I do like buttons…

…really rather a lot - and vintage buttons, especially. I’m afraid this post will expose me as a bit of a button nerd. This last week I had the opportunity to visit Jessie’s Button Box in Bath. It’s button heaven in my book. Jessie has been collecting buttons for lord knows how long. She’s knows stacks about their history and has many tales of button production throughout the 20th century and earlier still. Sadly, she’s been unwell for some time so on my last couple of visits she hasn’t been behind the counter. But, there are still plenty of beautiful and unusual buttons to browse. Here’s just some of the beauties I picked up last week.

The majority of these are made of casein - a milk by-product (yes, odd) used for buttons from the late 1800s up until around the middle of the last century. I also got these wooden 1930s marvels, which must surely make good earrings?

These came home with me too. I’m not sure what exactly they’re made of but they’re very unusual and look pretty old. I think they’ll be great with some Scorched Earth-ness.

Somehow, I’ve collected rather a lot of buttons. If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’re fond of beads. I’m hoping this enthusiasm will extend to buttons and all their possibilities, because I thought I’d share some pics of some of my favourites, all of which I’ve found at Jessie’s. These deco-y numbers need a good clean but aren’t they fab?

Then there’s these narrow Bakelite ones, which also say ‘earrings’ to me.

I can’t decide whether these next ones are too big for earrings, but I’m rather reluctant to part with them.

I did part with one of these big 1920s casein pieces (it was the centre piece to a necklace), so I’ll probably end up hoarding this one indefinitely.

I’ve picked up quite a lot of bakelite from Jessie’s place. There were six of these once.

Here’s one more lot before I leave you.

This is just a small selection from my collection. Jessie’s Button Box is decidedly pre-www, so I’m afraid I can’t share a link. But, if you’re in Bath, you can find it in the basement of the Bartlett Street Antiques Centre. I’ve already started making some pieces with my new buttons. I’ll be back to share some tomorrow.