How to Make
Antler buttons and loop
closures
Using modern tools
Materials and tools:
This info is pretty straightforward but you might pick up some pointers along the way.
Lets start by making some buttons.
First select a section of antler that is fairly round (not always a simple
endeavor) and of
the diameter of the buttons you want to make. Make your first cut at this
point. Now is the
best time to sand smooth the front surface of your future button as you
still have something to hold on to. Remove the saw marks with the 80 grit
sandpaper making sure you round off the edges, then progress to the finer
120 grit to polish the surface. Next cut the button off the section of
antler (about 1/4 to 3/8 thick). Round off the rough edge on the back.
You can drill either 2 or 4 3/32 holes (your choice). Put the button on
a flat surface and hold it from the sides with pliers or vice grips, drill
the holes and your ready to sew!
Adjustable thong and antler tip closure
Great for vests and bags
Start by cutting off the tine as close to the beam as you can so that you'll have something to hold onto as you work. Measure back 7/8s " from the tip and mark with a pencil. Now drill (2) 1/8" holes, approximately 1/4" from each end (see illustration). Then rotate 90'and drill a 13/64" in the center. You then cut the tip off at your pencil mark. Sand and polish the cut end as you did with your buttons. To prepare for attaching to a bag or garment, first cut a thin thong about 6" long (preferably from braintan). Trim the ends so that they come to a point and moisten, then push both ends together through one of the 1/8" holes leaving a loop. Bring each end around opposite sides and go through loop (see illustration). Then pull everything as tight as you can and tie a simple ov
erhand knot. Repeat on opposite end. To attach poke 4 holes where you want the closure to go and tie a square knot and trim ends. To make the loop for attaching to button cut a thong about 1/4" wide and long enough to suite your purpose, 14" is about right for a vest, taper both ends and push through center hole. It should be quite snug, as it will loosen up a bit after being used. Tie an overhand knot near the end so that it won't pull back through. That's it. simple. practical, and all natural!
Home