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Grandma's Button Box

A number of years ago we were cleaning out my in-laws things and came across an old tin full of buttons. My step-daughter was interested in it, so we gladly gave one more thing away. If any of you have cleaned out relatives homes you know what I mean. So much "stuff." Part of you understands that coming out of the depression and WWII era people were more frugal, purchasing fewer luxury items, and reusing whatever they could. Hence, the "button box." The other part of you wishes they'd have gotten rid of some of it years before.

Getting ready for the garage sale last week, my step-daughter pulled out that button box and we sorted through it. Of course, there were also "other" items in that tin: straight pins, safety pins, snaps, coins, an old heart-shaped lock, the random key. We decided if we were going to put it out for sale it would have to be cleaned up a bit.

Where had some of these buttons been? How old were they? What was their history? A few were probably on jackets, coats, cardigan sweaters thrown over the shoulders. Others on a collar or sleeve, some on a dress to wear to a cocktail party. There were a few buttons that looked like they'd been on chidren's clothing. We could only speculate. What will our children and grandchildren have to say about our own "stuff?" I better do some more sorting!

Happy Macro Monday from the Button Box.

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Teresa said…
What happy memories of being at my Granny's and playing in her button tin.
July 20, 2009 at 1:11 PM
joyce said…
I love button boxes!! There's something so soothing in running your fingers through the buttons. In fact, the sewing store in town has a huge one, people are invited to go through it, they call it "grandma's therapy box". I do have one at home, not that big though.
July 20, 2009 at 1:49 PM
Char said…
these are beautiful - you could probably sell these in lots on etsy
July 20, 2009 at 5:21 PM
Pugelicious said…
My gran used to have a button box too - its funny. Buttons are gorgeous - there are so many ways you can recycle them too. So many memories of the beautiful garments they once hung on. I enjoyed your post.
July 20, 2009 at 6:19 PM
Slices of Beauty... said…
Such cute collection!

Happy Monday.
July 20, 2009 at 7:01 PM
suzy said…
I wish I could come to your garage sale....but it's so far!

The buttons are fantastic. What a find!
July 20, 2009 at 7:10 PM
Sandy K. said…
What a cool idea, Joyce, to have a therapy button box in the store! My tin was quite the conversation piece at the sale, as many people reminisced about their own boxes, or those in the family. A lovely lady purchased the whole kit-n-caboodle, and it couldn't have gone to a nicer person. I really have to work hard to downsize, but I will do it!
July 21, 2009 at 9:10 PM
georgia b. said…
oh, these are wonderful! these are just the sort of thing i would love to use for making my cards.

see this post:
http://jorjah-b.blogspot.com/2009/07/jorjah-befriend.html

if you ever want to get rid of more, i'd be happy to buy them from you. :)
July 22, 2009 at 9:32 PM
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