From Mildred’s Button Box to Earrings

by Laurel Schwartz.
(San Diego California)

African Sun Earrings

A few years ago I inherited my mother-in-law, Mildred’s button box containing buttons going back to the 1930’s – and buttons from her mother as well, going back even further.

Then I attended a few button shows and bought some more vintage buttons.

Buttons are now a regular part of my jewelry making habits.

Purple Pagoda Earrings

Besides buttons, some of my earrings have glass and semi-precious stone beads.

Dangles are usually part of the design, either buttons or beads; I like to have something that swings as I move.

Speckled Disc Earrings

I look for odd beads, leftovers or pieces that someone has used and loved before. They create a connection to past generations that’s really important for me.

These women hoped to reuse the buttons they cut off their discarded clothing.

Purple Moon Earrings

Little did they know that it would take over seventy years for the buttons to be used again and they would probably be surprised to find them decorating someone’s ear lobes.

Laurel Schwartz
Laurel Schwartz