These cute and clever button projects will give you some fantastic inspiration with regards to putting your collection to good use in non-traditional ways. Jump to:
Button Bowl
This cute and whimsical button bowl is the perfect way to store your little bits and bobs like jewelry or keys. It uses the same method as the cotton thread balls where you use a balloon to create the shape you want, much like a mold, which is then popped and discarded once everything is set and dried.
Quick Bookmarks
Everything you make doesn’t always have to be grand or complicated; you can make something as simple as a button bookmark with a paperclip that you know will be put to good use. It’s a quick and easy craft that can really help your school-going kids.
Simple Wall Art
I just love this fleur-de-lis symbol, although, of course you can go with practically any image or monogram as long as it’s not too detailed or finicky. The best part about this project is that you don’t have to sew the buttons – you can cheat and just glue them on!
Oh Christmas Tree
If you have a good range of sizes among all your forgotten buttons, then you may be able to make yourself a few of these charming Christmas tree ornaments. If you don’t have enough greens, though, you can either spray paint them or simply embrace the non-traditional colors.
Beautified Button Shoes
Whether you want to vamp up an old pair of shoes, or you found a plain pair on sale for next to nothing, a really cute way to do so is to add buttons. You’ll have to take the longer sewing route with these; when considering all the movement of your feet in your shoes, the buttons may just pop off if you use hot glue to attach them.
Fridge Magnets
Ok, so here’s a really nice and easy craft that is so simple, yet people don’t seem to think about it – button fridge magnets! It really is as easy as it sounds: glue magnets onto the buttons and you’re good to go! It adds a fun and playful element of whimsy to your kitchen.
Necklaces
There are so many ideas and ways that you can make some really pretty and interesting necklaces, ranging from simple to intricate to chunky, so I’ve found a handful for you to gloss over and get some inspiration for your own creation. Or, you could just make them all!
Bracelets
As with the necklaces, your button bracelet making possibilities are seemingly endless. There are so many techniques that you can use, so once again, let your own imagination and creativity run wild and see what you can make with the types of buttons that you have.
Leather Cuff
I love all things bohemian, so this leather button cuff is right up my alley. If you can get the blank leather cuff with all the hardware on it then you’re already halfway there, otherwise you’ll just have to attach those yourself. This could make a really interesting belt idea, too!
Cupcake Art
This is just too cute! It’ll perfectly adorn something like a nursery or child’s playroom. After seeing the tutorial, it’s clear that you can paint and button just about any image, but the cupcakes are definitely my favorites!
Headband
Making a really cute button headband is actually really easy. The toughest part is just deciding on which buttons to use and how to arrange them – you can cover the entire piece of fabric, or you could just make a little accent part on the side.
Flower Bouquet
These felt and button flowers are just adorable, and they’re so much fun to make, too! You could get your little ones involved in the project so that they can proudly display them in their rooms, or even give them to their teachers as gifts.
Garland
This Christmassy garland is a real cinch to make if you can do a simple chain stitch. I love the holiday themed colors that can turn your home into a real festive place, but of course, you can just pick any colors for absolutely any time of the year.
Fun Frames
Any simple frame can be transformed into something noticeable and pretty with the addition of some buttons. You can keep it simple, or arrange the buttons according to color for a rainbow or ombre theme.
Buttoned-Up Handbag
If you have the patience and the sanity to cover an entire handbag with buttons, then you truly deserve to have something this gorgeous! Sure, this is a big job, but if you don’t think you’ll see it through, then perhaps you could use the same technique on a smaller clutch.
Pretty Gift Bags
Give a plain gift bag a personalized touch by adding some buttons and yarn as embellishments; it’s a great way to use some of your plainer buttons. You can even do this to blank cards as well!
Resin Paperweight/Coaster
Resin is freaking fantastic because you can cast pretty much anything in there – buttons included! These make really cute paperweights or coasters, and finding the right mold can be as easy as using a cup or even a jar lid.
Woven Coaster
If you’re not a big fan of the bulky resin coasters then you can try this woven technique instead. And this isn’t just limited to coasters, you could make some gorgeous placemats for your dining table – it’s not too difficult, but it will take some time if you want a set.
Button Tray
As you may have noticed by now, you can add buttons to pretty much anything and it’ll come out looking lovely! Give a plain and cheap tray a whole new look by lining the bottom with buttons for an interesting look.
Pillows
The addition of some buttons, fabric, trimming and whatever else you have among your craft supplies can totally transform a regular pillow to something unique and adorable. Just make sure to map out your arrangement before you start sewing.
T-Shirt Upgrade
We’re used to buttons on clothing, but they usually serve a function of closing something up. This tutorial shows you how you can add buttons to a regular t-shirt for the sole purpose of decorating or embellishing; doesn’t it look great?
Bobby Pins
A couple of bobby pins, a touch of glue, and some interesting or vintage buttons are all you need to make some very simple yet striking hair clips. I just love simple projects like these!
Embroidery Button Clock
If the hours seem to fly by when you find yourself heading into your craft room, then perhaps it’s time you make yourself a clock to go in there, and what could be more fitting than an embroidery hoop and button clock? If this isn’t quite to your taste, though, have a look at our other DIY clocks.
Gift Wrapping
When it comes to my really close friends and family, I prefer implementing some interesting and unique gift wrapping techniques as opposed to just using regular wrapping paper. This simple little button detail is so cute and it just gives it that little special touch.
Button Tree Art
This is such a cute idea – instead of painting leaves on a tree, you can just glue on some buttons! This is also fun to do with the kids, since you can paint the trunk and branches, and then let the little ones choose where they want to place their buttons.
Lampshade
This site doesn’t contain a step-by-step tutorial, but I think it’s quite easy to figure out. You can either buy a lampshade frame or just remove the fabric from an existing one, and then thread your buttons through some thin wire. I wonder how it would look with the light on!