Book review: The button maker
The Button Maker: 30 Great Techniques and 35 Stylish Projects
by Sarah Beaman
Published by Collins and Brown
Super idea for a craft book, with the recent obsession with buttons in craft land this book is sure to be a hit. It is a good basic guide to making your own buttons. There are some terrific ideas and gorgeous results, but equally some real duds as well. Most of the ideas seem to be in the conservative range, however there are some exceptions using recycled materials. However whether or not the style of buttons are your style the techniques used can, of course, be easily adapted.
The book begins with a good introduction on the range of materials and techniques that are discussed in the book. And there is quite a range, including: photographic transfers, fabric covers and yarn, paint and wood, using recycled and natural materials, and renovating old buttons. The basics of button making with the main materials are discussed, such as using a button mould or former, but alternatives to store bought kits are also given, then a good visual instruction on how to assemble one of these covered buttons (something that has always alluded me - but looks easy when explained).
The main part of the book is the projects and special techniques needed to complete the projects. Some of my favourites included the felt ball button, and the embroidered buttons, I also quite liked the clay buttons, the shell buttons and the wood toggle. I really didn’t like any of the braided or knotted buttons, there is also a really ugly (in my opinion) fabric rose button, but I am sure these will appeal to others. I also thought that the bottletop buttons, and natures treasure buttons were cute and clever. Basically the bottle top button involves recycling old bottle tops (or perhaps buying new ones from a beer brewing shop) glueing a fun image inside, decorating with glitter or whatever and filling up with resin. The nature’s treasure button utilises pressed and dried flowers and leaves and captures them forever inside a button.
Overall I give this book a thumbs up - especially if you are button mad.
