keeping old buttons

[emlace3]

Hi, any suggestions on how to keep the old buttons after they are sorted? Lots of small metal ones that are the same, now what? Even some with enamal on them. Military markings on others. What is the next step?

[the-responder]

Hi, Button keeping is a big subject, but using the card stock (acid free) and punching a hole into it for each button is one way. Many collectors than place the card in a plastic bag. This is good way for most buttons except some polymers such as celluloid, which must breath. It is a lot of work, but I find it protects them and I can find them more readily. Many of my friends also place their cards in file folders in their big file cabinets. Mine are in file boxes. If you don't know what I mean about card stock, some of the eBay auctions have buttons on these large cards. You can find these supplies at the state button society clubs in your area. Thanks - Linda at The Responder

[svengali]

The card stock being mentioned is actual the same type of material used in picture framing, it's matboard. You can get it at places like Aaron Brothers art mart in really large sheets which they will cut for you for an extra fee. The standard size most collectors ask for is 9"x12". You can tell the acid free matboard by seeing if the middle is a white color, or so I've been told. You can get lots of colors and textures. There are special size frames with glass fronts being made to fit just this size card. We wire the buttons on thru holes punched with any sharp object by inserting the wire thru the button holes or shank and winding it around on the back to make it secure. We use a type of wire that is plastic coated which was available easily from cable and phone guys. In a pinch you can use cut pieces of craft pipecleaner but you have to be careful if you live in a humid area as the metal under all the fuzzy stuff on the wires can corrode and transfer that rust to your button. Inspect your mounted buttons often for any signs of problem on the front and back. There are clear pocket baggies available that fit the 9x12 size nicely, they are open on the top and advisable for any celluloid grouping you might want to mount. Watch closely on the front of the baggie to be sure there are no "smoke rings", this is a residue which can deposit if the celluloid is starting to emit gasses as a prelude to turning. Celluloid is delicate stuff and can be quite unstable. Well, my hand is tired from typing all this...come back and ask any other questions you might have. -Carol C-

[emlace3]

Well, this is interesting about how to keep the buttons. As I live in Australia, I shall have to find the materials and translate the US terms to Australian so I can find the materials!! Many thanks