Wood buttons

[Former_Member]

Like many of us, I am looking for ways to work with exempt only materials in my designs.

It is my understanding that wood buttons are only exempt if they are not treated. So has anyone worked with untreated wood buttons? Specifically, I am curious as to how they wash. I can't imagine unfinished wood doing anything but warping and splintering after repeated washings.

Thank you for your time! :)

[KittredgeMercantile]

They don't wash well and split over time.

[Former_Member]

How about using recycled vintage buttons??

[Former_Member]

How about using recycled vintage buttons??

[HouseOfLittleTomato]

Table B is REALLY vague about this. The *header* states:

"These materials or components can be used (separately or in combination) and sold  (provided they have not been treated or altered or undergone any processing that could result in the addition of lead)"

... and then within the table, it says JUST "Wood."

So this makes me wonder... as someone who loves to read between the lines... does *sealing* a wood button allow the result of lead? Does sealing a child's wood toy result in lead? Because if wood cannot be sealed, what is the point in allowing it to be used? By leaving it porous, it can allow (as you said) warping and splintering which makes it LESS SAFE for children.

[Former_Member]

There are some sealants that are exempt - like bees wax. I have no idea how that would wash. I would think any waterproof sealant would not be on the exempt list and would need to be tested, negating the exemption for the wood essentially.

[HouseOfLittleTomato]

Groan... How am I not surprised.

[Former_Member]

I believe BuggaLove is correct and waterproof sealant would fall under paints. Grrr.

Perhaps shell buttons are the answer. . .or, you know, someone could make buttons without any frickin' poisons. ;)

[Former_Member]

Unfinished buttons are not going to wash too many times without breaking. Bees wax needs to be applied hot -and over time will rub off - and not wash well in hot water.

The foolishness in this law is that there are certified non-toxic paints and finishes - but they are not permitted. I don't know, "certified non-toxic" to me means safe and lead free. I guess they use a different dictionary in Washington.

[KittredgeMercantile]

What about crocheted buttons?

[FRANCISBEL]

crochetd buttons will be a good idea..!!!!

[Former_Member]

I don't make children's items so I haven't followed this super closely, but I wondered about shell buttons. Would those qualify? It seems to me that they would. I was at Joann's a month or so ago and found a ton in their clearance section and considered grabbing a bunch.

[Former_Member]

I think shell buttons do qualify, again if they are not treated with anything. I agree, it doesn't make sense if something is non-toxic, blah, blah, why can't it be used? kittredgemercantile, crochet!! I am intrigued. btw--love your shop! :) I woke up at 2 am (with the toddler) and wondered about those fabric closures, aren't they called frogs? But They are all so big and bulky, I can't see them working on a child's outfit. But crochet buttons, that would work.

love the brainstorming!!

[knitwit4ever]

I agree about the buttons: knitted or crocheted or macramed (of exempt yarn) without metal or plastic parts or made of shell or other natural, untreated, uncoated materails should be fine. Wood, untreated, is legal but not very practical :-(

[fairiewings]

great idea about crocheting buttons, need to dust off the hook

[Former_Member]

I've actually started making crocheted buttons as well. It takes some extra creativity to find safe alternatives to abide by this law.

[BaerreisCollection]

I remember when some took the buttons off to launder the item...

[Former_Member]

What about metal buttons?

[knitwit4ever]

Metal buttons are legal to use, but need either CPSIA-format manufacturers test results or you'll need to have them tested.

[Former_Member]

I've used wood buttons on occasion on garments. However I take them off before washing them as I don't want them to 'age'.

Our wooden soapdishes are unfinished and after repeated use (more than 5 years) the wood will start to change colour a bit because of its proximity to water all the time.

[Former_Member]

Wooden buttons are fine to wash if they are made in a way that respects a woods natural grain. If you leave wood in the "round" like tree branch buttons then they WILL split. If you Rip them so the grain moves across the button such as the ones in my shop the buttons will wash just fine. I have given my buttons several washes and they outlast my clothes.

[Former_Member]

Also my buttons are finished in all natural linseed oil. also known as flax oil which is not only non-toxic but healthy to consume.

[FayeMaloneDesigns]

Anthony, your buttons are beautiful! It's nice to know that not only are they non toxic, but if baby decides to be hungry, that sucking on them may stave off hunger! HAHA! thanks for sharing them with us.......

[Former_Member]

Crocheted Buttons! Great Idea! Now I just need to learn how to crochet! LOL! Also, Anthony, Love your buttons!!!