Look!: Button Mural at Lula Cafe

We wish this photo did the wall of buttons (pin buttons, not shirt buttons) justice. But if you've ever been to Lula Cafe in Logan Square you know how striking it looks in person.

The first time we saw it, we thought it was made of stones...but then the bowl of buttons next to the toothpicks gave it away and made us look up again. In two spots (one large wall is covered in the dining room, and the one pictured here looms in the bar), we've often wondered how this might look in the right home, with the wonderfully tiny and dramatic shadows cast by something so unexpected. (Large, empty wall to use as blank canvas required.)

Comments (7)

Looking at this picture right after looking at ATSF's picture of a bed bug sent chills up my spine! *shudder*

posted by ATL on 2006-10-31 11:32:40

it's the angles of the photos that make it look like bed bugs. it actually looks quite fabulous. the identical installation above the bar/register area is on a dark reddish pink wall. i like that one even better.

posted by rebecca on 2006-10-31 13:22:54

ATL, the same thing happened to me! :D

posted by Liz on 2006-10-31 19:58:59

My friend has a button collection (clothing buttons... decades of them) which she has been wondering how to display.

I sent her this page and she is inspired! It will be a piece of artwork to complete her guest bedroom (she's been looking for something for the wall above the bed!)

Two problems solved in one project!
Maybe I can get her to post it here when she's done.

posted by click chick on 2006-10-31 20:08:57

Lulu is Great. Period.
I had the Bloody Mary for the first time last weekend at Brunch and I think it's about the best in town.

As for the mural...I've seen the same application done on walls with colored map tacks...incredible!

posted by J. P. on 2006-11-01 11:54:52

click chick: definitely encourage your friend to send us photos when her button project is finished. we'd love to see it and help her show it off!

posted by heather on 2006-11-02 09:08:06

Local artist Anders Nilsen created the button mosaic for Lula Cafe.

Chicago's custom button-makers, Busy Beaver Button Co., made those buttons in Logan Square.

Anders also designed buttons for the Busy Beaver Button-o-matic, the art button vending machine inside Lula.

Here is another cool way to display buttons from Button Collective Etsy Shop.

posted by ABCD1234 on September 29th 2008 at 10:44am
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