Buttons
Collecting Buttons
Those not familiar with the hobby of button collecting might be a little confused about why someone would want to collect buttons. But we're not talking about your typical plastic buttons you find on shirts and other clothing. There is a vast array of buttons out there, and collectors will be quick to tell you that buttons have character. So many types of buttons exist, there's something that will appeal to a wide array of collectors.
Types of Buttons
Some collectors gather buttons based on the type of material from which they are made. Typical types include glass, pearl, vegetable ivory, Bakelite, wood, metal and enamel. Other people are intrigued by the designs on the buttons and collect them according to those. Believe it or not, nearly every possible thing has been pictured on a button at one time or another. As you begin collecting buttons, you will likely find them with animals, insects, plants, flowers, hats, buckles, people, mythological characters, buildings, cars, boats or planes.
Starting Your Button Collection
Button collecting has been an organized hobby in the United States since 1938, when the National Button Society was formed. There are also many button clubs at state and local levels. For people new to the hobby, one of the best ways to add knowledge is to join a club. The National Button Society hosts a yearly show that includes workshops, educational programs, and time for experienced collectors to share information.
Joining a society and attending a button show is a good way to find out more about the basics of button collecting. Seeing actual buttons is a great learning experience. Button shoppers who log on to eBay will find everything from common shirt buttons to rare and expensive works of art. Reading the descriptions and viewing the pictures on eBay can help you learn much about decorating techniques and different types of buttons.
More Than Just a Plastic Button
Even if you're not interested in collecting buttons, you can have fun buying interesting buttons to wear on your everyday clothing. A huge number of websites are available that sell hundreds of types of buttons. Some of the types include rhinestone buttons, natural buttons (shell, wood, leather), sports buttons, heart- and star-shaped buttons, novelty buttons, glass buttons, satin, pearl and velvet buttons and yes, even basic plastic buttons.
Adding an interesting button to your clothing or a craft project helps give it personality and pizzazz. It's amazing how much such a little item can add to the look of what you wear or the craft items you make and display. There are buttons that children will enjoy, as well as buttons for all seasons and holidays.
A button is such a little thing, but it can make a big difference in the appearance of something you wear or display.
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