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Description
Have you ever stopped to appreciate the humble button? If not, National Button Week – March 10-17, is the perfect time to give it a little more attention! This quirky celebration honors the small but mighty button and all that it brings to the world of fashion, design, and even creativity. Buttons might seem like simple little objects, but they hold a lot more significance than you might think.
History
National Button Week isn’t just about showcasing the practical use of buttons in our wardrobes. It’s also a week dedicated to exploring the rich history of buttons and their evolution over time. You may be surprised to learn that buttons have been around for thousands of years. In fact, the first recorded use of buttons dates all the way back to the Indus Valley Civilization, over 5,000 years ago! Early buttons were made from materials such as bone, wood, and ivory, often serving as both functional fasteners and decorative pieces.
The true history of National Button Week began in 1938 when the National Button Society, a group dedicated to button collecting, declared the second full week of March as Button Week. Over time, it has grown into a fun, annual tradition where enthusiasts and crafters alike celebrate the versatility and artistry of buttons.
So why March 10-17? Well, the timing coincides with the advent of spring fashion, as many people are getting ready to transition their wardrobes. Buttons, especially vintage ones, are often featured prominently in new fashion collections, making it a great moment to celebrate their role in fashion and daily life.
How To Celebrate
1. Start Your Own Button Collection
If you’ve ever thought about starting a button collection, National Button Week is the perfect excuse to begin! Visit a thrift store or an antique shop, and start gathering interesting buttons of different shapes, colors, and materials. You might be surprised at the treasures you find. Vintage buttons can be a fun way to learn about history, as many of them have unique stories to tell.
2. Create Button Art
Button art is a fun and creative activity that anyone can try. All you need are a few buttons and a surface to glue them onto. Create beautiful patterns, pictures, or even abstract art. You could make a button flower bouquet, a button animal, or even a button mosaic! This is a perfect project for both kids and adults.
3. Host a Button Party
Why not throw a button-themed party? Invite your friends over for an afternoon of button crafting. You could have button-themed decorations, food, and drinks, and encourage guests to wear button-related accessories or clothing. Have a button exchange, where everyone brings their favorite buttons to swap. It’s a fun way to spend time with friends and celebrate the humble button in a light-hearted way.
4. Learn About Button History
Take some time during National Button Week to learn more about the history of buttons. You could visit a museum, read up on button-making techniques, or even attend a local event hosted by a button society or a crafting group. Understanding the origins of buttons can deepen your appreciation for this often-overlooked item.
5. Sew Buttons onto Clothing
One of the best ways to celebrate National Button Week is to give your clothes a little makeover. Grab a needle and thread, and sew some new buttons onto your favorite jacket, sweater, or bag. You can even get creative and mix and match different styles of buttons to add a unique touch to your outfits.
6. Share Your Button Collection on Social Media
If you’ve been collecting buttons for a while, now is the time to share your collection with others. Take a photo of your collection and post it on social media with the hashtag #NationalButtonWeek. Not only will you be able to share your love for buttons, but you might also inspire others to start collecting or crafting with buttons too!
Amazing Facts
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The World’s Most Expensive Button: The most expensive button ever sold was made of platinum and diamonds. It was sold for a whopping $10,000!
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The Oldest Button: The oldest known button, found in a tomb in Pakistan, dates back around 5,000 years. It was carved from the shell of a mollusk.
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Button Collecting is Serious Business: Some button collectors are so passionate about their hobby that they spend years searching for rare, antique buttons. Some buttons have even been passed down for generations.
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Button Technology: In recent years, designers have been experimenting with “smart buttons” that can connect to smartphones and perform various functions like taking pictures or controlling the volume on a device.
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A Button for Every Occasion: There are buttons for almost every occasion! From holiday-themed buttons to special edition ones made for awareness causes, the variety of buttons available is truly mind-blowing.
Why We Love
1. A Nod to Crafting and DIY Projects
Buttons are a staple in crafting, and for good reason. They are inexpensive, easy to find, and versatile enough to use in all sorts of DIY projects. Whether you're adding a button to a handmade sweater or creating button art to decorate your home, there are endless possibilities for how to incorporate buttons into your crafts.
2. A Fashion Staple
Buttons are undeniably fashionable. They have been used in clothing designs for centuries, from medieval tunics to modern-day blazers. Today, buttons come in so many designs, from classic pearl buttons to quirky ones in the shapes of animals, flowers, or even smiley faces. No matter what style you’re into, there’s a button that will match your personality!
3. Collecting and Nostalgia
For some, buttons are more than just functional items; they are collectibles. Button collecting has been a popular hobby for many years, and National Button Week is the perfect time to display or share your collection. Antique buttons, especially those made of materials like glass, metal, and porcelain, often carry a sense of nostalgia, reminding us of past eras and fashions.
4. The Perfect Conversation Piece
If you've ever had a chance to admire someone's button collection, you know that it can spark some fascinating conversations. From the intricate designs to the unique history behind vintage buttons, these tiny treasures have a story to tell. Button enthusiasts love sharing their finds and the history behind each piece.
5. Educational Fun for All Ages
National Button Week is not just for adults. Children can also take part in fun, educational activities that help them learn about the importance of buttons in history, fashion, and crafting. Whether it’s through button art or button-related games, kids can experience the joy of working with these little objects while exploring their creativity.
Faq's
Event starts in
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323
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23
Hours -
34
Minutes
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