Friday, February 4, 2011

Feature Friday #2- Nic's Button Buds

Wow, I can't believe it's Friday again already!  Where does the week go?  I'm bringing another talented artist, Nicole Answer, to Feature Friday.  Nicole works as a customer service rep for Alcoa Fastening Systems during the day, but her hobby job is making button bouquets for weddings.  In addition to that, she also makes hair accessories and other odds and ends from buttons. Check out her shop on Etsy, NicAnswer

 
  How long have you been doing your craft?

Actually not that long, a little less than a year.  I started it when I decided to attempt making my own bouquets for my wedding.
 
Your button bouquets are really unique.  What gave you the idea to use buttons?

Well. I am getting married myself in May this year (2011) and was trying to work out what I would do in the way of flowers.  I am getting married in the small town of Marysville and there is only really a florist in Alexandra (who works out the side of a video shop and I don’t think does weddings flowers).  Anyway, we thought about buying wholesale flowers, but while working out what I might do I stumbled across alternative bouquets.  I fell in love with the buttons right away.
It suited our DIY wedding as it was something I could try to make myself and keep within our budget.  It actually proved to be more expensive than I thought BUT I was so pleased with the results.  I enjoyed making them so much I thought it would make a great hobby.
 
What inspires you to create?
I come from a crafty family.  My sister and I spent lots of time with Gran growing up and were always helping her make various arts and crafts.  My mum is a sewer and an absolutely magnificent quilter.  I have scrapbooked for a long time too and this just seemed to fit in with my need to create.  I love my day job and can't imagine giving it up, but I have always felt a need to express my artistic side through various means. I can't pinpoint a specific thing that inspires me, but I do know I really enjoy it.
 
Why did you decide to delve into the wedding business?

I think when I finished my own bouquets and was approached by someone to see if I could make something for them.  I LOVED working with them and hearing the excitement leading up to their wedding.  I actually get heaps of enjoyment hearing about different brides' wedding plans, seeing their inspiration photos, etc. It's nice to be a small part of such a special day in someone’s life.


Do you have any new items you plan on adding to your shop? 

At this stage I am quite busy with custom orders.  At some point I would like to make up some ready to ship pieces.  I may also sell off some excess buttons.  In reality though, I think it will be just more versions of button bouquets.


Which items are your favorite to make and why?

Well I enjoy the bouquets the most of course, but if I need to be really specific it would be making the bride's bouquet.  I always spend a little extra time on these than other pieces of work.  I love looking for that special button to set it off, etc.  

 
Do you have a facebook, twitter, or blog?  

I have a twitter – @nicsbuttonbuds (to be honest I don’t use this much)
My facebook can be found under nicsbuttonbuds and I communicate a lot through here.  I often have pictures of works in progress as well for people to view.
 
Do you sell anywhere besides Etsy?

I do advertise on ebay at times, and of course I have brides contact me directly through facebook or my website, www.mybuttonbouquet.com



Aren't they stunning?  Be sure to check Nicole out at http://nicanswer.etsy.com

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