The Ultimate Button Collection

While working on my collections of small stuff for the upcoming shows, I ran across this button collection. I acquired this collection probably ten years ago, and set it aside, then it got buried and forgotten! There are probably a couple of thousand buttons, all fastened to velvet covered boards and labeled as to if they are glass, metal, goofy, nautical etc.... I got started removing them and remounting them individually. I don't think I'll ever get done. Here are some pictures. Some of them are unbelievable.
I got out my Button book, I can't believe what a treasure I have in these buttons.

Here is an old store piece holding some of the buttons. These are just from one small board. I'll have to have lots of more display pieces for them. This rack won't hold near all of the collection.

Plastic flower buttons

A start of individually mounting them.

These are some of the rarest. They are Victorian Era Perfume Buttons. Inlaid with velvet that perfume could be put on. Really rare.

Some of the black glass buttons.

A shot of the numerouse boards.

More and more boards full of buttons.

Inlaid metal buttons.

As you can see, I have my work cut out for me. But I sell alot of sewing and textiles so you button collectors will love these!

Better get back to work,

Until next time,

Pam

SNOW DAY!!!!! Brrrrrr.......

It's freezing cold here in Alton, Illinois. About 5 degrees and we just had snow. The shop was closed today and will be tomorrow---SNOW DAY!!!!
It's quiet, no kids out playing, no one at the door, the phone doesn't ring. Truly an awesome quiet day. Got some buttons sorted, one of those tedious and time consuming jobs. But somebody's gotta do it!

Also put together this collage of small items. Getting ready for the upcoming Nashville shows. We always have a ton of smalls, and we won't disappoint! So much I don't know where to start. The key is in awesome display so it doesn't look overwhelming, but the ladies love all of this small affordable stuff.

The snow has stopped and now it is just blowing everywhere. Another snow day tomorrow so I'll get more done!

Better go for now.

Until next time,

Pam

The Best of Luck Through the New Year

Well, another year has come and gone, what will the New Year bring? Plenty happened to us last year, and I can honestly say, I am ready for a brand New Year. Don't get me wrong, I have alot to be thankful for, but I don't like surprises, and the fear of the unknown sometimes --no---most times can get to me. So..., I've set some new goals and I'm really going to work on them. The only one I will share is that I am going to work on "Increasing my level of patience!!". You see, sharing my New Year's resolutions makes about as much sense as me saying I'm starting a diet. Then everytime I stick a piece something fattening in my mouth, some wise guy will say--"Is that On Your Diet?" or "Boy, I'm going to follow your diet?" Who needs it!!!!So, I will just work hard on my own resolutions and see if you can tell a difference! Now the "Patience" thing, any improvement is good for me because on a scale of 1 to 10, my patience comes in at about a -20. I'm not kidding!! I have some shots of some New Years postcards, not good pictures, but they'll do. A poem on a card I didn't show kind of says it all,

The Best of Luck Through the New Year

Here is wishing you the kind of year
You'd be selecting too,
If years were made to order and
The choice was up to you.

I'm going to work real hard to make this year seem like it was "Made to Order"

Happy New Year to all of you.

Until next time,

Pam

Antique Dolls

I just can't seem to part with this old girl! She has a metal head and cloth and leather body. I like her even with no clothes. I know I might have shown some of these dolls before, but they are worth looking at again.

Nothing like a hand-embroidered face, with yarn hair. She's not as old, but just as cute.

This old Raggedy Andy is so dirty, he is airing out before I am going to even attempt to clean him up. I love him, he's very old and handmade, but really needs a bath.

I have lots of dolls and doll parts. I was at an auction years ago where a doll collection was being sold. At one time I had boxes of parts. I think I still have alot in storage.

Some of the smallest dolls. I'm amazed that someone can make clothes for them. The little girl in the middle with the pink dress is only about 1 1/2 inches in length.

Sweet little faces!

An assortment of bisque dolls.

I'm thinking about empyting out the big glass case at the shop and putting nothing but dolls, doll dishes, clothes and accessories in it. That would be a nice change. If I decide to do it, I'll post the picture for you to see.

Better go for now,

Until next time,

Pam

Gary's First Christmas Pie!!! Merry Christmas to All

Well, it was a great day at the shop today---sold some really fun stuff to desperate shoppers. Then we went to my mom and dad's--of course my sisters, brother in law, nephews and niece were there. Fun time as always. We came home so that Gary could make his first pie. He has been talking about and so he finally did it. It is a pumpkin-banana pie. It has cracked on the top while it is cooling, but I don't think that will hurt. Besides he will cover it with whipped cream. It calls for meringue, but he is crazy about that. Didn't he do good!
I wish everyone the best Christmas ever.
Until next time,
Pam

All I Want For Christmas Is "Comfort and Joy"

Last minute gifts are always fun! Every year I put something together for one of my nephews. He needs 7 small gifts to give to his co-workers--al females! This year I wrapped pretty ribbon around the glycerin soap that has been really selling well. Thanks Sharon!!!

Glass ornaments are always a hit. We mostly have vintage and antique ornaments now. We haven't been going to the Merchandise Marts like we used too. I miss it, but I can't compete with all of the dollar stores. But I still love the ornaments.

Who doesn't love a big glass Santa Claus ornament. He is really pretty!

Teddy Bears are always a great seller!

This year, we will be going to my mom and dad's for both Christmas Eve and Christmas. She is recovering from back surgery and is not able to get out. Lucky for me, they live right behind me so all I have to do is walk across our back yards! But, also lucky for us....the snow storms are missing us. At least for right now. It's just rain. No white Christmas in the middle of Illinois, but I'm ready for it to go away the day after Christmas anyway! We might have flurries. The shop will be open for business until 2:00. You never know how business will be, because the shoppers that do come in are desperate! My favorite shoppers are the dad's that bring the 6 year olds with them and say---now show me what mommy was looking at! Duh!!! A lot of pressure for a kid don't you think! Better go for now. I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday. After this horrible cold, and the horrible economy this past year, all I want is COMFORT and JOY!!! Next year is going to be great---I just know it!

Merry Christmas,

Until next time,

Pam

Get Out Mom's Old Sunbeam Mixer

Well, just my luck, Gary and I have both been sick. Don't think it was the flu, just bad colds. During this time, my mom had back surgery, so then I was afraid to visit her. She certainly didn't need my cold germs. Saturday, my sissy's--Gay and Lori--and I met at mom's house to do some baking. We had a great laugh about mom's old aqua mixer! Even the ratty looking box. It's on it's last leg, but still worked. Aqua from when her kitchen appliances were aqua in the 70's! The funny thing is that dad is a gadget man. We spent many vacations at the fairs, etc. watching the slicer dicer, vega matic man do his demonstrations. I think I have the old vega-matic! We laughed and made fun of dad--something we do alot! He is an easy target.
It worked though. We got the baking done. The mixer smelled hot, but I think it survived.

The baking was too much for Annie girl. She fell asleep in her red satin dress.

One of my goals for the new year is to update my blog regularly. Sorry I've been sick and not up to it. Happy Holidays to everyone.!!!!

Until next time,

Pam