This is my system, too. I didn't get this lucky, but I did score them at $2 each on the clearance rack at Walmart. Just figure out how to use what you're able to find. For beads I use some plastic bottles that my dil gave me from when the baby was in the NICU. She would pump and freeze her milk to take to the hospital, but they didn't allow her to reuse the bottles, so they really stacked up quickly. When she asked if I could use them, I gladly said yes. Just make whatever you're able to get work.

I use clear plastic fishing tackle boxes & sort by color. Works great for jewelry too!

I just DUMP into a big glass or plastic gallon jar
and enjoy all the colors together.
J J

I like to store mine in old glass jars on the top of my cabinets so I can see them and enjoy them!

I am another mason jar, different sizes 3, lg., med., and small. So easy to see and looks good.
They are a little blue color. I also have a small clear for hard candy, just incase, my throat tickles
and I need one or two.

I like the idea of the see-thru jars or plastic so you can see the colors.

The small "Mason-type CANDLE" jars are what I use after I have finished the CANDLE to sort my buttons by color. I have them lined up on one shelf and they look so pretty. Nice touch is that even after washing the jars, they still have a faint "special smell."

This summer at a church sale, I found an old round jar that sits on its lid" to use for buttons but I am out of buttons. So now I have one empty round glass container waiting for buttons.

jars, tins, butter tubs, you name it...be creative and repurpose something!

The other day, while browsing an antique store, I saw a beautiful antique display case intended for jewelry. I almost bought it for my buttons. It must have had about 50 or more little compartents all under glass . It would be so pretty filled with buttons. I am still kicking myself for talking myself into being frugal instead of extravagant.

I went to the hardware section at Wal Mart and bought one of those small cabinets with lots of little drawers in it that are supposed to be for nails and screws. I then used my dymo labeler and made each drawer for a different color button. I took the buttons off the cards and sorted them according to color. I also got a smaller one and used it for my sewing machine needles and attachement feet for my sewing machine, all marked with my labeler as to what size/type of needle is in each drawer or what the name of the foot is. Works fantastically.