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Tagua Nut Buttons & Pendants
"The Vegtable Ivory"

Page 1 of 2

These beautiful buttons and pendants, from On the Surface, are made from the Tagua Nut, indigenous to the Amazon Rainforest. The Eco-Friendly colorfully dyed Tagua Nut slices are called vegetable ivory. They are water resistant and maintain their vibrant color, even when in contact with human skin and perspiration.

Please note that no two slices are exactly alike and natural imperfections do occur.

Tagual Nut Buttons, 24 Color
Approx 1.5" x 1.5"

Tagua Nut Pendants, 24 Colors
Approx 1.5" x 1.5"

24 Colors: Tagua Nut Buttons & Pendant Index (vegtable ivory)
Page 1	Page 1:	Page 2:
About Eco-Friendly Tagua Nut	Black / Ivory	Yellows / Oranges
Bottom of Page 1	Tans / Browns	Greens / Jade
Button Care Instructions	Reds	Turquoise / Blues
	Pinks	Purples

To View Our Other Buttons

More Embellishements

About Tagua Nut Buttons & Pendants

tagua tree Deep in the heart of the Amzaon Rainforest, grows a special tree called the Tagua, or ivory palm. This tree produces an extraordinary fruit, the Tagua nut, which has been used to make buttons, jewelry, and carved objects since the 19th century. The indigenous people of the rainforest used to give each member of their clan a Tagua Nut to carry around their necks, believing that the person who wore it would be protected by the love of both family and friends. More recently, military uniforms in WWI had buttons made from the nuts.

A single palm’s yearly harvest
EQUALS ivory from one female elephant.

An "Eco-Friendly" product, the Tagua Nut is a renewable and sustainable product. The Tagua Nut is also sometimes referred to as "Vegetable Ivory" because it is almost indistinguishable from real ivory. Environmentally, a single palm's yearly harvest equals the same quantity of ivory from one female elephant. Tagua nuts have been used as an ivory substitute for over 140 years.

After harvesting, the nuts are dried in the sun for 4 to 6 months. Dried nuts are then sliced, drilled and polished by tumbling in water and then in their own grinding dust. Afterwards, the slices are sorted, some of the slices are permanently dyed, while others are selected to be left their natural ivory color.

The slices are dyed with Analine dye (used on cellulose products) until they are as exhausted as possible. This unique process ensures the dye is water resistant and maintains its vibrant color, even when in contact with human skin and perspiration.

Enjoy this Tagua product knowing that its purchase supports the employment of nearly 35,000 indigenous people. The income received from Tagua crops is a strong incentive to maintain the trees. This helps stabilize the Rainforest and, ultimately, World environments.

Black / Ivory

Ebony
One-Holed Pendant
NOTE: No two slices are exactly the same and natural imperfections do occur.

MFG: On the Surface
Approximate Size: 1.5" L x 1.5" W
Item Code: TS1023
Weight: 0.01 lbs
10% off: $1.80 each
MSRP: $~~2.00~~

Ebony
Two-Holed Button
NOTE: No two slices are exactly the same and natural imperfections do occur.

MFG: On the Surface
Approximate Size: 1.5" L x 1.5" W
Item Code: TS2023
Weight: 0.01 lbs
10% off: $1.80 each
MSRP: $~~2.00~~

ivory pendant

Ivory
One-Holed Pendant
NOTE: No two slices are exactly the same and natural imperfections do occur.

MFG: On the Surface
Approximate Size: 1.5" L x 1.5" W
Item Code: TS1024
Weight: 0.01 lbs
10% off: $1.80 each
MSRP: $~~2.00~~

ivory button

Ivory
Two-Holed Button
NOTE: No two slices are exactly the same and natural imperfections do occur.

MFG: On the Surface
Approximate Size: 1.5" L x 1.5" W
Item Code: TS2024
Weight: 0.01 lbs
10% off: $1.80 each
MSRP: $~~2.00~~

Tans / Browns

champange pendant

Light Champagne
One-Holed Pendant
NOTE: No two slices are exactly the same and natural imperfections do occur.

MFG: On the Surface
Approximate Size: 1.5" L x 1.5" W
Item Code: TS1004
Weight: 0.01 lbs
10% off: $1.80 each
MSRP: $~~2.00~~

champagne 2 hole

Light Champagne
Two-Holed Button
NOTE: No two slices are exactly the same and natural imperfections do occur.

MFG: On the Surface
Approximate Size: 1.5" L x 1.5" W
Item Code: TS2004
Weight: 0.01 lbs
10% off: $1.80 each
MSRP: $~~2.00~~

taupe pendant

Ancient Taupe
One-Holed Pendant
NOTE: No two slices are exactly the same and natural imperfections do occur.

MFG: On the Surface
Approximate Size: 1.5" L x 1.5" W
Item Code: TS1016
Weight: 0.01 lbs
10% off: $1.80 each
MSRP: $~~2.00~~

taupe button

Ancient Taupe
Two-Holed Button
NOTE: No two slices are exactly the same and natural imperfections do occur.

MFG: On the Surface
Approximate Size: 1.5" L x 1.5" W
Item Code: TS2016
Weight: 0.01 lbs
10% off: $1.80 each
MSRP: $~~2.00~~

Camouflage
One-Holed Pendant
NOTE: No two slices are exactly the same and natural imperfections do occur.

MFG: On the Surface
Approximate Size: 1.5" L x 1.5" W
Item Code: TS1013
Weight: 0.01 lbs
10% off: $1.80 each
MSRP: $~~2.00~~

Camouflage
One-Holed Pendant
NOTE: No two slices are exactly the same and natural imperfections do occur.

MFG: On the Surface
Approximate Size: 1.5" L x 1.5" W
Item Code: TS2013
Weight: 0.01 lbs
10% off: $1.80 each
MSRP: $~~2.00~~

burnt sienna

Burnt Sienna
One-Holed Pendant
NOTE: No two slices are exactly the same and natural imperfections do occur.

MFG: On the Surface
Approximate Size: 1.5" L x 1.5" W
Item Code: TS1005
Weight: 0.01 lbs
10% off: $1.80 each
MSRP: $~~2.00~~

burnt sienna button

Burnt Sienna
Two-Holed Button
NOTE: No two slices are exactly the same and natural imperfections do occur.

MFG: On the Surface
Approximate Size: 1.5" L x 1.5" W
Item Code: TS2005
Weight: 0.01 lbs
10% off: $1.80 each
MSRP: $~~2.00~~

Reds

gypsy pendant

Gypsy Red
One-Holed Pendant
NOTE: No two slices are exactly the same and natural imperfections do occur.

MFG: On the Surface
Approximate Size: 1.5" L x 1.5" W
Item Code: TS1012
Weight: 0.01 lbs
10% off: $1.80 each
MSRP: $~~2.00~~

gypsy red 2 hole

Gypsy Red
Two-Holed Button
NOTE: No two slices are exactly the same and natural imperfections do occur.

MFG: On the Surface
Approximate Size: 1.5" L x 1.5" W
Item Code: TS2012
Weight: 0.01 lbs
10% off: $1.80 each
MSRP: $~~2.00~~

metro red button

Metro Red
One-Holed Pendant
NOTE: No two slices are exactly the same and natural imperfections do occur.

MFG: On the Surface
Approximate Size: 1.5" L x 1.5" W
Item Code: TS1014
Weight: 0.01 lbs
10% off: $1.80 each
MSRP: $~~2.00~~

metro red button

Metro Red
Two-Holed Button
NOTE: No two slices are exactly the same and natural imperfections do occur.

MFG: On the Surface
Approximate Size: 1.5" L x 1.5" W
Item Code: TS2014
Weight: 0.01 lbs
10% off: $1.80 each
MSRP: $~~2.00~~

Pinks

oh pink pendant

Oh! Pink
One-Holed Pendant
NOTE: No two slices are exactly the same and natural imperfections do occur.

MFG: On the Surface
Approximate Size: 1.5" L x 1.5" W
Item Code: TS1020
Weight: 0.01 lbs
10% off: $1.80 each
MSRP: $~~2.00~~

oh pink button

Oh! Pink
Two-Holed Button
NOTE: No two slices are exactly the same and natural imperfections do occur.

MFG: On the Surface
Approximate Size: 1.5" L x 1.5" W
Item Code: TS2020
Weight: 0.01 lbs
10% off: $1.80 each
MSRP: $~~2.00~~

coral fizz pendant

Coral Fizz
One-Holed Pendant
NOTE: No two slices are exactly the same and natural imperfections do occur.

MFG: On the Surface
Approximate Size: 1.5" L x 1.5" W
Item Code: TS1010
Weight: 0.01 lbs
10% off: $1.80 each
MSRP: $~~2.00~~

coral fizz button

Coral Fizz
Two-Holed Button
NOTE: No two slices are exactly the same and natural imperfections do occur.

MFG: On the Surface
Approximate Size: 1.5" L x 1.5" W
Item Code: TS2010
Weight: 0.01 lbs
10% off: $1.80 each
MSRP: $~~2.00~~

24 Colors: Tagua Nut Buttons & Pendant Index (vegtable ivory)
Page 1	Page 1:	Page 2:
About Eco-Friendly Tagua Nut	Black / Ivory	Yellows / Oranges
Bottom of Page 1	Tans / Browns	Greens / Jade
Button Care Instructions	Reds	Turquoise / Blues
	Pinks	Purples

Tips for Care of Tagua Nut Buttons & Pendant:

The Tagua Nut Buttons and Pendants have been colored with analine dyes, making them colorfast, washable, and dry cleanable.

The Tagua nut is a product of nature and the following care instructions are recommended.

Tagua nut and other cellulose buttons, including wood and coconut shell, will benefit from a light polishing with Pledge or other fine wood care products.
Spray a little Pledge onto a soft cloth and polish the buttons with the sprayed cloth. Be sure to polish the entire button; front, back and sides. This should not change the appearance of the material but will add a light waterproof coating.
While a gentle washing of a hand knit, sew or quilted item, should not damage the button, this little extra care will insure against any change in the button from an unplanned extended submersion in water.
Occasional re-polishing after 4-5 washing, is desireable.

Create Button Sandwich to protect when washing buttons

While Tagua is actually as strong or stronger than mammal ivory, here is a good way to protect special buttons, especially the finely lasered tagua, from abrasion when washing or dry cleaning. This below method is also recommended for horn, glass, pearl/shell and buttons with embellished surfaces.

Purchase a length of "hook and loop" tape, approximately 1/2" to 1" wider than the button. The more height to the button, the wider the tape. Leave the tape connected.
Measure the width of the button connected and cut pieces that are 1/2" to 1" longer than the button.
Now, separate the hook from the loop side and cut a slit in the hook (hard) side the width of the button. This piece of hook tape should just allow the button to pass through.
Be sure the "working" side of the hook tape is facing you. Now place the "loop" piece on top of the button, loops facing the hooks, making sure the tape forms a "seal" around the perimeter of the button sealing the button "inside". This process is a little like making a button sandwich.
The button is now protected on the front, back and sides. After washing or cleaning, these covers can be "unbuttoned" and saved to use again.

Please note: It may be best to remove very large or delicate buttons, and reattach them after processing an article or garment.

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Tagua Nut Buttons & Pendants "The Vegtable Ivory"

Page 1 of 2

Please note that no two slices are exactly alike and natural imperfections do occur.

24 Colors: Tagua Nut Buttons & Pendant Index (vegtable ivory)

Page 1

Page 1:

Page 2:

Bottom of Page 1

To View Our Other Buttons

About Tagua Nut Buttons & Pendants

A single palm’s yearly harvest EQUALS ivory from one female elephant.

Black / Ivory

Ebony One-Holed Pendant NOTE: No two slices are exactly the same and natural imperfections do occur.

Ebony Two-Holed Button NOTE: No two slices are exactly the same and natural imperfections do occur.

Ivory One-Holed Pendant NOTE: No two slices are exactly the same and natural imperfections do occur.

Ivory Two-Holed Button NOTE: No two slices are exactly the same and natural imperfections do occur.

Tans / Browns

Light Champagne One-Holed Pendant NOTE: No two slices are exactly the same and natural imperfections do occur.

Light Champagne Two-Holed Button NOTE: No two slices are exactly the same and natural imperfections do occur.

Ancient Taupe One-Holed Pendant NOTE: No two slices are exactly the same and natural imperfections do occur.

Ancient Taupe Two-Holed Button NOTE: No two slices are exactly the same and natural imperfections do occur.

Camouflage One-Holed Pendant NOTE: No two slices are exactly the same and natural imperfections do occur.

Camouflage One-Holed Pendant NOTE: No two slices are exactly the same and natural imperfections do occur.

Burnt Sienna One-Holed Pendant NOTE: No two slices are exactly the same and natural imperfections do occur.

Burnt Sienna Two-Holed Button NOTE: No two slices are exactly the same and natural imperfections do occur.

Reds

Gypsy Red One-Holed Pendant NOTE: No two slices are exactly the same and natural imperfections do occur.

Gypsy Red Two-Holed Button NOTE: No two slices are exactly the same and natural imperfections do occur.

Metro Red One-Holed Pendant NOTE: No two slices are exactly the same and natural imperfections do occur.

Metro Red Two-Holed Button NOTE: No two slices are exactly the same and natural imperfections do occur.