Buttons are fun to collect. You can use them for more than sewing. As of the latest DIY trends, crafters are using buttons to make amazing things. You can make jewelry, home decor, and even flowers out of buttons. These projects are great for using up a jar of mismatched buttons. You do not need to spend a lot of money. Most of these projects use supplies you already have at home. Let’s look at some easy button projects you can make today. They are perfect for a quiet afternoon of crafting.
Quick answer: Button craft projects include making canvas wall art, button jars, and wire button flowers. These simple crafts use glue and basic tools to turn spare buttons into colorful decor.
| Project Name | Skill Level | Perfect For |
|---|---|---|
| Canvas Wall Art | Easy | Living Room |
| Button Jar Vase | Easy | Flowers |
| Napkin Rings | Medium | Dinner Party |
| Wire Headband | Medium | Kids Hair |
| Mini Birdhouse | Medium | Spring Decor |
| Embroidery Hoop Art | Easy | Wall Decor |
| Keychain | Easy | Purse Accessory |
| Button Garland | Easy | Party Decor |
| Button Bowl | Hard | Catch-all Dish |
| Stacked Earrings | Medium | Jewelry Gift |
| Drink Coasters | Medium | Coffee Table |
| Necklace Pendant | Medium | Outfit Accent |
| Shoe Clips | Medium | Shoe Bling |
| Project Name | Button Type | Cost To Make |
|---|---|---|
| Canvas Wall Art | Mixed colors | $5 |
| Button Jar Vase | Mixed colors | $2 |
| Napkin Rings | Flat wooden | $4 |
| Wire Headband | Small plastic | $3 |
| Mini Birdhouse | Small bright | $6 |
| Embroidery Hoop Art | Fabric covered | $5 |
| Keychain | Large novelty | $2 |
| Button Garland | Mixed sizes | $3 |
| Button Bowl | Flat round | $4 |
| Stacked Earrings | Tiny seed | $3 |
| Drink Coasters | Cork backed | $5 |
| Necklace Pendant | Large shank | $4 |
| Shoe Clips | Sparkly | $4 |
Estimated Cost Per Project
1. Button Canvas Wall Art
Canvas wall art is a simple project. You take a blank canvas. You draw a shape with a pencil. A heart or a rainbow is easy. Then you fill the shape with buttons. Use craft glue to stick them down. You can paint the canvas first if you want a background color. This makes a nice piece of art for your wall.
This project is very forgiving. You do not need to be perfect. Mod Podge Rocks blog says you can use different sizes of buttons to fill in gaps. Layer small buttons on top of big ones. Use a mix of shiny and matte buttons for texture. Hang it in your living room or give it as a gift.
Tip: Use a canvas that is gallery wrapped. This means the staples are on the back. You do not need a frame to hang it.
2. Button Jar Vase
A button jar vase is both pretty and useful. You take a clean glass jar. You fill the jar with colorful buttons. You put a smaller glass or plastic tube inside the jar. You put water in the tube. Then you put flowers in the tube. The buttons hide the ugly stems.
This is a very clever idea. It looks like the flowers are growing out of buttons. FaveCrafts says you can use a clean pasta sauce jar. Just peel off the label. Use a shot glass or a small vase inside. It is a great centerpiece for a table. You can change the buttons for the seasons.
Tip: Make sure the inner tube is secure. Put a little clay on the bottom of it so it does not tip over in the jar.
3. Button Napkin Rings
Button napkin rings make a table look fancy. You buy plain wooden napkin rings. You glue flat buttons around the ring. You can use all white buttons for an elegant look. Or use colored buttons for a fun dinner party. They add a handmade touch to your table setting.
This is a medium project. You need to hold the buttons in place until the glue sets. Crafts Unleashed says to use wood napkin rings. Plastic rings are too smooth and the glue pops off. Sand the ring lightly before you glue. This helps the glue stick better.
Tip: Use buttons that are the same size. It makes the ring look even and smooth.
4. Button Wire Headband
A button wire headband is a cute hair piece. You use elastic cord. You string small buttons on the elastic. You go through one hole and back through the other. This makes a line of buttons. You tie the elastic to fit a child’s head. It is stretchy and comfortable.
This is a fast project. It takes about twenty minutes. The Crafty Crow says to use buttons with two holes. Four hole buttons are hard to string on elastic. Use small buttons so the headband is not too heavy. Make them in different colors for every outfit.
Tip: Use a safety pin to thread the elastic through the buttons. It is much easier than using your fingers.
5. Button Mini Birdhouse
A button birdhouse is a fun spring craft. You buy a small wooden birdhouse. You paint it a bright color. Then you glue buttons on the roof. You can also put buttons on the walls. It looks like a fairy house. You can hang it outside or keep it inside as decor.
This is a medium project. It takes a little patience to cover the roof. Consumer Crafts says to use a hot glue gun. It sets fast so the buttons do not slide off the slanted roof. Use small brown buttons to look like roof tiles. Or use bright colors for a fun look.
Tip: Do not put birdseed in it if you glue buttons on. The glue might be bad for birds to eat.
6. Embroidery Hoop Art
Embroidery hoop art is easy wall decor. You take a wooden hoop. You put fabric in it. You tighten the hoop. Then you glue buttons to the fabric to make a shape. You can make a balloon or a flower. You cut off the extra fabric on the back. It is ready to hang.
This is a very simple project. It looks very neat when it is done. Mod Podge Rocks says to use fabric with a tight weave. Loose fabric will fray on the edges. Use a strong glue on the buttons. Hang a group of three hoops together on the wall for a big impact.
Tip: Pull the fabric very tight in the hoop before you glue the buttons. If it is loose, it will sag.
7. Button Keychain
A button keychain is a quick craft. You use a large novelty button. This is a button shaped like an animal or a flower. You buy a keychain ring with a chain. You attach the button to the chain. You can use a jump ring or a piece of wire.
This is a great beginner project. It takes five minutes. FaveCrafts says you can find big bags of novelty buttons at craft stores. They are fun to collect. Make a keychain for every member of the family. They will never lose their keys again.
Tip: Use pliers to open and close the jump ring. It is hard to do with your fingers.
8. Button Garland
A button garland is a fun decoration. You string buttons on a piece of twine or ribbon. You can use all one color or mix them up. You tie a knot between each button so they do not slide. You drape the garland across a window or a shelf. It adds a festive touch.
This is a very easy project. Kids can help with this one. The Crafty Crow says to use a blunt needle. This makes it safe for kids to string the buttons. Make the garland as long as you want. Ten feet is a good length for a window.
Tip: Use twine instead of thread. It is thicker and the buttons will not slide over the knots.
9. Button Bowl
A button bowl is a delicate looking craft. You blow up a small balloon. You paint a layer of Mod Podge on the bottom. You stick flat buttons to the glue. You add more glue on top. Let it dry completely. Then pop the balloon. You are left with a bowl made of buttons.
This is a hard project. It takes practice to get the buttons to stick together. Consumer Crafts says to use a lot of Mod Podge. The glue dries clear and holds the buttons tight. Use flat buttons. They stick together better than curved ones. Put the balloon on a cup while you work so it does not roll.
Tip: Do not make the bowl too deep. A shallow bowl is stronger and easier to make.
10. Stacked Button Earrings
Stacked button earrings are fun jewelry. You take three or four tiny buttons. You stack them from big to small. You glue them together. Then you glue an earring post to the back. They look like little tiered cakes. You can make them to match every outfit.
This is a medium project. You need to use tiny seed buttons. Crafts Unleashed says to use a strong glue like jeweler’s glue. It holds the small pieces better. Let them dry flat overnight. Use bright colors for a pop of fun on your ears.
Tip: Put a piece of wax paper under your work. The glue will not stick to the wax paper.
11. Button Drink Coasters
Button coasters protect your table. You buy cork coasters. You glue flat buttons to the cork. You cover the whole cork circle. You can make a pattern or make it random. Then you seal it with a layer of Mod Podge or resin. This makes it waterproof.
This is a medium project. The sealing part is important. Mod Podge Rocks says if you do not seal it, water will get between the buttons. Use two coats of Mod Podge. Let it dry completely between coats. These make great housewarming gifts.
Tip: Use buttons that are all the same height. If some are taller, the glass will wobble on the coaster.
12. Necklace Pendant
A button necklace pendant is a statement piece. You find one large beautiful button. It can be metal or covered in fabric. You remove the shank on the back so it is flat. You glue it to a pendant blank. You slide it on a chain. It looks like a piece of fine jewelry.
This is an easy project with a fancy result. FaveCrafts says you can use vintage buttons for this. Look at flea markets for old metal buttons. Use wire cutters to snip off the shank. File it smooth. Use a strong jewelry glue to attach it to the blank.
Tip: You can add small seed beads around the edge of the button for extra sparkle.
13. Button Shoe Clips
Button shoe clips add bling to plain shoes. You buy clip-on shoe findings. You glue a sparkly button to the clip. You clip them to the front of flat shoes. They look like expensive ballet flats. You can take them off when you want to wear the shoes plain.
This is a medium project. The Crafty Crow says to use buttons that are light. Heavy buttons will pull the clip down and it will fall off. Use a gel glue. Put the clips on your shoes before the glue is totally dry. This makes sure the button faces the right way.
Tip: Make sure the clip is centered on the button. If it is off to the side, the shoe clip will sit crooked.
FAQ
What kind of buttons are best for crafts?
Flat buttons are best for most crafts. They stick to surfaces better. For stringing projects, use buttons with two holes. For stacking, use buttons that get smaller.
How do I remove the shank from a button?
Use wire cutters to snip the shank off. Then use a nail file to sand the back smooth. Be careful not to cut yourself.
Can I wash items with glued buttons?
No. Glued buttons will fall off in the washing machine. If you need to wash the item, you must sew the buttons on with a needle and thread.
What is Mod Podge used for in button crafts?
Mod Podge is a sealer and glue. You use it to stick buttons down and to seal them. It dries clear. It protects the buttons from water and dust.
Conclusion
Button craft projects are a fun way to get creative. You can make simple things like keychains or more complex items like button bowls. These projects are perfect for using up a button collection. They make great, personal gifts for friends and family. Start with an easy project like canvas art or a button jar. Once you get comfortable with glue, try making jewelry or shoe clips. You do not need to spend a lot of money to make beautiful things. Dig out your old buttons and pick a project from this list. You will have a fun afternoon and a beautiful new item for your home.
References
- Mod Podge Rocks, “Button Craft Ideas”
- FaveCrafts, “Quick Button Projects”
- Consumer Crafts, “DIY Button Decor”
- The Crafty Crow, “Kids Button Crafts”
- Crafts Unleashed, “Button Jewelry Tutorial
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