Crafting with Buttons: 7 Steps to Frame-Worthy Art

🕒 Reading Time: 4 minutes

Hello lovely crafters!

If you’ve got a jar of spare buttons (or a slight obsession with collecting them like I do), then you’re in for a treat. Today we’re diving into the charming world of button art; a simple, joyful craft that turns everyday buttons into beautiful keepsakes. Whether you’re decorating a nursery, making a heartfelt gift, or just fancy a relaxing afternoon project, this one’s for you.

I first made button art for a friend’s baby shower, a sweet little heart framed in soft pinks, perfect for perching on a vintage wooden ladder. It was such a hit, I’ve been making them ever since. And the best part? You don’t need to be a crafting wizard to pull it off.

Let’s get stuck in!

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What you’ll Need

• Scissors
• Pencil
• Template (heart, star, letter, whatever you fancy!)
• Patterned paper (go wild or keep it classic)
• Glue (a strong craft glue works best)
• Frame (any size you like)
• A lovely mix of buttons (colours, shapes, textures, mix it up!)

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Templates

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Instructions

1. Pick your patterned paper

Choose something that complements your buttons. Florals, polka dots, or even a page from an old book can look fab.

2. Measure your frame

Use the insert or backing as a guide to cut your paper to size.

3. Cut your paper to fit

Snip snip! Make sure it fits snugly inside the frame.

4. Choose and cut your stencil

Hearts are classic, but initials or stars are great too. You can draw your own or print one off.

5. Position your stencil

Lightly tape it to your patterned paper so it stays put while you work your magic.

6. Glue on your buttons

Fill the shape with buttons! Start with the edges and work your way in. Layer them for extra texture.

7. Remove the stencil

Ta-da! You’ve got a button masterpiece. Pop it in the frame and admire your handywork.

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Corrina’s Top Tips:

• Mix sizes and shades for a more interesting look
• Use tweezers for fiddly buttons (especially if you’ve had too much coffee)
• Try themed colours for holidays, baby showers, or weddings
• Add a name or date with a fine-tip pen for a personal touch

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Button Art Inspiration: Beyond the Basics

Once you’ve mastered the classic heart (or even if you haven’t!), there’s a whole world of button art waiting to be explored. Here are a few of my favourite ideas that really show off what buttons can do:

Hot Air Balloons

These are absolutely charming, imagine a sky full of colourful button balloons floating above a stitched or painted basket. Perfect for nurseries or whimsical wall art.

Button Flowers

Layered buttons make the sweetest petals. Add a few stitched stems or glue on some paper leaves, and you’ve got a blooming lovely piece of art.

Birds, Butterflies and Beyond

If you’re feeling adventurous, try more detailed shapes like birds, butterflies, or even a whole garden scene. These take a bit more planning, but the results are stunning.

Tip: Pinterest is a goldmine for button art ideas. Just search “button art” and prepare to fall down a very colourful button hole, you’ve been warned!

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Button art is one of those crafts that’s as fun as it is forgiving. It’s perfect for beginners, great for kids, and makes a thoughtful handmade gift, as well as a lovely way to use up those odd buttons we all seem to collect. From paper choice to button layering, it’s the little details that make each piece feel special. If you give it a go, I’d love to see what you create.