Collecting buttons

Buttons are not only an accessory meant for fastening clothes or for giving them a stylish look but they are also a popular collectible item. Many people love to collect buttons, as most of them are works of art and beauty.

History of button collecting

The word ‘Button’ has originated from the French word ‘Bouton’ meaning bud or protuberance or any round object.For almost 3,500 years, buttons were worn as ornaments and not as cloth fasteners. They were a status symbol and craftsmen were hired just to make beautifully crafted buttons from precious materials. Greeks and Romans are thought to be the first to use buttons to fasten clothes. The practice of buttoning a garment originated in Western Europe in the 1200s.Some of the first button collectors in the US were young girls, for legend said that once a girl has collected 1000 buttons on her charm string her Prince Charming would arrive. Nowadays, many societies and organizations exist in the Western countries that bring together button collectors and facilitate the exchange of antique buttons.

Kinds of buttons

Look around you. Apart from the ordinary plastic ones, buttons are made from glass, wood, fabric, metal, brass, ivory, ceramic, bone and even silver and gold. They come in all shapes and sizes and are available in a variety of colours. Some have miniature scenes painted on them while others are exquisitely carved, inlaid or stamped.

Button crafts

You can make many different crafts from buttons if you use your imagination. Here are some ideas:Fill a clear, transparent glass jar completely with different coloured cute buttons of every imaginable size and shape. Now put the lid on. This is not only a safe place to keep your buttons in, it also makes a good decoration piece.Or, take a white piece of cloth. Draw any scenery on it and add colour to it by sewing various coloured buttons on it.If you are interested in sewing and need a pretty container to keep your needles and thread in, take an empty cardboard or wooden box. Cover it completely by pasting many buttons of various colours on it. There! Your box is ready.

Advantages

Buttons are very cheap. They are easily available, too. You can add to your collection by taking out buttons from old and used clothing and garments. But be sure not to meddle with new clothes or your Mom will be after you!!!

(Saadia Daud)

Collecting pictures

Pictures sometimes convey more than words do. That is why they have an irresistible appeal and most people love to collect them. You too can start a picture collection if you like.

Sources

You can collect pictures on virtually any topic imaginable. Pictures can be cut from magazines, pamphlets and newspapers or they can be printed from the computer.But before cutting any pictures from a magazine or a newspaper make sure that everyone has read it and that nobody else needs it. Also don’t spoil any books for the sake of adding a new picture to your collection.

Some great ideas

Pictures have lots of uses. They not only add colour to your homework assignments and projects but also make them more interesting.You could also make a picture book for your younger siblings. This will not only keep them busy but also earn the praise of your mom. You could donate some handmade picture books to an orphanage and bring sunshine in the lives of other children too.Or make a collage. Just stick the pictures that interest you on a chart paper in a haphazard way and see how beautiful your collage looks once it is finished. Put it on your side table or hang it on your bedroom wall for all to see and admire.Pictures might also come handy if you make your cards by hand. Choose pictures which best describe your feelings or which are suitable for the occasion and paste them on your card. Write some poetry or quote and give it to a loved one.Classify your pictures in broad categories like animals, flowers, people etc. and paste them in separate scrapbooks. This could be a good pastime and will ensure that your pictures remains safe.Otherwise, hold an exhibition of your collection and invite family members, friends and loved ones to see and share your cherished pictures.

Advantages

This hobby is quite inexpensive and you don’t require much material for it. All you need is scissors, glue, old magazines, a folder to keep pictures in a scrap book, imagination and some great ideas!Moreover, it can be pursued by teenagers as well as younger children and is not at all difficult. It will also guarantee many happy hours.So arm yourself with a pair of scissors and attack some old magazines and newspapers. Happy collecting!

(Saadia Daud)