A Button challenge!
The idea of making buttons was inspired by a CSA visit to the Lucie Rie exhibition at the Holburne museum in Bath. Initially she worked at a studio making press moulded blown glass buttons and then later went on to work in her own studio making buttons out of stoneware, with press moulds and glazes. Some of her collection can be seen at the V&A.
Buttons can be made out of a wide variety of materials – wood, clay, plaster, metal, fabric, glass, bronze, stone, plastic, resin, mosaic….the list goes on! So we thought that a button challenge had the potential to appeal to all of our members, with a minimal outlay for material costs.
The Brief – Individual entry categories, open to all CSA members:
- CATEGORY 1: An individual button. What is a button? Whilst creativity is encouraged, your buttons need to be able to be fastened to a garment, either by thread pushing though a slit or holes. The size is up to you, but needs to be capable of being attached to clothing. A typical button for a wool garment is about the size of a two pence piece, but you can go smaller or bigger.
- CATEGORY 2: A set of 5 buttons. These could be all the same; follow a decorative theme; or connect by design in some way.
- CATEGORY 3: A larger button. Whilst still a button in terms of having a fastening design element, this category is intended for larger, more sculptural buttons. The button does not need to have the capability of being attached to a clothing garment.
- CATEGORY 4: CSA Hub entry of an individual button. We are hoping to encourage some collaborative working within hubs, or at the very least some discussion about individual making processes. The aim of this category is for each hub to EITHER co-design and collaborate on the production of a button to submit for judging. Inspiration could come from the hub region or something that links to it, but this is not essential OR Choose a favourite from the individual submissions from members in the hub to duplicate as the hub submission if collaboration proves too tricky!
Judging and Exhibition
Judging: Each category will be judged on its creativity, craftmanship and appeal. We are investigating the possibility of getting either a fashion designer or knitwear shop to judge each category and there will be small prizes for each. More details to follow!
Exhibiting: All of the buttons will form part of an online exhibition and will be offered for sale. Additionally, we are looking into whether the sets of 5 buttons could be part of a commercial range in a gift or knitwear shop.
Submission Process:
All submissions will be selected and submission is free. Buttons should be priced to include 10% commission to CSA to help with the costs of the event.
Timeline:
October: Calls for entry.
November /December: Hubs meet to discuss Hub entry
31st December: Individuals to notify Jane Yarnall (jmyarnall1@gmail.com) of their intention to participate and in what category, so that we can gauge interest and send submission details.
February 7th 2025: Deadline for submissions. Smaller buttons to be posted/delivered to Jane Yarnall, to curate ready for judging.
February week 3/4: Judging takes place and winners are announced
March/April 2025: Virtual exhibition on CSA website