Just yesterday, when I stopped into the new I Like You store, in Northeast Minneapolis, I was reminded of the D.I.Y. sensation that is vintage buttons. I found heaps of hairpins, brooches, and earrings fashioned out of Bakelite, Lucite, and resin vintage buttons. Suddenly, these modest fasteners are all the rage!


I’m attracted to just about every rounded object under heaven, so I’ve appreciated vintage buttons for many a year. I’ve been collecting them from estate sales and, on occasion, at Melrose Antiques, where the proprietress keeps heaps of gorgeous buttons. Button lovers like me will be interested to know that this weekend's Minnesota State Button Society show marks the rare opportunity to trove fancier, collectible varieties (like 19th-century Japanese Satsum buttons, which sometimes yield thousands of dollars) as well as a few deals, like plastic and fabric-covered buttons starting at just a quarter apiece. Check out the Minnesota State Button Society Annual Show and Auction, today through Saturday, at the Holiday Inn Bloomington Airport, 1201 W. 94th St., Bloomington.