Thursday 3 May 2012

All Buttoned Up! (Part 2)


This is part 2 of my blog post on buttons.  I have photographed some more buttons from my stash to show you and I hope you enjoy looking at them.  But first of all, I thought I would show you one of my bags where I have used NINE different vintage buttons to embellish the front of the bag.  I guess I really have a passion for buttons!
These red flower buttons are so cute! and they have no holes or a shank but a small plastic loop for attaching to fabric.  I was very pleased when I discovered these!  The wooden shank buttons with the dog on just blew me away when I discovered them in the tin.  How unique!  There are a couple of very colourful bead shaped buttons and a few odd ones in the photo which I like.
Did you know that the humble button “was originally used more as an ornament than as a fastening?”  Seem strange to you?  It certainly doesn’t to me!  I only very occasionally use them as a fastening now!
 What I love most about buttons is the fact they come in all kinds of colours, shapes and sizes, and not only that, they are made from all kinds of material too!  If I were to list just the materials that my modest collection is made from, it makes for a surprising read.  How about this?
ü Plastic
ü Wood
ü Ceramic
ü Slate (yes, really!)
ü Mother of pearl
ü Gold plated
ü Silver plated
ü Brass
ü Glass
ü Polymer clay
ü Fabric
ü Acrylic
ü Coconut
ü Leather
I am sure I have probably missed a few too!
Did you know that the most famous button artist is known as Renarldo Galvies?  He was born in 1958 in France and he is known for crafting some of the world’s finest buttons.  Button collections can be found in museums and galleries e.g. The Victoria Albert museum has many buttons.  In the USA, large button collections are on public display at The Waterbury Button Museum, Connecticut.  Buttons are popular for all kinds of reasons.

In our celebration of the humble button let’s look at some more beautiful creations from Folksy sellers.  The myriad ways that buttons are used now is fascinating!  Don’t forget to click on the image and view it in the sellers shop!  Enjoy!


From top to bottom: 1. Shoogly Beads, 2. Pin up Gifts - designs by Jo, 3. The Crafty Goose, 4. Helle Belles Cards, 5. Say it, 6. Handmade By Vanda, 7. Maxine Veronica hand made one of a kind Jewellery.
I hope you have enjoyed my two blog posts on buttons.  I have really enjoyed showing you my buttons and also the beautiful items from Folksy.  Thanks too, for the lovely and interesting comments!

BFN
Edwina

3 comments:

  1. This is super, it's so interesting to find out a bit more about buttons. You do seem to have an amazing collection!
    Thanks for including my button necklace :-)

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  2. Buttons galore.
    This is a great blog Edwina. It is so interesting to see all the different buttons and the things people craft with them!
    Shirley x

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  3. Just back from hols Edwina...Although I could read your blog my phone refused me access to comment!
    Fabulously informative...I'm also a button collector so it was a great read for me. Also, thank you for including my green gloves with Mike's buttons!
    Pat :)

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