We have just checked in a new shipment of glass buttons from Czech Republic. These are all hand pressed, then hand painted and fired in a kiln so the paint will be permanent. Some have rhinestones embedded in them.
Glass buttons have been made in this region since 1732, when the first molded pressed button was produced here. At its height, this industry had hundreds of pressers working for many small button factories. Now there are two factories remaining, with only ten pressers. The main reason for this decline was the invention of the washing machine, which basically killed the glass button. Most clothing manufacturers went to plastic buttons. Only now that buttons are being used as jewelry components has the glass button re-emerged as a beautiful piece of art.
They will be available for purchase at the Tucson Gem Show at Guy's booth in the Gem Mall, and J-Me's booth at 22nd St.
Before we get to Tucson we will be selling out in Quartzsite at the QIA Pow Wow. (January 16 through 19th). Come see us there.
J- Me and Guy are the owners of Wild Things Beads, a small family run import business specializing in Czech glass beads and buttons and finding the unusual to bring to their warehouse. They also run working bead tours to Jablonec and Hong Kong. Their warehouse is located deep in the Sierra Nevada foothills of Northern California, and can be reached by phone at (530)743 1339 or on the web at www.wildthingsbeads.com. They are also open by appointment at their warehouse.
J- Me and Guy are the owners of Wild Things Beads, a small family run import business specializing in Czech glass beads and buttons and finding the unusual to bring to their warehouse. They also run working bead tours to Jablonec and Hong Kong. Their warehouse is located deep in the Sierra Nevada foothills of Northern California, and can be reached by phone at (530)743 1339 or on the web at www.wildthingsbeads.com. They are also open by appointment at their warehouse.
