Since childhood, artist and designer Jeffrey Foos has always had a creative urge. Always preoccupied with some sort of craft project, he began collecting antiques and vintage clothing at a young age. Intrigued with his mother’s extensive button collection, he was delighted when she gave him a jar full of pearl and shell buttons. “It was odd because I was most drawn to the simplest two and four-hole shirt buttons.” Referred to as “too common,” “uninteresting” or plain “underwear” buttons by serious collectors, Jeffrey saw something different in them. He saw individual works of art. “I was discouraged that these buttons were being overlooked and I made a commitment to take these simple ordinary buttons and make something extraordinary out of them.”

A graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, Georgia, it was there while studying a degree in Historic Preservation, that Jeffrey became interested in 19th Century interiors and specifically, Victorian women’s handiwork. “I was fascinated with the works of art that these women created with shell, hair, wax and other materials.” “I was inspired by these works and wanted to create the same look and feel using buttons."

Although still working primarily with pearl and shell buttons, Jeffrey’s art has since grown to include colorful vintage sew-on buttons in a variety of different materials. “I always wanted to work with color and there are so many varieties of buttons out there that it gave me an opportunity to experiment with different button arrangements.”

Just like the Victorian pieces, Jeffrey’s original artwork can take up to 22 hours to complete. “I have a new appreciation for the time and effort that Victorian woman put into their handiwork, and I’m happy to carry on this all but lost folk art tradition.”

“When I look at buttons I begin to envision what type of flower shapes they will make. As I work, I think about the overall finished product and how the different flower designs
will work together. Although I still work primarily with mother of pearl, color has since become important to me since I’ve begun working with buttons made from other materials. I lean more towards earth tones and muted colors that remind me of the 30’s or 40’s.

Usually I begin by finding 5 or 6 buttons that are alike and interest me. Then I begin to think of a theme. I ask myself what color of button will work for this or perhaps it is the same button but in a different size that inspires me. Other times, I just start by making flowers I like and decide later which ones work best together. Because I’m working with vintage materials, it was important to me to choose a method of assembly that would cause the least harm to the buttons. This way, historically significant buttons that I use in my works will continue to hold their value.

Recently I have begun to incorporate vintage sewing accessories and other items with my work. A truly unique piece launches the design, then, the type of button that looks best with it is selected. Buttons tell really interesting stories. I want to showcase their heritage, beauty and color. My commitment is to take ordinary buttons and make something extraordinary out of them.”