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Vintage details: Hand painted buttons

scamp07

Last weekend I headed down to my local flea market with the intention of hitting the bargain zips bins. With my mission completed, I took a glance round some of the second hand stalls. I was not expecting to discover much but happily found my eye drawn to these beautiful vintage buttons featuring hand painted boats (pictured above), which I snapped up for €2. I probably could have bargained the guy down, but I was too impatient to make them mine!    

What better way to make a garment or accessory creation extra special than to add delicately detailed treasures such as these? These beauties got me thinking, so I decided to hit the internet to see what other vintage hand painted buttons could be purchased. Here’s a few of my favourites:

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These stunning pink, green and black buttons are available here from Etsy seller All Wild Jewels, who boasts a staggering array of vintage and unique buttons, beads and embellishments.

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Along a similar theme,  the above folk art inspired rose buttons are very reasonable and available from Etsy seller Minilisticly.

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These pretty Czech glass buttons are available individually, from Reprodepot (who knew they sold such exquisite buttons?! I guess I previously never got past the fabrics).

No doubt these additions would bring a real touch of class to a garment, whether a new sewing creation, or simply by replacing the buttons of an existing garment. Oh the possibilities! What do you think would be the best type of garment to showcase these treasures?

Zoe Edwards

Comments

Sunni Standing

December 8, 2009 #

Oh goodness! I love that orangey red button at the bottom. Really who knew? These would look so perfect on the pockets of a skirt or even a collection ranging free across a cardigan. Thanks for the tip Zoe!

jaime

December 8, 2009 #

I love the boat buttons. I have a coat pattern that I have been wanting to make and some great buttons would make it extra special. I know what you mean about reprodepot, I can hardly get past the fabric. Although I did look at trims once.

KIM

November 8, 2011 #

I would love to get started painting and gifting these for Christmas. However, my big concern is the paint coming off in the wash. Could you please give me advice.
Much Thanks, Kim