Amuse the Muse - Buttons - with Rebecca of Songbead

Happy October everyone! You're not going to be seeing a lot of me this month....because next weekend, I am off to Florida, USA - where (looking at Art Bead Scene's stats!) most of you good folk are from. It's my third trip to America, something which I can't quite believe - my first to Chicago was a decade ago with the National Youth Choir of Scotland, the second was to California for my partner's work, and this time around it's for my brother-in-law's wedding in Florida (although we are sneaking in a wee trip back to California to see our good friend Patina Queen!). I'm excited! And have no doubt that the California leg at least will contain at least one bead shop...

Anyway, due to all this travelling I'm not sure of when I will be touching base with the internet, so the wonderful Tari will be taking over my Muse posts for the next few weeks. I thought I'd leave her with a topic which I think is right up her street - buttons! Who doesn't love a button? I know I do. 

And seeing as Tari is taking over from me, I thought I would share some of her very awesome buttons with you today.

Perusing Tari's site, over at Clay Buttons, these super-cool jigsaw buttons immediately jumped out at me. My favourite shape is the top one - they look like someone just took a bite out of them!

I adore Tari's branch buttons, and this is one of my favourite of her branch button styles. Wouldn't this look awesome as a clasp in a Autumnal-styled bracelet? 

You can't beat spots at any time of year, and even though the saying goes that 'blue and green should never be seen', I am a great believer in these two colours together.

These textural toggle buttons would look awesome in jewellery for these chillier months - or for those of you who work with fibres too, they would look fab on a knitted clutch or purse.

Feeling spicy, anyone? This chilli pepper button would definitely add a touch of whimsy as a clasp or layered focal.

Take a stroll round Tari's comprehensive website - there are so many more handmade art bead and button treats there for you to see.

And now for the BeadBlogger Links. See you on my return!

Carmi's Art/Life World
There is a brand new and inspired book which Carmi used to "Craft Her Stash."

Quick Craft Projects Sure to Impress 
Anne asked for quick craft projects that look like they took a lot of effort. We can all use a few quick craft projects like that, can’t we?

Art Bead Scene
Check out September's challenge entries!

Beading Arts
It's hard to believe that this year's "Bead Journal Project" is already three-quarters over! Cyndi shares her piece for September, finished just in the nick of time!

Felted Ornaments
This quick video tutorial shows how to make some simple hand-sewn felt ornaments. 

Cute Paris Curtains
Cherie makes curtains for her kitchen.

Rebecca is a Scottish jewellery designer, based in her country's capital, Edinburgh. You can read more about her and her work at her blog, songbeads.blogspot.com and see more of her jewellery at songbead.etsy.com. She also has a supplies shop at thecuriousbeadshop.etsy.com.