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-   -   Organizing Buttons (https://www.quiltingboard.com/mission-organization-f23/organizing-buttons-t302013.html)

KalamaQuilts 01-05-2019 12:43 PM

I forgot to say, any containers with metal on the buttons or shank, throw in a couple of those little desiccant packs that come in pills. Those buttons can really get corroded...ask me how I know.

If I go through those at a later day I set the desiccant packets in the sun for the day and then stick 'em back in the jar

ccthomas 01-05-2019 05:55 PM

I have my Dad's buttons in the vintage aqua pint jars with the zinc lids. Other buttons I sort by colors and use the half pint candle glass jars. Even after washing, they make my buttons smell good. Some buttons I keep on the vintage cards--like looking at the women of the time.

madamekelly 01-06-2019 12:06 AM


Originally Posted by Judith1005 (Post 8186867)
I do have a supply of glass candy jars on hand. I will give it some thought.

The lamp won't work for me. I do use my buttons.

Thanks for the ideas. :)

You could use spaghetti ribbons to thread the matching ones on, tie a bow, and put in in the display jar, to add a little more color.

coopah 01-06-2019 05:37 AM


Originally Posted by KalamaQuilts (Post 8187309)
I forgot to say, any containers with metal on the buttons or shank, throw in a couple of those little desiccant packs that come in pills. Those buttons can really get corroded...ask me how I know.

If I go through those at a later day I set the desiccant packets in the sun for the day and then stick 'em back in the jar

Thanks for that tip. Never thought about that.
I'm just now organizing my buttons into jars by color. The specialty buttons (shaped like flowers, dogs, etc.) go into several different kinds of boxes.

Judith1005 01-06-2019 06:28 AM


Originally Posted by KalamaQuilts (Post 8187309)
I forgot to say, any containers with metal on the buttons or shank, throw in a couple of those little desiccant packs that come in pills. Those buttons can really get corroded...ask me how I know.

If I go through those at a later day I set the desiccant packets in the sun for the day and then stick 'em back in the jar

Thanks KalamaQuilts, I did not know that. Thank you for sharing you info. I would never have though about that issue.

Jordan 01-06-2019 07:58 AM

Mine are in glass jars in a bin. Some are from my grandmother and I am afraid to use them but I know I show display them somehow. I have seen glass lamps with buttons in the base which I thought was a great idea.

mselroy 01-06-2019 10:50 AM

I use the tool organizer (plastic drawers) like this one from Harbor Freight - and they have the best prices, too.
https://www.harborfreight.com/40-bin...wer-94375.html
Not as pretty to display, but really helpful if you like to organize your buttons by color, size, etc.

ragamuffin 01-06-2019 09:08 PM

Look for the specialty buttons, the ones from the Navy P coats with the anchor on from WW2. Also, some of the metal buttons will have certain names on. I really like the old Victorian ones with different colors painted on. I have a lot on the cards too. I have all mine in the 1/2 gallon jars too and I display them in my sewing room. Will add more later with the old wooden spools.

RedGarnet222 01-11-2019 04:31 PM

I have a pretty large collection of buttons that are stored in different ways. I bought some of those very small zip locks and put sets into them into the tin. I have a very large tin that I have odds and ends of them separated by color into regular sandwich size bags in a large tin and then I have two plastic storage units that has them separated into colors in each labeled drawer. Oh, and I have a shoe box with carded button sets too.

I have had three people give me their collections and my mother's when she passed. Plus I have my collected ones through the years. I always check at second hand stores for the old carded ones. It is very fun to find them just like new. I also have cut them off garments when it is no longer useful to wear. I love buttons, can you tell?

Honestly, I have used many of them on repairs for my brother's and hubby's jackets and shirts. Usually on the jackets it has to be all of them replaced at once. It is rare that I have only one the right size and color.

SusieQOH 01-12-2019 05:48 AM

Another button lover here but I rarely use them. I have them in glass jars in my sewing room. They look pretty.


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