Page 19 - May2008

72 THE NATIONAL 13U770n BULLETIN May 2008

OTHER MATERIAL EMBELLISHMENT (OME)

Common OME used on leather buttons are beads, black glass,
fabric, glass and various metal types (including rimmed).
The most common metal OME is a "brad" or "spot" attached
to the face of the leather by
points that are on the metal
stamping. The Defiance
Button Company and others
have made these metal embel-
lishments popular for leather
and fabric buttons for years.
Also common is a reverse
molded and painted glass
cabochon held in place with a metal prong-set rim. Buttons with animals
and scenes molded into the glass can frequently be found.

A parallelogram! Sewn over wood
SHAPES mold, white
metal
Fun and unusual realistics 'spots'
OME
are available. Most linear
and contour shapes
should be easy to find.

TECHNIQUES (WORKING METHODS)

Designs on leather goods are achieved by many methods dating
back into antiquity, though these techniques have been simplified by modern
tools and automation. The following techniques can be found on leather buttons:
• Cut - Carved or outline design made with knifelrazor edge.
• Embossed/Debossed A dimensional design raised above the surface
(embossed) or recessed below the surface (debossed) .
• Punched - (Openwork/pierced) Pierced design in leather made from
front to back.