Each year on November 16th, we observe National Button Day, an occasion that acknowledges button collecting as a structured hobby and pays tribute to all button enthusiasts. The National Button Society introduced Button Day to honor the pastime of collecting and creating with buttons.

History

• Origins: National Button Day was founded in 1938 by the National Button Society (NBS), an organization dedicated to the study and preservation of buttons. The NBS was established to promote the collection and appreciation of buttons and to provide a community for collectors.
• Growth: Over the years, button collecting has grown in popularity, with many people fascinated by the variety, history, and artistry of buttons. National Button Day was established to celebrate this interest and to encourage more people to appreciate the beauty and history of buttons.

Significance

National Button Day holds significant importance for several reasons:

1. Historical Appreciation: It highlights the long history and evolution of buttons, from simple fasteners to decorative and artistic pieces.
2. Crafting and Creativity: It encourages crafting and creativity, inspiring people to use buttons in various artistic and practical projects.
3. Collecting and Community: It promotes the hobby of button collecting and provides a sense of community among collectors.

Types of Buttons

1. Material-Based Buttons:

   • Wooden Buttons: Made from various types of wood, often carved or painted.
   • Metal Buttons: Made from brass, silver, gold, or other metals, sometimes with intricate designs.
   • Plastic Buttons: The most common type, available in countless shapes, sizes, and colors.
   • Shell Buttons: Made from natural shells, such as mother-of-pearl, with a distinctive iridescent quality.

2. Design-Based Buttons:

   • Shank Buttons: Have a protruding loop (shank) at the back for attaching to fabric.
   • Flat Buttons: Have holes (usually two or four) for sewing directly onto fabric.
   • Novelty Buttons: Shaped like objects, animals, or characters, often used for decorative purposes.

3. Historical and Vintage Buttons:

   • Military Buttons: Often collectible, featuring emblems or insignias from various military branches.
   • Victorian Buttons: Known for their elaborate designs, often made from materials like glass, jet, or metal.
   • Civil War Buttons: Highly collectible, featuring designs and materials from the Civil War era.

Ways to Celebrate

1. Collect Buttons:

   • Start a Collection: Begin collecting buttons, focusing on specific types, eras, or materials that interest you.
   • Visit Flea Markets and Antique Shops: Look for unique and vintage buttons to add to your collection.

2. Craft with Buttons:

   • Button Art: Create artwork using buttons, such as button mosaics, collages, or framed button designs.
   • Sewing Projects: Incorporate buttons into sewing projects like clothes, bags, or home décor items.
   • Jewelry Making: Use buttons to create unique jewelry pieces, such as necklaces, bracelets, or earrings.

3. Join or Form a Button Club:

   • Local Clubs: Join a local button club or the National Button Society to meet other enthusiasts and learn more about buttons.
   • Button Shows and Conventions: Attend button shows, conventions, or swap meets to buy, sell, and trade buttons with other collectors.

4. Educate and Share:

   • History Lessons: Learn about the history of buttons and their role in fashion and society. Share interesting facts and stories with others.
   • Social Media: Share your button collections, crafts, and knowledge on social media using hashtags like #NationalButtonDay and #ButtonCollecting.

5. Organize a Button Swap:

   • Swap Event: Host a button swap event where participants can trade buttons with each other. This is a great way to diversify your collection and meet fellow button enthusiasts.

Fun Facts About Buttons

1. Ancient History: Buttons date back to ancient times, with some of the earliest buttons found in the Indus Valley Civilization, over 5,000 years ago.
2. Functional and Decorative: Initially, buttons were used more for decoration than fastening. The buttonhole, which made buttons functional, was not invented until the 13th century.
3. Button Making: Button making became an important industry during the Industrial Revolution, with many factories producing buttons in various materials and designs.

Inspirational Quotes About Creativity and Collecting

1. "Creativity is intelligence having fun." – Albert Einstein
2. "The best things in life are old, loved, and rescued." – Unknown
3. "Collect things you love, that are authentic to you, and your house becomes your story." – Erin Flett

Conclusion

National Button Day is a celebration of the small but significant button. Whether collecting, crafting, joining a button club, or simply appreciating the history of buttons, there are many ways to participate in this day. National Button Day encourages everyone to recognize the beauty, functionality, and history of buttons, fostering a sense of creativity and community among enthusiasts.