Goldwork Buttons

I'm back - sorry it has been so long .  Life has gotten a little more hectic since I returned to work and the weather here in Queensland is so hot & humid .  Unfortunately this isn't great weather for doing goldwork!

But I did find a little gem I thought I would share - well actually it is a couple of little gems.

I almost forgot we had them in the store where I work until I was looking for buttons the other day.

Here they are - Gold Embroidered Buttons!

The buttons are self cover shank buttons - you know,  the kind where you cover them with your own fabric.  The embroidery has been worked on black velveteen prior to covering the button.  I have had the magnifying glass out scrutinising them to see how they have been worked.  I didn't have the heart to pull them apart - the Quilters Storesells the large buttons for AU$6.10 and the small buttons for AU$3.90.  But it wasn't the cost of the buttons that stopped me from unpicking one but the thought of the minuscule amount the embroiderer was paid!

The buttons have been embroidered using super pearl purl for the surrounding circles and rough purl for the flowers.  A fine gold coloured thread was used to stitch the gold wires in place.

The silver embroidered buttons are a little more ornate in their design.  Again Super purl and rough purl have been used with the addition of beads and jewels and bright check around the blue jewel.  I really like the contrast of the silver and jewels on the black velveteen. 

The embroiderer has used the technique called 's-ing' to create an effective decorative line next to the pearl purl outer border.

I doubt that the metal wires used in these buttons is gilt or sterling silver however they have not tarnished with time.

I know one thing for sure, if I was the embroiderer paid to make these buttons I would make very little money as I am not a very fast embroiderer!  In fact I am sure it would be less expensive for me to buy the completed buttons rather than buy all of the materials to make them AND THEN sit and embroider them. 

Thank you for these little gems whoever you may be!

Comments

[Avis Withers]

Hi,
These buttons are beautiful and your right about embroidering them yourself would be to time consuming. I am slower than molasses when I sit and stitch. Goldwork in something in the future for me. Have been collecting bits for awhile, just waiting for that perfect project!
Avis in USA

[american gold buffalo]

I see the both the gold button and the it look the great . You had work great work to make it . The i inch and the half inch .It is so careful work you had done .

[Tsavorite]

I doubt that the metal wires used in these buttons is gilt or sterling silver however they have not tarnished with time.

[muska supra]

Liked you on Facebook, too. =)