V & M

7 yards of black net flocked flower fabric

2012-02-02T12:33:00.000Z

http://uk.ebid.net/for-sale/approx-yards-of-flocked-flower-net-fabric-wide-61770354.htm

From my late mother-in-laws estate
Approx 7 yards of black net flocked flower fabric 54" wide. flowers have a velvety feel. Cost £2.50 a yard new. So for £5 its a bargin

New items at Henrietta's Buttons and Patterns Store

2012-02-01T14:36:00.000Z

http://uk.ebid.net/for-sale/vintage-red-velvet-hat-with-a-mass-of-red-feathers-made-in-britain-61749151.htm

This bright red velvet hat with a plume of red feathers belonged to my mother-in-law probably purchased when she ran her family dress business in the 1970's/80's
Looking at the position of the elastic i think it could be a tilt hat but i'm not sure. It measures approx 7" by 6" and has a label saying 100% viscose, made in Britain.

http://uk.ebid.net/for-sale/lots-of-unused-silver-gold-coloured-ric-rac-61682776.htm

Another one of my late mother-in-laws items 2 lots of unused silver and gold coloured ric rac with a stiff metallic feel.

http://uk.ebid.net/for-sale/vintage-home-notes-magazine-june-th-61672240.htm

This 1949 edition of Homes notes is in lovely condition as the front cover suggests why not make the lovely dress from a remnant.

http://uk.ebid.net/for-sale/several-vintage-chocolate-gifts-advertisements-s-61668037.htm

Vintage chocolates adverts approx 1950's - Boxes of chocolates with various gifts including, dart board, galleon wall plaque,paint set,childs knitting outfit, etc.

Would look nice framed.

Tribute to Ivy my Mother In Law

2012-01-30T14:16:00.003Z

1935 - 2012

Sadly my mother-in-law Ivy died on the 18th of January after a short stay in hospital.

Ivy was a wonderful person a very generous and kind person who would go out of her way to help her family and friends.

In the 1970's/80's she owned a fancy dress business and was also a very talented seamstress who made many of the outfits for her business. Below is a victorian ladies hat that she made

My daughter Sarah is her only grandchild and of course was spoilt rotten! Ivy taught my daughter to swim, horse ride and ice skate non of which i can do myself.

When my daughter needed an outfit for a fancy dress party Ivy always came to the rescue, below is my daughter wearing one of Ivy's creations. My daughter won a £5 book token at a school fancy dress party.

Ivy made many of her own clothes such as the lined velvet waistcoat below i just love the way she has covered the buttons incorporating the swirl design.

Ivy's dress sense was very bohemian and by her own admission she was quite eccentric and was the Helena Bonham-Carter of her day.

Ivy's other passion was animals and over the years she rescued many cats and dogs more often than not on the verge of being put to sleep. She leaves behind a menagerie of dogs, cats, rabbits, hens and an Amazon Green Parrot.

Ivy will be greatly missed by all that knew her.

Heart-Shaped Buttons

2012-01-29T08:26:00.000Z

Morning all!

Here are some heart-shaped buttons to make the perfect finishing touch for your Valentine's Day projects!

These charming dotty buttons are available at 20p each from Love Buttons HQ. They are also available in blue, yellow, orange, green and violet.

Another heart with dots! This one is handmade from white earthenware ceramic and has dots of glaze in multiple colours. These buttons cost £1.60 each.

Finally, these metal heart-shaped buttons have an 'antique silver' finish and come in a variety of sizes. These, the largest 23mm size, cost 68p each.

Happy sewing, knitting and crafting, folks!
Posted by Julia of * Love Buttons HQ * Love Buttons on Etsy * Love Buttons on Folksy * Love Buttons on Ebay *

2012-01-25T19:06:00.000Z

Multi-media artist, Diane Grant, has kindly shared a photograph of some of her artwork in progress. This piece is called 'Bermuda Reef' and features work on canvas, decorated with hand stitches and buttons. Diane will be at the Knitting and Stitching Show, Harrogate this year.

Posted by Julia of Love Buttons HQ.

Silver Peasant Buttons and Ceramic Buttons

2012-01-22T11:17:00.000Z

Hello Everyone! I hope that you are all having a great weekend.

Here are some of the latest buttons from Love Buttons.

These first two photographs show silver peasant link or toggle buttons. They are highly collectable and fascinating buttons. The first is a Spanish-made button and has a marker's mark, which is apparently very rare. It was made c. 19th century and was worn on either a men's sleeveless jacket, or on a woman's dress sleeve. This button is up for auction on Love Buttons HQ on Ebay. It had a starting bid of just 99p and bidding is currently at £1.20. The auction ends on 31 Jan, 2012 at 19:34:21 GMT.

This second button is Croatian, also c. 19th century. It has a maker's mark stamped onto the bar. It is also up for auction on Love Buttons HQ, with a starting bid of 99p (current bidding at £1.04). The auction ends on 30 Jan, 2012 at 20:02:20 GMT.

For something completely different, what about this gorgeous, handmade ceramic button? They are made in Cornwall, England by Stockwell Ceramics and Love Buttons HQ is now stocking 20 different styles of Stockwell's buttons at £1.50 each. (There are also many other ceramic buttons available in a variety of styles.) This particular button is one of my favourites, made from white earthenware with dots of glaze in shades of teal and green. It would make the perfect focal-point closure for a handmade bag.

Bye for now.

Posted by Julia of * Love Buttons HQ * Love Buttons on Etsy * Love Buttons on Ebay *

Buttons, Buttons and More Buttons!

2012-01-15T11:24:00.000Z

Good morning all! I hope that you are enjoying the crisp, bright, sunny weather that we have here in Scotland at the moment.

Here are a few of the many buttons added to Love Buttons sites this week....

These antique metal buttons are known as Austrian Tinies. They measure just 10mm (3/8") in diameter. Perfect for the collector of diminutive buttons! Available as a set of five from Love Buttons on Etsy for £2.75, or as a set of six from Love Buttons HQ, priced at £3.00.

These beautifully iridescent, vintage abalone buttons are large, measuring approx 34-35mm (1 5/16 - 1 3/8") in diameter. They are available at £4.00 for four buttons from Love Buttons HQ. (Other similar sets are available, including smaller sizes/quantities, and larger, matched sets. Just type 'abalone' in the search box to view all of the available sets.)

This set of plastic buttons is made to imitate 'antique silver' in tone. They have a pretty, stylised flower design and are very light weight in use. They cost £1.50 for eight buttons from Love Buttons HQ.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend, folks :)

Posted by Julia of * Love Buttons HQ * Love Buttons on Etsy * Love Buttons on Folksy * Love Buttons on Misi * Love Buttons on Ebay *

Tidy Pins Or Dress Elevators

2012-01-14T16:24:00.001Z

The tidy pin with its sprial shank was often mistaken for the dress elevator a device which adorned the dresses of Victorian ladies. The dress elevator was made from precious stones, paste etc wheras the tidy pin was made from cheap plastic (see image below)

I have seen these in among tins of buttons but until i read the article below i thought they were dress elevators. http://www.buttoncountry.com/Dress Elevator Article.htm

Below are 2 examples of pins which were used to fix chairback covers, both are available to buy at henriettas-buttons-and-patterns

http://uk.ebid.net/for-sale/lot-of-vintage-tidy-pins-with-clear-plastic-tops-spiral-shanks-60879429.htm

http://uk.ebid.net/for-sale/vintage-card-of-goodmans-loose-cover-pins-made-in-england-60879254.htm

Lots New at Wickedlady Collectables

2012-01-09T16:40:00.000Z

Over 60 new items added this week.
Visit Today

Vintage Buttons Made From Glass, Mother of Pearl, and Wood

2012-01-09T08:12:00.000Z

Hello Everyone! Here are a few of the latest buttons added to Love Buttons shops.

The first lot are a card of mixed transparent glass buttons, all with pretty, stylised floral patterns, or line patterns and/or faceted edges. These would look beautiful clustered together as a decorative accent on a handmade cushion. They cost £3.00 for eight buttons from Love Buttons HQ.

This pretty assortment of vintage mother of pearl buttons comes in shades of pink - from palest pink to dark rose. There are also a handful of pale orange/peach coloured ones included. They are up for auction at Love Buttons HQ on Ebay with a starting price of just £0.99. The auction ends on 18 January 2012 at 18.10 hours GMT.

Also up for auction is a Simplicity Rotary Cutting Machine, used just three times, with a start price of £39.99. Auction ends on 12 January 2012 at 20:48 GMT. This useful tool can be used for cutting strips of thin to medium weight fabric, or paper for use in scrapbooking, cardmaking, quilting, rug hooking and more.

Last, but not least, are this set of modified square, wooden buttons in a lovely shade of blue. They have an impressed pattern of curved lines and dots and are in very good condition. They are listed at Love Buttons on Etsy for £6.00 for six buttons.

Have a great week, folks!

Posted by Julia of * Love Buttons HQ * Love Buttons on Etsy * Love Buttons on Folksy * Love Buttons on Misi * Love Buttons on Ebay *

VintageTouch Online Store

2012-01-06T15:25:00.003Z

A selection of vintage postcards for sale at VintageTouch

http://deannamoyers.ecrater.com/

Buttons and more buttons New Year Bargins

2012-01-02T15:21:00.001Z

Come and pick up your New Year bargins at henriettas-buttons-and-patterns

New today only at Ebid 4 lots of vintage plastic buttons in shades of grey, blue, green and black ideal for crafts and jewellery making. Purchase all 4 lots and get a surprise free gift!

http://uk.ebid.net/for-sale/lot-of-vintage-plastic-buttons-grey-shades-various-sizes-60186735.htm

http://uk.ebid.net/for-sale/lot-of-vintage-plastic-buttons-black-shades-various-sizes-60186719.htm

http://uk.ebid.net/for-sale/lot-of-vintage-plastic-buttons-blue-shades-various-sizes-60186695.htm

http://uk.ebid.net/for-sale/lot-of-vintage-plastic-buttons-green-shades-various-sizes-60186792.htm

Vintage Muffin The Mule and Some Metal Buttons

2012-01-01T14:40:00.001Z

Happy New Year, Everyone!

Here are some interesting collectable buttons for your perusal.

First up are a set of small, vintage plastic buttons, dating to c.1950s. They feature a painted version of the puppet from the British television show for children from 1946-52. Find out more about the show here:- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muffin_the_Mule

These buttons cost £6.00 for the set of seven buttons from Love Buttons on Etsy.

This set of three vintage metal buttons are made to imitate the earlier cut steel buttons. They have a pierced back piece, with faceted, tinted metal pieces set into individual cups. The buttons cost £7.50 for the set of three, from Love Buttons HQ.

Finally, this charming, antique metal picture button featuring 'Little Boy Blue' blowing his horn, with sheep surrounding him and small details of plants/landscape behind the figure. The button is thought to date to late 1800s in the Victorian era. This button costs £9.00 from Love Buttons on Etsy.

Have a peaceful and wonderful 2012!

Posted by Julia of * Love Buttons HQ * Love Buttons on Etsy * Love Buttons on Folksy * Love Buttons on MISI *

First Footing A New Year Tradition

2011-12-31T16:23:00.000Z

In days gone by the New Year was started with a custom called first footing which was supposed to bring good luck to people for the coming year. As midnight passed and the 1st of January was with us people would wait for a dark haired person to arrive who would be carrying a lump of coal, bread, money and some greenery which would bring good luck to the family for the year ahead. The visitor would then take a pan of ashes out with them signifying the end of the old year.

Did you know this tradition is still popular here in the UK mostly in the North of England and Scotland.
I can remember as a child in the 1960's being asked to go outside to get a lump of coal from the coal shed then to come back in via the front door. I would then pass the lump of coal to my brother who would then throw it onto the open coal fire.

Happy New Year Animations provided by MySpaceAnimations.com

Christmas 2011 and New Year 2012 Greetings!

2011-12-30T17:24:00.031Z

The host of this blog asked me recently to share any photographs that I have of my Christmas. So here they are... I have nothing to sell, just some images to share... that might bring you pleasure.

I live in Lapland, Finland, although I am British. My decorations are a mix of both cultures, where wooden elves and straw decorations are more in keeping with the season and less is more.

The English side of me however, has twinkling tree lights on my indoor tree...something not on sale locally...and I purchase from the UK instead. :D

Outside we have snow of course and our outdoor Christmas tree with static green lights. Very calm.

With candle decor, created by a cone of snowballs with a candle in the middle.

A large wooden elf by our doorway

....and a metal cut out lantern hanging from the Pine tree.

A peeking elf by the front door.

Plus a wreath on the door.

We can get so much snow that the council tractor comes most days to clear it away. Today for instance we woke to a good foot of snow. These photo's of the tractor were taken on the 21st.

Indoors we have a traditional electrical candle set. This photo was taken from the outside and the reflections on the window made it look like a St.Lucia girl (a Dec 13th tradition in Finland and Sweden celebrating the return of light). She looks just like she is wearing the crown of light! You can also see an eery image of her smiling face! :D I love it! How magical!

Here it is from indoors...

These are in my kitchen. Traditional card cutouts of Tonttu's (Elves), log Tonttu's and straw Olkipukki goats. The Goats stem from distant tales of the God Thor riding across the Yule skies, his magical chariot being pulled by Goats called Tanngrisni "gap-tooth" and Tanngnost "tooth grinder". Over the centuries, it would seem that Thor became Santa... and Goats became Reindeer! However, Goats still feature strongly in Finnish and Swedish Christmas', by way of decorations and also on cards. Sometimes Santa is still seen with a Goat here!

Our Christmas table.

I have a number of decorations around the room...

A straw mobile, again with straw goats.

An old English Avon Nativity set.

An old singing Avon Snowman, again bought in England.

A reindeer fur covered Finnish Santa. Is this how he used to look, before he changed to wearing red and white?

Our Christmas tree indoors is a fake one, whereas the one outside is real. My eldest son wanted to decorate the tree this year and he loves red. I think he did a fine job!

Here are just some of the decorations on it....

A wooden elf figure.

I was given this heart as a present many years back by a Norwegian friend, one whom I have long lost contact with, (pre Facebook!) and every year, I place it at the core of the tree. :D

This year, I wrote each of our names on a bauble and the year with a gold felt pen. When Christmas is over we will all sign each others, as a reminder that we were all together for this Christmas and keep the bauble. Our sons now live away, as they are in education, so who knows what next year will bring, when they are already 19 and 21 years old? I hope we will be celebrating together again next Christmas though! :D

May I wish you all Season's Greetings.... Merry Christmas (Hyvää Joulua) and a Happy New Year (Onnellista Uutta Vuotta) from Sodankylä, Lapland in Finland.

New Frizbee Kitty Stuffed Animal Sewing Pattern from Snowdrop Patterns!

2011-12-28T19:34:00.000Z

Snowdrop Patterns introduces our first Frizbee pet sewing pattern! The Frizbee Kitty sewing pattern includes pattern pieces, instructions and supply list. Perfect for beginners!

http://www.snowdropshop.com/item/animal_pattern_frizbee_kitty_pdf

Snowdrop Patterns
www.snowdropshop.com

Happy Christmas to all V&M bloggers & followers

2011-12-24T19:00:00.001Z

Have a great New Year too

2011-12-21T20:56:00.005Z

Peasant Silver Buttons

I recently bought some interesting silver link buttons and was hoping to find out more about them, when I came across this superb book on the subject: "A Collector's Guide to Peasant Silver Buttons" By Jane Perry. It has opened up a whole new field of interest in button collecting and knowledge for me.

The book is a large paperback, illustrated throughout with clear black & white photographs of buttons. The author has divided the book into sections about:-

Flat and other one-piece buttons
Domed buttons
Filigree buttons
Round or contoured buttons
Appendices (covering terminology, silver marks and dating etc)

The buttons are grouped by country or geographical region, covering Europe, Asia and the Americas, which made it simple to identify the origin of the buttons I had purchased. The buttons were normally used to fasten men's jackets and waistcoats.

This one is from Dalmatia.

The next two are Spanish.

And this one is Croatian.

The book is very clearly written and will certainly help me to better describe these buttons if and when I decide to sell them. Jane also keeps a useful up-to-date guide to prices for these buttons, (which she will email to purchasers of the book on request). The guide prices are reached by keeping an average of prices achieved at auctions and sales during the previous year.

Have a lovely Christmas folks!

Posted by Julia of Love Buttons HQ

Vintage Glass Buttons

2011-12-11T11:17:00.002Z

Morning everyone! Hope you are all enjoying the run up to Christmas. Having tried to brave the shops last Sunday, I decided that the rest of my gift shopping was going to be carried out online, in shops like Etsy and Folksy. So much more civilised - and you get to support independent artists and crafters rather than faceless corporations.

Here are a few gift ideas for the sewing and craft lovers in your life - or they would make an ideal gift for a button collector or glassware collector!

This first set of three clear glass buttons has a moulded, lacy pattern decorated with gold lustre. [Sorry - this set has now been sold.]

This pair of beautiful, bronze lustred buttons are made in the style of Bimini (although not by that company). They could be converted into earrings by a jeweller or used as a decorative accent on a handmade project. They cost £6.00 for the pair from Love Buttons HQ.

Finally, these charming red glass buttons with painted detail in white and gold. They have a folk art appeal and would brighten up many a Christmas project! They cost £5.00 for three from Love Buttons on Etsy.

Cheerio until next time ...

Posted by Julia of * Love Buttons HQ * Love Buttons on Etsy * Love Buttons on Folksy * Love Buttons on Misi * Love Buttons on Ebay *

Vintage ladies and their buttons

2011-12-08T19:34:00.001Z

Looking through my collection of victorian cdv's etc i found these ladies in their victorian finery.
What a nightmare having to undo all those buttons!

Winter fashion for the ladies

2011-12-07T19:02:00.001Z

A selection of Winter fashions for the ladies to knit or sew, choose your own design and fabric and create something unique this Winter.

http://uk.ebid.net/for-sale/s-vogue-pattern-ladies-parka-pants-bust-52003662.htm

http://uk.ebid.net/for-sale/p-b-knitting-pattern-ladies-gloves-in-ply-51168992.htm

http://uk.ebid.net/for-sale/sirdar-knitting-patterns-ladies-cardigan-51176520.htm

http://uk.ebid.net/for-sale/patons-knitting-pattern-ladies-cardigan-or-jacket-bust-57997180.htm

http://uk.ebid.net/for-sale/vintage-p-b-knitting-pattern-c-ladies-jumper-bust-56799489.htm

http://uk.ebid.net/for-sale/vintage-simplicity-pattern-ladies-coat-bust-used-57839977.htm

Christmas Bling Buttons

2011-12-04T18:31:00.000Z

Why not brighten up your Christmas outfit with some jewel-like buttons?

This first mixed card of buttons, feature faceted bright pink plastic 'jewels' set in a decorative gold tone plastic frame. Beautiful! They cost £4.50 for nine buttons from Love Buttons on Etsy.

Assorted diamante buttons feature in this next collection: seven sparkling buttons in a mixture of shapes and sizes. They cost £3.50 for seven buttons from Love Buttons HQ.

These three fancy and ornate buttons are made from plastic to imitate metal. They cost £1.50 for three buttons from Love Buttons HQ.

Finally, another mixed card of haute couture buttons, so pretty they could be worn instead of a brooch! This set of ten assorted buttons costs £8.50 from Love Buttons HQ.

Posted by Julia of * Love Buttons HQ * Love Buttons on Etsy *

Wade animals ideal Christmas presents

2011-12-03T20:46:00.001Z

At this Ebid store you will find a selection of wade animals at affordable prices., These lovely vintage wade animals would make great Christmas presents

http://uk.ebid.net/for-sale/wade-cockatoo-51428467.htm

http://uk.ebid.net/for-sale/wade-crocodile-perfect-52224563.htm

http://uk.ebid.net/for-sale/wade-goose-51220315.htm

http://uk.ebid.net/for-sale/wade-lion-x-standing-laying-53297362.htm

Sabrina creative knitting magazine cable and lace

2011-11-28T18:38:00.000Z

This 1990's Sabrina Creative knitting magazine is a must for colourful fashionable knitwear:-

http://uk.ebid.net/for-sale/9771015797001-s-sabrina-creative-magazine-cable-lace-combinations-ladies-53434431.htm

Ceramic Buttons For Christmas Projects!

2011-11-27T09:42:00.000Z

Christmas is coming and the goose is getting fat...

Well, as a vegetarian, the only geese that I will be having in my house this year are these adorable ceramic ones. They are handmade by a fairtrade company based in Africa, called Injabulo. These lovely buttons would look wonderful on a handmade Christmas card or seasonal wall hanging. They cost £4.95 for five buttons from Love Buttons HQ.

These charming snowmen buttons are also ceramic, from Injabulo. There are three chunky buttons for £4.95 from Love Buttons HQ, or from Love Buttons on MISI.

Finally, a set of five sturdy little gingerbread men. These sweet buttons are available from Love Buttons HQ at £4.95 for five, and are also available from Love Buttons at MISI.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend, folks!

Posted by Julia of * Love Buttons HQ * Love Buttons on Etsy * Love Buttons on Folksy * Love Buttons on Misi * Love Buttons on Ebay *