Tuesday 27 July 2010

Tuesday Treasures

Clare's Craftroom is hosting Tuesday Treasures and today I've chosen my button box.
Buttons are special to me, as a small child my favourite story was called "Bunty and the Buttons", I'd play for hours with my Mum's button jar, sorting and feeling them all, getting to know the shapes and textures.
Mum was born in 1912, married during WW2 and grew up to be thrifty during a time when buttons were always cut from worn out clothes to be recycled. Old black boot buttons, big sparkling jewel like ones, tiny little pearls, khaki uniform buttons, fabric covered ones in original 1930's prints.
All made of shell, brass, tin, bakelite, wood, bone or leather. Some of them had even been her mother's before her.
When I inherited the jar,  plenty more were added and eventually the collection outgrew it's container.
It was moved into this Tupperware veggie crisper. Not a very glamorous home but big enough & useful.
For the photo I've sorted some of the old ones into the little white dish, there's not so many left now. I've been using them because..............................................I asked my only daughter one day if she'd like my box of buttons when I'm gone. She gave me a puzzled look and said  "No, why?"

9 comments:

Unknown said...

I'm having a chuckle .... we think things are so special but what do the kids know , lol ! Wonderful treasure buttons Sue , thanks for playing .

Janice said...

Aren't old buttons special. I too loved playing with Mum's button jar and had my favourites. One day they will come my way (I hope not too soon though). It is sad to think that no one will want them after us. I'm glad you are using yours.

Peg - Happy In Quilting said...

I have a bit of a thing as well for buttons Sue...your collection is wonderful...

BubzRugz said...

So special - and reminded me that I used to play with my Granny's buttons....... I still have the basket she used but I tossed out all the buttons when we emigrated thinking I would never use them! Of course I am kicking myself now as I would love her collection of antique buttons...........
Such fun that you kept them and are using them too........ Hugz

manda said...

What wonderful treasures Sue! I loved playing with my Mums buttons too. I have a hugs collection now, but I'm not sure that they'd be very old. Some maybe...
Pity your daughter doesn't want them...maybe as time goes on she'll cmoe to love them. Otherwise, I'll have them! ;D hugz!!

soggybottomflats said...

When my grandmother passed, my mother called me and asked if I wanted something of grams to remember her by. I asked for her rose colored chenille robe...it was tossed. I have often wondered why I never thought about her buttons. I have amassed a ton of them and am splitting them up in several containers that are "special", with the names of the recipients underneath them. My granddaughters will probably think I was crazy, but maybe not. I don't know a quilter yet who doesnt' love buttons...Elaine

Sheila said...

I love old buttons too , and I am glad you use some .I have two large jars myself as well as two smaller containers , use them all the time and keep adding to them as well.Lovely collection!

Bev C said...

Hello Sue,

Lots of lovely lovely memories in the button tin. Give your daughter a quick slap!!! Perhaps you could buy her some buttons for Christmas so she can start her own collection.
Happy days.
Bev.xoxo

Jaye said...

What a fun thing to do!! Can anyone join??? I love old stuff and would like to see other peoples "treasures"! I bet your daughter will change her mind as the years go by!