Thursday, November 3, 2011

Vintage Metal Button Collection

 I did get out last weekend for a tiny bit of junk shopping but I got home and put it all away before it occurred to me that I hadn't taken any pictures.  I'm blaming it on the mouth surgery.  That's my story and I'm sticking with it!
Since I don't have any new junk to show and I know that a lot of you share my love of buttons I thought I should start doing a button collection post every now so this the first in a series.  If I can remember.
 This wonderful old plastic jewelry box holds my favorite metal buttons plus some special vegetable ivory buttons.
 Click the pictures bigger so you can get a good look. Doesn't it remind you of a treasure chest?
 Look closely in the upper right compartment and you can see a couple of vegetable ivory whistles.  For those of you who aren't familiar with buttons, a "whistle" has one hole on the front and two holes on the back. There are all sorts of cut steels in the front compartments.  Cut steels are old Victorian buttons.
 The bottom is filled with a variety of larger buttons.  I don't collect according to any specific category or criteria.  I just keep the ones that look unusual to my eyes.
 I can't imagine how many thousands of buttons have passed through my hands in my lifetime, probably millions.  When eBay first launched, in the early 1990s, I was a button seller.  Gosh would I love to have some of THOSE buttons back!  I never hit the Mother Lode by finding something like a Gay 90s or anything like, but I've temporarily owned some pretty cool buttons.
 When I stopped selling them on eBay I started saving the ones I really liked and that has grown into several random collections like this one.  No matter how many times I have seen them, they still delight me every time I open the lid!
I am linking up for Show and Tell Friday over at My Romantic Home.  Cindy throws the best parties so be sure to stop by and mingle a little!

10 comments:

Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures said...

You know I LOVE these! Wow, I just love looking at button collections. I really like your idea of storing them in the jewelry box, that's where these little jewels belong. I have a few old jewelry boxes and just might have to use them for storing some of my buttons. Thanks for the inspiration.

Blessed Serendipity said...

Button button who's got the button? You do! Wonderful collection!

Danielle

Annette said...

Wow! Those are incredible! I just want to touch and feel!

CATHY said...

At first I thought you bought it full - oh could you imagine? I was intrigued by the term you used - gay 90;s and had to look it up - interesting. What a fun box this is!

Victoria said...

Oh my gosh..how magnificent...i wish i could run my hands in there and explore each piece..I so admire these treasures!! gorgeous!!
Victoria

Laurie said...

Oh, fainting over here! I didn't know you used to sell buttons on eBay -- that is fascinating. I love these that you have kept and I love how you store them! You are right: Treasure Chest! If you forget to post more button photos, I'll remind you!

My Vintage Mending said...

Okay so here's what I thinking. We all get together and go through each others buttons and oh and ah....I can't imagine the hours of fun! It would be like little boys and baseball cards. Love these and the tin...enjoy your weekend...smiles..Renee

Shabby chic Sandy said...

Wow you really have quite the collection of buttons! I love buttons. I sometimes spend my JoAnns coupon to buy a single sparkly button. I live in Cornelius--nice to see someone in my neck of the woods:)

Anonymous said...

Well this is an awesome show and tell! All those delicious buttons! wow....what a wonderful medley that I'd like to have here in my own studio!

I'm your newest follower! and before I go I'd like to invite you on over to enter my Flash Giveaway....

ciao bella

creative carmelina

Crosby Kenyon said...

It's great when you can share something you love that much.