Thread: A Costume Out Of Buttons?

I am toying with the idea of trying to make a bra and belt set. And then I remembered I have literally thousands of old vintage buttons (actual buttons, not pins or badges), that belonged to my grandmother and great-grandmother.

They've been lying in a big tin for years and I would love to put them to good use.

But I can't decide if this would work. Has anyone tried this? Is it a good idea or might it just look naff with no sparkles on it?

What do you think?

I think it would look great! If you really wanted some sparkles, you could always spend a bit on some sew on crystals to intersperse with the buttons, but frankly, I think a button collage would look awesome either all over the belt or in some sort of cool design.

I think it'd look very cool. I have seen button bras for tribal dancers, so I think a full bedlah would rock!

Here is a link with a picture of one of the tribal button bras:
Re: Do the Mashup « If This Be Method …

Originally Posted by MaryRaks

I think it would look great! If you really wanted some sparkles, you could always spend a bit on some sew on crystals to intersperse with the buttons, but frankly, I think a button collage would look awesome either all over the belt or in some sort of cool design.

Do you think crystals mixed with buttons would look ok? These are all quite old buttons, some of them actual bone, and lots of browns and things, as well as brass. I figured it might have to take on a more tribally look but I don't do tribal :-(

Don't think I'm talented enough to manage a design but one big collage is (hopefully) within my skill level.

Keep letting me know what y'all think of this!

Maybe some rich topaz or amber-colored crystals would look good. I know Swarovski makes stunning crystals in iridescent earth tones. Still bling-y, but possibly a better match

Swarovski also makes crystal buttons, if you need something taller. Shank-style buttons can sit kind of high against what they're sewn on. There are lots of vintage rhinestone buttons out there, too!

Or look for swarovski also make small beads with lot's of flash you could put a small bead on top of the button . or sew flat rhinestones around the buttons . i have also been thinking along this line of costume , but need to finish projects i am already working on .

Tribaret maybe?

If they are more earthy toned, go with turquoise fabric, cause its such a strong color. it would give good contrast

Ooooh, I love the idea of earth toned buttons on turquoise fabric! I think it would look fantastic. I think a collage of buttons would be nice, particularly with crystals of different sizes. Maybe if you have a lot of flat buttons, sew them on first, then if you get the crystal shank buttons mentioned above, and sew them on overlapping the flat buttons?

I am totally making a turquoise costume one day with wooden beads/decorations.. it will be awesome!

I've been working on two for some time...one set is all gold buttons on gold tapestry and the second I am still trying to lay out...I want to use all jewell tones in a floral pattern but I am still searching for more buttons.....I will post pics when I finish this winter..

Amulya and the folks at "What Were They Thinking?" seem to have a fondness for button costumes, I suppose the trick is to aim more for this What Were They Thinking?: Bra made out of buttons... than this What Were They Thinking?: Buttons. Clearly, success is dependent on committing to a fully planned artistic design, and avoiding the I'm-cheap-and-I-had-some-loose-junk-in-my-sewing-box look.

How would old coins and antiqued chain work with your button idea? That way you could pull in some of the vintage DIY 1960s-70s costume vibe, and still keep it cabaret.

Originally Posted by DancingLale

Do you think crystals mixed with buttons would look ok? These are all quite old buttons, some of them actual bone, and lots of browns and things, as well as brass. I figured it might have to take on a more tribally look but I don't do tribal :-(

Don't think I'm talented enough to manage a design but one big collage is (hopefully) within my skill level.

Keep letting me know what y'all think of this!

How 'bout PEARLs?? Ivory-colored, off-white, or maybe even an occasional bright white, different sizes and funky-shaped freshwater pearls w/classically rounds mixed up with the buttons...? Oh, and yes, some antique chain-fringey bits & some Swarovski crystals/crystal buttons w/Turquoise fabric base = mmm yummy! :-)

Originally Posted by raniraqs

Ooooh, I love the idea of earth toned buttons on turquoise fabric! I think it would look fantastic.

Oh! Now I'd never have thought of doing it on turquoise, was thinking more about sticking to earthy tones, but I can see how this might work! Great suggestion.

Originally Posted by Tourbeau

Clearly, success is dependent on committing to a fully planned artistic design, and avoiding the I'm-cheap-and-I-had-some-loose-junk-in-my-sewing-box look.

How would old coins and antiqued chain work with your button idea? That way you could pull in some of the vintage DIY 1960s-70s costume vibe, and still keep it cabaret.

Yes, also a very valid point. I am not sure my skill level is up to much so would hate it to end up cheap. But it might take a few practice goes first! I like the idea of mixing them with coins and chain, but wasn't sure if I could pull it off altogether, but definitely worth keeping in mind!

Originally Posted by Lesgemini_Zafirah

How 'bout PEARLs?? Ivory-colored, off-white, or maybe even an occasional bright white, different sizes and funky-shaped freshwater pearls w/classically rounds mixed up with the buttons...? Oh, and yes, some antique chain-fringey bits & some Swarovski crystals/crystal buttons w/Turquoise fabric base = mmm yummy! :-)

Nice! I wouldn't have thought about mixing in pearls but a great idea. Now I'm spoilt for choice!

Originally Posted by OMullaney

I've been working on two for some time...one set is all gold buttons on gold tapestry and the second I am still trying to lay out...I want to use all jewell tones in a floral pattern but I am still searching for more buttons.....I will post pics when I finish this winter..

Would love to see it!

Originally Posted by raniraqs

I think a collage of buttons would be nice, particularly with crystals of different sizes. Maybe if you have a lot of flat buttons, sew them on first, then if you get the crystal shank buttons mentioned above, and sew them on overlapping the flat buttons?

Another good idea! I think I shall have to map all these out with sequin and bead pins to see what looks best.

Originally Posted by mlacombe

If they are more earthy toned, go with turquoise fabric, cause its such a strong color. it would give good contrast

Great idea - would never have thought of that - would have definitely gone with more earthy tones.

Originally Posted by azahara

Or look for swarovski also make small beads with lot's of flash you could put a small bead on top of the button . or sew flat rhinestones around the buttons .

And another great idea!

Originally Posted by nitara

Swarovski also makes crystal buttons, if you need something taller. Shank-style buttons can sit kind of high against what they're sewn on. There are lots of vintage rhinestone buttons out there, too!

I have no idea what shank style buttons are but I shall find out. Great idea on the vintage rhinestone buttons, I shall have a search for some!

Originally Posted by SatinWorship19

Maybe some rich topaz or amber-colored crystals would look good. I know Swarovski makes stunning crystals in iridescent earth tones. Still bling-y, but possibly a better match

GENIUS! Thanks Satin :-)

You guys are awesome! Thanks for sharing your creativity with me. Mine is a bit limited but this gives me lots to think about. But do keep the ideas coming!

Originally Posted by DancingLale

Yes, also a very valid point. I am not sure my skill level is up to much so would hate it to end up cheap. But it might take a few practice goes first! I like the idea of mixing them with coins and chain, but wasn't sure if I could pull it off altogether, but definitely worth keeping in mind!

There's a difference between "not expensive" and "cheap." Something can cost a small amount of money and still look elegant, but "cheap" is just tacky. "Cheap" is when you need twelve buttons to complete your design, but you only have seven, so you just fill in the other five spots with something else, leaving your design lopsided. "Cheap" is using mismatched buttons, not for the sake of their artistic diversity, but because you don't feel like tracking down more buttons in the style or color you really need.

I guess I was thinking of the chain because you need something to give you some movement. Maybe you could use some oversized coat buttons, or appliques made from groups of smaller buttons as anchor points for chain swags or tassels. I think without anything integrated into the design to hang down, the costume will look sort of barren. Personally, I'm not a big fan of the tribal style where you use upholstery tassels as a decorative element. Sometimes it works okay, but most of the time, I think it just makes you look like a footstool. Of course, if you don't want to use chain, perhaps some comparably chunky/funky bead fringe or swags would work, too.

Now this is making me want a button bedlah, too! I saw some fun packs of buttons at the craft store where they are already color coordinated, I started thinking about doing a pink and black set, with silver accents.

...

See, that's cool! I like how she's got the patterned fabric(or is it a design of smaller buttons?) and then she uses the bigger buttons like blossoms on a tendril of vine. Very pretty.

i really like that!

Originally Posted by Tourbeau

I guess I was thinking of the chain because you need something to give you some movement. Maybe you could use some oversized coat buttons, or appliques made from groups of smaller buttons as anchor points for chain swags or tassels. I think without anything integrated into the design to hang down, the costume will look sort of barren..

Yes that's what I was worried about lack of movement, but still not very sure that sparkles will work too, though I like the idea of using topaz or amber crystals. I LOVE the oversize button idea as anchors for chain though!

Originally Posted by Tourbeau

, I'm not a big fan of the tribal style where you use upholstery tassels as a decorative element. Sometimes it works okay, but most of the time, I think it just makes you look like a footstool.

Totally agree but this made me laugh - a LOT! ..l;,

That Zoe Jakes costume is FAB! I'd never ever have thought of trying to make a design like that, but it really works. Thanks for posting.

Originally Posted by OMullaney

the second I am still trying to lay out...I want to use all jewell tones in a floral pattern but I am still searching for more buttons.....I will post pics when I finish this winter..

I have just sorted through all my buttons and because I am going for the earthy tones I'm not going to use the jewel/brighter ones at all. I'd happily donate them to your project if they would be of any use. If you would like them then just PM me.