Along with the right barkcloth, great vintage buttons are one of the signature elements in my bag designs-and some of my favorite buttons are made of bakelite.
Bakelite (pronounced bay ka lite) was developed in 1907 by Belgian scientist Leo Baekeland. It was the first plastic made from synthetic compounds and was originally developed for industry, being extremely useful because of its non conductive and heat resistant properties.
It became clear however, that bakelite was perfect for other things including buttons because it was available in an array of colors and could be carved, molded, and laminated into many shapes. Some other popular uses for bakelite included telephones, jewelry, drawer pulls, radios and utensil handles, to name but a few.
Modern Materials for Modern Living. Bakelite Plastics, 1957
The buttons I’ve shown are coat buttons from the 1930's. During the Great Depression people had to make do with what they had, but for a few cents they could update the look of a garment such as a coat with new buttons. Their biggest challenge was just having to decide which of these beauties to choose!
As a side note, not only do I love finding and using great vintage items-but I love learning about these items too. From time to time I will do more of these features. Let me know what you think, and if you have something vintage to share, I’d love to read about it too!
I always enjoy the "story behind" vintage items, or historical facts, and the way you tell them in stories or in your creations. Are the Bakelite buttons and other Bakelite products still being made?
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you did this post. I've always wondered about the origin of Bakelite. I do know they're a much-sought after commodity by the vintage public!
ReplyDeleteThanks Joanne:) From what I read, a bakelite type of material is still used today-mostly in automotive and electrical industries, and also some toy products But I still can't get over the beauty of some of the old every day bakelite items like the carved bracelets-and the buttons. I'm always happy when I come across great(and affordable) vintage finds:)
ReplyDeleteThanks Melissa:) Much sought after is so true. The prices can be way out of my price range-but I guess that helps keep me sensible in the amount I collect:)
I always love to learn something!
ReplyDeleteI had my first sewing class Monday night. It was a hoot!
More please. I love vintage. And you really have such a great perspective for all things past.
ReplyDeleteSounds like fun Lisa! Sewing definitely gets better and easier with practice:)
ReplyDeleteThanks Tina-I'll see what other goodies I can write about-I sure love vintage too:)
Okay, that's it. We would be best friends. Well at least I would likely stalk you until you agreed to be my best friend. I love your artistic and historian soul.
ReplyDeleteWe will look pretty silly Kim-trying to stalk each other:)
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