In the beginning when we didn't know each other very well, only saw each other once or twice a year, or just were not good at remembering names and faces, we wore these buttons with our names on them to avoid embarrassing situations.
But now that we are part of a camping family, it boils down to tradition. For some Blue Ridgers, Beach Peeps, or Chefs, they get tossed in a drawer or maybe not even saved at all. But for others, they are collectible and even cherished. Some folks display them on sashes, belts, banners, and bunting and heaven forbid I not make them at all, LOL.
I have learned lots of lessons over the camping years since I first made them for the 2008 Blue Ridge Rally. All these lessons were born from mistakes on my part!
1) check the spelling of names or nicknames
2) check and double check that no one has been left out
3) wait until the very last minute possible to make them
4) take my time making each one and don't get distracted
5) make sure I have enough "parts" to make all of them
6) ask Becky to be my button editor
Here's what it takes to make a batch of buttons . . .