my grandfathers antique button collection was divided into 5 units by my mother, for my siblings and myself. I used egg cartons to sort by color and then dental floss to keep the units that were the same together. The storybook buttons and antique ones were sewn on fabric covered cardboard to be displayed. That was how my grandfather had them in his antique shop when he sold buttons. I have many beautiful antique ones which I'd never use for the purpose they once had, so display is the next best thing. I have thought of using some of them on quilted wall hangings as decorations- but have yet to make the quilts! I did use some for eyes on fish that I made a quilt of....it was cute and I used tiny pearl buttons for eyes.