Once Upon a Button
I have taken my time making this collection as my grandma was not a 'crafty' lady. As far as I can remember, she barely cooked, she was a business woman with drive. She never rested but she was very aware of the cost of things, so replacing a button which had fallen off was definitely something she would do. Her, my grandfather and my mum were living in Shanghai during the war and they were taken in to a prisoner of war camp and when they left, they had nothing. None of their belongings remained. My grandfather was one of a big family and from somewhere a button box has appeared. It is beautiful. It has a wooden inlaid top and is a dark wood and is absolutely crammed with buttons. I love sifting through it.
Many people talk about searching through their mother's and grandmother's button boxes and the nostalgia that this inspires in us. This collection is a celebration of the simple yet meaningful treasures found in old button boxes. Many of us remember those well-loved tins or jars filled with buttons that carried stories of mended clothes, special projects, and generations of hands at work.
Each piece in my new collection is crafted using castings of real vintage buttons. I've carefully selected buttons, bees for their symbolism of community and hard work, anchors for strength and stability, and simple, plain buttons for their timeless elegance. I am road testing (that means wearing them myself!) a swan button and a thistle. I've written about swans before and their serene calm appearance and yet they are peddling hard under the surface. Thistles are a symbol of Scotland and my family have a connection with Scotland and we've been seduced by its stunning beauty. These buttons have been transformed into beautiful necklaces, earrings and charms for bangles and bracelets, perfect for adding a touch of nostalgia to your everyday look or for gifting to someone who appreciates the beauty in history.
By wearing a piece from Once Upon a Button Collection, you carry with you a reminder of the connections between generations and the timeless tradition of needlework. Each piece is a nod to those small yet precious memories—of a grandmother’s sewing kit, a mother’s button box, and the way these small objects can evoke so much love.
I hope you love these pieces as much as I loved creating them. Please take a look at them here and let me know what you think!
https://www.clairehowardjewellery.com/products/once-upon-a-button
