Friday Findings: Which came first...the button or the buttonhole? (+Jewelry Giveaway)

Which came first…the button or the button hole? Well, its really not a riddle…but, in case you don't know the answer… it was the button. Depending on who you talk to, buttons were invented between 3000-5000 years ago and they were worn for decoration, much like we wear a brooch.

Some years later, the Greeks came along and developed the precursor to the button hole -- a decorative threaded loop that was fastened to clothes so the wearer of the garment could run the button through it. When tailored garb became popular in Europe during the 13th Century, the button got functional and started to be cut directly into garments in the style that we know it. Buttons were so popular, the French even formed an official Button Maker's Guild. And, that's the "nutshell" story of how we got the button and the button hole.

Nowadays, buttons are primarily used to fasten clothing. But did you know that many indie jewelry artists use buttons for decorative purposes--much like its original roots? If you love cute-as-a-button decorations as much as I do, then you'll enjoy today's post. So, without further ado, let me show you some of the surprising and creative ways these six indie artists on Etsy are using buttons in their jewelry designs...

Dainty Red Wine Button Charm Bracelet
mrsgibson.etsy.com

Feast your eyes on this richly colored silver-plated button charm bracelet that is full of new and vintage buttons (in berry, burgundy, chianti, and red grape). This gorgeous and feminine Red Wine Button Charm Bracelet closes with a toggle clasp and measures 20 cm in length. Available from mrsgibson.etsy.com.

Triple Red Earrings
iomiss.etsy.com

Delicate and brightly colored nacre buttons are mixed with sterling silver discs. These Triple Red Earrings dangle from silver hooks and are available from iomiss.etsy.com. And as a special for readers, receive a 15% discount on your purchases. Simply enter the code "capitolgirl" in the Message to Seller box and wait for a revised invoice from iomiss. Offer is valid through December 31, 2008.

Red Rose Black Jet Vintage Button Ring
traceyanne.etsy.com

I love the bold and substantial look of this Red Rose Black Jet Vintage Button Ring. Its gets its Gothic look from an old vintage button and features a gorgeous red satin metal rose on the face. The band is 10mm wide and is available from traceyanne.etsy.com.

Modern Art Knotted Button Necklace
edithandlulu.etsy.com

This beautiful Modern Art Necklace was hand-stitched and knotted together by combining muted red buttons and both shiny black and turquoise vintage glass beads on grey silk cord. It closes with a simple sterling silver toggle clasp and is 16.5" in length. Available from edithandlulu.etsy.com.

Dramatically Long Flapper Necklace of Vintage Buttons
stelmadesigns.etsy.com

A long, vintage Flapper Necklace made from vintage buttons that measures 154 cm in length. It's a versatile piece that can be worn long or doubled. Available from stelmadesigns.etsy.com. And as a special for Posh Mama members, receive a 15% discount on your purchases. Visit my original Posh Mama blog post for the discount code. Offer is valid through December 31, 2008.

Bold Buttons Link Bracelet
gemmabeads.etsy.com

A gorgeous, rich red 7.5 in bracelet of Bold Buttons. It's a marvelous mix of new and vintage buttons that is accented by a single red aluminum rose that's been mounted onto a silver finished link bracelet. It also closes with an easy-to-use fold over clasp. Available from gemmabeads.etsy.com.


Well Posh Mamas, I hope you have a fantastic long weekend. Before you go, please congratulate last week's Friday Findings giveaway winners. I'll be contacting you both today via PoshMail for your mailing addresses.

Posh Mama Missy Mohammed - You have won the Half Moon Self-Referential necklace from our giveaway sponsor tillybloom.etsy.com.

Posh Mama 3squares - You have won the Tiny Pink Marble Earrings which feature from giveaway sponsor enthral.etsy.com.

For this week's jewelry giveaway, one (1) lucky Posh Mama who leaves a comment on today's post will be selected next week using www.random.org to win the cute button earrings from this week's giveaway sponsor at www.edithanlulu.com. These upcycled button earrings feature warm, rich coppery plastic buttons with bold fuchsia plastic buttons on oxidized brass wire.

To enter this week's contest:

1. Visit my original Posh Mama blog post and leave a comment about your favorite jewelry piece from this week's showcase in the Comments section now!
2. The winners will be selected using www.random.org and announced in next week's Friday Findings post.

Written by Posh Mama Susan of Capitola Girl Jewelry and the Capitola Girl blog -- where Every Girl Has a Story (and so should her jewelry!).