Beautiful Buttons

I gave the kiddos a job one afternoon, and that job was to take all the buttons of grandma's out of the packaging and put them into a jar. So they did it (yes, Maia, too) and had a great time. I love the simple things like this that occupy a child. Maia especially kept busy putting handfulls of them in and out, in and out. I wish simple repetition like that thrilled me now like it does her. So, anyway, here is the jar filled halfway. (Half full or half empty? I'd say half full, don't ya think?) Isn't it perty?

And then a few of my favorite ones. Gorgeous, aren't they? I think this button discovery is going to send me on a hunt for more. So, oh no, a new collection is emerging. Thankfully though, other than ketchup, I honestly don't have too many. . . . . I swear!

Buttons Galore

I have some sewing bits-n-pieces that were my grandma's. I don't sew. Neither did she really, but she liked to keep everything. Most of what I have are buttons, and there are a lot, plus some spools of thread, and then tiny bags of odds-n-end thread. Anyone know what I could do with all of these? Cerella, since you're a sewing/knitting diva, do you know? Or do you know of anything creative I could do to showcase the buttons? Here are some pictures of what I have. The buttons are all in smaller individual plastic bags. I love all this old stuff and would love to have it "out" rather than put away in boxes for years to come.And then I have this mechanism that I'm not sure exactly what it does, but it looks like perhaps it aids in making button holes? I am right, Cerella, do you know? Again, what can I do with this? (It's really kinda cool looking!)
And then I also have this old sewing machine accessories tin box. Which is really neat and looks to be in perfect condition, as all of these things appear to be. I love the color of this. Isn't it neat how things from this generation tend to be turquoise? Since that is my favorite color, I looooooove it. I might just have to set it this somewhere in the new house. I just am in need of some really creative ideas. My interior decorating brain is not working right now. Too many other things on my mind, which is why I need all of your help!