Tuesday, April 5, 2011

A Special Giveaway!

A few days ago I was contacted by Jennifer Pascall, founder of Incomparable Buttons, a company based out of Johannesburg, South Africa.

Incomparable, SA was started as a small company in 1984 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Working around a kitchen table, often late into the night, Jennifer Pascall was busy transforming small pieces of clay into buttons of all shapes and sizes. Many of the first designs, which are still popular today, were inspired by Africa’s rich ethnic artworks and distinctive wild animals. Over the years Incomparable began specialising in the creation of handmade buttons, craft pieces, craft kits, painting kits, greeting cards and jewelry.

button header

As the company evolved, ladies from the local community were hired and trained in the art of button making.

Rachel

Today, Jennifer’s entire family, as well as 45 women from the local community are involved in the business. Most of the Incomparable team had never held a paintbrush before they joined the company and are now absolute masters of their brushes and justifiably proud of their work.

Artists99 

The ladies sense of belonging within the company and skills as crafters not only gives them tremendous pleasure but also provides them with economic empowerment and has uplifted all their families.

button header

I invite you to read all about the company who not only produces a superior product but they ship all over the world!  In order to increase public awareness about their company, Jennifer has asked me to host a giveaway.  She has graciously donated 20 cards of buttons valued at $200 US dollars to be given away to 20 lucky recipients.  Ten of each of the following cards of buttons will be given away…

L545…tiny birds…

Bird Buttons

And L555…tiny flowers.

Flower Buttons

To be entered in the giveaway, just leave a short comment here and then go over to the Incomparable Buttons blog and leave a comment on their giveaway post.  Twenty winners will be chosen at random on Wednesday, April 13th and remember, this giveaway is open to everyone worldwide.  The winners will be announced both here on the Painted Quilt and Incomparable Buttons blogs and the buttons will be shipped directly from the company in South Africa.

button header

Buttons are becoming increasingly popular as embellishments in quilting, stitcheries and cross stitching.  I will be using a selection of some of the buttons in my future designs and I can’t wait!

Good luck!

knametag2

174 comments:

Alice I. said...

Oh Kaaren! I love the little birdie buttons! I could absolutely see those birdies on a quilt for my young granddaughter! What a great organization and these ladies have done a fabulous job painting these adorable buttons! Will hop over to their blog and leave a comment there too! Thank you for sharing!

tizart said...

Those little buttons are just beautiful
Liz

Jen W said...

Kaaren,
I've been a long time lurker of your blog and I do love it! The buttons are so cute and I love the story that comes with them. How awesome to have been contacted by them. Thanks for your blog - it brightens my day - and thanks for "hosting" the giveaway!

wendy@iqlt said...

Hi Kaaren - I would love to win some buttons. I love to embellish my wallhangings.
wendy@iqlt.net

Unknown said...

The buttons are so cute! They would bee like a "jewelry" on a quilt like mine.

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

What a great source of beautiful buttons Kaaren! They would be cute on little Audrey's dresses!

Janet said...

Beautiful buttons!

Larkrise garden girl said...

Hi Kaaren, I love buttons sign me up! So nice of you to be having this giveaway. Cheri

Kimberly said...

these are just so sweet...

Sunnybec said...

Hi Kaaren thanks for the giveaway. I am a follower of ButtonMad and was one of the lucky followers that won some penquin buttons, can't wait for them to arrive.

Annette said...

Oh! They are so beautiful!! Thanks for sharing about them and their story. I love it.

B J Elder said...

Thank you for introducing me to Jennifer and the Incomparable Buttons. What a wonderful story and business. I'd love to win some of her buttons and am now hurrying off to her website to learn and see more.

michele said...

Cute buttons. Thanks for helping to promote them.

Charmed Life said...

Darling buttons. What a lovely story about the company too. Thanks for sharing.

Christine M said...

Beautiful buttons. I love the little birds.

Barbara said...

Many many thanks for sharing the info about this incredible company - I am most appreciative and passing it on to others

Marit Johanne said...

The buttons are so cute. And the story behind them are great!

Anonymous said...

I've been to their site in the past and have been amazed at just how wonderful their buttons are! Just too flippin cute! You were so lucky to be contacted by them! I'll head on over to leave them a comment as well....may have to place an order very soon!!

Sherry said...

I have been using buttons a lot more lately in my needlework. Thanks for the story of this wonderful button company.

Linda said...

Beautiful buttons and great story. Love the birdies!

Wivi said...

I love those small buttons and hope I'll be one of the winners.

Gayle said...

Oh MY! Those little birdie buttons are SO adorable! What talented ladies make these!

rockgranny said...

I love the little birdie buttons!

Jenny of Elefantz said...

What a fabulous industry for these women to earn a living! Count me in the giveaway, Kaaren! Love those buttons...

barcord said...

These are beautiful. I love buttons, and love to use them on my needlework, whether quilting, crossstitching or Christmas crafts. Well done to all those button producers.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful buttons and so many ways to use them! Enjoyed the story about how it all started and hope some find their way to my house.

Diane H said...

Thanks for a chance, Kaaren. Love ButtonMad - follow their blog as well. Take care.

sharon said...

What a great company and I adore the bird buttons! Thank you for hosting a give away.

Lynn said...

I've seen these before and love them. Spent way too much time looking through all the cute buttons. A girl can never have too many cute buttons you know!

Carol said...

Such cute buttons. Those women have created tiny treasures!

WoolenSails said...

I love those little birds, they would be so fun to embellish a quilt with. I will definitely go over and check out their website.

Debbie

arlette said...

I'd love the chance to be picked in this wonderful giveaway. I'm a button-holic!!!!

Bonniedoo said...

those buttons are superb!

Sandra Henderson said...

Incredible buttons Kaaren! Im glad i found that blog via you.... Im also enjoying catching up on all your posts ive missed. Xo

Anonymous said...

What gorgeous buttons....I would love to enter your giveaway and the chance to win some of these pretties.

I went to the Incomparable site and was pleasantly surprised - what a lovely site, I look forward to going back there and exploring further.

Joanna said...

The designs are enchanting. Very cute.

Joanna said...

The designs are enchanting. Very cute.

Valspierssews said...

I would love a chance to win some buttons.

gracie said...

A very generous give away...count me in!

Lori said...

I love projects like this that help women and give them a livelihood. I'm going to their website right now.

Sheila said...

I love buttons and these are just delightful!

Anonymous said...

What wonderful buttons!!! And what a company Incomparable Buttons has become....what a way to build a community of women, making better lives. Thank you for the opportunity......♥ those little birds!!

Sherryl said...

It's wonderful that you're getting the word out about this fabulous, talented group of women. I LOVE BIRDS - so of course, I'd be thrilled to win those buttons. But either way - thank you for sharing this story.
sunshdws@yahoo.com

Mary said...

The buttons area adorable. Thank you for the opportunity to win some.

Mary

sandra said...

Love those buttons especially the little birdies. It is always great to help other women help themselves.

Vroomans' Quilts said...

I am so happy to see these ladies' grow into the quilting community while helping their own and each other. I would be honored to have some of their buttons so grace a special piece.

Just Ramblin' said...

What a great things these ladies have accomplished. It's exciting to enter the giveaway. Love the little birds. These ladies are amazing. Nola

Erin in MI said...

I would love to be included in this giveaway!!

BubzRugz said...

very cute buttons...
Hugz

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

I love the birdie buttons as well. Thanks for the giveaway.

Candy K said...

Button, button ... who's got the button? I love buttons!

Linda said...

Love their buttons! Especially the little birds. Thanks for an awesome giveaway.

Talin's Corner said...

Those buttons are just too cute. Would love to win them.

Sheila said...

Kaaren, Lovely buttons. The ladies do lovely work.

Sheila

klspeer1 said...

The buttons are wonderful. I especially like the bird buttons.

Phyllis said...

I would love to win these buttons

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

What beautiful buttons! And what a great way to independence for those ladies.

carla said...

I love the little birdie buttons too!!!! That is wonderful that these ladies have found a way to make a living and get to be crafty artisans at the same time!!!! I will check them out!!! Thanks

Unknown said...

The love of button collection come from my grams. Now I also encourage my grandchildren to collect. It's an unusual hobby. Your buttons are all the rage when we view them.

Laura said...

I have searched their website before and love their buttons. Thank you so much for the great giveaway!

Mimi said...

Oh Kaaren! What a great giveaway. I love buttons and especially love birds. You're talking to a girl that is the mother of a cockatiel (or so he thinks). I am imaging all sorts of projects that these buttons can go on. Thank you for hosting this.

pinsandneedles said...

I love ButtonMad! Their work is amazing. I'd love to win some of these buttons!

Glenys said...

They are so cute! Count me in.

Bev said...

Wonderful buttons and a wonderful story to go with them. Thank you for hosting this giveaway.

Anonymous said...

The bird and flower buttons are quite lovely. I have tried making small buttons and it is not easy. This would be a great addition to my quilting supplies.
Ida
g.phillips4787@sbcglobal.net

I am not a blogger I am a blog follower.

Myra said...

Fabulous buttons. Thanks for the chance to win.

Judy C said...

Love the buttons and the story behind them. thanks for sharing and thanks for the chance to win.
How goes the rug hooking?

DebbieM said...

The buttons are gorgeous!! I especially love the bird ones as I am a birdwatcher. I just love the winter chickadees as well as the summer bluebirds. Thanks for the opportunity to win, these ladies do a tremendous job in making these buttons.

nana pam said...

I would love to win those buttons-any of those buttons

Lee said...

Wow - i love those birds! beautiful buttons. thanks!

Anne said...

You are right! Buttons add so much charm!

Paul said...

My daughter saw those buttons and exclaimed, "ooooh, Daddy, Those are cool!"

Elyte said...

What a fabulous opportunity, thanks Kaaren and thank you Incomparable buttons.

Mary said...

They make so many beautiful buttons! Thanks for a chance to win some.

Jessica said...

I just love the buttons. Thanks for a chance to win! :)

Marj said...

I am loving those cute little buttons.

Janice said...

I just LOve, Love, Love buttons and to have some from South Africa would be amazing.

Marcia W. said...

I love these buttons AND there is a BOM stitchery /patchwork quilt that want to join which uses buttons and other adorable embellishments - and I don't have any to use. Please enter me into the drawing. I aleady follow incomparable buttons so will hop over there next.

Terri in BC said...

Those are so adorable! I hope to win a set. I'm off to their blog to comment there as well. Thanks for the opportunity, Terri in BC

Sewgirl said...

Oh, those buttons are sooo cute. Where can we get them if we don't win?

Sue said...

ok sign me up.. love the buttons and the story....

Elzaan said...

Those will be great to use with labels!
What a great give away! Thank you Kaaren and Incomparable SA for the opportunity.
Elzaan

Mary Ann Tate said...

What a wonderful story. I love to be in the draw. Thank you.

mabtate@gmail.com

Shirley in Canada said...

Those buttons are just adorable!! Thank you for such a wonderful giveaway!

Claudia said...

Beautiful! I would so love to win!

Unknown said...

I need those little bird buttons my name is Robyn after all.
I love them thanks for the introduction.

Sandi said...

Wow Kaaren, that is a great giveaway that you are able to do.

I've been taking lots of bird and flower pictures here in Hawaii and would love to be a lucky winner.

I have a friend in South Africa that I've lost track of, but would love to go and visit there one day.

JudiH said...

I just love these little buttons and would love to win them. Judi

Anonymous said...

I have an addiction for buying buttons (not only buttons my DH adds to this comment)

Janet said...

Thanks for sharing Incomparable Buttons with us and to think these adorable buttons come from South Africa. Like others have said, they are great embellishments that just finish a project. Thanks again!

baukje said...

They are super cute, I would love to win.....

conny's quilts en creaties said...

Hello Kaaren great that you host this give away, I didn't knew this site but I love it and are going to follow it. Thanks!

Gill said...

What beautiful buttons!
Thank you!

Susanne said...

These button are just to cute :) I visited their blog. Gorgeous!
Bye
Susanne

Sue said...

Hi Karren my local Opshop Lifeline Macarthur Camden NSW Australia sells these wonderful buttons - $10 for 5 buttons.
I've bought some and plan to buy some more. They work wonderfully on little grand daughter's dresses.

Shari said...

Those bird buttons sure do have personality! What a wonderful success story... would rather buy from them than a faceless retailer!

pinsandgiggles said...

Thank you for sharing the story! I would love the cute buttons.

jayne@~an eye for threads~ said...

what inspiration. Gotta love what comes away from a kitchen table...you just never know. Thanks for sharing this story.
Be always in stitches.

Sharon@LoftyQuilts.com said...

there's nothing better than a handmade ceramic button

Laura said...

Aren't their buttons great?! I "discovered" them a couple weeks ago when someone else blogged about them. I'd love to work with them for a while as I've always wanted to try my hand at making buttons!

susan said...

I love those little bird buttons! thank you for the info - had not heard of this company. Sue

Karina said...

These are beautyful buttons. Thanks for sharing.

Greetings Karina

farmhousequilter8 said...

It is so nice that you are getting out the word about their buttons.

Carol Merritt said...

Hi, Kaaren, since it is my birthday next week, this would be a great gift to myself. I just love the buttons. What a great business for women, run by women. I hope I win.

Dot said...

Oh, my word--what a great example of what we should all be doing--helping to raise each other up! Thanks for hosting the giveaway, but thanks most of all for introducing us to this fantastic woman and her brilliant endeavor!

Dot
dminshall67@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Wonderful buttons, Kaaren. I am in Northern Alberta where we don't have a good selection of buttons. I especially like these because of the story of the women who make them. Thanks. Beth. my email is bethmill@telus.net

Mumbly52 said...

Interesting buttons can be so difficult to find. Thank you for helping to promote a company that is a winner for everyone involved!

Mieke said...

I not only love those buttons, but also the fact that a part of the community is involved and so to create jobs. As I have been to SA I know it is wonderful that projects like these begin

Margie said...

You can never have too many buttons and so am asking you to put my name in the pot!!

Maxine said...

I love the story of this company and will support them. Just love buttons. The birds or the flowers will go great on my next sweater project.

Quayceetatter said...

Love the buttons and would fit nicely on any Crazy Quilt project.
Linda M in NM

Penny from S.C. said...

The buttons are beautiful and a great way to help others. Thanks for sponsoring this!

Ana's World said...

What a wonderful way to give to a community that needs encouragement and the ability to earn a living. Wonderful! Truly!

Ruby said...

The birds and flower buttons are so cute! Thanks for getting in on this giveaway.

Rebecca P said...

What darling buttons. I just love the little birdies. I will go over to their site. Thanks for a great give away.

Patti L. said...

What a wonderful give a way from an amazing company. I love the buttons and they would look great on a quilted project. Thanks for the opportunity to win them!

NoBetz said...

The buttons are so cute.

heather said...

Hi Kaaren...what a wonderful give away ..... I will be hopping over to their site as well..I love to use buttons in my quilts...these are equisite....

my email is heather@shooler.ca

Thank you for the opportunity and also for your wonderful blog....inspiration and a chance to do some of your patterns....Raggedy and friends is in progress......

rjk said...

I read about the buttons. What a great job for those folks. Buttons make so many things look great.

Potpourri said...

These buttons are so lovely and I would love to be selected in the giveaway. This company is doing wonders empowering women thank you for the opportunity to visit their website and use some of their products.

Rosa Robichaud said...

Don't they just have the MOST ADORABLE buttons?!?!?!?

Pls add my name in your hat!

Tks!

Rosa Robichaud
New Brunswick, Canada
robich@rogers.com

Linda said...

I love emblishments and these buttons are adorable. My next item is to hop over to their web site check it out and leave a comment.
Thanks for sharing! Linda

Karen said...

Good afternoon Kaaren,
I am a button-aholic. And hand made buttons are the best. I would be happy to be in the drawing for the buttons. They will be a nice addition to one of my wall hangings. Thank you...Karencg

Valerie said...

Love, love, love these buttons and the whole story of how they came about and where they come from. Thanks for featuring this giveaway and promoting them.

Sabine said...

Hi Karen, I am looking forward to see your designs with the use of buttons. I think the buttons are cute. Have a nice day!

Anne said...

These are tiny pieces of art! Love them.

SueB said...

I love there buttons. I have used them for about 7 years now. My favorite of course is the rooster but I have several of their birds. I love there product.

brandy1 said...

Lovely buttons, the little birds are gorgeous. I would love to be entered in the draw. Many thanks Shirley

Gloria J W said...

Kaaren, what a wonderful idea, for this company to give away so many buttons and how wonderful for them all to be working together with their community. They should be proud of themselves. Take a bow!!
Now I'm off over to their site for a little lookie see.
Hugs Gloria

Heather @ Raising Memories Blog said...

These are so adorable! Thanks for the opportunity to win- I'm headed over there to leave a comment now :)

Digital Misfit said...

There are so many beautiful and adorable buttons! I think this is an awesome venture for both the artistic women making the buttons and the crafters who get to use them in their creations.
heidig@gmail.com

Vickie said...

These buttons are amazing. Can't wait to go over and look at them. I think some shopping is required, too

GeeGee said...

Oh, I NEED those little bird buttons, they are so cute. What a fantastic give-away, but how can I sew if I keep my fingers crossed?

Christine said...

Absolutely darling buttons!!! i will be watching for your designs using them!
christine

Angela said...

Exciting!

Unknown said...

Greetings from Australia, I just love hand painted buttons. Thanks for the draw. I have left a comment on the African site as well!!

Maryanne

antique quilter said...

oh those buttons are beautiful
wow those birds would just be so cute on a little wallhanging I want to make with a tree:)
thanks for bringing this organization to our attention
Kathie

Anonymous said...

What a great giveaway! The buttons are adorable.

Deb said...

How cute the buttons are adorable. Yes, they're being used much more in quilting. Thanks for the chance to win.

quilter000 said...

Another dream came true and the ladies are doing a great service to themselves and others. Would love some new Birdies on my quilts been a long cold winter and a very WET spring thus far. thanks to them!!! Quilter000

Tee said...

The buttons are just lovely! This is one of the many reasons I love blogging. Never would have heard of this fantastic company if I hadn't stumbled upon your very inspiring blog! Hope a win a set of buttons!!!

Stitches said...

The little buttons are so cute and I have entered to win them on several blogs but to my dismay, I have not been a winner (yet)..maybe someday!!

Lilian said...

Hi! I love these adorable buttons. I will use them in my sewing projects in the future. And these birds is so cute.

KarenQ said...

What talent these ladies have! I hope I am a winner.

Linda Crosby said...

love the story and birdie buttons. I ahve some old buttons of my moms and grandmothers and would feel very lucky to have these to add to my collection for future quilting projects. I don't have a blog but enjoy reading about everyone's passion for quilting etc. Thanks for the chance..lindacrosby@hotmail.com

Chris said...

Kaaren, What sweet litte buttons........the little birdes are so adorable!

Heartsdesire said...

Oh, what sweet buttons. I love buttons on little quilts. They also work well on knitted toddler sweaters. Sounds like a wonderful organization and very rewarding for this talented group of ladies

Sandra said...

What an awesome giveaway.

Ann said...

The buttons are adorable! Am off next to check on the other blog.
P.S.
I love following your progress with the house.

Ann

Allie said...

The buttons are just stunning - but even more, I love what she has created with the company. What a GREAT story!

Zara said...

Those buttons are fabulous - I think I would use them to spice up some applique designs I'm working on. Wow!

Anonymous said...

I can't wait too!

Anelisseu_u@rocketmail.com

Laurie said...

sew cute! I just finished a button rainbow pillow that some of those buttons would have been great on.

Elizabeth said...

These buttons are adorable and what a fabulous company!!!

Stoney said...

What a beautiful story, what a beautiful example of creating change!!

Sue said...

This is a wonderful opportunity to help these amazing women. Their buttons are so adorable. Thanks for this giveaway.

Sandy said...

The ladies look so happy working on the beautiful buttons.A wonderful story.

MoeWest said...

Thanks for introducing us to Incomparible Buttons.

Pamela said...

These buttons are sew adorable!

Needled Mom said...

The birds are just adorable. I have recently found out that the buttons are available at a shop close to us.

Josefina said...

Me gustan mucho tus trabajos. Te felicito.
saludos
Josefina
tijeras y cuchara wordpress.com

Erin said...

I too want to say hello have been a Lurker! I love the buttons! How special to be contacted by them! I have a friend in Australia who I would just love to surprise her with some! Your blog is fabulous!

Barb said...

The buttons are really unique and would make terrific embellishments on any fabric. Thanks for sharing with us. Barb
breezy39@centurytel.net

Unknown said...

Buttons Buttons oh my I love these hand painted buttons. Thanks for the chance to win a card of beautiful one of a kind buttons.
Your new hook project is looking very nice too.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful projects and beautiful buttons!
lcarruthers3@gmail.com

Lesauri said...

What lovely buttons and what a great giveaway. Lesley

Lesauri said...

What lovely buttons and what a great giveaway. Lesley

pbee ... said...

Button, button, who's got the button? They are so precious and meaningful too. Thanks for telling us about them.

Carol said...

What a great story of empowering the ladies in this area of Africa. I would love to have some of their buttons. Carol, nwFL

terry said...

How great it is to see a group of women being successful at their business! I would love to win the buttons.

Ramona said...

I just love the birdie buttons. I can't wait to check out the other buttons they have. Thanks for a chance to win.

Anonymous said...

Love them. Thankyou.

Jytte R said...

How cute the little botton with the bird is. Thank you for this giveaway. What a great idea. I will go and take a look at once.

akolb14 said...

These are just precious. And what a great source!