Etsy Canberran: Buttontree Lane

Talented craftster and fellow local blogger Michelle Law spoke to Canberra's Got Style about her lovely work and her store on Etsy...

Michelle, how would you describe your personal style? Clothes-wise, if it's denim, wool, red, green, black or grey and includes a brooch, I'll wear it. I don't think I actually have a personal "style" as such. I've always said that I know what I like. Any style I may exhibit is influenced by what inspires me - fantasy woodland, Japanese zakka, minimalist design. I don't think I can fit any style into a box and say "this is me".

Buttontree Lane "Sunnyboy pouches"

Tell us about Buttontree Lane... where does the name come from, and what products will we be seeing more of? I have collected vintage buttons for years, and I wanted a name for my business that reflected that. Ironically, none of the items I've made for my shop have featured any buttons, but that may change soon.

I Love that you are using Aunty Cookie fabrics, are you passionate about Australian designers - or the hand made aspect? Oh definitely on both counts! I also use Hollabee, Lara Cameron and Pippiejoe fabrics - these Australian designers are all so clever, and so passionate about what they are creating from scratch, and that is inspiring in itself. When I decided to make my sunnyboy quilted pouches for the shop, I knew I needed a quirky, limited edition and beautiful fabric to compliment the design, and I think I've achieved that with these fabrics.

Buttontree Lane "Sunnyboy pouches" and "Project bags"

What influences and inspires your work? Wonderful fabrics, the online crafting community, the lovely girls at Canberra's Stitch 'n' Bitch (knit and crochet group). Anything Japanese whets my appetite, and it's so exciting seeing the wonderful crafts movement that been coming out of Japan the last few years.

Buttontree Lane crocheted flower brooches

Michelle also collects some fab vintage homewares

I have crafted for as long as I can remember, and I have been heavily influenced by my mother. She made all my clothes, knitted my jumpers, crocheted amazing table cloths and doilies, and decorated the home with cross stitch and tapestry and macrame. Despite my Mum trying to teach me to sew as a child, I always resisted until I was 21 and had inherited my Oma's sewing machine. Out of respect for Oma and Mum, I bought a pattern for some summer pyjamas, leaned on some crafty friends and taught myself to sew. I eventually progressed to making most of my work clothes, but now I tend to just sew quilts and little stuff.

A quilting star, Michelle crafted these Dresden wheels from the same fabric; Buttontree Lane "Project bag"

I know you quilt, crochet and sew... are there any other clever things you can do? I'm very much into Blythe doll collecting, and have been for the last four years. I have a second Etsy shop where I sell Blythe clothes. I have always wanted to learn beading, but I honestly don't think I have enough time to take up another hobby!

Michelle has an enviable collection of adorable Blythe dolls, she makes and sells some very cute clothing and accessories for them here.

What do you hope for the future of Buttontree Lane? I'm working on some more designs at the moment, and hopefully soon I'll be able to stock Buttontree Lane with different zippered pouches, crocheted neck and wrist warmers, and tote bags which will be perfect for knitters and crocheters.

Buttontree Lane tiny Needlebooks and "Sunnyboy Pouches"

Check out the Buttontree Lane Etsy shop here, and see what else Michelle is creating on her blog here... fabulous work Michelle, thankyou for showing us.