Dorset Button making began in the 1600s in Shaftsbury, Dorset. It became a thriving cottage industry promoting independence and security for many women and families. Sadly, the introduction of the button making machine in 1851 caused the industry to go into decline.

Dorset Button making is now considered a heritage craft, and once mastered can be adapted to create everything from beautiful buttons to jewellery and decorative art.

In this workshop participants are taken through the history of the Dorset Button and how it can be used today for embellishment or as a piece of quirky jewellery. Debbie McCann will demonstrate how to make a simple cross wheel button and then guide the participants in the creation of their own ideas which might be a piece of jewellery, set of buttons or dream catcher to take home.