A few months ago one of my favourite markets closed down. Greenwich is renowned for it’s craft market – however I was fonder of the second hand stalls that occupied the less ‘pretty’ part of the market. Then the area was closed down – probably to make way for flats or office blocks knowing this current climate. My husband and I went to the market on the last day – we hadn’t been there for ages. I was at the beginning of my obsession with crafting and sewing. One of the stalls was almost giving their stuff away – and I asked how much their buttons would be. Instead of me going through them to find my faves, he offered me the whole lot for £10. I jumped at the chance and have ended up with boxes full of buttons (as well as various other trinkets that were hidden in with them):
(if you so desire to see more – there are more photos here )
However – once you own that many buttons you realise you need to make something with them. I’ve used them to decorate my bags and various bits and bobs. I then thought about jewelry after seeing a colleague’s necklace. So I started looking up button jewellery. I’m still to make something of any worth – but I thought I’d share with you some of my favourite upcycled button beauties 🙂
First up is Lorimarsha – honestly – I think this talented woman will appear in many of my blog posts. I love the boldness and brightness of her colourful designs. She truly is an amazing crafter – click on the photos to take you to her etsy store.
Lorimarsha - original bakelite jewelry
How cute are these bracelets? Wonderfully bright colours and I love the addition of the beads at the end.
Lorimarsha original bakelite designs
I’m in love with these rings too – so bold and exciting. If only I didn’t have such horrible stubby fingers (I’m not a huge fan of my hands) I’d be buying these straight away!
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH … I have totally fallen in love with the beautiful vintage buttons used by Buttonz – honestly – the Blondie is the most beautiful button bracelet I’ve ever seen:
Blondie
I want want want want! 🙂
Upcycling at its best I think – to make buttons look this classy is so awesome. Most of the time when you use buttons they can look quirky and kitschy – and there is NOTHING wrong with that – however I believe that Buttonz produces jewellery that is classy and classic – in keeping with their vintage feel.
As we get classier – let’s look at Grandmother’s Buttons:
Stunning vintage buttons set into stunning pieces of jewellery:
Grandmother's Buttons
Grandmother's Buttons
And now for those all important tutorials:
Shank Button Designs
Simple button bracelet tutorial
Crafty Suzanne’s tutorial
If you have any others you’d like to share there’s space here to add them 🙂
My Second-Hand Life 