Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Old Buttons and Enamelware

This jar sits on a shelf in my kitchen. It is filled with my mother and grandma's buttons from years gone by. Both of my grandmas and my mother spent many hours sitting at the sewing machine, producing the clothing for their big families. My mother's sewing machine has not been touched for the last few years, and the old buttons that at one time were her treasures, are now my treasures.



I found this old white enamelware tray at the flea market, last summer. I do not know why I purchased it, although maybe it was because it reminded me of the one my grandma had, years ago. It already had two sets of double holes drilled in the top of it. I decided to make it into a magnet board for a gift. I cut the thread loops off of the back of the old buttons and the brads off of the colored buttons(a product of K&Company) from Michaels, and hot glued the two different sizes of magnets to the back of each one. You can purchase many different sizes and shapes of magnets at any craft store. With a hot glue gun, decorative magnets are so easily created.



I looped ribbon through the top two holes and tied them in bows. I glued old blue heart buttons over the other two holes and one on the bottom.


I chose a few decorative papers to use as an illustration, although one can use this for whatever(photos, chore lists, important dates...) A quick, easy, inexpensive gift for someone in your life who enjoys the memories of days gone by.

9 comments:

Happy@Home said...

Very cute idea, Judy. I love the blue heart buttons and the pretty ribbon. You have some lucky friends to receive your beautiful gifts.

Judy said...

What a great idea! Perfect...buttons & all. Thanks for sharing.

I have been on the hunt for metal tiles to use for a magnet board in my kitchen...but have not yet found anything suitable. Maybe I need to start looking for a tray instead.

Anonymous said...

Judy you are so creative ♥ I love this. It's very pretty. I just adore your button jar and the sentiment behind it.

Tracy said...

What a beautiful idea! So lovely and practical too. Both my Grandmas were incredibly talented seamstresses. One of them had a beautiful large tin of buttons. I spent hours playing with them! This post brings that sweet memory to mind. = )

LisaShaw said...

OOO I like this!!!

So creative!!!

Brenda Pruitt said...

This is simply adorable! I've been pondering doing this with some cookie sheets. But I like your idea better. I just may get around to this one soon. Thanks so much for sharing that inspirational eye candy!
Brenda

Kim@Seasons of My Heart said...

Oh...I LOVE...LOVE...LVOE...LOVE..LOVE......it!!!

You are SO crafty!!!

Buzzings of a Queen Bee! said...

Hi Judy! Thanks for stopping by my blog and visiting! It is so fun to meet others through blogging, especially ones who share my love of coffee! :) Your blog is a very restful place and I love the photos of you and your daughters, granddaughters and grandsons. Such a beautiful family! I hope we get to know each other better! :)
Carrie

Lovella ♥ said...

Judy .. what a great post of treasures you have. . .I love the idea of the enamled magnet board .. such a great idea! I'll be on the lookout for an enameld plate like that.

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