Buttons and Bows! Simply Stampin' Challenge.

This week's theme from the Simply Stampin' Challenge started out as a bracelet, but as you can see, my cat decided to model it for me as a collar instead!

I was stumped with the theme for a while as I had no problem with buttons, or bows, but together? I just couldn't make it work. The solution came when I was doing some beading, and the idea struck. Although not your normal Stampin' Up! creation, this bracelet/collar uses their products for the majority of its construction, with just a couple of odd buttons from my sewing stash to finish it off.

Of very simple construction, it is a row of buttons sewn onto a length of ribbon. Some of the buttons have been stacked on top of each other to add interest, and 2 separate bows have then been tied, sewn through together to fasten, and added over the top to conceal the clasp. I used a variety of buttons, all from the neutrals collection, including the really sweet flower shaped ones you can see.

I have included a close up of this particular button stack (on the left next to the bows) as I had lots of fun using the Greenhouse Garden stamp set to MAKE the small button on top! Using shrink plastic and StazOn ink, I created about 10 of these little buttons and think they are great, although when I punched out the circles with the 1-3/8" punch I wasn't expecting them to end up quite so tiny! The Greenhouse garden set is fantastic as it is designed for 2-step stamping, a really effective technique, that lends itself to almost everything!

Lastly I would like to add, just in case you were worried, that he (yes, a boy!) wore the bracelet/collar under constant supervision, and did not show any signs of discomfort or distress. You can clearly see he is far more interested in the fish treats used to make him stay still for more than a couple of seconds! He wears a normal cat collar the rest of the time.

Recipe:
Stamp set: Greenhouse Garden
Ink: Black and White StazOn
Ribbon: Early Espresso Satin
Other: Neutral Buttons.
Non SU: Sewing thread, 4 vintage buttons from my sewing box, shrink plastic and jewellery findings.

Why not have a go at the Simply Stampin' Challenge yourself? Click HERE to see the creations from the rest of the design team!

Happy Crafting!