I am pleased to introduce you to Barbra LaBosco, owner of
All About the Buttons on
Zibbet. In addition to posting regularly on
Zibbet's Community website, Barbra is also an editor and columnist for
Indie Smiles. Barbra's Zibbet shop is filled to the brim with a wonderful mix of items that you don't want to miss. Please take a few minutes now to meet Barbra.
Tell us about yourself… Retiring from an education career has given me the opportunity to pursue my interests virtually full time. Moving from New York to South Carolina has afforded me the space to spread out. I was an art major in college and truly was creating at about age 5 and never stopped. I sold things starting in college and on and off during my career and parenting. Grandma's and Mom's famous cookie tin of buttons were always a source of joy and using them as embellishments rather than just as they were intended is fun to envision. When I'm not playing with the buttons, I work part time for my son's business or I watch his 2 boys so he and my daughter-in-law can have some free time. My husband and I are greatly enjoying having time to call our own and being in charge of how it's spent. I was blessed with a great career and a healthy family and am now blessed with a new chapter.
Describe your “style” and how it sets you apart from your competition. My style may be a disadvantage but it is me. There are certain materials I absolutely love. Obviously buttons are #1. But I love paper, ribbon and yarn as well so I have attempted to mesh them all. The cohesive factor may be the buttons but I have so many interests and products it may be a bit scattered for some. The portability of yarn work makes it attractive and I love trying to go out of the box a bit with the clocks especially, and pins. My various bookmarks came about as I am an avid reader and the mini purses were also developed out of a need to organize my pocket book.
What is the “story” behind your shop name? In the early 90s I started seriously making pins and barrettes with buttons for sale. They are both closures so my first name was "Closings" but this was before the instant stores on the internet. I then added clocks and bookmarks so "Closings" was not appropriate. Since everything had buttons, it evolved to "All About The Buttons". I almost feel guilty if there's an item without buttons which does happen.
What is your favorite item in our shop at the moment? My favorite is usually the latest. I love the new magnetic bookmarks and of course my clocks but the longest lasting favorite,
Button Heart Shadow Box, is still for sale and hanging in my house. It is the 3rd in a series and real love went into it. It includes buttons, paper and ribbon but I forgot the yarn!
What is your favorite Zibbet shop and why? Wow, that's like asking to name your favorite child! I love
Mrs Supply. Jen is a very special lady with several Zibbet shops. Her supplies are top notch and sent with care and beauty. I bought this
Flower Charm Ribbon and just love it. In fact I need more.
How long have you been a Zibbeter? I started in July 2009 so it's almost a year.
As a seller, what do you like best about Zibbet? Instantly, there was such a great vibe. When the owner of the company fixes your banner for you, I knew I was someplace special. I particularly love the larger photos for the customers and the amazing one page ease of listing items. Now with the Zibbet forums, the wonderful attitude is extended to include many more great people.
As a buyer, what do you like best about Zibbet? It is such a smooth process. I confess...I am a shopper. I love to support others and get a kick from being someone's first sale. I have made many purchases already and not one snag yet.
What else would you like the world to know about you and your Zibbet shop? Aside from indoor creating, I'm an avid, untrained gardener. Those first spring flowers or the bud of a tiny tomato are a kick. I love to create, indoors and out. I cannot sit still. My yarn work is always with me in the car (not when I drive, of course!) for that unexpected wait and goes with me to doctor appointments and car service. I cannot watch TV or a movie without needles clacking. It's in my blood. My father was a professional designer and my mom was a master seamstress so maybe it is genetic. I still get a thrill knowing someone in Greece or Canada or Idaho is wearing or using something I created. I will never stop and of course, the extra cash flow is welcome in these economic times. Everything is made with love and what better way to spend my time?
Buy Handmade ~ Buy Handmade ~ Buy Handmade
