Button Crafts: 20 Things To Make With Buttons

A while back, I bought a small vintage case stocked full of vintage buttons and I have been having fun with button crafts ever since.  I especially like the old mother of pearl buttons or the rich dark brown rustic looking ones.  Old buttons are quite easy to find too at most antique shops.  Other places to look are estate sales, resale shops, flea markets and garage sales.  Of course you can also just clip buttons off of old shirts, that can no longer be worn, and start your collection that way!

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1. Button Snowflake Craft

Using small twigs as a base, glue on some creamy buttons to create a decorative snowflake for the Christmas tree. Mother of pearl buttons will sparkle, especially when they catch the light.

2. DIY Button Garland

You can embellish picture frames or mirrors with a small strand of button garland. It’s a great way to add texture and color to a plain frame.

It’s easy to make a garland for the Christmas tree by simply stringing a collection of buttons on twine.

3. Button Bracelet

There are so many things you can do with buttons and jewelry is just one of them. This button bracelet is super easy with a chain containing flat round discs.

Supplies

• bracelet chain with round discs
• small buttons
• jewelry glue
• jewelry round (if necessary)
• lobster clasp (if necessary)
• small pliers for adjusting chain length
• tin snips

Directions

1. Some bracelet chains come with the clasp and round already attached and only need the length adjusted with pliers to remove a link or two. However, if make the bracelet from a long line of chain, you will need to first cut the chain to size with tin snips.
2. Attach the clasp and round to opposite ends of the chain if you need to add your own.
3. Glue buttons to the flat round discs with jewelry glue.

4. Button Labels

Another fun thing to do with buttons is to spell out words on labels or any other type of craft project. With this bucket, I just glued a section of burlap to the bucket to use as a base for the button word. Then, I outlined in pencil the word I wanted to spell and glued on the buttons.

5. DIY Button Clock

With an embroidery hoop and a clock kit, it’s easy to make your own stylish clock. Using a variety of buttons is a great way to add color, texture, and overall interest.

SHOP CLOCK KIT

6. Button Bird Art

You can basically use buttons like a paint to create a fun piece of artwork. The more colors and sizes of buttons that you have, the more possibilities for art. Attach the buttons to wood, canvas, slate, or burlap in a frame for some fun wall art. Monograms are really popular too, which you can do in buttons of all one color.

This Fall tree design is a perfect example of using buttons in a variety of colors and sizes.

7. Button Pillow Art

Besides wall art, you can also create an artistic design for a pillow.  Create objects, like this tree, or other simple shapes for a truly unique look.

8. Lampshade Decorated With Buttons

Give a plain lampshade a fun new look with buttons. Whether you go colorful or monochromatic, the lampshade will get a lot of visual interest. I like how only half of this shade is covered with buttons in a random pattern. It tends to be even more eye catching than if the whole shade was filled.

9. Vintage Button Bookmarks

Create stylish bookmarks using vintage buttons adhered to paper clips. So simple and fun! Turn them into magnets instead by gluing the buttons to a round magnet instead of the paper clips.

10. Make Button Candle Holders

A glowing candle sets off these button votives just perfectly. The light shines right through the translucent buttons.

11. Button Flower Bouquet

This button flower bouquet looks quite elegant in the silver container.  I love the fun artsy look.

12. Make A Button Tree

How cute is this button tree on it’s thread spool base? It’s so cute and delicate and would be a great accent in a sewing or craft room.

13. Design A Button Pillow Stripe

Say goodbye to boring pillows! Just by adding rows of similar buttons, you can create a fun pattern with tons of textural interest. This idea is simple and chic.

14. Button Lampshade

A lampshade, trimmed with fabric covered buttons, makes an elegant statement in the home. I like how these covered buttons match the lampshade fabric for a uniform look. Other ideas are to line a lampshade with matching mother of pearl buttons or colors to match your decor.

15. Embellish A Picture Frame

Decorate an entire picture frame or just a corner or two with your favorite buttons. I like the use of white on white in this example for a simple chic idea.

16. Line A Tray With Buttons

Another easy button craft is to line a tray with coordinating buttons. It adds a lot of interest for display.

17. Make A Fun Necklace

Make a fun bib necklace using shell buttons that you can purchase inexpensively.

SHOP SHELL BUTTONS

18. Make A Button Bowl

Using a balloon as a form, you can create beautiful and artistic button bowls. It’s so easy and very rewarding.

19. A Button Christmas Tree

With buttons and embroidery thread, you can create a variety of designs for decorating gift bags, boxes, cards, and more.

20. Button Gift Wrap Idea

Here is an alternative idea if you don’t want to go all out with a button design on gift wrap. Simply use a large button at the center of your gift packages to hold your twine or ribbon wrap in place. As far as button crafts go, this is one of the easiest!

If you don’t already have a stash of buttons, hopefully this list of button crafts inspires you to go out and start collecting! Buttons are great to use for holiday decor as well. Check out these posts for more ideas.

Button Valentine Crafts

Button Garland

What types of button crafts can you think up?  What do you think of this list of ideas?  Let me know your thoughts — I love to hear from you!