Buttonsplus

Here are some fabric covered buttons including a buckle and also showing some of the different types of backs used. You could buy the kits to make up your buttons from the left over material from making a dress as many ladies did back in the 1940s to 1960s. I find it interesting to compare the fabrics back then to what is available in the shops at present. Now the patterns are more bold and the colours much brighter.

These two modern Dorset buttons were a gift from a friend who made them. I have tried but could not get them neat enough. I admire the old Dorset buttons made in England and apparently it was quite a Cottage Industry. These two are just a bit of fun.

This bright beaded button was made by Helen Pappas who I think now lives in Benalla, Victoria. I like orange and the button caught my eye. She has used complimentary colours which stand out nicely. It is a simple design but quite effective.

Here are two sets of Button Covers on their original cards. They were made to “dress up” buttons on an outfit. I got these at the local Hospice Opp Shop. I wish they would not write in texta on the front of button cards as it spoils them. These two sets are quite different as one has coloured “stones” and the other “pearls” Of course they are all plastic.

Here is just a group of common vegetable ivory buttons. Their earthy tones are none the less pleasing. They shine up well and are very tactile. A couple still have the skin or bark on them. They can be dyed, carved and painted and I have some of these in my collection.

These metal picture buttons show a scene from The Mikado with the figures under a sunshade and a couple bowing down before them. I do not know their age but I guess they are not really old like from the early 1900s as many picture buttons are.

I always say that black and white are striking and these plastic buttons really stand out. They were very popular in their time about the 1930s and 1940s. Their designs are mainly geometric or perhaps abstract. I have quite a few of them and they look good en masse. At present in the shops you can find black and white plastic buttons in a similar style.

This metal picture button shows a bird on a sprig of flowers. It has a wooden background which is a little unusual. It is quite large at a little under 4 cm. What a lot of work they did in the designing and making of buttons in the old days. I find that interesting.

Here is a hand painted porcelain button showing a couple in their finest wear. It is detailed right down to the buttons on the gentleman’s coat. To set it off nicely it has an enamelled brass border making for a rather lovely button.

I made this Garden pincushion many years ago. My friend Suzanne and I were in a craft shop in Bendigo and saw one in the showcase. The lady didn’t have any instructions but sold us all the ribbons and threads we needed to make it. She photocopied the actual pincushion so we had a black and white picture of the design. We scribbled notes on the page telling us what colours to use where and we crossed our fingers and went home. Between us we made one each and were pleased with our efforts. It is quite unique.