Category: Buttons

Button-spiration

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Feels like it’s been a while since I featured a button jewelry idea. Well, here’s one for you. The DIY Vintage Button Necklace from Silvia Chelazzi of Born in ’82. Like most projects that catch my eye, this one is pretty simple to make. Just glue some buttons onto a piece of fabric or felt (felt will probably offer better stability). Then cut around the entire shape. Stitch some chain directly to the back of the felt OR stitch jump rings onto the felt & then attach your chain to the jump rings. If you do the jump ring idea, you could simply feed the chain through, so your necklace will move along the chain (a nice feature if you want the chain length adjustable).

I love this project idea because it gives me a use for all those buttons in my collection that have shanks. Mostly I use shankless buttons for everything, so I’ve got a pile of neat buttons with shanks that could use some purpose in life. Poor little neglected buttons. Of course, there’s no reason you can’t use regular buttons and there’s no reason you can’t stitch them down to the felt instead of using glue. Glue just simplifies this project.

Happy crafting!

Button-spiration

Sarah Leave a comment

Here’s a fun combination of two things I love. Buttons & crochet. Actually, crochet buttons. Nifty, eh? I could see spending an evening making up a bunch of these… for something. Maybe put some on a few cuff bracelets, or make some new button hair clips. Not sure I would actually use them as functional buttons, but more just for embellishment.

There are quite a few tutorials out there for making these. This one from Salt for the Spirit, incorporates a plastic ring to form thicker, more rounded buttons. There is also a super simple crochet button tutorial on Mr. Micawber’s Reciper for Happiness blog. Quick Tip has some simple patterned buttons. Jenny Doh has examples of some crochet buttons she made from hemp yarn & used to decorate a pair of ballet flats. There’s also instructions on Mademoiselle Chaos for crocheting around buttons, giving them a bit of a facelift. I think you’re starting to get the picture. Lots of options to choose from.

Happy crocheting!

Button-spiration

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Have I ever mentioned that sometimes I receive the most wonderful gifts in the mail? Buttons seem to find their way to me from such thoughtful friends. This is not the first envelope I’ve opened to discover a button surprise, but it IS the first time they’ve been wrapped with such care & character.

Aren’t they simply adorable?! They arrived from my friend & old coworker, Pamela. I have no idea what to do with them, yet, but rest assured, they will be put to good use one day. I feel like I should give each of them a name and perhaps a nice spot near my sewing machine, so they can keep me company as I work. Such cute new friends! Thank you, Pamela!

Button-spiration

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Last week we took a look vintage button cards. This week, I’ve put together a small list of downloadable files (some free, some not) so you can make your own lovely buttons cards. They make sweet gifts. They’re also a nice way to display some of your favourite buttons (just pop them in a frame & viola!).

Happy crafting!


Free download designs from Papercraft Inspirations

Button-spiration

Sarah Leave a comment

There was a time when button cards were interesting, even beautiful (by “button cards”, I’m referring to the cards buttons come mounted on when you purchase them, not some scrap booking-type-project). Vintage button cards have a wonderful aesthetic, rarely experienced when you pick up buttons at the store today.


Buttons from TBP Vintage on Etsy

I really don’t know much history when it comes to buttons (hard to believe when I’m such a fanatic). I can sorta tell a true vintage button from a modern button, but that’s about it. I don’t know prominent historical button manufacturers by name, and I certainly can’t date a button.

But I can appreciate them immensely, nonetheless.


Buttons from Natural Vintage on Etsy

While drooling over buttons on Etsy one day, I started to notice the button cards that the vintage buttons were mounted to. Such elegant, sweet drawings. Some silly ones, and even some down right strange ones from Europe whose meaning must be lost on me. All infinitely more interesting than our modern day versions. When you love buttons, you love details. And the details in these packaging are something that I can appreciate.


Buttons from Fuzzy Colors Vintage Buttons & Such on Etsy


Buttons from Vintage Jewelry Alcove on Etsy


Buttons from soldiersuzanne on Etsy


Buttons from missgaylee on Etsy

Button-spiration

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Oh how I wish we were having more hot sun this summer! I know I shouldn’t complain about rain on the prairies, but it has just been such a wet spring & summer so far. I could count on one hand the number of “hot” days we’ve had. That’s just sad. So here’s a little cheery button project to wear once the sun decides to come out and stay. Make as many pairs of these simple flip flops as you like, in a rainbow of colours! Super inexpensive project. All you need are a pair of cheap flip flops, a bit of scrap fabric, a hot glue gun, a bit of thread, and buttons (duh). The full tutorial can be found here.

Button-spiration

Sarah 1 Comment

If I have one goal in life, it is to instill a love of buttons in our son. Okay, so maybe there are a few other more important things to achieve first, but a mama can dream.

Imagine how tickled I was to come across this super cute game for kids using buttons! The full write-up can be found on the Inner Child Learning site. All you need is a pile of colourful buttons, pipe cleaners, cards with the corresponding button colours written on them, and a single die.

To play, you simply put the cards face down in a pile, roll the die, and the number you roll is the number of cards you take. Then you thread the buttons onto the pipe cleaner in the order you drew them. The result, colourful button flowers, which you can make into a bouquet! Of course, like most games, there are elements of learning involved. This game teaches fine motor skills, colours, words, sequencing & ordering, and counting. Sounds like a great game to play at a kids birthday party! Guests get to go home with a pretty bouquet and you could always provide a uniquely decorated flowerpot for them to keep.

When do you wanna come over and play?

Button-spiration

Sarah Leave a comment

Okay, so I’m not really needing to plan a wedding (already married) or any special event (my life is kinda boring), but could not help but share this idea. It comes from a rustic DIY inspired wedding on Wedding Chicks. Table numbers for the reception made from vintage hardcover books and buttons! Sooo neat! And fairly simple.

Now, just because I don’t have an event to plan, doesn’t mean this idea wouldn’t be totally cute for the cover of a notebook. Right? If you have a hardcover journal or notebook, you could simply glue the buttons on (maybe into the shape of your initial). Or if you have a soft cover paper notebook, you could hand stitch the buttons on. Might be a little taxing on the fingertips, but still doable.

This project is going into the pile of “once I get a free moment” ideas. I think it would cheer me up to see those buttons on the cover of a much used notebook.

Happy crafting!

Button-spiration

Sarah Leave a comment

It’s been a while since I did one of these Button-spiration posts. Sorry about that. You know my button passion hasn’t waned at all, but I haven’t been on Pinterest a lot these days, so I’m lacking some fresh button craft ideas. That is, until I came across these leather button cuffs. You can find the full tutorial on Delia Creates. They are super simple to make & I like the funky look. If you’re not sure where to track down some leather to make these, you can get some at Tandy Leather (you can order online or they have a store in Calgary just off Macleod Trail near the Kingsland Farmer’s Market.)

Happy crafting!