revisiting the buttons
Ever since I washed up those buttons, I've been thinking about what to do with them. I decided I wanted to make some pendants.
Much to my surprise, this is proving to be a little harder than I thought. I think I'm having a hard time parting with these old beauties, there seems to be such a finality with using a vintage button - or maybe I'm having a tough time because of the colors. Most of these old buttons are very earthy in tone, which makes them not so interesting when put together. Maybe I should have attempted this project in the fall when I'm influenced by more of an earthy color pallet. Regardless, I'm moving on, crossing another thing off my "to-do" list. Let's face it, playing with buttons, no matter how challenging, is addictive. Vintage button pendants to come!
i feel the same way about using my vintage fabric--sometimes it's too hard to cut into or use! the buttons look great!
Posted by: carrie | March 13, 2008 at 09:10 AM
I love that little blue stack of buttons in the lower right corner. Very pretty. I also love your new red shoes :) g
Posted by: Gaylen | March 13, 2008 at 09:19 AM
They do look like fall tones, and you've been in such a spring-y mood. Regardless they're beautiful and will be great to work with whenever you decide to use them.
Posted by: Sarah Jackson | March 13, 2008 at 09:29 AM
I have a hard time with the "finality" of using a vintage button, too. I do the same thing with my found sheets... there is this pressure that it has to be so perfect, that you can never ever get it again. Cool idea, though, the pendants. Can't wait to see them.
Posted by: denice | March 13, 2008 at 10:13 AM
I love the silvery white one on the right in the first picture - not much color, but oh so interesting!
Posted by: jessi | March 13, 2008 at 10:29 AM
i squirrel away my vintage buttons - i, too, find them hard to part with. i just know you will come up with something great - you always do.
Posted by: erin | March 13, 2008 at 10:44 AM
You know, I was having the SAME issues when I was making my button pendants! Crazy.
Posted by: lera | March 13, 2008 at 11:06 AM
I know what you mean... it's almost spring and it's hard to have an absent of colour. But I'm sure whatever you've done is super. OH and your red shoes... they rock.
Posted by: kat | March 13, 2008 at 12:34 PM
I got some buttons from m grandma to use an I just can't do it. I was going to make them into things to sell but I can't do that to my grandmas stuff, even if she was happy to hide it in a jar for 40 yrs. It flows freely through the world until it gets to me then I hide it for sentimental reasons.
Posted by: Steph | March 13, 2008 at 01:49 PM
I love the way those look. I have the worst time stacking buttons in crafts. Always seems simple til I try it! LOL!
Come check out the fun little inspiration challenge I'm hosting on my blog. Hopefully you can join us!
Posted by: Carla | March 13, 2008 at 03:57 PM
Oh they look beautiful! But I know what you mean, I have trouble using some of my buttons, too!
Posted by: ash | March 13, 2008 at 04:34 PM
button flowers - or a garland,mobile strung from corner to corner.
Posted by: Sarah Latham | March 13, 2008 at 09:17 PM
Lovely pendants! I have the hardest time trying to figure out what to do with some of my vintage finds!
Posted by: Jade | March 14, 2008 at 09:46 AM
I love the old buttons, I like muted colors. My favorite combination is the bluish grey one in the second picture. I also love the squarish green button in the first pic.
Posted by: Tonya Richard | March 14, 2008 at 09:48 AM
i too have a hard time using things that i'll probably not find again. so, i usually just keep them and once in a while bring them out and admire them. i really like the red buttons and the bright blue one as well. good luck with your pendants!
Posted by: Claudia Marchan | March 14, 2008 at 08:32 PM
That is so awesome. I lov buttons thay always add the greatest touch to any thing you do:) Great job!!!
Posted by: Cardee's Daughter | March 15, 2008 at 08:37 PM
Hi Beki-
Thanks for leaving a comment on my daughter's new blog. She's so thrilled to have some nice comments. Have a great weekend!
Posted by: Carla | March 15, 2008 at 11:34 PM
I know how you feel about beautiful old buttons. On Friday my Mum gave me some buttons from my Grandmothers collection - they were old bone and bakerlite buttons from the 1920's and 30's - too precious to ever use but lovely to look out and display. Looking forward to seeing your pendants.
Posted by: Lisa | March 16, 2008 at 05:33 AM
ooooh...love the combinations!
Very beautiful.
Yes, I feel the same way sometimes about using vintage beads that cannot ever be replaced. But I think they are happier being used and being seen that hiding a box. Still, it's good to save them for yourself for a nice long time before setting them free!
Posted by: Carol Emma | March 24, 2008 at 12:19 PM
I would love to ask you as long as you don't mind, the fantastic button flowers on your banner, is there anywhere that would tell me how you kept them together. I have lots of buttons and could do a trade with you, there mostly from London,
Jill
Posted by: Jill Smith | March 26, 2008 at 03:35 PM