Author: OSBS

2022 Creative Trays

Creative 4
Creative 4
Creative 5
Creative 5
Creative 6
Creative 6
Creative 7
Creative 7
Creative 8
Creative 8
Creative 9

2022 OSBS Creative online ballot will be emailed to Holly Derdarian, OSBS Creative Awards Chair. A copy will be emailed to the address entered below.

2022 Creative Ballot

OSBS members can vote for their favorite Creative Entry.
My 1st Choice(Required)
This vote counts for 3 points.
My 2nd Choice
This vote counts for 2 points. Choose another tray. Void if duplicated.
My 3rd Choice
This vote counts for 1 point. Choose another tray. Void if duplicated.
Current OSBS Member?(Required)
Confirm if you are a current OSBS member.

2022 Special Award Entries

Special “Going Viral” Award:
Div. IX Class 1-0 Thru 15-5. 25 Any

Assorted materials specialized to buttons related to germs, viruses, personal protective equipment, and what sheltering in place means to you. Emphasis is on buttons that look like germs, with one point extra for each button that represents a germ or virus—maximum 20 bonus points. Each button should have an explanation of meaning, if not obvious. One time bonus of 3 points if an actual picture of a germ (like rabies or COVID-19) is placed next to its button representation and identified. Disqualification for incorrect number of buttons only. All qualifying trays will be judged, no measles will be given. PBC and OCBC 20-14-6

2022 COVID Award Criteria

OSBS members: please vote your choice in the Creative category today!

Creative Entries. OSBS $15-10-5 (A person may enter more than one tray. Each tray must be assigned a different random number at check-in.)

Photographs of the creative trays will be posted on the OSBS website a few weeks prior to the August picnic and will be voted on by the membership for ribbons placement. Information on how the voting will take place with be forthcoming.

The following is important information for those wishing to enter the 2022 Virtual Awards competition.

 You must be a dues-current member of OSBS to enter.

Entries must be on standard 9×12 mounting cards. It is highly recommended that you label all materials on the “Going Viral” award to ensure credit since this is being judged by photographs. Additional labeling of back marks, decorative finish, OMEs (other material embellishments), or techniques (e.g. openwork, inlay/inset, etc.) will help to ensure credit.  Labels can be handwritten, or typed/computer-generated. If handwritten, please use print, not cursive writing, for best legibility. All labeling must be on the card with the buttons. Measles will be given only for incorrect number of buttons on the tray, or your name appearing anywhere on the tray.

2022 OSBS Award Online Judging Sheet

Tray Entry Instructions by Email

  • One photo per award.
    • Label your tray before photographing.
    • The expected file size is just under 3MB for each photo.
    • No additional text labeling (descriptions, explanations) shall be added, photoshopped, or superimposed on the tray photo.
  • Email each photo separately to the OSBS Chair of Clerks (Mika)
    • The subject line of the email should be:
      “OSBS Award” + number + entrant’s name.
    • For 2022, if you are entering both awards, send 2 separate emails to Mika.
      • “OSBS Covid Award First Last”
      • “OSBS Creative First Last”
    • If you are a good photographer, please reach out to your friend to offer your photography expertise.
    • When emailing your friends’ tray, BE SURE to put the entrant’s name on the email subject line.

OSBS image sharing policy

  • Anonymity will be preserved for all competition entries.
    • A tray will be disqualified if its photo has been published elsewhere (online) prior to judging.
  • Competition trays will be published at some point.
    • OSBS website will not attach entrant’s personal information to trays.

Here is some useful information compiled by Sally Filler with tips on best photography:

How to Photograph Your Buttons for Virtual Competition

Lightboxes and tripods are not necessary to get good pictures for competition.  You can get competition-worthy pictures by using your smartphone and things around the house:

Start by mounting your Buttons on the standard 9” by 12” card.   A light, plain background is easier for the judges to see your buttons and read your labels, so for this competition keep it simple, with no patterned paper. 

Be sure your card is not in a frame or plastic sleeve before photographing. Soft, diffuse natural light is best for taking your pictures, such as from a window or outside deck, and less likely to have reflections that distort or distract from details on your buttons.  Light is best early in the morning or late afternoon. Turn off your flash. If you need more light you can use reflectors like a white paper or tin foil to bounce light off of.  

Hold the phone still and photograph your tray straight on, looking down.

Once you take your picture you can fix your exposure with a few simple enhancements: 

Increasing contrast or adjusting brightness to lighten or darken your picture may help make the image and labeling clear.

Crop your picture. Your 9×12 card should fill the entire screen, with just a little space on the sides.

Many people have good results taking pictures from a scanner at home that transmits to their phone or computer.  Make sure the resolution is at least 300 dpi.  

Peggy Lee Mathes & Ilse Christensen, Co-Chairs of Judging
Mika Jarmusz, Chair of Clerks

2021 Virtual Button Competition

Join Our Virtual Competition Adventure!

Hello Button Friends! We will be trying a new competition experiment for the virtual 2021 OSBS show. Review the list presented and note that most anyone could enter at least one of these awards. Be aware that awards 1 and 2 are written to the Medium-Large size. Refer to page 4 of the NBS 2019-2022 Blue Book for size requirements. Because judges will not be able take a button of questionable size and actually measure it from a photograph, please be sure to adhere to the balance rules. (No measles will be given for suspected incorrect size—you are on your honor!) Also, materials labeling is required for these virtual awards (but no measles given, for the same reason.)

Entry will be by photo or scan of your tray(s). Further details about the deadline and method for entry will be forthcoming. Judging criteria will be available on the OSBS website as usual.

We all have been in a “competition desert” due to show cancellations; this is a Covid-safe way to have fun with your buttons!

Peggy Lee Mathes, Chair of Judging and Classification

OSBS 2021 Virtual Awards List

  1. Div. IX Class 1-0 thru 15-5. Medium-Large. Materials assorted. No 18th century. Label materials. OSBS $20-12-8
  2. L. Div. IX Class 1-0 thru 15-5. Medium-Large. Materials assorted. Label materials No 18th century. Limited to those with less than five years competition experience. OSBS $20-12-8
  3. Div. IX Class 23-12. Matching pairs, unlisted. 12 pairs. Any size matching pairs comprised of two different NBS sizes. May be Medium-small, Medium-large, or Large-small. No balance required among sizes. Label Materials. OSBS $20-12-8
  4. Div. VI. 10 ANY. Ten of your favorite buttons, with a written explanation telling why each is a favorite. Joy Journeay. Button prize to each entrant.

National/Regional Associations and Societies

National Button Society

Membership in NBS is $35 per year and entitles you to 4 color educational bulletins per year and access to educational materials.  NBS hosts a button show and sales event in a different location annually.

Western Regional Button Association

WRBA provides educational material, available to the public:

Membership in WRBA is $25 per year and members receive 4 color educational bulletins per year and access to educational materials.  WRBA hosts a button show and sales event in Reno, NV, every two years.  WRBA was formed in 2003.