Button Heaven

I went to a magical place a couple weekends ago with my wonderful friend Polly. We decided to take a little trip and visit the legendary Exclusive Button store in Albany.  This place is a true diamond in the rough. It also has any button you can imagine and if you are looking for vintage buttons, this is the place to go fo' sure. So if you are in the Bay Area, make a trip. You won't regret it I promise you.

Things to keep in mind if you decide to visit this little store. It is only opened on Friday and Saturday for about 4 to 5 hours each day. Mary is the wonderful lady behind this establishment and it is a true blessing that she keeps this store open. Her husband was the one who originally got into the button business by trading with an assortment of people and building connections to start a massive button collection. He passed away a year ago and now Mary is the lady keeping the buttons flowing. And she knows her stuff too.

They also only take cash and personal checks. No plastic here so bring the green. Prices are totally reasonable. I got my stash for $20 which is great considering that the majority of these buttons are vintage jewels you will have a hard time finding at commercial stores.

Cutest little old sign.

 A cabinet full of rare vintage buttons from pretty much everywhere.

 Polly looking in one of many drawers filled with buttons!

  

Love these brown buttons with little floral details. Perfect for a dress. 

 

My button stash. I think the orange buttons with the little stars in the middle are my fave.

Buttons

My favorite blog, Button Candy, has inspired me to share some of my button collection with you.

I enjoy hunting for buttons more than anything else. There is nothing like discovering a new special button that may have once belonged on an old vintage coat or blouse.

These are my newest additions.

A Show of Buttons

I work for a small art college here in California, so I have the chance to see some pretty interesting art shows every once in a while. About a month ago, I fell in love with this show by Annie Frykholm titled, Self Sufficiency and Extroversion. Maybe because it involved buttons, TONS of buttons! The artist lined all three sides of the gallery space with three long wooden shelves that were filled with ceramics buttons she crafted by hand. In the center of the space was a suspended net made out of corresponding white ceramics circles. I love the dangling strings. At the art opening people had a chance to have a button sewn onto their wardrobe and then I found out later that the buttons were free for people to have. I grabbed a handful for myself and have yet to decide what to do with them but I have a few ideas brewing in my head. The concept of the show itself was quite interesting and it really struck a cord with me. I strongly encourage you to take a moment and read the artist statement-listed below.

Artist Statement for Self-Sufficiency & Extroversion

"I am interested in the intersection between Ceramic arts and Textiles, with a particular emphasis on my family’s involvement in these crafts. Both require commitment and patience within their processes to garner results. I invested more that six months in the sanding, formation, and construction of the safety net (which is suspended in the middle of the gallery). I began this process with the intention to create an object which would make me self-sufficient. I wanted to create a tool to catch myself when I fell, negating the necessity to rely on others. Through the intensive process, I learned that this is impossible. I needed to ask my community for help, and I would be happier, and better for it. The creation of this project took a turn and came to represent the network of people that care for me, and those that I care for. Societies exist because we work better together rather than apart. My Father made the shelves that the small buttons rest on from wood that once belonged to my great-grandfather. Friends helped me sand the buttons, sew, and kept me company while I crocheted. In response to the assistance that everyone was all too willing to give, I would like to extend this net to encompass everyone. Please choose a button and let it function in some fashion within your life."

Weekend Goodies

This weekend I stayed pretty busy photographing new items for the store, but I did have a chance to do a little shopping! The Creative Reuse Store had a 50% off sale on some of their vintage goods this weekend. Woohoo!

I was able to add to my already excessive button collection, grab an amazing vintage valentine card, and stock up on shipping supplies. I love that place!

Here are a few of the buttons I grabbed. I'm going to have a hard time letting go of some of these, especially the black one that says VIP on it. I might have to keep that one for myself. Check out the mini button with the wheat image imprinted on it. And what is up with the golden rose button with the eye in the center?! Just a little creepy . . . Love, love, love this card. The silver part is slightly iridescent. The greeting is sort of odd and scandalous, don't you think?