Customer Spotlight: Barrel of Monkeys

Welcome to the first ABM Customer Spotlight! 

We are very excited about this new feature here on the Button Blog, where we will be spotlighting the wonderful and creative button making work of some of our most loyal customers.

The first ABM Customer Spotlight is Jill Hamilton-Krawczyk, the creative genius behind Barrel of Monkeys. And rather than having us tell you about Jill and the story behind Barrel of Monkeys, we’ll let her tell you.

But first, take a look at some of Jill’s incredible buttons and accessories…all made with button machines and supplies from ABM!

Assorted buttons by Barrel of Monkeys

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Here is Jill’s story, including a link to the Barrel of Monkeys page on Etsy:

Hello! My name is Jill Hamilton-Krawczyk. I live in an eclectic little house in Michigan with my husband and our mischievously adorable black pug named Buddha.

By day, I am the graphic designer at a small university. By night, I design and create pinback buttons. My button designs vary greatly – funny and whimsical, sarcastic and serene, animals and quotes, cameras, pets and much more. I have created countless custom buttons and I offer wholesale pricing for large quantities. I use only professional button machines and quality button parts to make all my items.

It’s kind of crazy how this whole thing got started… a few years ago, my husband asked me what I would like for my birthday. I had always wanted a button machine – I didn’t know why – it just sounded fun. He bought me one, I made a few buttons, listed them in my Etsy shop and they sold right away. Pretty soon I was creating new designs and selling them just as quick. I upgraded my machine and added another for larger buttons and pocket mirrors. Recently, I added a third machine – the 1.5 inch square model. I now offer well over 300 different button designs and create all sorts of other button items including necklaces, pocket mirrors, bottle opener/keychains, magnets, cell phone charms, wine charms, earrings, bobby pins, ponytail holders and bookmarks.

I offer my buttons on Etsy and at different indie craft shows in Michigan. My Etsy shop is Barrel of Monkeys – www.barrelofmonkeys.etsy.com.

 I love creating pinback buttons because I can combine my skills as a graphic designer with crafting. Button making is perfect for my busy schedule – if I only have a half hour to spare one day I can still get a lot of items made. Some days I spend all day in my studio making buttons and filling orders… with my little pug at my feet.

Remember, if you would like to be considered for inclusion in our Customer Spotlight, hop on over to our contact page and send us a message. There are only two stipulations:

1. You must make and love making buttons
2. You must be an ABM customer

Pretty simple, right? We look forward to hearing from you, and spotlighting more great work from fellow button lovers across the world!

Related Posts

• August 3, 2009 -- So Many Names, So Many Uses, So Many Possibilities!
• June 24, 2010 -- Button University Lesson 4: The Three Different Kinds of Cutters
• September 21, 2009 -- ABM Video Series: How to Make a Pinback Button
• September 2, 2010 -- B2S Tip for Teachers: Teach Business and Have Fun with…Buttons!
• August 17, 2010 -- Creative Fundraising Ideas for Schools: Personalized Buttons and Novelty Items