Pushing the Confidence Button

Do you have a hobby? I’ve the supplies, equipment, and skill still for one, but what I didn’t have when I started it was confidence. That’s changed, mostly.

In 2009, I started making rings out of old buttons. My Mom and a few friends contributed to what’s now a stockpile of around a thousand unique buttons, and after crafting a few dozen I started handing them out to friends, family, and coworkers. They suggested I sell them instead, and with doing so I was able to afford more supplies. Even put a few in a local shoppe for consignment, and came up with what I’ve been told is a catchy name: The Twisted Button.

There was a problem though. No matter how many I sold, no matter how many compliments my customers received on their rings, I never believed my creations were of any value. A few months into making them, I quit. Packed up my buttons, wire, and tools, and hadn’t thought about them much since. Then, the other day, I found a button. A neat one, it snuck out from storage and was sitting on the floor of my bedroom, taunting me.

There was never a problem with my button rings. They’re neat! The problem was with me, I didn’t believe in myself. Well, that’s slowly changing…and I’m determined to start making my nifty little creations again. The only problem now will be trying not to keep them all for myself- I love wearing them! So, what’s holding you back from doing something fabulous?

Here’s a bit more about my rings: Each piece is handcrafted meticulously and with care. Many of the buttons used are from the 1940′s and 50′s from antique shops clothing in Houston, and are one of a kind. Some of them are even from my Grandmother’s collection! Making them looks awkward, ring sizer between my knees, squinting and twisting wire with tiny pliers.