Buttons In Jewelry

[caspiantern]

Svengali: I am interesting in making button bracelets but the only instructions I have want you to destroy the button back, which I am reluctant to do. Can you share anything about making button bracelets, or is it your trade secret... Don't want to overstep here. I'm learning all the time. Yesterday I visited an antique store with my daughter and the man there told me to just take the lovely buttons I had picked out!! (under 10)

[svengali]

Hi, I branched your question into a new topic. Actually, no I don't tell how I make the button bracelets I offer on eBay, but the idea is out there. I picked it up from others so it's not a secret. I bought one to see how it was made and then gave the idea my own twist which is now being widely copied by others, including those who insist on calling their creations "bakelie button bracelets" when it appears not even one bakelite button has been used. I figure if they are going to copy my design ideas, least they could do is learn to test the buttons and "get it right". I'm 100% against any shank snipping or gluing buttons to a form to make bracelets. Please don't make jewelry out of buttons by destroying them. I have seen some horror stories where very, very valuable old buttons had shanks ground off and were stuck to some ugly metal thing as a pin selling for $10 when the button itself would have been worth hundreds. This is why I'm first a collector and second a no-harm-to-buttons jewelry maker.

[caspiantern]

Thanks for your info, Svengali. I am seeing beautiful button bracelets on ebay, and have bought one made from antique metal buttons. As I said before I dont want to destroy buttons to make jewelry, they are such historic "jewels." I expecially like the Victorian metals with faces and flower motifs as well as the more colorful bakelites, moonglows and mops. I will just keep looking , reading here, and researching. Amazing how I seem to have "discovered' buttons in the past few years.

[svengali]

caspiantern: I think you are hooked on buttons or soon will be!

[justhemom2002]

I will share a very simple method I used to make a bracelet out of small metal picture buttons like the ones you describe. I used 3 strands of elastic thread, brown glass beads & spacer bars. Thread the elastic through the center whole of the spacer bar, then the button, then another spacer bar, this helps the button 'stand up', and the spacer bars don't show much. Use as many beads between buttons to keep them from overlapping. I strung only beads through the outside holes on the spacer bars. Knot elastic & use a crimp bead to secure behind a button. This bracelet is not nearly as elegant as Svengali's, but I enjoy it.

[svengali]

Your idea certainly helps to cure one of the biggest problems I have with the ones I make, sizing. I have to either use some very hard to use clasps with links to make it adjustable and an open hook device to clasp it, not too secure either or I need to run into bidders who want the size I've made or offer to resize it which is equivalent to remaking the whole piece which takes a long time to start with, so your idea is great. Do you use stretch magic stranding material for your bracelet idea? -Carol-

[justhemom2002]

I'm not sure of the brand, Carol. It comes on a roll at the bead store just like the wire stuff, it's clear plastic. My original bracelet has stretched slightly with use. I've also used the same elastic to attach those new themed plastic (Dress It Up) buttons to some plain bracelets I found at Cost Plus. These were stretchy ones made from very long bugle beads. They make a fun, inexpensive holiday accessory. Carole L.

[svengali]

Great ideas for no-harm button jewelry Carole! Here's a bracelet I'm trying to master. Saw the pattern in Beads & Buttons magazine. I have never done any bead weaving before and I did't have the right tools to start this, plus I played around with lots of types of beads where they show just black and silver ones in the magazine. I think you can get an idea of what this will look like finished, cute how the shank back black glass buttons work right into the bead weaving: http://www.vintagebuttons.net/bracelet/bracetry.jpg

[exlibrismaried]

That pattern is great! I'm just starting to collect buttons but have been beading and making jewelry for a long time. What issue of B&B was that pattern in? I'd really like to try it. It looks like two-needle right-angle weave which I've always been afraid would be totally confusing but this would be an incentive to start using it. Actually, I started looking at buttons to use for clasps in my beadwork jewelry. It didn't take long for the desire for buttons to overtake the need for clasps. Oh, and hello. This looks like a great group.

[svengali]

This beading stuff is HARD, I really give it to you beaders, you must have the patience of saints. These dang seed beads are sold as one size and are actually way smaller than they say. Oh well, just more money to spend to make one dang bracelet. The woven bead and buttons bracelet is on page 76/77 of the Feb. 2006 Bead & Button. They also give a website address, perhaps this design shows up there as well. It's beadandbutton.com

[exlibrismaried]

I see from your listing that you conquered that bracelet! It turned out beautiful. The next one should take you half the time. Bea

[svengali]

Thanks Bea, my first attempts are rather clumsy but I gave it my best. I need to work on making the end loop a bit smaller but it's strong and should hold up well. Here's a link to one of my woven bracelet ads. I had to work hard to put sew-thru buttons on this since the original pattern called for raised self-shanked buttons: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=6267346068 I also have a black glass one listed with pretty color beads. These auctions end on Wed. 4/5 I don't think any bidder will be able to bid high enough to reimburse me for the hours it took to make these bracelets! LOL!! -Carol C-

[caspiantern]

I am enjoying the discussion, learning, and have looked at the bracelets! They are beauties. What a lot of work, and how much patience you need, whew. Well.....at this point I have bought some stretchy cord at the craft store and had in mind just playing with it to see what I could do with some buttons.

[caspiantern]

Forgot to say thanks for the instructions JusttheMom, I am saving them, a real help. Thanks again!

[justhemom2002]

You guys have inspired me & last night I thought I'd try some earrings. I'm pleased with the look from the front, but would like the back to look more finished. Any ideas? I'll post a pic if I can figure out how. Carole L.