Grandma's Button Jar
Buttons for sewing aren't as easy to find as they used to be when every department and variety store had a sewing counter and more women sewed their own clothing. Yes, you can still buy them at fabric stores but the selection is very limited, they're expensive, and they aren't as well-made. Vintage buttons, when you can find them, are prettier, better-designed, and the styles are unique. You can often find bargains, too, although the bakelite, rhinestone, and mother-of-pearl buttons can be pricey. Even if you aren't into sewing clothing, they're great for swapping out the old buttons on a vintage clothing find or crafting vintage-inspired treasures. I've seen gorgeous vintage button bracelets and jewelry and they make unique fastenings for bags and accessories.
I first became interested in vintage buttons, like many of us do, when I was a little girl playing with my grandmother's button jar. While buttons were easier to find back then, they were also expensive, and people tended to recycle them long after the clothing they originally appeared on had worn out.
I rediscovered vintage buttons about ten years ago when I started sourcing materials for Primrose Design, my craft business that recycles vintage materials into vintage-inspired accessories and home decor. I use vintage buttons for most of my pillows and lavender-filled sachets. So I buy a lot of buttons and often in box lots. Some of them aren't quite right for my work or I simply have too many. So, this shop is my way of sharing my finds with you.
I have tons of buttons that I'm in the process of photographing and listing so, if you don't see what you're looking for or have a special request, let me know and I'll see if I can help. You'll find even more buttons on my website—www.primrosebuttons.com
If you're looking for handmade items and vintage treasures, please visit my Primrose Design Etsy shop—www.etsy.com/shop/primrose
And for beads, watch parts, and jewelry supplies, visit DEBJewelrySupply—www.etsy.com/shop/DEBJewelrySupply