Materials:
* Seashells: Abundant on coastal shores, shells were often carved, polished, and drilled into buttons.
* Animal Bone and Horn: Deer antlers, cow horns, and other animal bones were cut, shaped, and sometimes engraved to form buttons.
* Wood: Various woods, like maple and walnut, were used, often with intricate designs carved into them.
* Vegetable Ivory: A hard, ivory-like substance from the tagua palm nut, vegetable ivory was a popular material for buttons.
* Metal: While less common due to limited metalworking technology, some buttons were made from brass, pewter, or even silver.
Methods:
* Hand Carving: Many buttons, especially those made from shell, bone, or wood, were meticulously carved by hand using simple tools like knives and chisels.
* Turning: Using a lathe, wood or bone buttons were turned into shape, creating a more uniform and symmetrical result.
* Molding: Clay molds were sometimes used to create buttons, particularly for vegetable ivory and metal buttons.
* Casting: Metal buttons were sometimes cast using molten metal poured into molds.
* Sewing: For larger, decorative buttons, fabric pieces were sewn together and sometimes embellished with beads or other materials.
Notable Characteristics:
* Simplicity: Colonial buttons tended to be simple in design and construction.
* Natural Materials: The use of readily available natural materials was common.
* Handcrafted: Most buttons were crafted by hand, reflecting the individual skill and artistry of the maker.
* Functionality: Colonial buttons were primarily functional, intended to fasten clothing.
Note: The availability of materials and the methods used varied regionally. Coastal communities relied heavily on seashells, while inland areas favored wood and bone.
The ingenuity and resourcefulness of colonial button makers created a fascinating variety of buttons that are now prized by collectors for their historical significance and unique craftsmanship.