In prepping for a weekend of holiday crafting, we came across our random collection of buttons. Over the years, the collection has amassed all varieties —from flat and colorful to big and bulbous, all found in thrift shops, grandma’s attic, and sometimes on the floor. Buttons always seem to be left behind, and many crafters have kept every stray or interesting button they've come across. So here are a handful of tips to put all those buttons to use. Or re-use, assuming they’ve already lived at least one life as a fastener...
1. Just in time for the holidays, make either of these wreaths. The red wreath is brought to us by Stephanie at the Littlebirds blog, and we love the way it shows off the face of each button. Or, you can go the Martha Stewart route and make a wreath similar to the green one on the right.
2. We’ve started clipping coupons and putting them on the fridge next to the shopping list. So we’re thinking of whipping up a batch of button magnets to compliment them.
3. Even with very limited sewing skills, you can attach buttons on a bag as an embellishment.
4. Another seasonal idea? Cut holiday shapes out of felt, and then embellish the shapes with buttons, sewn on with colorful embroidery thread.
5. For an interesting desk addition, fill a baby food jar with buttons and use it as a paperweight.
6. Glue buttons onto (or inside of) a photo or memory book. You can color-coordinate with your photos. If you’re feeling super-crafty, you could even sew the buttons onto the paper. The possibilities are endless!
So, put that random button collection to use and send us your ideas!
Top photo: Nikkishell; Wreaths via Stephanie at Littlebirds; Martha Stewart Magnets via Martha Stewart. Bag: Amber Byfield for Re-Nest
that red wreath is really beautiful and LOVE the magnet idea...
view lcatt's profile
My friend has a tote bag which her grandma made her - it has a whole lot of different sized buttons in pretty colours, and then stems and leaves have been embroidered on to make the buttons look like flowers. It's adorable and I want to make one myself...
view nessaneko's profile
I LOVE the Martha Stewart one, would be darling napkin rings!
http://www.urbanfarmhouse.blogspot.com
view White Cottage's profile
Do NOT use the buttons on a baby's mobile. Eventually that baby will be able to reach it. Choke city.
view I Love Upstate's profile
I just received the month's issue of Parents mag where they showed a cute Christmas ornament craft. Take 3 popsicle sticks and glue them together to resemble a snowflake- paint it whatever color you want, then glue buttons on. It was really cute!
view j_wild's profile
I love love love the buttons as magnets.
Thanks for the idea!
Emily
view Emily Sneds's profile
I have a button obsession! I've decorated candle holders (very cool glow), a vase, a serving bowl, a mirror frame, a picture frame, and all kinds of other things. Awesome ways to use up buttons and make great unique items!
view lemook's profile
LOVE the buttons as magnets!
view KristinEdenfield's profile
A simple solution to 'choke city'. Hang the mobile out of reach. ;)
view maddie's profile
All of these magnet ideas makes me want to give a shout-out to one of the greatest stores on the internet: American Science & Surplus at www.sciplus.com. They have 2 lbs of magnets for $7.50, not to mention a magnet so strong that it can kill a computer monitor.
view leepert's profile
Sometimes I use leftover buttons to give new life to older clothes.
I shop at Goodwill, Salvation Army, etc...sometimes all the item needs is a little change in buttons and its looks and feels new again.
Also - buttons can be great as brooches (single statement button or a bunch of plainer buttons).
Also - hairpins? headbands? pendants? If you sewing a pillowcase, can use buttons rather than zippers...
view bitdot's profile