Monday, August 9, 2010

My kingdom for a button

In the warm gloom of the Fox Fullerton Theater, Iris nested down into her plush seat. Her blue dress rustled, throwing off a faint scent of violets. She wore that fragrance tonight, and the snug shirtmaker dress, because they were Roy's favorites. Roy, the pot and pan salesman who'd been her steady for two and a half years. "I want to discuss something with you, Iris dear, after the show tonight. I've got our table at Luigi's reserved." As Iris watched the coming attractions for the new Russell Crowe movie, she pictured their waiter ushering them to their corner table, followed by the chianti being poured, and Roy pulling out a small square box from his pocket. He might even kneel, though his knees would creak from the strain. But his arthritis only endeared him to her.
After all, working at the bakery all these years had given her an extra padding that made it difficult to button her dress tonight. But Roy said snuggling with her was like kissing a cream puff. How tender he was! From the screen a lovely glow filled the theatre and the music began to swell, the night was theirs. Iris took a deep breath and the button right at her bustline popped off and flew off into the dark. Her dreams turned to ash...........
Moral: Don't be caught without a replacement button in your handbag, or you may not get that ring on your finger.
**
Above is a poetry button used to fasten a cuff braclet. See that little green button on the left?
Its wooden, worn, and for some reason its my favorite vintage button.



New buttons, I'm branching out with plans to paint more strawberry buttons,
shank ones with bird portraits and even


shoes. Buttons and shoes seem to go together somehow.




Here's what I pulled from Ruby this morning. Ruby is what I call my kiln.
The buttons took up most of the room.
** Okay, Roy did eventually propose to Iris. But not that night. Iris excused herself right before the movie began, claiming a splitting headache.
xx
julie





juliewhitmorepottery.etsy.com

25 comments:

Wish on a Whisker said...

Hi Julie~ It is always so exciting to see your new creations. Your buttons are really beautiful! I also love the bunny holding the teapot and the tiny strawberry cup. Hope you are having lovely weather in Cambria by the Sea... ~Mandy

A time to dance said...

Just lovely Julie, as are the buttons that you sent to Viv, too lovely to wear...your little story made me smile...when I get back can I place an order for a mug for my herb tea or strong expresso? I love your mugs so much...I can pay with paypal...you would smile if you could see what I can see... Pete is hanging out of the window of our cottage pretending to be a handsome prince...dream on...love and hugs from our bavarian castle...H ps I have lots of padding too from too much cake and chocolate...we call it middle age spread over the pond...

A time to dance said...

Just lovely Julie, as are the buttons that you sent to Viv, too lovely to wear...your little story made me smile...when I get back can I place an order for a mug for my herb tea or strong expresso? I love your mugs so much...I can pay with paypal...you would smile if you could see what I can see... Pete is hanging out of the window of our cottage pretending to be a handsome prince...dream on...love and hugs from our bavarian castle...H ps I have lots of padding too from too much cake and chocolate...we call it middle age spread over the pond...

Anonymous said...

If Iris had only kept one of your buttons in her handbag - imagine the magic!!!
I am completely in love with your work & your wonderful blog - such a joyful place to visit!
:)
Zuzu

cabin fever said...

Hi Julie!
Poor Iris - she needed a JW original to save the day! Glad it worked out for her in the end........

The new pieces are awesome, as usual. So happy to see more buttons.
They are just beautiful!

Love that Ruby is so busy!

XO Liz

Bunty said...

Absolutely delightful Julie. I am in love with your buttons. Is there any chance of having more buttons for sale soon - pretty please?!

Barbara

My Farmhouse Kitchen said...

LOVED reading the story..poor iris...what a tough break...

i wondered what she would have ordered for supper at luigi's

pasta of some sort, no doubt

but at least roy eventually did propose..iris deserves to be happy...

and the buttons are charming...

Sweet Birdy Love said...

Oh Julie, sound s like there was a little too much cream in the puff !
So glad Roy didn't let her down.
What a treasure trove Ruby was holding.
Buttons and shoes, most definitely go together, can't wait to see what you create.
Love the cuff, fabric, button, everything.

Erin | Bygone Living said...

Aw, poor Iris :( If only she had one of your adorable buttons! :) ♥

My Farmhouse Kitchen said...

p.s. LOVE LOVE LOVE the new header...

just charming
xxx

Baggaraggs: said...

Julie, I just want to buy ONE Button. I check your etsy and always miss the mark.:( I am SAD. Robin

Julie Whitmore Pottery said...

Dear Robin,

they are all for sale, just let me know which you like, one button is fine!
xx
julie

farmlady said...

Love the story of sweet Iris and her love. Buttons can fail at the most inopportune times. I'm so glad that the proposal was finished and the story had a happy ending.
Nice to see a new post. These buttons are just charming.

Vintage Fairy Tales Rebecka said...

I think maybe that Roy would have been even more interested in Iris without that button!
Who knows what kind of treasures she was hiding;)

"A JW button a day keeps the doctor away"
Keep on doing them, we need the buttons!
Love
Becky

Patricia Griffin Ceramics said...

Love the story and the buttons. All wonderful. I like thinking about your kiln named "Ruby" and have decided that mine must have a name too. I'll be pondering that... Please do tell us how the proposal was finally conducted. Looking forward to the next chapter!

Jamie said...

Eveything is so beautiful Julie!! I have found some more button sale ledger pages. They are in a ledger from my personnal collection so can I send scans to you in an email? Just let me know:)

askarteology@yahoo.com

Love, Jamie

Jamie said...

Eveything is so beautiful Julie!! I have found some more button sale ledger pages. They are in a ledger from my personnal collection so can I send scans to you in an email? Just let me know:)

askarteology@yahoo.com

Love, Jamie

April said...

I must agree with Vintage Fairy Tales...since Roy so enjoyed the "Snug shitmaker dress"..I have a feeling he might have been tickled by the happenstance.
"Iris, my dear...just a quick step to Cambria-by-the-Sea before we dine at Luigi's. You may pick out a lovely button from my clever and understanding cousin, Julie.In the meantime, my dear, wear this corsage in your ample bosom." Hmmm...which button did Iris choose?

sea-blue-sky & abstracts said...

Love the story Julie and also the treasures that came from Ruby! Your button cards are just lovely. Clever you. x

Unknown said...

Hi Julie, I am going to be a guest curator on Cresendoh next week ,Jenny Doh's Web site. I would love to link your blog Is that ok ? Hugs Julie
juliehaymaker@me.com

susan jenkins said...

I LOVE the storey of Iris and Roy and your buttons are just beautiful as always, a treasure!
xo sis

Nan said...

Your work takes my breath away. I have never seen anything so wonderful. What a gift you have, Julie.

Lesley Todd said...

Poor Iris, I'm glad the story had a happy ending.

Beautiful buttons! There is no end to your wonderful talents! I love coming here to see what you have made. x

Vicki Boster said...

Beautiful, beautiful buttons dear Julie - so very special they all are! I have just been to your shop and I am lusting after that bluebird teacup painted plate!!! Oh my - it is gorgeous!

Vicki

Maggie Ann said...

Loved your story about Roy & Iris, had me on the edge of my chair. Perfect....=)

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