The National Button Society's 2013 Show

I received permission from the Facebook administrator of the National Button Society's Facebook page to copy some of their photos for us to enjoy here on Button Floozies (thank you, Mary Anne!)  As you may know, the National Button Society holds a meeting annually, and it took place several weeks ago (August) in Wisconsin.

A more seasoned member helps judge a Junior member's tray in the Junior Competition

The show always begins with a competition, where members of the Society submit "trays" (buttons mounted on mat paper, sometimes framed) and a prize goes to the best for each category.

Dedicated volunteers judging the button trays on opening day

During the show, which runs about a week, they have classes for members to attend.  You can learn much, and some specialized and detailed button information; and, if you have more questions about anything button-related, just ask one of the other attendees.  So many are experts, and NBS members are very generous with their knowledge of -- and passion for -- buttons!

Greg Hanson giving his "Birth of a Paperweight Button" talk at the Bergstrom Mahler Museum

They also have a showroom where vendors who specialize in beautiful buttons, old buttons, art buttons and all things button-y sell their wares.  You'll never see a more beautiful assemblage of buttons than you will at a button show!  Here are some of this year's showroom photos:

Buttons you can buy!

This "charm string" of buttons was being auctioned at the show

In the showroom, you can sit yourself down in a chair and spend time looking at buttons in "poke boxes"

Those trays of buttons that were judged in the competition are also on display there

Special buttons available to show attendees

To see more wonderful photos, "like" the National Button Society Facebook page!  You can also always find them online here.