Inspired...

I was so inspired by reminiscing about Tami's buttons (see previous post) that I spent some time yesterday playing with my mother of pearl buttons!
The photo above shows my "unsorted" mother of pearl buttons that I grab freely from when I am creating.  They are spread out on a platter, but normally they 'live' in a glass jar in my kitchen so I may admire them, always.  The other day, I moved some of my collection into a vintage jewelry-box-like container.
These are special to me because they are carved, intriguingly shaped, paired with other materials, are interesting colors -- or are just very old.
I have so much fun sorting them!  At the top of this photo (above) are buttons that are especially bright and shiny, and none of which have any particularly special carvings -- just circles.
Some I consider special simply by virtue of the fact that someone, long ago, took the time to string them together.
The ones at the top of the above photo are special to me because they are set in metal and/or are different, dark shades of shell.
These are my most specially-embellished ones...
Did you notice the black ones on the right?  They are white pearl set in black of various materials, or vice versa.  To the left of them are pearls set in materials of other shades -- I especially like the "Rolo" sized one!
More colorful varieties
These may just be my favorite: pearls in different shapes, all carved.
Most of these buttons I picked out of the many button tins I've purchased over the years.  Some of them I bought from estate sales.  A few of them I purchased from button shows I've attended.
Do you love shell buttons as much as I do?

Comments

Jane said…
I am in awe of all your beautiful buttons!
kraplap said…
fantastic collection !! and yes, mother of pearl buttons are for me the most beautiful buttons :)
Just looking at button collections gives me pleasure. Thanks. xx
Lorraine said…
Wonderful collection!
Unknown said…
I do, I do, I do love the shell buttons. Will enjoy separating mine after the holidays, I am too busy now. Maybe I need to just stop and play with them.
QMM
Love ...love ...love.... Happy thanksgiving...peace. MHFS
Tami Hacker said…
Happy you are playing with your buttons and figuring out a way to display them... they are so beautiful not to. Keep having fun & enjoy your buttons.
momto8blog said…
WOW!!! my button collecting daughter would want to be your best friend. what a collection. how fun!! Interesting to see some of them stringed together...
I am your newest follower..pls follow back if you can.
GardenOfDaisies said…
Such beautiful buttons!!
Merlesworld said…
I have never seen so many buttons, the mother of pearl are lovely.
Merle....
Debbie said…
Oh my heart is pounding! I love buttons so much... as a child, I would sort for hours and DAYS through the buttons my father's fans had sent him over the years. His collection reached massive proportions! After his death, I was distraught to find out that his button collection was "missing". You have reminded me that I must start my OWN collection!
Kathy said…
I laughed when I saw this because I had my MOPs poured out in a tray yesterday, as well. I was working on a give-away I am planning plus my big MOP jar was full to the brim so I decided to sort out the darks into a separate container.
Is that a painted one in the picture with the dyed ones? It looks like a tree and a moon and deer maybe? Also love those carved one that look like roses - beautiful!!