Dem bones, dem bones, dem bone buttons.
They might be a little creepy to some people, but I love them. Bone was one of the, if not the, first materials for buttons. It's easy to imagine early man carving these practical fasteners out of the bones of his kill. They're reminders of a time when nothing went to waste. When more sophisticated materials came in to popularity, they became the ornamentation of common people and peasants.
I relate to and celebrate their history and I appreciate their aesthetic also. Creamy colors, obviously handmade details, and a weight different from plastic.
Some were dyed and achieved a beautiful brown color, not unlike wood.
Most were carved and drilled by hand. This lovely below just shouts "handmade" and I can't help but wonder, by whom?
These with the bump on the back were likely turned on a lathe.
Historically, women would dye buttons using a variety of dyes. I tried an overnight soaking in strong tea on these. Below on the left is the tea-stained buttons and on the right were the buttons pre-tea. (the X button is an undyed button that slipped in) The result is really subtle.
It was sarahracha's work that I featured the other day that inspired me to make myself a necklace. I wore it while mopping. (just for you, Marilyn)
Since I had all the materials out, I decided to make a few for my shop too.
Natural and filled with history. Just the kind of things I like to carry with me.
Happy Monday all!
