November 8, 2008

vintage buttons

My favorite buttons are the really old ones that, if you’re lucky, you might find at the bottom of your button bin. They’re made of real shell, with chips and discolorations and irregularities. I love the patina that they’ve developed from the many years of washings and handling that has worn much of the shine from their surfaces. Once upon a time I might have passed them over when looking for a suitable button; they’re mis-matched and, at first glance, don’t appear to be anything special. But now those imperfections and irregularities appeal to me. I like to recycle them to use on samples; a bit of old mixed in with the new that gives the clothes extra character and interest.

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6 Comments:

Celia said...

Some are really old! lol…
But they look so sweet and would look so cute into any of your patterns!

November 9th, 2008 at 3:00 am
Celia said...

Some are really old! lol…
But they look so sweet and would look so cute into any of your patterns!

November 9th, 2008 at 3:00 am
purplestevie said...

If you are looking for old buttons including mother of pearl, purplestevie at specialistauctions.com has lot of vintage buttons forsale at giveaway prices.

November 10th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
five dot design said...

i must say that i heart whomever it was that invented buttons… and whomever came up with the word buttons! those are so fun- what a collection!

November 10th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
April said...

I would enjoy seeing the garments that you’ve added those button-oldies to. I’ve got loads of them but always pass them up in my stash because of how ‘imperfect’ they look. Hmmm – I’ll have to take a second look next time!

November 10th, 2008 at 11:23 pm
Mary Gould-DeMong said...

I love them too! It has to be someone special to use one on an item, someone like me or my best friend!

December 9th, 2008 at 11:44 am

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