Sunday, November 16, 2014

Happy National Button Day!

Yes, there really is a button day Charlie Brown.  Founded in 1938, the National Button Society recognized button collecting as an organized hobby and today is a celebration day for all button collectors, skilled and novice.  National Button Day is celebrated every year on November 16.

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I made a button Christmas tree in celebration of National Button day (and a Charlie Brown tree card)




For more information on the National Button Society, see:
http://www.nationalbuttonsociety.org/Home.html

Tidbit - It wasn’t until the 19th century that buttons were used on women’s clothing.  Until then, hooks and lacing were the norm.  After the mid 1800s, women became the primary consumers of buttons.  

Here’s how I made the Button Christmas tree above:  

12 inch foam cone
Large amount of buttons (approx 200)
Pins with large heads
Ornament for top of tree


1. Purchase or gather new or antique buttons in desired color scheme in a variety of sizes.  Green or white buttons with color pins  or  color buttons with white pins  

2. Beginning with the largest buttons, insert a pin into a button hole and pin the button to the cone. Place the largest buttons randomly around the lower portion of the tree.  Layer some contrasting smaller buttons onto the large buttons. As you are working, check your tree for balance of button color and size; adjust as necessary. Continue by placing medium buttons of contrasting colors adjacent to the large buttons.  (be careful with the angle of the pin so it doesn’t poke out)

 3. Fill in the gaps between the larger buttons with the smaller buttons. Add buttons until the foam cone is completely covered.

 4. Use small buttons at the top of the tree. Add a star or other ornament to the top of the tree.


More buttons: 

BUTTON CHRISTMAS TREE (2)

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