I have a bunch of buttons too. I will not part with them, after all I never know when I may have a need for one. LOL I have used them on purses and on clothes.
I have some sorted in small jars by color. Someday I intend to go through them and match up and thread them together. Just as soon as I get done with all my other projects. :-)
Right now I am looking for a huge see through jar to put my spools in.