Seligor's Castle, fun for all the children of the world. : Blogs

How to Start a Button Collection

By an eHow Contributor

Button, button, who's got the button? A great many people, it seems. Whether you seek buttons for an antique, art, painting, glass or just a button collection, the variety of these little treasures is remarkable. You may collect them for their beauty, their novelty, their monetary value or just for fun. Buttons collectors can be found all over the world and sharing and discussing this hobby can lead to broadened perspectives and new friends. Best of all, a button collection need not be complicated or expensive to start.

Start with any buttons you may have at home. While it is unlikely that you will find anything of major value, you may get an idea for the type of buttons you would like to collect (a specific color, a material such as glass, wood or Bakelite, a particular shape or a certain image, such as animals). For help on this visit the Button Collecting website (see Resources below).
Check Internet button display sites such as the National Button Society website to see what types of buttons are plentiful or rare and what they cost (see Resources below). Use the facts you find to help you decide on "your" buttons.
Continue your research with books found at the library, local bookstore or at the A Button Collector's Book List website (see Resources below).

Collect Buttons

Make sure that the type of button you have chosen is easily available. If not, expand your category to include other materials, historical periods or themes.
Start attending live button shows held every year in most places, look them up on google and contacting other collectors near you. If you are interested in modern buttons, you may find something that suits you at your local fabric and craft store.
Consider joining a button collector's club. Find one at the Button Society Links page (see Resources below).

Look for Buttons

Tips & Warnings

The huge variety of buttons to collect can be confusing. It is best to limit yourself to one category of buttons rather than spreading your collection out to include everything under the sun.

If you decide to collect buttons for their historical value, for example military or Victorian era buttons, be aware that these items are expensive. If your resources are limited, choose a less demanding category.