1000 Markets Button Market is LIVE!

Why am I so excited? My vision became a reality! Now, all of you know how much I love my buttons. When I first became a member of 1000Markets, I dreamed of starting a button market. A place where others like me (button-lovers) can go to look at and purchase hand crafted artisan products featuring antique and vintage clothing buttons. After some hard work, research and a little help from some button friends, the dream is now a reality! The market offers products from fashion to home decor and there are forums visible to the public to get involved in the conversations! We have a blog and members will be engaging in monthly challenges intended to help artisans break out of their creative boxes.

For those of you who are not familiar with 1000Markets, we are an online shopping community who offers quality artisan items. The thing I like best about this venue is the professional look and feel as well as the fact that artisans have to be juried to become a member. This way, you know you are connecting with talented artisans offering quality pieces. Drop by and take a peek!

If buttons are what you crave, stop by and check us out. Now is your opportunity to see and purchase quality, unique pieces featuring miniature works of art!

Doin' the happy-button-dance!

French Country, Anyone?...

Daisy French Country Vintage Button Necklace
Alterity
1000Markets

I have recently fallen in love with the vintage French Country look and have made my first attempt at vintage french country jewelry...of course, with vintage buttons! Don't worry, the buttons were not damaged in the creation of this piece! The main button is a vintage ceramic button (probably the 70's or 80's) featuring blue and yellow flowers, and little blue vintage glass buttons (turn of the century 1900's) from Germany were added just up from the ceramic button. The rest of the necklace was hand-wired (no manufactured chain here, folks) from tarnish-proof copper wire to protect your skin. Various vintage glass czech beads were either wired on the chain or drops from the handmade links on the chain. I currently have this piece for sale in my 1000Markets shop (Alterity).

The creation of this piece was brought on by a bad case of "I love challenges!" I am a member of the Jewelry Artisans' Marketplace and every month we are prompted with a new challenge. This month's challenge was "Flower Garden". This was my challenge contribution this month. You can see other artisan's challenge results the Jewelry Artisans' Marketplace blog. A lot of talent here!
Keep an eye on my shop at 1000Markets as more will be coming soon!

Charming Florals - Artisan Challenge

One thing I really like about 1000Markets is the markets themselves. Once you get your shop set up on 1000Markets, you can choose from 11 pages of markets to join. One of the markets I joined is the Jewelry Artisans' Marketplace where they were offering an Artisan Challenge right from the get go. Now, what is it that I could actually like from a challenge? I mean, you don't win anything, so why bother. I'll tell you why. When you are pushing yourself artistically to do something that you don't normally do, you are pushing yourself out of that box that you have wedged yourself in. You would be surprised what you are capable of. Now, The challenge? Something Charmed.
Well, out comes the fimo clay to make little frames and out comes the antique floral buttons to fill the frames! The bracelet was hand-wired, as was all the baubles, cultured pearls and swarovski crystals. The best part? The buttons were not harmed. The shanks are still intact, the buttons were not glued, and no other holes or anything were created on the buttons! Whew! I do not offer antique button charm jewelry in my shop (never thought of it, really), however, this artisan challenge not only put a charm bracelet in my shop, it also will be followed by many more...something I never thought I would carry. Now you know why I love challenges!
If you want to view other artisans who took this challenge, they can be viewed on the 1000Market blog page. You can also view a slide show on the Wordpress blog. Now, set yourself an artistic challenge and amaze yourself with what you can do!

1000 Markets: Reclaimed To Fame Market

Great Bowl O' Fire Recycled Steel Firebowl
John T. Unger

A few things from fellow members at the Reclaimed to Fame Market on 1000 Markets. Click the pictures to go to the shops! Enjoy! The best part? Everything is made out of recycled materials! Very cool! Now, off you go, off you go...go check 'em out!April Dogwood
Jakrandomart

Ecume - Recycled Skirt
Hyena


Casa Real Abundance Treasure Box
Svasara

EcoCorset Ankle Cuffs
Greenbelts