Button Jar

Do you have fond memories of playing with a button jar as a child? Did you know that sorting buttons can be a calming activity for your mind? I just put together a vintage button jar.

Affiliate links below so you can make a really cute one that looks vintage!

I was shopping at a fundraiser garage sale recently (on half price day!) when I noticed a cute old jar in one spot, and buttons in another. I left without them, but decided to return later in the day when the crowd was gone to get them for a button jar. So the buttons and the jar are vintage, but both are new to me!

You can get colorful buttons and this darling green glass reproduction jar to create a new button jar with a vintage feel.

When I got home, I poured all the buttons out to mix up the colors. After I washed the jar and sorted through the buttons for debris and broken buttons, I placed the buttons into the jar. I'm so happy with it!

Years ago I went to a conference for parents of neuro spicy kids (ADD/ADHD). One of the speakers recommended sorting multi-colored beans as a technique for calming escalated kids. The brain gets so involved in the task of categorizing and sorting that it becomes a flow activity. That is to say that it takes our mind off our troubles and we can relax. I immediately thought of button jars instead of sorting beans. They are much more fun!

I do think that every button jar needs some buttons that stand out, like shapes, characters or sparkly ones.

Safety Warning: Young children can choke on buttons. Absolutely do not let the 5 and under crowd play with buttons. This is a big kids only activity. If you are making your jar for kids, consider using a cute plastic jar instead of glass.

Tip: Have kids pour out the buttons in a large tray to contain them. If you use a metal baking sheet, put a tea towel in the bottom to dampen the noise.

Some of the buttons I bought were on vintage cards, which tells a part of their history. I couldn't bear to take them off the cards, so those went into an old tin box I have that came with buttons inside.

My button jar memories are from playing with a button jar my mom had. It was calming and enjoyable to pour out that jar and look through the buttons. My favorites were a sparkle cut clear pink and the rhinestones. I still remember them exactly.

Please share your button jar memories on the Quilting Bee Forum!

Much love,

Holly