Page 12 - December2001

266 }{A']TN O}{A[" H LITT DN B LI]"T"ETIN December 2001

bj, Lttcille Weingarten

aSinceyouinvitedustosendinanyquestionohere'smine.will
you provide some advice to those of us who are newcomers to this
area of collecting?

A Of course, I'11 be glad to. Although I've detailed this very topic in
previous Q&A columns, our Society is most fortunate in that we keep
attracting new members. With that in mind" I'll expand on what I've
written before. First, let me congratulate you on finding this wonder-
-
ful hobby or pastime - or collectible. Buttons provide an excellent
education on topics such as history, theater and opera, fables, mythol-
ogy, and much, much more. In addition, you can learn about materi-
als that are used for buttons (and many other items) such as glass,
wood" pearl. metal, plastic, ceramic, to name a few. So welcome to
our "art in miniafure".

Specifically, my advice would be:

1. If you haven't already done so, join a local club.
2. Join your State Society.
3. Join the National Button Society.
4. READ, READ, READ! - the l/ational Button Bulletin and every
other book on buttons that you can borrow or buy.
5. Start spreading the news to family and friends that you've
embraced a new hobby. Ask if they have any buttons that you might
look through and if they would consider sharing them with you.

6. Visit yard sales, garage sales, flea markets, yarn or fabric shops,
antique shops and antique shows.

a A