Day 214 : Hunter

Day 214 : Hunter

Today's button is another knot - this time one that my old book calls a "Headhunter's Knot". I think that's probably not ok these days, so I have shortened it down. The book also states that the knot was used as decoration on spears, which is pretty interesting if true. 

I love old technique books - probably have too many! But I also like the way some of them are written, with little stories and so on.

I've used the fine cord that we stock, so I doubled the knot instead of making it too little, and used two No 95 moulds to make a little barrel shape.

Size : 12mm / 1⁄2" / 20L

Day 213 : London Square

Day 213 : London Square

As you've probably guessed from the really imaginative name, today's button is another inspired by an 18th century metal button now in the Museum of London. Dealing with the central square in this design was interesting - in the end I decided on wrapping, which creates a type of integral gimp. 

Again, Au ver a Soie Soie Gobelins silk, and again one of those covid-delayed moulds :)

I do have a slightly different idea for tomorrow...

It's really hot here in the UK - where ever you are - stay hydrated! 

Size : 21mm / 7⁄8" / 34L

Day 212 : London Cross

Day 212 : London Cross

Today's button is inspired by a copper-alloy post medieval button found in London and now in the Museum of London. It is dated to "post-medieval" which for finds, can mean anything from 1500-1900, but in reality usually means the 18th century. And, looking at the design of this button, 18th century is pretty good. 

I believe that many "mock passementerie" (as I refer to them in my head), have a basis in truth. After all, we have mock leather knot buttons, and can trace them directly to the hand-tied leather knot buttons. Metal buttons survive far better in the ground, so by looking at these I think it isn't too far to assume that they were based on an original thread button. Especially when one has been worked as clearly as this original.

Of course, the question is - would the original have been monochrome as I have worked it, or in two colours as yesterday's button? 

I've used Au ver a Soie Soie Gobelins and the covid-delayed-Indian mould again!

Size : 21mm / 7⁄8" / 34L