Page 36 - May2008

T. Overlays reheats the button, melting the tiny shards, creating a
Overlays are some of the most diverse and innovative random overlay over a smooth surface.
glass buttons around. If you can imagine it, it has very
U. Painted
possibly been done as an overlay.
1. "Nailsea" type. Although called "Nailsea" buttons. V. Paperweights
by many button collectors, the Nailsea Glassworks W. Pearlized
never made buttons, so "Nailsea types" is more appro-
priate. Colors are harder to find than black glass.
2. Salt. Finely crushed or powdered glass is applied
to the surface of the button while still hot and soft,
producing a granular surface.
3. Sheath. A core of one color glass covered or deco-
rated with different color(s) including ribbon, thread,
transparent or Venetian glass.
4. Spatter (also called "bird's-egg"). Small chunks
of crushed glass are applied to the surface of the button
while it's still hot and soft. The glassblower then
THE NATIONAL '13U'T'TOn BULLEllN - MAY 2008