20 to Craft: Fabric Buttons

Gina Barrett began her career as a graphic designer and illustrator, often specialising in romantic book covers. This led to more intense study of costume, which in itself led to a passion for historical passementerie including buttons and other trimmings. She now provides bespoke items to costumers for film, theatre, museums and fashion and continues to research techniques. In 2016 Gina set herself a challenge – One Button a Day??, to create a passementerie button and share the image on social media every single day. The fact that it was a leap year was not one she had thought of in the January, so she did complete 366 buttons! These ranged from reconstructions of historical buttons, traditional styles, and button designs that were totally unique. She and her husband run Gina-B Silkworks, bringing original tools, kits and materials for traditional crafts to a modern audience.