When I tell people that my mom is a button collector, the ensuing conversation tends to go a little something like this...
Them: She collects WHAT?!? Like those campaign buttons that say, "I Like Ike," or the "flair" that Jennifer Anniston's character is encouraged to wear in order to express herself in Office Space?
Me: Nope...not those buttons.
Them: Like buttons you would find on a shirt?!?
Me: Yes! Well...you may have found them on a shirt or other item of clothing a long time ago.
At this point, the reactions begin to vary. I'll hear the occasional, "Uh...that's cool, I guess." or "Hmm...that's weird." Other people may stare back at me with a look of utter confusion, but sometimes I can tell that I've sparked their curiosity, and they want to know more. That last reaction is my favorite, but it was a combination of all of these that inspired me to start this blog. I've never blogged before, and I certainly never would have imagined that my first (and only) blog would be about buttons! But the truth is...my mom is awesome, and although it took me quite a few years to come to terms with it, her hobby is pretty awesome too...so I'm making it my mission to educate my friends and family members (and maybe even a few random strangers along the way) about why I'm so proud to be a button collector's daughter!
Admittedly, I should have started this blog weeks ago to give you a basic knowledge about button collecting and better prepare you to follow along on the adventure I will embark on later today, but there's no time for regrets now. In a few short hours, I will be boarding a plane to Springfield, MO where I will meet up with my mom at the National Button Society's National Button Show. My mom attends this national event just about every year, but this will be my first time, and I couldn't be more excited!
Over the next few days, I will be looking at thousands of buttons, talking to collectors and dealers, viewing trays that collectors have entered into various competitions, and even attending a couple lectures. Regardless of whether you think this sounds intriguing, exciting, or miserably boring, I encourage you to follow along. Worst case... you may learn a little something about a topic you probably didn't expect to know anything about. Or maybe you'll discover something that interests you, and next thing you know, you'll be climbing up in your attic to dig out that old jar of buttons you're grandmother left you...there's no telling what treasure you may find in there!
Stay tuned for more updates coming soon! In the meantime, here is a sneak peek at my own personal (very small) button collection. These are buttons that my mom bought me over the years that have personal meaning to me. I will explain more in my next post.
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