Buttons are one of those items that alot of people collect.
Becky challenged me to show my collection of them. I don't hunt for buttons at estate sales, but often will take a gander at them if they look like they may be interesting. I use buttons primarily for crafting. I am also attracted to the graphics on the old button cards.
I usually divide them up by color if they are loose.
There is a something magical about all the colors and shapes and sizes that buttons are available in.
If they are on the original button card, they usually go into one of these two boxes.
Some of my buttons have great appeal to me due to how they are displayed. These are old button display cards from a shop.
They have the original price of each button written beside it.
I love the teeny-tiny doll clothes sized buttons. (note penny for scale)
I often use one of these tiny buttons at the waist of one of my spun head dolls for a little fun detail.
My favorite button related item is this cloth. It is about 2 x 3 feet and has row after row of vintage buttons sewn on it...all arranged by color. It has over 800 buttons on it. I got it for helping a friend with her mother's estate items.
I think that some buttons are like mini works of art. I often make button flowers with them as a simple way to display them.
Supplies: vintage buttons, velvet leaves, floral tape and floral wire.
Insert the floral wire thru the button and make a "U" shape....up thru one button hole and down thru the other. Sometimes I will layer a couple of buttons to make the flower more interesting.
Twist the wire ends.
I like to wrap the wire stem in floral tape. I like a thicker base directly under the button to support it so it does not wobble I also attach the leaf with floral tape.
It is an easy way to display a special button or buttons!
Button, button who has the button? I think just about everybody has a small stash of these vintage treasures!
If you have an idea for a future challenge, leave me a comment and finish the sentence "Show me your collection of ____." I will see what I can do.
I don't know why I didn't think to ask? I have an old fuse/tool box full. It is one of my favorite things to sort...buttons. You have a fantastic collection. Another thing I wonder often...who was the lucky craftsman who got to design these treasures. So glad we get to share in your collections....smiles..Renee
Posted by: My Vintage Mending | May 10, 2011 at 07:36 AM
I love button bouquets - and those velvet leaves make yours stunning. Why am I not surprised that even in buttons - something I have quite a variety of - you have things that surprise me. You truly have an amazing gift for finding the fun and unusual. So happy these wonderful treasures are now living with you. Beautiful.
Posted by: Karina | May 10, 2011 at 08:24 AM
Your button flowers are so cute. Something even I could do :>) I adore the cloth covered in buttons. I think I would have to hang it and just smile at all the pretty little buttons!!
Posted by: Annette | May 10, 2011 at 11:29 AM
eeeeeeeeeeee!!! Buttons are my weak-in-the-knees, skipping-a-beat, hands-down, #1, 100% favorite thing to collect! And did I mention I really LOVE buttons - LOL!
Years ago, when eBay was first starting out, I used to sell buttons there. It makes me sad to think of all the beautiful buttons I let slip away...
I love your little bouquet and deffinately have to give it a try.
Posted by: Kathy | May 10, 2011 at 12:12 PM
Oh what a great idea!! I have my share of buttons but never knew what to do with the lone cool ones that I wanted to display. Now I know! Off to the floral supply store! (well, not really because I'm at work, but tomorrow FOR SURE!) ;)
Posted by: Marci | May 10, 2011 at 05:09 PM
So glad I found your blog. It was fun and and I think by the pictures we like a lot of the same things.
Posted by: lisa | May 10, 2011 at 05:49 PM
Wow....Double Wow!
You must have great storage at your house! How fun and thanks for the tutorial on button flowers :-)
I so can't wait to see your blogs now...all these new surprises you have.
Doreen
Posted by: Doreen | May 10, 2011 at 05:52 PM
I love your collection. I have a ton of buttons as well. I should sort mine by color. What a fun project. In my spare time. Ha Ha. Show me your collection of vintage toys. :)
Blessings,
Shelley
Posted by: shelley davis | May 10, 2011 at 06:04 PM
Hi Laurie,
Oh my goodness.........you do
have quite a lovely collection
of buttons!!
I love buttons also, but....I
just started collecting them
here and there.
Thank you for showing this great
collection!
I also love your $2 outdoor
patio umbrella. Maybe oxyclean
will help the fringe? Love
the color and flowers. :)
Hugs,
Janis
Posted by: Janis | May 11, 2011 at 01:11 AM
I have always loved buttons and have jars full of them. And button bouquets are my favorites!! I don't have to water them to keep them living - LOL!! Sometimes I even use a vintage belt buckle to make a larger flower.
Posted by: Lynn | May 11, 2011 at 05:08 AM
I've been missing your blog and it's nice to catch up! So many beautiful buttons! Makes me want to switch out some of the boring buttons on my sweaters for prettier vintage ones! :)
Posted by: Vintage by Crystal | May 13, 2011 at 07:24 PM
Your button cloth is AMAZING!!
Posted by: GardenOfDaisies | May 24, 2011 at 09:49 PM