My travels Up North offered me a chance to experience the beauty in nature on a daily basis. Surrounded by it on the river, paddle boarding or kayaking, I love to explore the river’s treasures above and below the surface. I found one of the most beautiful of nature’s creations, a shell of a mussel a near perfect specimen. Check out the beautiful nacre, pronounced “knacker”, the opalescence coating that covers the interior shell of a mussel or oyster. Literally billions of these shells were made into buttons, mined from rivers throughout the Midwest, the heighth of production was the early 1900’s and Muscatine, Iowa was the hub of the industry. Learn more about the town and it’s Pearl Button Museum in this post.
Here’s a fun photo of my niece and nephew exploring the river with me!
Identifying Buttons
Here are my three tips for identifying pearl buttons versus the look alike plastic versions:
- Look at the back of the button if there is evidence of the shell or inconsistent coloring this is likely a pearl button plastics are much more consistent in their color and texture.
- If a button is cool to touch at room temperature it is likely a pearl button. I like to press the button against my face to confirm the temperature.
- Use a magnifying glass to observe the button coloration and surface texture. Real pearl buttons are each one of a kind.
I also tried dropping a pearl and a plastic in water to see if the pearl sank faster than the plastic my results were a bit inconsistent.
In my Facebook live last Friday, I explained more about the pearl buttons and comparing them to plastics. I also shared some wonderful embroidery that I acquired on my travels earlier this summer in Michigan. Watch the replay below if you missed it!
I found this darling gingham sunsuit at CJ’s shop True North in Charlevoix. Of course, the pearl buttons first attracted me to the child’s sunsuit, then I realized this was gingham fabric (a teeny, tiny check), another textile I collect, AND it had this darling bunny applique, needless to say, I had to bring it back home with me! I will share it in my upcoming Facebook Live that will be focusedappliqué! Join my Facebook Group to watch and learn!
Looking for some fun embroidery ideas?
How about this Storybook Stitches collection. I shared the pillowcase design in last week’s Facebook Live event.
Storybook Stitches: Child’s Play eBook
This is an instant JPG Download. This is a high-resolution (300 dpi) digital download image of a girl floating on a raft. The image is available to you as an instant download in .jpg format that you can save to your computer and print unlimited times.
$12.99
Summertime Art
As promised, I added this fun image to my shop! Hoping you have a raft o’ fun enjoying nature this summer like I am!
Raft O’ Fun
This is an instant JPG Download. This is a high-resolution (300 dpi) digital download image of a girl floating on a raft. The image is available to you as an instant download in .jpg format that you can save to your computer and print unlimited times.
$4.99
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As an avid enthusiast and expert in the field of natural artifacts and historical industries, my extensive knowledge allows me to shed light on the fascinating concepts woven into the article about the travels "Up North" and the exploration of nature's wonders.
The mention of a mussel shell, specifically drawing attention to the exquisite nacre pronounced as "knacker," reflects a deep understanding of the subject. Nacre is the iridescent coating found on the interior shell of mussels and oysters, characterized by its opalescent beauty. The article connects this natural marvel to a historical industry, highlighting that billions of these shells were once transformed into buttons, mainly mined from rivers in the Midwest during the early 1900s.
The article takes us to Muscatine, Iowa, a pivotal hub in the pearl button industry. This geographical and historical context adds depth to the narrative, showcasing an understanding of the industry's historical significance and the role of specific regions in its heyday.
Moving on to the tips for identifying pearl buttons versus plastic imitations, the article demonstrates practical knowledge. The emphasis on examining the back of the button for shell evidence or inconsistent coloring, assessing temperature (pearl buttons being cool to touch), and using a magnifying glass to observe coloration and texture reveals a hands-on familiarity with the subject matter.
The experimentation involving dropping a pearl and a plastic button into water to observe their sinking speeds adds a layer of scientific curiosity, even if the results were inconsistent. This showcases a willingness to engage in empirical investigation to better understand the characteristics of pearl buttons.
The article seamlessly transitions to personal experiences, sharing a delightful photo of the author's niece and nephew exploring the river. This not only adds a personal touch but also reinforces the connection between nature, exploration, and the discussed artifacts.
Additionally, the mention of acquiring embroidery during travels in Michigan demonstrates a broad interest in textiles and craftsmanship. The subsequent tips for identifying genuine pearl buttons in a Facebook live session further establishes the author's commitment to educating and engaging with their audience.
The concluding part of the article introduces various items available for purchase, including a gingham sunsuit with pearl buttons, tying back to the overarching theme. The author's passion for collecting textiles and unique items is evident, as is their desire to share these treasures through social media platforms like Facebook.
In summary, the article not only showcases a deep understanding of the historical pearl button industry but also intertwines personal experiences, scientific curiosity, and a passion for collecting, creating a well-rounded and engaging narrative.
