Buttonsplus

Here is a brass button with paintwork in red, green and white. It is a sort of geometric design with a triangle in the centre made up of filigree work. The back is hollow with a brass loop shank and it measures a little over 2 1/2 cm. It is hard for me to imagine what type of material would be suitable for this button.

This Metal Picture button is called Waving Goodbye and shows a lady on a balcony waving her handkerchief. It has a japanned back and metal loop shank and measures 3 cm. It is amazing how much detail is put into these picture buttons.

These buttons were advertised in craft magazines several years ago and were available in Patchwork/Craft shops. They were ideal for quilting and craft projects. They are porcelain and made by Melissa Grant.

Here is a modern white metal button which is a really domed shape. Around the edge is a leafy pattern. The central circle shows a floral design. It has a long shank to cater for the highly domed shape. I have no idea of it’s age.

Here is a Metal Picture button with a floral theme. The inner circle has a large brass flower on a black textured background. The surrounding crescent shape has a white metal background with a fine floral wreath. It is quite a large button measuring a little under 4 cm.

Here are a few plastic buttons with the Coco Chanel logo on them; the two Cs back to back. She was a French Fashion Designer and lived well into her 80s.

This button is from an illustration by Kate Greenaway an English writer and illustrator from the late 1800s. It is called Miss Patty and Master Paul and the illustration from the book is shown of the children sitting on a wall. The buttons from that period were very detailed.

Here are two groups of modern plastic buttons. They are in neutral earthy shades and would look good on a natural home spun knitted woollen cardigan or a wool or linen fabric garment. They are various designs including embossing and piercing and are all special in their simple way.

Here is a large button sample folder put out by Erinoid Plastics. Casein plastic buttons were made under the name “Erinoid” at Lightpill Mills in Stroud for about 70 years from 1912. Erinoid Ltd. of Rodborough was established in 1914 in the district of Stroud, Gloucestershire in S.W. England. They closed down in 1980.

Here are some modern shell buttons which have been dyed and then etched back in their designs. The black ones have a bird on a branch and some leaves. The blue ones have a scrolly pattern on them. They are both sew through type and are quite striking and would enhance the appropriate garment.