Hey Crafty Friends! Today I want to share a bunch of tips and project ideas for crafting with mother of pearl (MOP) buttons. They are one of my very favorite project embellishments! Will also share a little info about what they are made of, how to spot a fake, where to find them, and how to clean them. You can make unique and beautiful crafts with them for every season, holiday or occasion!
What are mother of pearl (MOP) buttons made from?
Mother of pearl buttons are made from the inner layer of shells that contain Nacer. These include oysters, mussels, abalone and snail shells. Nacer is the same substance a pearl is created from. It is formed as part of a defense mechanism to protect against parasites invading their shells. Nacre is a blend of minerals, predominately Aragonite crystals, that are secreted in the layers of the shell. It gives mother of pearl a shimmering iridescent, almost magical appearance.
How to spot a real mother of pearl button?
There are several ways to spot a real mother of pearl button. It should feel cold. The back of the button should look different to the front. If it’s even all over then it’s not real. When you tap it against your teeth it should click, rather than sound like a muted thud if it’s a fake. Last, if it feels gritty then it’s a real. Once you handle real mother of pearl buttons a few times it gets easier to tell. However, if it’s pretty and you like it then use it even if it’s not real.
How can you safely clean mother of pearl buttons?
Mother of pearl buttons are pretty sturdy so you don’t need to be afraid of them. I clean mine by soaking them in a glass bowl with a tiny bit of dish soap and water and then wipe them dry with a towel. They started their life inside the oyster or mussel IN water and they can go back IN water. I don’t let mine soak too long. Maybe 5-10 minutes. Don’t use any harsh chemicals on them. I also don’t put vinegar on mine.
Should I clip off old threads on vintage mother of pearl buttons?
Personally, I almost never do. (I do clip of big pieces of fabric if they remain attached to the button). I love reusing and repurposing old buttons, especially when I think about another woman carefully cutting them off old clothing years ago to be able to use them again. The old threads add character and charm.
Where can you get mother of pearl buttons?
The best places to find vintage mother of pearl buttons are thrift stores, antique stores, and flea markets. Also, keep your eyes open for them at estate sales and garage sales. You can find new mother of pearl buttons at most craft and fabric stores. You may be one of the lucky people that inherited your mother or grandmother’s collection of buttons. If you did then by all means bring them out and use them. Don’t keep hidden away. Craft projects are even more meaningful when they include some idea of grandma’s buttons.
What can you make with them?
You can add vintage mother of pearl buttons as an embellishment on just about any craft. They look nice sprinkled through a project or on top of a bow. They can also be the star of the show and be the central focus. My favorite vintage mother of pearl project is a cross I made on a piece of painters drop cloth. It’s framed in a distressed wood frame and has been hanging on the wall in our living room for several years. I also made a Christmas tree insert that I can swap out in December.
Another favorite way to use mother of pearl buttons is on decorative pillows. I also love using them on banners and hanging signs. They look lovely on Christmas decor too.
Okey dokey. Thanks for stopping by. I hope these ideas have inspired you to seek out and use some mother of pearl buttons in your crafting. Have fun.