Friday Fun Fact: Bakelite

What is Bakelite and why is it special?

Let's talk about the early plastics that you'll often see in our vintage buttons.

Many types of plastic based on naturally-sourced proteins and cellulose were developed in the late 1880s and early 1900s.

Celluloid was often referred to as "faux ivory" and was used for jewelry, dolls, pens, buttons, and other decorative objects, but had the drawback of being flammable.

Casein is a plastic material made from milk proteins (yes, milk! Like you drink!). It was popular for buttons and other small decorative objects as it was easy to mold and took dyes well.

Bakelite was the first fully synthetic plastic, revolutionizing the plastics industry. It's hard, smooth, and more heat-resistant than older plastics, making it an ideal choice for button manufacture. 

Its quick molding time made it possible to experiment with loads of fun and wacky designs. Vintage Bakelite is still something truly special.

Learn more here:

wikipedia.org/wiki/Bakelite

plastiquarian.com

wikipedia.org/wiki/Celluloid

Becky's Buttons

We have a fresh new supply of vintage buttons in the store! It's a treasure hunt through gorgeous boxes full of ceramic, crystal, glass, bone, bakelite, metal, mother-of-pearl, and more! Buttons, clasps, slides, and ornaments galore!

Vintage Buttons

New Becky's Buttons - 12-piece cards now available!

Fabric-covered buttons

Something new! Fabric-covered buttons in fun prints made by our own Treadlette Elizabeth! Sold in cards of six for just $6. Find them on the notion wall in our store.

Button Trees!

 Becky's Christmas tree button cards are back for the season! These vintage button trees make lovely decor and perfect gifts!

Vintage Buttons

About every six weeks, we get a fresh selection of vintage buttons in the store. We keep these under the counter, so if you ever want to take a look, just ASK!

Here are a few of our current favorites:

These buckles and clasps really make a statement!

There are always lots of fun novelty buttons, too!

Holiday Bling

Does your holiday look need a bit more sparkle? Add something dazzling from Treadle!

First up we have these incredible bejeweled appliques. At 10" long, they make a seriously gorgeous impact. Add to a bodice, midriff, or headband, or anywhere you can imagine!

Need to cover a bit longer area? Try a by-the-yard trim. Chain, metallic rick-rack, sequins, and rhinestones can accent hems, sleeve ends, necklines, or wherever you need a little pop.

 

Don't overlook the buttons! Even a simple garment, or a store-bought one, can benefit from a button upgrade. We have dozens of sparkling styles.

For something extra unique, try our selection of vintage buttons. Cut steel, paste jewels, and inlaid mother of pearl all add a special touch to any holiday ensemble.

Add some bling to your holiday party wardrobe. We have plenty of beautiful ideas to get you started.

Button Trees

We all know and love the vintage buttons available at Treadle.  Now Becky, our vintage button supplier, has put together these charming button trees.

This would make a perfect gift for the button enthusiast in your life, or even frame it for a unique holiday decoration.

Vintage Buttons

At Treadle, our large selection of unique buttons has made us a destination for knitters and sewists alike.  But did you know Treadle also carries a selection of vintage buttons?

 These amazing, one-of-a-kind buttons are supplied to us by a local woman, an avid button collector, whose beautiful sorting and presentation are almost as delightful as the buttons themselves.  Here are a few of my current favorites.

Each set is displayed on a brightly colored card with printed borders, and the date, material, and any historical information are neatly written beneath.  Our selection includes glass, ceramic, Bakelite, steel, enamel, mother-of-pearl, and many other materials.

With buttons this unique, it’s easy for the button to become the starting point to design the garment.  Many people have also told us they have simply left the buttons on their cards and framed them as wall art.

The selection is refreshed regularly, so there is always something different!

You probably haven't have seen these buttons on display at Treadle – that’s because we keep them under the counter.  Any time you’d like to browse,  just ask!  We’ll be happy to bring them out for you.