When I first moved to Orcas Island five years ago, I remember being struck by the majestic beauty of the madrona trees lining the coast. Their strong twisted limbs reminiscent of lean tone muscles. Their evergreen glossy leaves, lobed and fanning from each node. The beautiful red berries that mark the end of every season here in this wonderful place.
I have always been a crafty person and love the little things in life so when I found a nice fallen madrona branch with its burnt red bark, a thought came to me. Buttons. That was three years ago and I’ve been making these little gems ever since.
My customers find these buttons add a nice finishing touch to hand crafted wool garments, purses and hats. Many people buy them as gifts or as a memento of the island’s unique beauty.
Madrona is a hard wood making these buttons very sturdy. The buttons are sealed with tung oil and 100% beeswax suitable for the cold wash cycle.