Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Vintage Button Jewlery!

A tiny obsession has recently started to find it's way into my daily accessorizing: Vintage buttons.

Sondra was the first to introduce me to jewelry (specifically, bracelets) made from Vintage Buttons. ButtonDownDesigns immediately grabbed my attention and I soon acquired a pink and white bracelet from Emilie Illson's shop. On her website, Emilie describes her bracelets as "Art for your wrist," I couldn't think of a truer portrayal for her creations. Emilie's handiwork was present at the Artisan Affair held at St. Bernadette Parrish in Cleveland, I met the artist (and purchased my bracelet) while at the Artisan Affair. Each piece from ButtonDownDesigns is crafted with care and thought, a personal note is sent along with each bracelet detailing where and when the buttons in your piece collected. If you can't find what you're looking for or if you have something specific in mind the artist will work with you to create the perfect match for your style and personality. It doesn't get much better than having a lovely piece of jewelry created just for you!

After visiting our friend, Maggie, in another large Ohio city she led me to another button jewelry artist. (I am quickly learning that many people in many different cities make amazing pieces of fashion from vintage buttons! If you know of any other artists working with buttons as their medium, let me know about them! Now that I've got it started I can't wait to add to my Button Bracelet Collection!) Back to Maggie, she sent along a link for Bella Bella Mosaics. Bella Bella Mosaics features mosaic paintings, mixed media collages, clocks, fountains, mirrors, AND Button Jewelry! Necklaces and bracelets are featured on Bella Bella's website, they are quite different from the orderly ButtonDownDesign pieces. Bella Bella uses wire and multiple types of buttons on each bracelet, creating a unique look and design for each piece.

I am truly in love with both of my button bracelets and hope that you can soon enjoy a piece of button fashion for yourself!



This picture showcases the back of each bracelet.
Each button on "In the Pink" is sewn onto the elastic band.
The bracelet from Bella Bella Mosiacs is secured with lots and
lots of wire - but not to worry - the bracelet is surprisingly
comfortable. It will mold to your wrist in no time at all!



The featured Bella Bella design was created using buttons with blues or black, the white buttons all have a black design on them, and the blues are in varying shades- all matching together quite nicely.

The ButtonDownDesigns bracelet came with a handwritten card explaining about the buttons used: "In the Pink" This bracelet feature 24 buttons dating from the 1930's and 40's. The 6 tiny white ones are the most rare. They are dolls buttons circa 1930.




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