I was watching Create and Craft on TV a few weeks ago and a lady, Gina Barrett, came on to show us how to make thread wrapped buttons. So pretty. I was inspired, nay, hooked. So I bought her first DVD and have been making buttons ever since (well, when I get five minutes to sit down and relax). A few simple materials are all that are needed - threads (I used size 5 and 8 cotton perle, rayon, embroidery silk or floss and viscose gimp) and button moulds to wrap the thread around (I use a double layer of watercolour paper although there are proper wooden moulds available). They have wonderful names like 'Death's Head Wrap', 'Star of David' and 'Chequerboard'. Each design is a genuine button making technique from the 14th century onward. I think that is part of the reason they appealed to me so much. I love history and to be able to make something that people made in the past is a direct link to history.
I have included a few pictures of my buttons here but if you want to check out Gina's web site where she sells her DVDs and other goodies then you can find it here .
4 comments:
Your buttons are gorgeous! I passed this on to a friend. She will be crazy over this. The colors you used really show off the wrapping/weaving of the button. thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much PJ. I hope your friend enjoys looking at them too. They were great fun to make and have so many uses. I love things that are multi functional ;o)
May I ask you where you find your viscose gimp? I'm desesperately looking for this for embroidery!
Regards,
Hi Marie. I use texere-yarns.co.uk. You can find their page of single viscose gimp skeins here: http://www.texere-yarns.co.uk/texereshop/Picasso_Gimp__whipped_viscose_gimp.html or they have gimp inspiration packs that you can find here: http://www.texere-yarns.co.uk/texereshop/Gimp_Pack.html . Hope that helps and good luck in your quest :o)
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