resources

Here are some of my favorite books on vintage buttons:

About Buttons: A Collector’s Guide, by Peggy Ann Osborne
The Button Lover’s Book, by Marilyn Green
Buttons, by Diana Epstein and Millicent Safro
Buttons: The Collector’s Guide to Selecting, Restoring, and Enjoying New and Vintage Buttons, by Nancy Fink and Maryalice Ditzler
The Collector’s Encyclopedia of Buttons, by Sally C. Luscomb

And some recommended sources for buttons, jewelry findings, and craft supplies:

Berger Beads (vintage and new jewelry materials)
413 E. 8th St., Los Angeles, CA
213-627-8783

Britex Fabrics (buttons, fabric, and sewing supplies)
146 Geary St., San Francisco, CA 94108
415-392-2910

The Button Emporium (new and vintage buttons and ribbons)
914 SW 11th Ave.
Portland, OR 97205
503-228-6372

The Buzzard Brand (vintage and hand-cast buttons, craft and jewelry supplies)

Eloxite (jewelry blanks, beads, and tools)
307-322-3050

Exclusive Buttons (vintage buttons)
10252 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito, CA 94530
510-524-5606

Fire Mountain Gems (beads and jewelry supplies)
800-355-2137

Great Buttons (new and vintage buttons)
1030 Sixth Ave., New York, NY 10018
212-869-6811

M & J Trimming (lace, ribbons, trims, and buttons)
1008 Sixth Ave., New York, NY
800-9MJ-TRIM

Metalliferous (vintage and new beads, charms, and chain, plus tools and findings)
34 W. 46th St., New York, NY
888-944-0909

Michael Levine (fabrics, buttons, and ribbons)
920 Maple Ave., Los Angeles, CA
213-622-6259

Rings and Things (metal and findings of all kinds)
800-366-2156

Rio Grande (semiprecious, metal, and tools)
800-545-6566

Tender Buttons (vintage and antique buttons)
143 E 62nd St
New York, NY 10065
212-758-7004

Toho Shoji (beads, chain, charms, and crystals)
990 Sixth Ave., New York, NY
212-868-7465

Don’t forget to search Etsy and eBay for vintage buttons or any other specific things you’re looking for, or browse a whole category. Estate sales, flea markets, antique fairs, and thrift stores are amazing resources for vintage pieces, too.

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3 Comments »

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Hi

I have had your gorgeous book for a while now but still cannot find anywhere that sells the ‘paddle style drops’ that you refer to on pages 51, 78 and 79. Could you tell me where I can get them from?

I live in the UK.

Many thanks

Tracy Fox

Comment by Tracy Fox— November 17, 2009 #

Reply
- Hi,
  I am having the same problem, have asked at our American bead/jewellery supply shop and they have never heard of them even from their American supplier,
  I also live in the UK – I am hoping to find someone who is visiting the States to look for them for me,
  Jean
  
  Comment by Jean Mellin— April 13, 2010 #
  
  Reply
Hi Jean and Tracy,

I emailed you both directly but wanted to put it on the site too in case anyone else is looking – I found mine at Fire Mountain Gems which is a US company, but they ship internationally.

Here are some in sterling-
http://www.firemountaingems.com/details.asp?PN=H208682FN

and here are some in base metal-
http://www.firemountaingems.com/details.asp?PN=H201905FN

Not sure if these particular links will work forever, but if you search “paddle” in their products a ton of things come up and you can sort by length, materials, etc. and hopefully find something perfect for your project. I love their findings and found many of the pieces I used in the book projects there.

Thanks for your comments! I would love to see what you make.

Comment by Susan— April 13, 2010 #

Reply