Whether you are making your own outfits or just sprucing up a ready-to-wear piece, a great button can make all the difference. There's no need to settle for the run-of-the-mill closures when you have plenty places to buy from. Here are some of my favorite sources:

• For uniqueness: If you are looking for quality, then go vintage. There is an extensive collections on BJ's Lapidary; Cartwrights's Sequins and Vintage Buttons, and especially eBay.
• For an offbeat selection: Whether it's a porcelain polka-dot teapot, a silver trout or a set of domino buttons that you are seeking, you'll find an unusual selection at Dana Marie. You can even buy buttons by the pound.
• Buy handmade: Search for "handmade buttons for sewing" on Etsy.com and you'll land on over 5,000 options, from hand-painted to wooden to custom-covered.
• The supplier: JHB is big in the button world. Browse their wholesale site to see the complete catalog but you'll need to call them to find out where to buy the closure that you crave.
• Beautiful buttons: This site really does live up to its name. Beautiful Buttons is based out of Mississippi and chock-full of interesting options. It is also a wholesale site, but you can just call to find out where to purchase.
• Real Bad Kitty: This boutique takes buttons beyond functional purposes and reinterprets them into fun accessories. Check out their bridal bouquets, bobby pins, Easter button trees and more.
• Worth the trip: If you are ever within spitting distance of Manhattan, Tender Buttons is the best shop, like, ever.

For more DIY Design columns, click here. Next week, make an easy, pretty spring skirt.