Pinback Badge

5
Oct

Pinback Badge

Four Sites for Collecting Pinback Buttons

If you've developed an interest in collecting pinback buttons there are lots of great sites to start at. Whether you want vintage and antique buttons or newly designed and hip buttons you'll find what you're looking for at one of the sites below...

Etsy: You can find all sorts of buttons at Etsy. The buttons are made by crafters and some are quite inventive. You may want to sign up, but basically all you have to do to is use the search bar at the top of the page to search "pinback buttons." You don't want to search for "buttons" alone because this term brings up lots of clothing type buttons as well. Try “pinback buttons.” I've had a lot of luck finding cool buttons at this site as well as crafty things of all types. There are hundreds of button-makers shops to choose from so head on over and check it out.

Button-Street: If you like collecting newly designed buttons check out our current offerings at button-street. We have lots of 1” buttons in some cool themes that change monthly. Printed on a high quality laser, they won’t fade in sunlight and are unaffected by rain. They’ll last for years and won’t set you back much, so it’s a great place to start.

Zazzle: Allows you to design your own buttons using their online design system so it's easy and fun. You can also buy other peoples creations by the thousands if you want to wade through and look for the good designs. No antique or vintage buttons here but there are loads of fresh designs at this site. Be sure to know what you're looking for because a general search for "buttons" will bring up more than you can handle. Many of the designers are amateurs and the prices are a bit high, but it's a fun site to browse.

Ebay: You probably know about Ebay but it's worth mentioning if you're into the older buttons. You can set "antique buttons" as a favorite search if your looking for old buttons. You'll find nearly every type of button if you have patience and run a search once a week or so. Lots of Disney and other character buttons like Reddy Electric, Lone Ranger, Krazy Kat, and every type of vintage button you can think of shows up eventually. You might also want check out the book Collectible Pin-Back Buttons, 1896-1986 by Ted Hake and Russ King. It covers all the most collectible buttons and is available for about $15 at Amazon.

That should get you started on the way to collecting some fantastic looking buttons!

About the Author

Mark Wilson is busy making
buttons at Button-Street.

How do I make earrings out of pinback buttons?

Like the 1" or 1.25" buttons. Do people drill holes in them? If so, with what? Or are there button parts for pinback button earrings? (I'm not talking about buttons on clothes.. like the badges that people wear.)

I have a button maker.

I've googled this and can't find the answer.

It depends on the design you have in mind. For something that's simple, you'd need some jewelry-making accessories like earring findings (fish hook, head pins, jump rings) and a set of pliers (round nose pliers help make those loops). Some designs, especially the long earrings may require wire, beads and more accessories =)

Etsy How-to Make a Pinback Button