Button Sources

Blog theme for the month of September~
Buttons!

Good morning, dear readers!  I hope y'all are doing better than I am.  My allergies are giving me fits!  The goldenrod and ragweed are blooming, making the pollen count very high.  This happens each Fall and Spring.

 

I have had several emails asking about button sources.  The very best place to find buttons is in an antique/junque store or flea market.  I love old button jars!  You never know what you'll find inside.

 

Another good source is Etsy.  I've found numerous button jars and sewing notion boxes filled full of treasures listed on Etsy.

 

Some of you have inquired where I found the Czech art glass buttons.  I purchased most from a bead shop that has since closed, but have found some at the Fire Mountain Gems website.  You can click here to see what they have to offer.

 

Something else you may wish to consider is asking any of your relatives if they have your grandma's button stash box/jar.  I was fortunate enough to receive several containers filled with buttons previously owned by my great-grandmother and grandmother.  These are especially precious to me and I only use those buttons on projects for family members.

 

DONT"T FORGET TO LEAVE A COMMENT ON THE SEPTEMBER 6TH POST FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN ONE OF THE FOUR BUTTON COLLECTIONS OFFERED IN THE GIVE AWAY!!!  THE WINNERS WILL BE SELECTED VIA RANDOM NUMBER GENERATOR AND ANNOUNCED ON SEPTEMBER 27TH, 2013.

 

Well, since I've been under the weather this week, I think I will leave you with some images of works I've done with buttons to hopefully inspire you in your own work:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Note:  ALL images and designs are my original work and are protected by copyright law!)

 

May you have a wonderful week full of tatting creativity & fun!  Until next Friday~

Happy Tatting!

 

 

 

 

 



Button Give Away Event

Blog theme for September~
Buttons!

Good morning, dear readers!

Back in August, as I was cleaning out the Atelier, I came across multiple button stashes.  After culling what I plan to use in my own work, I thought a give away event of the remaining buttons would be fun. 

 

 

As you can see, the buttons are in four snack sized zip-loc bags.  They are mainly vintage plastic, MOP and a few shell buttons.  I have not cleaned them, but have tried to put a variety in each bag. 

 

 

Closer view 1.

 

 

Closer view 2.

 

So, how are we going to do this event?  Well, all you need to do is leave a comment on this blog post stating what you might use the buttons for.  There will be FOUR winners who will be selected via random number generator and announced on the September 27th blog post.

 

Since I've been playing with the buttons and having lots of fun with them, I decided that the September blog theme will be Buttons!  On the next blog post, I will have images of a few newly finished pieces you've seen the beginnings of and images of some of my button projects.

 

What are you working on, my dear readers?  What goodies are you tatting for Fall?  There are lots of works-in-progress in the Atelier, but I am also crocheting a wrap and a skinny scarf.  I've additionally been working on some sketches for hand embroidery designs.

 

Rosie Fey is spinning at the door, so I had better take her out and play for a bit. Otherwise, Rosie will not leave me alone to tat!  Be sure to leave a comment on this blog post for your chance to win one of the FOUR button goody bags!  Until next Friday~

Happy Tatting!

 

 

 

 

 



Back to Work

Olde West Inspiration

Good morning, dear readers!

Sometimes a girl just needs to play in the woods with her Jeep & pup.  At least, it seems to have done the trick for me.  I awoke very early this morning and have been tatting away.  Made some progress on the prototypes and have another project in the queue.  These are the materials to what I'm going to be working with next:

 

 

I'll be creating another OOAK piece using an antique pierced MOP button, a carved brown cow-lip shell button and Valdani Pearl Cotton (size 8) in colors O538 & O196.  Of course, Swarovskis and pearls will also be used.

 

Rosie Fey is ready for a bit of a romp.  Think I'll play with her before getting back to work in the Atelier.  May you have a wonderful day full of creativity.  Until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

 

 



Pink Goodies Project Part One

Shabby Vintage

Good afternoon, dear readers!

 

The weather has not co-operated this afternoon for me to get more images of the Pink Goodies Project, but here is what it looked like very early this morning:

 

 

I completed the first round and have added 2 accent rounds.  This afternoon & evening I will be adding the center accents.  Be sure to check out the blog tomorrow to view the finished piece!

 

It was interesting to read your comments and emails about your projects.  It seems as though a lot of us have more projects than time to do them!

 

Rosie Fey is getting stronger and more active each day.  Keeping her relatively quiet and still is a difficult undertaking!  She is wanting to play tug-of-war so bad, but I worry about her stitches.  Only a week & a half until those stitches can come out- we're counting down, you know.

 

Speaking of Rosie Fey, she is spinning at the door so I'd better take her out before it starts sprinkling again.  Have a great day & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

 

 



Romantique Motif No. 2

Romantique

Good morning, dear readers!

It is a super-thick, foggy morning in the Piney Woods.  Taking the kid to school was rather hazardous as we could barely see the traffic lights.  The light outdoors finally got to a brightness where I could take some decent images.  Here is "Romantique Motif No. 2" -

 

 

This motif was tatted on a vintage 4-hole button with Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk in S204 and is accented with a large Akoya button pearl, burgundy Czech seed beads and antique pearl seed beads.  When the weather is not so humid, I plan to adhere this motif to a bobby pin for Jocelin.  It will look beautiful in her dark golden blonde hair.

 

 

Here is another view of the motif.  I may add more rounds, then again, I may not.  It depends upon what Jocelin wants- she requested a pretty hair accent for her Valentine's Day treat.

 

I am still working on various other projects using the vintage goodies featured in yesterday's post.  This month's FREE pendant pattern is coming along nicely and will be ready for posting soon.  Think I'll fix myself a nice cup of hot cocoa, head back to the Atelier & get busy tatting.  Have a wonderful day & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

 

 

 

 



Vintage Romantique Goodies

Romantique

Good morning, dear readers!

I have been busy working on a few projects, but have not reached a point where they are ready for sharing.  Since the projects are still in progress, how about a peek at some of the accents and foundations I'm using?

 

 

Here is a selection of vintage celluloid flowers I acquired from a friend who recycles vintage jewelry of all sorts.  I'm still trying to talk her out of the celluloid magnolia blossoms!  But the ivory roses and cinnabar lillies are pretty.

 

 

These are a few of the vintage buttons I'm using as foundations for Romantique motifs.  They all come from my great grandmother's very large button stash.  I don't think she ever threw away a button, hook & eye or snap.  Now, I'm reaping the benefits of her treasure boxes!

 

I am still hunting for my deep burgundy velvet fabric length.  It has hidden itself some place and I am at a loss.  I'd really like to use some of it to make some yoyo hearts.  I did find the ivory watered taffeta, red silk shantung and pink satin.  There are even some brocades tucked in the misc. remnants drawer that may make good yoyos.

 

Well, I am getting back to tatting and beading.  Hope you have a wonderful day full of tatting goodness!  Until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

 

 

 

 



Happy Halloween!

Good morning & happy Halloween!

 

As promised, here are a couple of small FREE patterns for your Halloween treat:

 

 

Both motifs were tatted using a size 8 needle and Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk. They can be used for a myriad of purposes- scissor fobs, brooch foundations, pendant foundations, ornament foundations, etc.  Check out tomorrow's post to see how I further embellished each motif!

 

Motif 1 using Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk in S153 "Golden Moss":

 

 

You will need a small 4-hole button, 8 3mm Swarovski bicones and 16 size 11/0 seed beads.  With a size 8 tatting needle, tat as follows:

R 5 - 5 + (to button) 5 - 5 CL RW

CH 7 - (with seed bead, Swarovski, seed bead) 7 CL RW

R 5 + 10 - 5 CL RW

CH 7 - (with seed bead, Swarovski, seed bead) 7 CL RW

Continue around button until you have 8 Rs & 8 CHs.  Tie & cut, hide ends.

 

Motif 2 using Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk in  S244 "Love of Life":

 

 

A small square, 4-hole button is needed along with a size 8 tatting needle.  Tat as follows:

R 7 - 7 + (to button) 7 - 7 CL RW

CH 5 very small - 3 followed by 3 graduated -s 3  very small - 5 CL RW

R 5 + 10 - 5 CL RW

Continue around motif until you have 8 Rs & 8 CHs.  Tie & cut, hide ends.

 

PLEASE NOTE: The patterns that I post to my blog presuppose you already possess a basic knowledge of needle tatting.  Shuttle tatters usually are able to tat my patterns, but if they encounter a problem, I will do my best to help. 

 

Well, I am off to the Atelier.  My hot cocoa is waiting and I have a few more embellishments to finish on one of the motifs featured above.  I need to get the tatting out of the way so I can prepare for our family Halloween celebration.  We are going to have a nice campfire in the woods, toast marshmallows and enjoy a few treats from my kitchen.

 

Hope you all have a wonderful All Hallow's Eve!  Until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

 

 



Busy Weekend!

Good morning, dear readers!

Whew!  We had a busy weekend full of all sorts of things- family activities, general Autumn chores, and even a bit of tatting.

 

We had an unexpected visit from my great-uncle Jamie.  He likes to surprise us occasionally, but probably got more than he bargained for this time as he was roped into helping us get firewood cut, split and stacked for my parents.  It was good to see him again.  Still, every time I look into his bright blue eyes, I see my grandmother (his sister).  I miss her so very much!

 

The only tatting I did this weekend was with some cute little buttons and Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk.

 

 

I'm using "Golden Moss" Valdani silk in the image above.  This was the only image I could capture before my light was totally caput.  I'll get more images today of this piece when I complete it along with the others.  Here's a little hint:  there may be a couple of FREE patterns later this week!!!  Be sure to check back and see what I've got planned as a special Halloween treat for my readers.

 

Sunday afternoon late I went for a stroll in the Piney Woods behind the house.

 

 

These yellow mushrooms had popped up along the sides of my paths.  They are so pretty and bright.

And I found another "treasure" next to the old homeplace ruins.

 

 

I call this the "ruffle tree".  It looks like a frilly tiered lace skirt.

 

With the cooler temperatures, we enjoyed an evening fire outside and toasted marshmallows.  Lily Fey was a shameless marshmallow moocher!  Even after we put the bag up, she kept begging.

 

Today promises to be gorgeous and I hope to get lots of tatting done.   I do have a request to make of you, dear readers.  Please keep the folks in the path of Hurricane Sandy in your thoughts and prayers.  It looks as though they are in for a rough time of it.  May you have a wonderful day full of creativity.  Until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

 

 

 

 

 

 



Blogversary Celebration Giveaway!

Dear readers,

August 29th will be the one year anniversary of my blogging adventure.  Over this past year, I have learned to love my weekday blogging routine.  It was a bit scary at first, but now, I feel the need to blog each day before getting down to the nitty gritty work in the Atelier.  Many thanks to all who have encouraged me, commented on the blog and participated in previous blog events.  Thank you for sharing my creative adventure!  I look forward to sharing MANY more.

To celebrate this milestone, I have decided to host a Blogversary Giveaway with 3 prizes!!!

Here is prize package number 1 "Nautical Dreams":

This prize package consists of:  a nice small notebook with a seashell image on the pages, 3 cards of vintage buttons (one card is of pink scallop shell buttons), 1 square Czech art glass button, 1 ball of size 8 Valdani pearl cotton (color M24), 1 skein of size 5 DMC pearl cotton (color 4030), 1 skein Caron Wildflowers thread (color 067),  a small bar of Tokyo Milk soap, and a small tube of Lollia handcreme in the "Calm" fragrance.

Prize package number 2 is "Garden Delight":

This prize consists of a lovely floral themed notebook, 3 cards of pink vintage buttons, a Czech art glass button, 1 ball of size 12 Valdani pearl cotton (color M1002), 1 skein of DMC size 5 pearl cotton (color 4210), 1 skein of Caron Wildflowers Thread (color 066), a small bar of Tokyo Milk soap and a small tube of Lollia handcreme in the "Imagine" scent.

"Autumn Longings" is prize package number 3:

A small notebook with a Paris theme is included in this prize package along with: 3 cards of vintage buttons, a gorgeous Czech art glass button, 1 ball of size 12 Valdani pearl cotton (color M97), 1 skein of size 5 DMC pearl cotton (color 4130), 1 skein of Caron Wildflowers Thread (color 095), a small Tokyo Milk soap, and a small tube of Lollia handcreme in the "Classic Petal" scent.

AND...

I will also include a special tatted surprise with each package!!!

How to enter:

Leave a comment on this blogpost indicating which package you prefer and why.  One winner for each package will be selected via random number generator early on the morning of August 29th, 2012, and subsequently announced on that morning's blogpost.

I will try to post some detailed images of the goodies in some of this next week's posts as I'm rather pressed for time this weekend.  (LOTS to do before school starts!)

Good luck and thank you, again, for sharing my fiber art escapades!

Happy Tatting!



Subtle Elegance Pendant

After posting the foundations yesterday, I added a bit more to the first one:

The center accent is a 6.5mm Akoya pearl surrounded by beige Czech seed beads.

A few extra rounds of overtatting and chain weaving were added for good measure.

All I need to do now is attach the jumpring finding and perhaps add a "bead dangle" to the bottom-  one of my sterling silver or pewter pine cones. 

Here is another view of the piece:

Doesn't seem so subtle, does it?  Care to suggest a new name for this pendant anyone?

I think I shall see what I can do with the other foundation.  It may be altered a bit before I start adding accents.  There are a couple of design ideas floating around in my head and I am debating adjusting my counts.  Hmmm... decisions, decisions.

The beads and pearls are waiting so I'd better get busy.  Have a great day!

Until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!



What A Weekend!

We had a busy weekend!  Jim took the old latticework off the front porch and replaced it with new, sturdier picketing.  We finished getting the big garden ready for the growing season.  Everything is planted- finally! 

I managed to get in some tatting amongst the weekend chores.  The Valdani Luxury Pearl Silks were calling to me and I got a number of foundations done.  They will be fleshed-out, embellished and completed over the course of the week.  Here is a peek at a couple works-in-progress:

A lovely blue piece and-

a peach brandy delight!

Both feature a button center for support and for adding additional tatting and accents.  A few Swarovski crystal bicones were tatted in for good measure.

I'll have more images later in the week of the finished pieces and possibly a pattern.

We had a bit of a storm front move through late last night and the yard is full of downed limbs and debris.  Guess I had better get busy cleaning up the mess.  Have a wonderful day!

Until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!



How To Clean Antique Buttons

My day has been filled with cleaning and organizing the latest button jar acquisition so I thought I would share how to clean and care for antique and vintage buttons.

Antique Shell Buttons

Most antique shell buttons are mother-of-pearl (MOP), abalone or brown lip shell.  You care for these in the same manner that you do pearls as the shells also have a layer of nacre.  Nacre is the luster or irridescent sheen on the buttons.

I take a shallow plastic collander and gently rinse the buttons in cool to luke warm water, then place them to the side on a paper towel.  I then prepare a cleaning solution of water with a very small dab of Ivory liquid hand soap in a small plastic bowl.  You may also place a bar of Ivory soap in the bottom of the plastic bowl & swirl it around for a second then remove it.   An old soft toothbrush is perfect for removing bits of dirt and grime.  Gently scrub the button, rinse in cool to luke warm water and lay on a soft towel to dry.  When dry, store the buttons.  For my fancy carved or pierced buttons, I carefully wrap them in tissue, put them in a small zip top bag or in a watchmaker's tin.

Vintage Plastic Buttons

Every now and then I will use plastic buttons as a foundation or base for my artwork, but I strongly prefer the shell buttons.  Clean these in the same manner as the shell buttons, but be extra careful when using the toothbrush to clean them as even the softest brush may scratch the surface- NOT something you'd wish to do if the top of the button will be seen in your work.  Oftentimes, a cotton swab is the best tool for cleaning dirty plastic buttons.  I have several plastic storage boxes (fishing bait organizers) I use for storing plastic buttons.  They are very inexpensive and are readily available on the sporting goods aisle of your local discount store or in the fishing section of any outdoor specialty shop.

Antique or Modern Art Glass Buttons

Use the same care with these as with shell buttons, but ONLY use a cotton swab to gently wipe away surface dirt & grime.  Extra care should be taken with the antique specimens as they can be exceedingly delicate- especially if gold or silver leafing is present.  I store these buttons either in watchmaker's tins or if I feel they are delicate, wrapped individually in acid free (archival quality) tissue paper and stored individually in zip top bags.

There are some lovely antique metal buttons out there, but I do not personally care for them or choose to use them in my work.  I am sure there are plenty of resources on the web if this is an area of interest to you, dear readers.

A brief word of caution-  do NOT cut the shanks off of buttons!  This greatly decreases the value of the button.

If you have a lovely button with a shank and want to use it with your tatting, I suggest using my preferred method- use a shell button for a base and then attach the shank button on top of it as an accent.  This keeps the button intact and adds dimension to your work.

Well, I still have more button cleaning to do and would also like to have a few minutes to get in some tatting.  Have a great day & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!