In a vase on Monday: Button bouquet

Despite our recent snows, I could have gone out into the garden to clip something. But I know I'd mostly find evergreens and seed pods and I wanted something that looks a bit brighter as we move slowly toward Spring. Thus this little silver Julep cup with a mother-of-pearl bouquet. The silver cup demanded a partner so I added this Mexican silver box full of potpourri. 

The mother of pearl buttons demanded a partner as well. This spoon — which combined the two main materials in the arrangement — seemed like the perfect fit. I used the leftover fabric from my textile project as a backdrop and decided to toss in a spoonful of all the threads I've been clipping as I sew. I like to save them for potential use in future fiber projects. The final touch was a Bilston and Battersea enamel box which I bought in 1976 when it was issued to commemorate the Bicentennial of the American Revolution. 

I bought this little button creation thinking it would make a perfect "bouquet," but it was really intended to be used as a napkin holder. I found it at a store that was going out of business, so the price was right. I knew I'd never use it as a napkin holder so I just bought the one. It was only when I was back home in Madison that a fiber artist friend said I should have bought more and taken them apart for the buttons. I realized she was right and they would be wonderful to use in embroidery projects. But since I do like it as a bouquet, I've left it intact . . . at least for now.

To see what others have put in a vase today, visit Cathy at Rambling in the Garden who hosts this Monday meme.

Comments

[Susie]

A creative and clever approach for your vase.

[Cathy]

Linda - this is an absolutely delightful way of thinking out of the box. I am so thrilled that you felt motivated to create it for a Vase on Monday - thank you so much for sharing it. I am intrigued by the enamel box as Bilston is in the West Midlands of the UK and known for its enamelware, and I am wondering when the connection with Battersea originated because that is in London...must look it up out of curiosity

[Linda from Each Little World]

Cathy — ​The box came from a dealer in the U.S. and I bought it by mail in 1976. She sold a number of similar type items by mail and would send out a printed catalog. ​The bottom of the box says "Halcyon Days" and "Bilston and Battersea Enamels" below it.

[Amelia]

That is neat and a clever idea. The buttons, wonderful! so fun.

[Kris P]

Ha! I love this, Linda. I have gobs and gobs of buttons I've saved over the years. I've never come up with the right idea to use them but you may have just provided one.

[Donna@Gardens Eye View]

I love this creative vase...mother of pearl button flowers! Lovely.

[Lisa at Greenbow]

This is quite the collection. Beautiful.

[Noelle]

Such an artistic arrangement bringing together a few treasures.