Sorting Old Mother of Pearl Buttons
Plain white shell
buttons are in demand today from re-enactors who want authentic buttons
on their costumes and tiny shell buttons are used by doll makers who
want authentic buttons on period doll clothing.
When I go through jars of old buttons I watch for mother of pearl, glass, rhinestone, tiny buttons
for doll clothes and decorative buttons.
Old
shell buttons often feel rough and may be covered in soap scum from
repeated washings and feel cool to the touch, whereas plastics
are usually smooth and warm. Shell buttons, made up of layers,
often chip, but they are still attractive. They were the everyday
buttons of common people as glass buttons were often reserved for
dresses or fancier garments.
Mother of Pearl
buttons were also dyed in a variety of colors, but white was the most
popular.
Mother’s Button Box
By Robert Service
The pictures never
fail to please,
When memory I tap,
Of Mother sweetly shelling peas
With sunshine in her lap;
Or sitting by a fire that glows,
And darning Father’s socks;
Or rummaging with specks on nose
In her old button box.
Robert Service was a Yukon poet during the gold
rush days. The complete poem can be found
here.
***
It's a funny thing about life; if you refuse
to accept anything but the best, you very often get it.
-
Somerset Maugham
Let's go where I'll keep on
wearin' those frills
and flowers and buttons and bows
And I'll stand out in buttons and bows.”
- old melody
