Howdy from Arizona

Hi everyone!
What a great place you all have here!

I'm a former antique dealer. I started buying and selling in my 20's to make extra cash. I still go on the hunt regularly. I love old stuff and amazing things can be found out here at resale shops, yard sales and thrift stores since I live near several large retirement communities. Why anyone wants to retire in AZ is beyond me (I was born and raised here, 3rd generation native). Dry heat? LOL! We're ready to brace ourselves for the summer. Gah! If you need me for anything from now through October... you'll find me floating in the pool.

I've collected antique clothing buttons (the sew-on kind) for about 20 years, along with all the associated fasteners like dress buckles and cape clasps, shirt and collar studs, art deco women's shoe buckle covers, etc. My collection mostly ranges from the 1700's through some of the neat stuff you can find in a fabric store today, and comes from every corner of the world. I also have some dug buttons from the 1500-1600's that came to me from various countries from dealers across the globe, but they're not too interesting. The photo in my avatar is a Victorian era button charm string. I have 2 small ones in my collection.

I am a member of several Button Society clubs and groups, and I enter competitions with my buttons (and win a few dollars and ribbons with each win). If you're interested, check out the National Button Society on-line or send me a message!

My first love was antique and vintage jewelry (which I still have tons of) and pottery/porcelain... but Buttons grabbed a hold of my heart and soul after an antique dealer friend asked me to start to look for them... and that's what I have focused on for my own collection ever since.

I love the diversity of materials, age and designs that buttons carry. You name it, a button is probably made from it, or shows a picture of it. For example, I have approximately 80 different buttons that show a Poodle dog which range from Victorian to Poodle buttons made for fabric shops or artisans today (I had a beloved Poodle for 14 years who passed last year, but I'll continue to look for them).

Don't let the tiny size of a button fool you. They take over space quickly. LOL I have a whole room dedicated to my collection.

I also like writing, and have written articles for Victoria Magazine, the National Button Society, Western Regional Button Society, Arizona State Button Society and recently started a blog on collecting buttons and what ever else strikes my fancy. (I don't know the rules here yet, so I won't post any links). I have a tendency to get wordy when I post. *rolls eyes* I'll say sorry NOW for what's to come *shrugs* LOL.

Looking forward to posting some of my finds of other weird and wonderful things, maybe assisting someone with a button find or identification of materials or other things that I know a bit about, and getting to know you all.
Cheers,
FBR

 

Welcome and I'll say this for me at least... GO for it! Let me have it!

 

Welcome, FBR -- I know very little about buttons, but do have a few. Looking forward to your posts!

 

Welcome FBR...!! You will love it here..

 

Hi, FBR. Welcome to the forum!

I share your love of buttons and have sold many, though I'm not at all an expert. The buttons I've had range from antique to new Czech glass (love their colors and patterns).

I'll be looking forward to learning more about buttons from your posts!

 

Welcome! And it is perfectly permissible to post a link to your blog as your signature - such as the link at the end of this posting - directions are SOMEWHERE on this site, I am drawing a blank at the moment - must be the Morning Meds.............

 

Are you the button lady who has three books to her name? Autobiographical?

Welcome!

 

Greetings FBR! As a buyer of old sewing baskets, I have come accross a button or two (maybe more) ... some really are very interesting.

 

Greetings FBR....Button up , it's going to be a wild ride !!!

 

Thanks! I think I've got it figured out. Just haven't figure out pics and other more creative ways to do a sig. banner/file yet or photos. I haven't been on a forum of any kind in over a year, so I'm a bit rusty.
FBR

 

you'll get the hang of it......

 

FBR, thanks to the link to your site. I have a wood slice button, and had no idea of its origin. After reading your blog, I now know it's a Wooten or Wooten-type. Thanks for that info!

 

I once spent a fascinating couple of hours in an antique button store in New Orleans talking to a wonderful older lady who apparently knew everything there was to know about them ! Ive often wondered if its still there. Anyhoo,I digress,welcome !

 

Hey Pat P! Thanks! Glad you found some information!
Cheers,
FBR

 

That's one of the wonderful things about this forum... so much great info shared so generously by so many people!

 

Greetings, FBR!

 

When you get a chance please do your profile so we can learn more about you and what you like/collect beyond buttons.

 

Welcome