Got extra buttons around the apartment? Repurpose them and create unique decor pieces.
Whether you have random buttons lying around or you just hit the ultimate antiquing jackpot by purchasing a box full of antique buttons for $7, you don’t have to worry about it taking up space. With a little bit of glue, DIY and creativity, you can create beautiful pieces of art, including décor items and jewelry, from those buttons. With the holidays coming up, these items can be added to your table’s centerpieces or given as gifts to friends and family. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Earrings
Repurpose buttons for cute pieces of jewelry. You’ll need:
- Two matching buttons
- Earring backs with pad
- Non-toxic glue
Apply a small dot of glue to each button. Wait for the glue to dry a little, and then press the earring backs to each button. Set it, and leave it alone overnight. Make several pairs using different buttons.
Button Bobby Pins
Spice up those plain bobby pins with buttons.
- Bobby pins
- Gorilla Glue
- Buttons
Pick which buttons you think would look great in your hair. Carefully apply a small line of glue on the button and attach the bobby pin. Allow to dry overnight before adding the stylish touch to your hair. For a kicked-up version, glue a cluster of smaller buttons on top of the main button.
Bracelets
For a quick accessory, try making a button bracelet. You’ll need:
- 1 yard of wax rope
- 2 buttons, one large and one small
Cut the rope into four equal pieces (should measure 1.5 feet long). Next, take one of the pieces of rope and thread through a hold of the larger button and pull to the center. Repeat with a second piece of cord, and then tie a knot. Repeat this on the opposite side of the button. After knotting, braid the four ends on each side of the button. On one side, create a knot at the end of the braid, and then thread each of the strings through each hole of the smaller button, and then tie a knot. On the opposite side, create a loop by braiding to the end and then knotting the cord. Put the button through the loop to fasten.
Napkin Rings
Add character to your dinner table with these button napkin rings.
- Felt
- Popsicle sticks
- Tacky glue
- Small paintbrush
- Buttons
For each napkin ring, cut a 4×5 1/2-inch piece of felt. Place it horizontally, and glue 12 popsicle sticks side by side. Use the small paintbrush to spread the glue to keep it less messy. Once the glue dries, form a ring by gluing the overlapped felt together (the popsicle sticks should be on the outside). Next, glue buttons on the popsicle sticks. If you’re creating this for Thanksgiving, use buttons that are shades of red, orange and yellow. This will create an abstract piece of art that resembles an ear of Indian corn. When it’s time to set the table, insert napkins into each ring.
Button Bowl
This unique project is perfect for holding random knick knacks around your house. And it’s fun to make!
- Glue
- Mod Podge
- Brush
- Lots of buttons
- Balloon
Blow up a balloon. Use the brush to spread the glue on the end of the balloon. Carefully but quickly, attach the buttons to the balloon. Keep the buttons as close to one another as possible. Let the glue dry. Next, use a clean brush to add Mod Podge over all of the buttons. Once the Mod Podge is dry, pop the balloon, and voila; you have a new bowl.
Photo Credit: iStockphoto/Emberghost
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