Hello and Welcome to my eBay button workshop. I hope to provide some tips
that will help in your search for collectible buttons on eBay. Things to
watch for, some basic button terminology, and where you can find more
information.

My name is Clare, abuttonlady on ebay and, yes elsewhere. I didn't start out
calling myself 'The Button Lady', it just sort of grew on me. There are lots
of other "Button Ladies"out there, but buttons are my specialty and when you
sell buttons that's what you're called. I divide my time between race
horses, button or quilt shows and selling buttons on eBay.

Yes, I did say "Race Horses". My husband and I have been training racing
Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds for 20 years. I feel very fortunate in
being able to do everything I love and make money at it too.

I've always thought that to be a good dealer, you don''t just sell your
merchandise, you know your product and help the customer learn about what
they are purchasing. To that end I hope this workshop today will further
that interest. I invite you to ask questions and learn to date buttons as to
their era, material and value. Along the way it is my hope to save valuable
buttons from being used for craft projects and to encourage others in the
collecting of buttons.

Of course my buttoning ventures have helped my own button collection grow as
well. I've been a member of The California State Button Society for about 8
years. Other club members have contributed much to my growing knowledge of
buttons. Some of the most interesting buttons I have collected include a
hand-painted miniature on Ivory and some Enameled, Sterling, Arts and Crafts
period buttons. The oldest buttons I own are from the 18th century, one of
which is from the French Revolution and has a catgut shank.

Clare...abuttonlady Workshop host

I have a number of posts to make in succession and then I will be happy totake questions.