Cindy chooses a topic and we share how we use and incorporate that item into our vintage décor. This month the topic is buttons, and I have to be honest, even though I adore looking at them and through them, they aren't something I have much experience with.
I didn't have a template, but used the largest white button for a circle, I then freehanded a scalloped or petal edging with scissors.
I have to admit that this topic was a bit of a challenge for me, other than having a Mason Jar full of white vintage buttons, that I found years ago at a vintage market. It has set on my desk bookcase where I literally see them every day. I'm always attracted to old buttons; their color, texture and design, and think about what clothing they might have adorned. There are several fun ways to use them with DIY jewelry and art which I'll share inspiration of later.
There is something wonderfully calming about white and neutral vintage items for me. When I started thinking about how I could use some of these buttons I headed to Pinterest which is my go-to place for vintage inspiration. An easy DIY is what I was looking for and I'd seen and pinned this idea each time I'd seen a version of these fun little Book page Button Bouquets.
It's a super easy craft using vintage book pages, old buttons, florist wire and a small vessel to use as a vase. I tried using different color scrapbook paper, but the vintage book pages just fit better with the neutral color scheme. It didn't detract from the "art" of the old individual buttons, but gave them the space to stand out as unique little specimens in and of themselves.
Finding 3 buttons to make a stack was the fun part. Complimenting each button with the other's gave each "flower" it's own look. Color, texture and shape were all taken into consideration. The green floral wire was threaded through the openings then punched through the individual "flower" papers and twisted in back.
I found a single antique cut crystal salt shaker with a silver top in my stash to be the sweetest "vase" for the button flowers. The florist wire made it easy to bend the "stem" and give them a more lifelike feeling.
Here is another easy DIY craft tag I created for Valentine's Day one year. Neutral and pastel vintage buttons were glued directly to the tag for a simple message.
Here are a few more examples and ideas of ways to use old buttons. I used to make vintage statement necklaces about 12 years ago and sell on Etsy where I sometimes used buttons to accent pieces.
I'm a bit obsessed with this Bird Art using buttons and tiny beads.
You can visit and Follow my Pinterest Board and "Buttons" for more fun ideas using vintage buttons and sources.
We hope you'll continue the Hop and click on over to visit Lora Bloomquist who always gives us some amazing vintage inspiration! Thanks for coming by friends. If you have a jar of old buttons I hope you'll be inspired and find some fun ways to use them!
Debrra, Oh my gosh! Those birds are adorable and I loved your flowers also. Everything you shared is so inspiring. Great article.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh everyone of these are so cute. Have a good week. Hugs. Kris @ Junk Chic Cottage
ReplyDeleteSo many amazing ideas, Debra. I've never seen button birds like that before - what a treasure! I've recently learned how to embroider things so I'm excited to try adding vintage buttons to a few designs and I've always wanted to learn how to make button bouquets so those will be fun to try as well. Can't wait to get started sweet friend! Sending you lots of hugs, CoCo
ReplyDeleteYour little flowers in the salt shaker look amazing and are the perfect size for that little something to fill in a hole. You could literally place it anywhere and it look fantastic. And when I saw the button necklace I was like - I've never seen one of those before. Even though I'd like to make one, my buttons are like my quilts - I have a hard time separating them permanently! Thanks for all the inspo. Love love your flowers.
ReplyDeletevery sweet! very creative!
ReplyDeleteLots of these are really cute. Do you collect buttons, then? I might have some to share with you if you do. You can email me -- jeanie@wkar.org.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful shaker, and so pretty with the bouquet of sweet buttons! I love your upcycled button jewelry. Years ago I bought a button bracelet a friend made; I always get compliments on it. I was overwhelmed by all the beautiful button projects on Pinterest, too. Definitely will be adding to my collection!
ReplyDeleteThese flowers are so cute! I love them.
ReplyDeleteSuch great uses for buttons. I especially love the button bouquet! Commenting from #WWBH
ReplyDeleteDebra, these are too adorable! Pinned!
ReplyDeleteDebra, your button art is just the best. Seriously you have inspired me with each of these clever pieces. Makes me want to start making something with buttons. I still have an abundance from my grandmother's button box.
ReplyDeleteDebra, I love anything made with vintage book paper... and seriously, buttons are the icing on the cake for me!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your DIY vintage book page button bouquet at Create, Bake, Grow and Gather this week. I'm delighted to be featuring it at tonight's party and pinning too.
Hugs ~ Kerryanne