Unwanted and neglected as a child, abused by neighborhood perverts beginning at six years old, and then by loser boyfriends during her adolescence and beyond, Cathrine Ann became pregnant at fifteen, was pimped out by her rich uncle at seventeen, was jailed at eighteen, and lived as a prostitute in her thirties. But today she is the founder and president of a multi-million-dollar company. How did that happen? Beautiful Buttons is a rough, raw, candid, and surprisingly funny testament to the resilience of the human spirit -- an inspiring and empowering self-portrait of a life lived and redeemed.
Susan Davis shows crafters how to create wonderful vintage-style buttons and turn them into attractive jewellery. The elegant projects are carved and stenciled, and made of such materials as metal, jet glass, pearl, bakelite, and celluloid.
Though enamel buttons have been around for centuries and are favorites of button collectors, there has not been a book completely dedicated to their study . . . until now! Author Karen L. Cohen brings her unique perspective as an enamelist, Studio Button Artist, and educator to Enamel Buttons: An Essential Resource for Collectors. Meticulous research combined with her insights about the properties of enamel and the techniques used in buttons make this a must-have book for every collector. Hundreds of photos provide examples of the various techniques and button types and are a valuable resource for study. Cohen explains why things look like they do, such as why Motiwala Bros. “Liquid Enamel” buttons look like they flow, while also helping the collector distinguish between closely related techniques, such as Champlevé and Cloisonné or Monochrome and Grisaille. Her extensive research on the evolution of enameling techniques provides the history chapter with fascinating facts intertwined with how they relate to enamel buttons. Cohen has documented many of the enamelist makers along with their back marks, making it easier for collectors to identify button finds. The appendices include related information such as how to identify enamel look-alikes such as CPE (cold plastic enamel) and restoration techniques. If you already collect enamel buttons, this is an essential resource for understanding your collection in more depth. If you are curious about the topic, this book tells it all: history, material, techniques and embellishments, makers, and more. If you are a collector of other types of enamelware or are fascinated with enameling or are someone who resells enamels such as antique dealers, this book is an excellent resource about the various aspects of enamel in general. Lastly, it’s a button book you will enjoy paging through again and again, admiring the hundreds of glorious enamel buttons!
"Ruthie loves visiting her Oma. They always have lots of fun together. One day Ruthie finds a pretty tin while playing hide and seek at her Oma's house. It's full of Oma's beautiful 'memory buttons' - each one reminds Oma of a special person in her life and a story to share with Ruthie. And of course Ruthie must have a memory button of her own!"--Provided by publisher.
For years, buttons have been more than a device that holds it all together. A popular category of collectible buttons are a staple (40,000 plus auctions) on eBay, and a topic discussed by sewing enthusiasts and crafters around the world. This new book bears all the color and attitudes of a favorite vintage button, with all the historical facts and realized pricing suitable for fans of the one thing that truly makes fashion functional.
