, Bucks. Owned by artist Lisa Wright it's full of interesting vintage finds & locally handmade products, all made by very nice people! It's an emporium of all things lovely!'

Polkadot

Cute wooden brooches

Random Button in stock at Polkadot Winslow

So you might be able to tell from the date of the last post that I've been a little slack with updating the blog in previous months! We've been really busy here in Random Button HQ making stock, getting it out to you guys and finding lovely new stockists to sell out wares! (You can find a list on the 'Stockist' page - chances are that there is a shop by you!)

One exciting thing to fill you in on is CRAFTfest!! If you haven't heard of it before it's an 'virtual craft extravaganza ' and it starts today! Head on over to http://creative-connections.ning.com/page/craftfest-home   and you will find an array of categories ranging from Home to Wedding to Baby & Child to Jewellery - there'll be something for everyone! Random Button has a stall! We're No10 in the Home section! Have a browse through stalls products then if there is anything you like click on the link to be taken to that makers online shop! - It's as simple as that and it's all from the comfort of your own home!

x

So Waterperry's christmas market is over for another year - we had a great time selling our delights and showing off our knitting and crochet skills with a few demonstrations but most importantly we made it through the cold in one piece! (with the help of some thermals and quite a few hot water bottles!)

Whilst we're updating the online shop and adding some new bits in time for all your christmas shopping we thought we would share with you some of the photo's we took at the start of the weekend!

x

Yes we finally have to admit that Christmas is well and truly around the corner! The gift rush has started and as any crafter knows this is the busiest time of the year! (But we wouldn't have it any other way!)

Our christmas highlight comes this weekend as we'll be having a stall at the very festive Waterperry Gardens Christmas Market. Running on both saturday and sunday (26th / 27th Nov 2011) in the grounds of Waterperry Gardens in Wheatly, Oxfordshire the christmas market will click start your festivities! The market will be filled with talented local artists and craftspeople providing beautiful and unique gift ideas with an emphasis on british handmade products - there will also be decorations and wreathmaking demonstrations plus a well stocked tea shop selling lots of seasonal goodies! Not only do they have the delights of the festive market but there are inpsirational presents-a-plenty in the Gift Barn and Gallery.

There's loads to see and do at Waterperry it has everything from a saxon church to acres of gardens! An experience not to be missed!

Take a look at Waterperry's website for more info: www.waterperygardens.co.uk  

Come and say hello! We've been beavering away so we have lots of delights to show you we'll also be unveiling some new products too!

x

p.s Father Christmas has even been known to pop by in previous years!

pp.s Oh forgot to say ... it's outside! Wrap up warm!

x

Hello,

Zoe here, thought I would write the next addition for the Random Button blog, bit of a challenge as Laura's last blog recommendation involved cake (as every blog should!).

The v&a museum currently have an exhibition called 'the power of making'  this is a must see. Running from 6 September 2011 – 2 January 2012 - it has an eclectic collection of pieces from a giant gorilla made of coat hangers to an evening gown made of dress makers pins.  Each piece is beautifully made, my personal favourite included the crochet bear (obviously!), the flooring and the ceramic eye patches. There is also an interesting video which shows the different process involved in making each of the pieces.

Image:

Crochetdermy bear

Crochetdermy bear, © Shauna Richardson

I visited the exhibition after work one friday evening. (Opening times)  The V&A host late nights on friday once a month. There is a cocktail bar and music in the main entrance so its perfect to go and relax, take in the exhibitions and have a cocktail at the same time!

x

Blog time again!

So this week we've been putting our social networking skills to the test (It feels like we've been spending more time sat infront of a computer than creating!)- but we're now part of the twitter phenonemon! You can follow us at www.twitter.com/Random_Button to keep up to date   our day to day ramblings! We've also created a new facebook page so follow the facebook   link on the left hand side and like our page - don't forget to spread the word!

We haven't just been computer geeks this week - we've spread the Random Button empire a little further - Cakewalk is a lovely vintage shop in Ilkley, West Yorks and from this week they will be stocking some of our jewellery items so we've been busy creating a special autumn collection for them! Check out their website to see what other pieces they sell www.cakewalkvintage.co.uk

Whilst we've got your attention we thought we would share a little shopping gem with you ... If you love vintage, antiques, furniture, cake etc then you'll be very excited about visiting this treasure trove ...

Station Mill Antiques Centre in Chipping   Norton is well worth a visit - sadly last year it was devistated by a   huge fire but they are now up and running again with even more   wonderful   delights than before!!   You'll be amazed at what you can find - most antiques centres these days are dark and dusty places but Station Mill is light, bright and inviting - especially their cafe that sell homemade lunches and delicious cakes!!! Whether glass, ceramics, furniture, textiles, gifts, jewellery, paintings are your thing its a great place to spend some (or if your like us too many!) pennies on some one off or vintage pieces!!

x

So I thought I would finally get round to writing our first blog! Yep it’s taken some blood, sweat and tears but eventually after a long time in the making the Random Button blog is now up and running, so if you’re reading this then it’s a good excuse to relax for a few minutes go put the kettle on and grab a few biscuits – we know you want to! Here we can keep you up to date with all the creative happenings at Button Towers, things we like, things we dislike and if you’re lucky we might even share some of our trade secrets with you!  Let me take this opportunity to introduce the creative geniuses (cough cough!) that are the brains behind Random Button – Well there is myself Laura … a compulsive knitter and big fan of cake who takes care of the day to day running of this small empire and Zoe … who, when she’s not earning a crust in London uses her spare time to make some of our delicious creations! (She also likes a biscuit or 2!) We also utilise the expert skills of Christina when it comes to the technical/photographical stuff … she’s good at paper maché but she still has her ‘L’ plates when it comes to knitting. Over the next few weeks we’ll be working on uploading more products to the online shop, adding some more stockists to the list (fingers crossed!!) and creating some new and exciting pieces! You might as well bookmark us!!

x