We recently had several of these pieces commissioned by a lovely gal across the country.

She asked for “obnoxious” colors and yet still fun and nice looking. Yowza, I think we hit the spot.  And just in time for National Button Day, November 16th of each year.

In honor we have also created a Pinterest board allllll about buttons!  Let us know what images are most striking to you: what project have you used buttons on?  Add and share yours:

A Bit About Button Types (via Wiki):

• Shank buttons have a hollow protrusion on the back through which thread is sewn to attach the button.Button shanks may be made from a separate piece of the same or a different substance as the button itself, and added to the back of the button, or be carved or moulded directly onto the back of the button, in which latter case the button is referred to by collectors as having a ‘self-shank’.
• Flat or sew-through buttons have holes through which thread is sewn to attach the button. Flat buttons may be attached by sewing machine rather than by hand, and may be used with heavy fabrics by working a thread shank to extend the height of the button above the fabric.
• Stud buttons (also pressure buttons, press stud buttons or snaps fastener) are metal (usually brass) round discs pinched through the fabric. They are often found on clothing, in particular on denim pieces such as pants and jackets. They are more securely fastened to the material. As they rely on a metal rivet attached securely to the fabric, stud buttons are difficult to remove without compromising the fabric’s integrity. They are made of two couple: the male stud couple and the female stud couple. Each couple has one front (or top) and rear (or bottom) side (the fabric goes in the middle).

Random Button Facts (via ButtonCountry):

• The word button is from the French word bouton, meaning bud or knob – buttons, as ornaments, date back several thousand years.
• Until the introduction of the “button hole”, buttons were generally ornamental. Some believe the crusaders introduced the button hole to Europe from the middle east.
• Until the 19th century, most buttons were used for men’s clothing. Hooks and lacing were the norm for women’s clothes. After the mid 1800s, women became the primary consumers.
• In earlier times, buttons provided social commentary on the era and often defined social status and wealth. The French King, Francis I (1515 to 1547), is reported to have had thousands of gold buttons on a single coat.

We have each hosted at craft fairs in the past. On our own. But this was our first together and we wanted to make sure this baby was as smooth as a baby’s rump! But not as messy. So we wanted to share a few tips we picked up here and there.

Make It Flowww

We have a variety of items from clockwork and steampunk jewelry to little girl’s hairbows to women’s fashion scarves. We created a sort of sweep across the table and put like with like, keeping the different types closely displayed together. Within the different types of items we then put them by color for an aesthetic appeal.

It Is All In The Show

We wanted a display that stands out as CLEAN with a little mess so people are inclined to touch, BEAUTIFUL to look at but not crowded or cluttered, and FUN to draw someone in and bring us a smile. What do you want yours to do for you?

How Many Clams?

Price your pieces because people want to look at something and know the worth, its the first question so don’t make them ask! We used these lil tags and choked up on the slack for smaller items, so they all came out clean looking. We also used the same color marker so they matched!

Preview

Set up your table and decor including all items. Try it out for size, make sure it all fits and fills. Ensure displays are steady and will not topple. Put your items in bags and label each so you know how they will travel to and from the fair.  We even took a photo with our phone in advance just so we would not forget.

You don’t want to be tweaking and preening as the show starts: you want to be done and ready to make new friends and sales!

Plan, Plan, Plan

Pack the night before at the latest. This means everything from supply tools (something will break at some point) to water bottles need to be ready to go when you awaken all bright eyed and bushy tailed. Make a list and check it twice.

GO!

Be early, not when they open for set up, but before they open for set up.  Often you can sneak in a few minutes early and work at a more relaxed pace. Be sure to introduce yourself to your neighbors and create a friendly bond: you are about to spend several hours next door to one another.

Money, Money, Money

Have change ready, most people bring cash to craft fairs. There is little reason you cannot take CC and Debit these days. Square is an amazing addition to our tech suave lifestyle and you can add it for FREE

More Than Anything

Have fun, enjoy and don’t sweat the small stuff.  Laugh outloud, engage your customers and those that seem unsure about stepping up to your table.  In all honesty, we walked away lack luster about our first show.  But we were totally thrilled and tickled that we set up and broke down in record time with precision and knowing we were already ready for the next one!!  We will be able to fill gaps and add product as we unpack.