Button Craft Project Ideas: How to Make Easy Crafts With Buttons

Author:
Rose Clearfield
Updated date:
Sep 21, 2021

Rose is a full-time freelance writer who frequently writes about education, special education, DIY projects, food, Milwaukee, and more.

Buttons are an inexpensive, fun craft material that can be used for a wide variety of art projects. With a number of options for jewelry, office supplies, and home décor, there are enough ideas here to keep you creating for many hours. Whether you are making crafts for yourself, for gifts, or to sell, there is something here that will fit your interests and needs. Many of these projects are kid friendly. Happy creating!

Please note that regardless of other glue recommendations in tutorials, I highly recommend using only E-6000 for all magnets, tacks, and button jewelry that requires gluing. You will need to use it in a well well-ventilated, but it is worth it for the extra strength it ensures. Scrapbook glue, hot glue gun glue, and Mod Podge are fine for paper projects and wall decor.

1. Button Bracelets

One of the most popular options for button bracelets in charm bracelet style button bracelets where buttons are attached to links with jump rings. I have included several examples of other button bracelets, too. All of these designs can be completed with basic wire or bead weaving skills. Fun options for button charm bracelets include using buttons of variation sizes, experimenting with monochromatic and multicolored palettes, and added beads and/or charms.

2. Button Earrings

Button earrings are so fun and unique. I guarantee that you will always get comments when you wear any style of button earrings. You can create simple post earrings with single buttons or double stacked buttons. I have included an example photo of double stacked dangle earrings, too, as well as a couple examples of button cluster dangle earrings.

3. Button Necklaces

I have concentrated most of my button jewelry energy on bracelet and earring designs and have only created a handful of necklaces. You can take any of the previously featured bracelet and earring designs and transfer the concept to necklaces. Pay attention to how the buttons hang and do some "test runs" with each new design to see if the concept wears as well as it looks flat.

4. Button Rings

I have not found a good craft store source for purchasing ring blanks. If you have one, please feel free to leave it in the comments. There are numerous resources for purchasing them online. Buttons rings are insanely fun and work up really quickly, which is good because all of your friends will want them when they see yours.

Jewelry Tutorial: Button Rings

5. Button Pins/Brooches

Buttons pins follow the same concept as button rings except that you attach a pin back instead of a ring blank. Pin backs are available at most craft stores, although normally only in one, maybe two, sizes around 1" (1.3cm) to 1.5" (3.8 cm) long. If you're looking for anything smaller or larger, you'll most likely have to look online. If you don't want to wear a pin on your clothing, it will make a great addition to a purse, backpack, or electronic case (i.e. smartphone case, laptop bag).

button flower tutorial - artsy-crafty babe

I added self adhesive rhinestones to this pair of button hair pins.

6. Button Hair Pins

You can see in the photo examples here that I prefer to use bobby pins with large flat ends because it is easy to attach buttons securely to these type of pins. If you have trouble finding them, they're often labeled as a covered button or fabric button supply, as many people choose to use them for that as well. Alternatively, you can use the black and brown pins that are available at any drug store or big box store. Many people find these type of pins more comfortable, even though they will be harder to use for crafting.

Easy Button Bobby Pin Tutorial

New magnets ready to go.

7. Button Magnets

Buttons magnets were the first non-jewelry item that I started making for craft shows, and they're still one of my most popular items. No matter what type of show I'm doing, there is always interest in the magnets. I think that it's largely because so many people use refrigerator magnets. Even if you already have a collection of them, who can't use a few more? Typically I've used round craft magnets, but you can opt for neodymium magnets, which will hold 5-6 sheets of paper.

Tutorial Tuesday: Easy Button Magnets

8. Button Tacks

Flat back thumb tacks are tough to find anywhere anymore because they're considered to be dangerous. You can opt for slightly curved tacks, but I recommend looking for the flat ones. Again, searching for craft tacks or fabric button tacks can yield better results than a general search. If you regularly use a bulletin board at home or work for any variety of purposes, button tacks will add a cheerful touch.

9. Button-Embellished Greeting Cards

I have only just started to explore the possibilities for buttons in my own greeting card designs. I've included photo examples from a few other artists as well as links to my button greeting card articles for lots more inspiration. I am always amazed at the creativity out there, and button greeting card designs are no exception.

10. Button Wall Art

This is another crafting area that I've only just started to explore. I created the piece on the right as a wedding present for some good friends. This was the first piece I've made like this, and it will certainly not be the last. I have included links below for button letter art tutorials. Search "button canvas" on Pinterest for a number of great button wall art designs, including more letters as well as words, hearts, and trees.

American Crafts Studio Blog: Element Monogram Tutorial by Jen Jockisch
Button Christmas Tree Tutorial | Busted Button
Button Shamrock - A Sprinkle of Joy
Looking for a fun and easy craft to do for St. Patrick's Day? Check out this button shamrock art. Its quick to do, and turns out super cute.

Button Craft Resources:

Cover Buttons Findings and Craft Supplies by coverbuttoncity
This is where I buy my ring blanks, flat back bobby pins, and flat thumb tacks.
Take 10 off today by Karenscraftsupplies on Etsy
If you don't want to buy neodymium magnets on eBay, this is another good online resource.

Questions & Answers

Question: Where can I find pretty buttons to use for jewelry making?

Answer: I collect buttons from a wide variety of resources, including Etsy, eBay, Oriental Trading, and local secondhand/thrift stores.

Comments

Kathleen DesHotel on August 18, 2018:

So creative! TY 4 sharing.

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on March 20, 2014:

Thanks, Vicki!

Victoria Lynn from Arkansas, USA on March 20, 2014:

I love buttons! I've always liked this hub but hadn't seen it in a while. Nice one!

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 26, 2013:

Thanks, Nichelle! That's a great idea for a gift!

Nichelle Webster from Silicon Valley on July 26, 2013:

I love the button tacks! Imagine a little corkboard with a gift certificate pinned to it--such a cute gift!

Author Victoria Sheffield from Georgia on June 26, 2013:

niiiiiiice!!!!!!!

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on May 14, 2013:

That's great, sginteractive. :) Thanks!

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on May 06, 2013:

Thanks, Toytasting! It's great that you do a lot of craft activities at home. I hope that you can add some of these ideas to the mix.

AMFredenburg, I am so glad to hear that! Thanks for the update.

Aldene Fredenburg from Southwestern New Hampshire on May 06, 2013:

An update: I Pinned this a while ago, and I am getting lots of messages from Pinterest about people re-pinning; it's my most popular pin!

Toy Tasting from Mumbai on May 06, 2013:

Hey Randomcreative, your hubs are very interesting. I really like the ideas you have portrayed here. At home we spend a lot of time doing craft activities. Thank you so much for sharing these colorful ideas. Cheers!

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on April 04, 2013:

Thanks so much!

Sarah Carlsley from Minnesota on April 04, 2013:

Awesome hub! I love the tacks and the magnets, very clever!

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on April 03, 2013:

Any time!

Corinna Nicole from Huntsville, AL on April 03, 2013:

Thanks for the advice!

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on April 03, 2013:

I use E-6000 for all of my button crafts that require gluing. There are a few beaded earring designs I make that require glue, and I use super glue for those tiny jobs. Loctite brand is great. I order my flat top rings from an Etsy shop called coverbuttoncity. Michaels is great for purchasing small quantities of items like that. However, if you're looking for larger quantities, I suggest ordering online.

Corinna Nicole from Huntsville, AL on April 02, 2013:

Glad I came across this! I've made a few dangly button earrings for myself, but I used thin thread and I've tried to make some studs out of them as well. My problems though, for the dangly earrings, sometimes the string would come out of the earring hook and for the studs, I haven't been able to find a glue that actually holds them onto the backing. Any suggestions for glue? I've tried hot glue and cement glue. Also, I don't know if anyone's answered this, but I've found flat top rings at Michaels

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on March 23, 2013:

Thanks so much, KoffeeKlatch Gals! It's great to hear that.

Susan Hazelton from Sunny Florida on March 23, 2013:

You have such creative ideas. Every time I visit I leave with my mind working towards new projects. I love it.

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on February 18, 2013:

Thanks so much, VivaLaVina! I'm glad that you enjoyed this article.

VivaLaVina on February 18, 2013:

This is so creative! I've never thought of using buttons to make bracelets and rings. This is just wonderful! Thank you for sharing such useful idea and creativity.

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on February 17, 2013:

Thanks, AMFredenburg! I appreciate those shares. I hope that you are able to revisit your mom's button box one day.

Thanks so much, anuramkumar!

Kathryn, thanks! I hope that you do get to use some of these ideas. I got HOTD for this article back in the summer I believe. It was a while ago.

Kathryn from Windsor, Connecticut on February 17, 2013:

This is a creative hub! So many ideas on buttons. I may put some to use at some point.

Congrats on HOTD award! I don't know how I missed it that day.

anuramkumar from Chennai, India on February 17, 2013:

Very creative and useful. I just loved your button greeting cards, magnets and wall arts. Voted up and shared.

Aldene Fredenburg from Southwestern New Hampshire on February 16, 2013:

What a wonderful article; makes me want to track down my mother's button box and try many of these techniques. (I used to spend hours rummaging through my mother's button box.) I'm sending this to my sisters and crafting friends, too.

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on February 16, 2013:

Thanks, that's great! You're right that there are so many possibilities for all of the cute buttons out there.

Marie Hurt from New Orleans, LA on February 16, 2013:

Great ideas for doing projects with my nieces. I love the idea of button magnets. They are so cute. They have a lot of nice and creative looking buttons out there so you can do a lot with them.

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on February 16, 2013:

That's great. :) You have everything that you need now.

cre8ivOne from Midwest, USA on February 16, 2013:

Awesome thanks! I have wanted to make a button bracelet for awhile now!

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on February 08, 2013:

Thanks so much! Button rings are really cute. I sell them at craft fairs, and they are almost always very popular with young girls.

Sarah Carlsley from Minnesota on February 08, 2013:

Awesome ideas! I love the button ring idea, that could be really cute!

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on February 07, 2013:

Thanks so much, Neinahpets and DIYmommy! Enjoy these projects. :)

Julie on February 07, 2013:

This is a fascinating article. I am always looking for innovative and creative new hobbies :). Thanks for sharing!

Stephanie from Canada on February 07, 2013:

Such awesome ideas to do with cheap, colorful buttons!! Thank you for sharing randomcreative!

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on January 29, 2013:

Thanks, Arielqiao! That's neat. :)

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on January 13, 2013:

Thanks, Karen!

Karen Ellis from Central Oregon on January 13, 2013:

Very cute ideas - thanks

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on December 31, 2012:

That's awesome, Rosie. :) Have fun with your button projects!

Audrey Surma from Virginia on December 31, 2012:

Great ideas! I have a container full of interesting buttons. I like the hairpin idea - will be doing that. The button necklace is really adorable too.

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on December 20, 2012:

How neat, NornsMercy! Now you have a bunch of ideas. :)

Chace from Charlotte, NC on December 20, 2012:

How cool! I have a big thing full of buttons I use for crochet octopus eyeballs and don't know what to do with some of the smaller ones. Voted up and awesome!

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on December 19, 2012:

Thanks, schoolgirlforreal! I buy buttons in many different places. I'm always looking for bulk and secondhand deals. I go through so many of them that I can't pay top dollar for small packages. Fimo clay is a lot of fun, too!

schoolgirlforreal on December 19, 2012:

I especially liked the magnets and brooches! Wow! button bracelets, how creative! Where do you buy the buttons, at craft stores? I like the tip about the glue. This also reminds me of when I worked with Fimo clay (is it fimo?) the clay that you make jewelry with and bake in the oven, have you heard of it? I'd roll out like purple than blue then yellow and taper them, then make them into a "roll" and cut slices which where then used to cover a ball of clay and make a turtle...

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on November 26, 2012:

Thanks so much, Shasta! When I got serious about my jewelry making a few years, I never imagined that I would end up working with buttons so much, but it's been a fun journey. I hope that you find some projects here for your own stash.

Shasta Matova from USA on November 26, 2012:

Congratulations on your well-deserved hub of the day. Wow, 45 pictures! You've clearly explained how to make so many different crafts with buttons. You've made so many pretty things. I have quite a few buttons, and I should start using them up. Thanks for these great ideas. Voted up.

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 16, 2012:

Thanks so much, farmloft! I'm glad that the tip was useful, and I appreciate the votes and shares.

farmloft from Michigan on August 16, 2012:

Great instructions - thanks for the tip about what type of glue to use. I love the jewelry, but I also love that snowman! Will definitely pin this. Voted up!

vasantha tk on August 04, 2012:

Simply beautiful. With Bestwishes

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 31, 2012:

Thanks so much, dndswordsmith! Have fun with your button crafts. I appreciate the votes and share!

Nique from Philadelphia County PA on July 31, 2012:

Great Craft ideas, there is no wonder why this article is getting mad props. I will be making some button crafts with my daughters on our vacation. Thanks

voted up, awesome, beautiful, useful, and Liked on Facebook.

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 29, 2012:

Thanks, dobo700!

dobo700 from Australia on July 29, 2012:

Some very creative ideas here

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 29, 2012:

Thanks, Claudia! I try. :) I'm glad that you like so many of the ideas here. You're right that many of them are great kid craft projects.

Claudia Tello from Mexico on July 29, 2012:

Hey Randomcreative! You really honor your name! I can´t pick a favorite one, you´ve compiled several great and lovely ideas. This should be a great crafty-creative activity for kids.

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 29, 2012:

Thanks, DzyMsLizzy! That's neat about the button box. Buttons are a great tactile item for people of many ages.

thesingernurse, thanks! You'll have to give some of those ideas a try.

Thanks, Glimmer Twin Fan and moonlake!

moonlake from America on July 29, 2012:

Congrats on hub of the day. I like to craft with buttons. Your hub is very interesting enjoyed reading it. Voted Up

Claudia Mitchell on July 29, 2012:

I love buttons and these ideas are fantastic! Beautiful hub! Thanks

Tina Siuagan from Rizal, Philippines on July 29, 2012:

Brilliant artworks! I've never seen such many button crafts before! I am particularly interested in using buttons as tacks and décor for walls and greeting cards. I hope I can make one these days. :)

Voting up and sharing!

Liz Elias from Oakley, CA on July 28, 2012:

Goodness! Congrats on HOTD! What a comprehensive article and great photos!

Funny, my mom, a child of the first Great Depression, had a whole cigar box full of oddball buttons, and as a kid, I loved playing with them, sorting them one way and then another. Later, my kids enjoyed the same activity. But it never occurred to any of us to MAKE things with the buttons!

Voted up, interesting, useful and shared.

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 28, 2012:

Thanks, Alissa! There are endless possibilities for creative, inexpensive button crafts. That sounds good. :)

Alissa Roberts from Normandy, TN on July 28, 2012:

So many creative and budget friendly crafts you can make with buttons. I am totally going to have start saving those extra buttons up to make some of these fun ideas. I especially love your button bracelets - sooo cute! Congrats on your hub of the day!

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 28, 2012:

Thanks!

Hui (蕙) on July 28, 2012:

Amazing creation in everyday life!

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 28, 2012:

Thanks, kittythedreamer! I sell the button rings and hair pins at craft shows and don't have either of them listed on Etsy currently. If you're interested in purchasing some, I'm happy to take photos of my current stash. Let me know. :)

Kitty Fields from Summerland on July 28, 2012:

Okay, the button rings and hair pins are ADORABLE...do you sell them on etsy or elsewhere?

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 28, 2012:

Thank you thank you for the continued HOTD congrats today!

Vicki, you'll have to give the hair pins a try!

gingerka, I'm glad that you found this inspirational! Have fun with your buttons.

Thanks, RTalloni! You're right that some of these make great summer projects.

Deb, that's awesome that you've used buttons for Christmas crafts.

Stephanie, that's too funny about the Buttons eatery. I'm glad that it worked out even if it wasn't a craft place. :)

Thanks, The Dirt Farmer!

Jill Spencer from United States on July 28, 2012:

Congrats on HOTD! Love the button project ideas, especially the rings & hairpins. Haven't seen those before. Really charming!

Stephanie Bradberry from New Jersey on July 28, 2012:

These are ideas are so cute and interesting. And your hub is ironic for me. Today I went to the local farmer's market and saw a new place called "Buttons." There were buttons making up the store sign. So, I was excited thinking this was a new crafter's table. Nope. Instead it was a eatery. But the upshot was one of my former college students was working at the place. So it was cool talking to her.

Great hub, but you already know how awesome and useful it is :)

Deborah Neyens from Iowa on July 28, 2012:

Another great craft hub that I need to pin! Buttons are great for craft projects. I've done some really cute Christmas crafts with them. Congrats on Hub of the Day.

RTalloni on July 28, 2012:

Coming back to say congrats on your Hub of the Day award! Some of these would make such great summer projects--good stuff as always. :)

Urmila from Rancho Cucamonga,CA, USA on July 28, 2012:

Wow, cool! Very useful. Will try it. Oh congratulations on getting Hub of the day award!

MissyGear on July 28, 2012:

These are all so cute! I'm going to have to start collecting buttons again.

gingerka from Colorado on July 28, 2012:

I like the greeting cards the best. I found this to be inspirational. I have tons of buttons so I guess I will have to get creative. Thanks

Mommiegee from Alabama on July 28, 2012:

Love button craft projects! Thumbs up!

Victoria Lynn from Arkansas, USA on July 28, 2012:

So many things you can do with button! I keep a little jar of random buttons for that "just in case!" Maybe I'll make those button hair pins. Love those! Congrats on HOTD! You deserve it!

Riverfish24 from United States on July 28, 2012:

Congrats on HOTD ! very well deserved and what a wonderful hub- oozing with creativity and colours and a wealth of ideas! Awesome stuff.

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 28, 2012:

Thanks, Leah! The button hair pins are perfect for girls. Christmas trees with button ornaments would be great for your Christmas cards!

Leah Lefler from Western New York on July 28, 2012:

These are so, so cute! I love your ideas, Rose! The button hair pins make me wish I had a girl - they are adorable. I love the paper crafts with buttons, too - I might do something with a Christmas tree and little buttons as ornaments for our Christmas cards this year!

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 28, 2012:

Thanks, Miss Lil' Atlanta! Yes, for sure!

Miss Lil' Atlanta from Atlanta, GA on July 28, 2012:

A lot of great ideas in this article! I love making all sorts of things with buttons; there really are so many creative crafts to do with them.

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 28, 2012:

Thanks, Sharda!

SHARDA from Singapore, Singapore on July 28, 2012:

Pretty cool stuff and quite interesting.. have to try.. thanks for sharing such a lovely info.

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 28, 2012:

cyoung, that's great! You're right that a good rainy day project is so valuable.

Thanks, Emma! I hope that you find a chance to try the tacks and magnets.

Thanks, Learningworkbooks! You're right that many of these projects are great for the classroom.

Learningworkbooks on July 28, 2012:

These are fantastic ideas! These are great activities for children to do in the classroom.

Emma Kisby from Berkshire, UK on July 28, 2012:

Congrats on your HOFT!

I love these ideas! I wish I could have come up with such wonderful creations - these buttons are cute and very effective.

I would love to have a go at the tacks and magnets and maybe get my son involved. Fantastic - voting up and awesome :)

Chad Young from Corona, CA on July 28, 2012:

I love this!!! Great hub...my kids are going to love the button bracelets and this will keep us busy for hours. Anytime there is something that can pass the time on a stormy day is worth its weight in gold.

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 28, 2012:

Thank you thank you for all of the HOTD congrats today! Your support means so much to me.

Melanie, I'm so glad that you're enjoying your bracelet. You can also enjoy the fact that so many people get to see it featured here!

ishwaryaa22, yep, buttons have been one of my favorite crafting materials for almost 4 years now. Have fun with your cards and wall art!

CASE1WORKER, enjoy your new collection of buttons!

Just Ask Susan, enjoy crafting with your buttons, too. :)

Janine and Specialk3749, these are definitely kid friendly projects.

ChaplinSpeaks, that's great. :) Have fun crafting with your daughter this summer.

Global-Chica, now you can learn to make them yourself!

Thelma, this is definitely a good place to come for Christmas present making inspiration.

MissOlive, if you lived closer, I'd tell you to send your niece over here sometime. I love passing my crafting passion on to others.

Marisa Hammond Olivares from Texas on July 28, 2012:

Congratulations on your Hub of the Day! Your craft room would be a DREAM for my niece to visit. She loves making all kinds of crafts. Your button ideas are fantastic and fun. Plus, you've provided us with so many ideas with all of your great pictures. Awesome job.

Pinned!

carol stanley from Arizona on July 28, 2012:

This hub is of particular interest to me as I write craft articles. lot of great photos and good instructions. Great hu Voted UP and more.

Cynthia Calhoun from Western NC on July 28, 2012:

This is a beautiful hub and you're so creative! These are great ideas for crafters and you're amazing!! I'm so glad you shared all this and the pictures are beautiful! Congratulations on your hub of the day! :)

B. A. Williams from USA on July 28, 2012:

Great hub, and what a nice idea for a kid's group to do. I always loved buttons and have collected a few.

Your Cousins from Atlanta, GA on July 28, 2012:

Those button magnets are a hit! Great HOTD.

Nira Perkins on July 28, 2012:

Huge congrats on Hub of the Day. You did a really great job, it's very detailed, and I love your pictures. Thanks for sharing these ideas with us!

Thelma Alberts from Germany on July 28, 2012:

Congrats on the HOTD! This is another great idea on making crafts for gifts on Christmas. Thanks for sharing your creativity. Voted up and awesome. Have a great weekend!

QudsiaP1 on July 28, 2012:

Goodness me! This is by far one of the most creative hubs I have ever come across! You are so talented. What an amazing idea! Wonderful.

Anna from New York, NY on July 28, 2012:

Wow these are really awesome craft project ideas. I absolutely LOVE the bracelets, rings, and hair pins. I'd totally wear them and would love to learn to make them. Voted up and awesome. I'm bookmarking this and pinning the ones I adore.

Congrats on getting Hub of the Day!

Sarah Johnson from Charleston, South Carolina on July 28, 2012:

My daughter is going to go wild over these button crafts! I especially love the bracelets with buttons in shades of one color and the thumb tacks. I think we now have some cool button craft plans for the rest of the summer! Congratulations on your Hub of the Day!

kelleyward on July 28, 2012:

Fantastic hub full of great ideas. Congrats on the HOTD!!!!! Kelley

ignugent17 on July 28, 2012:

Very creative and it is very interesting. They look very beautiful and to think it is created from bottons. voted up.

Vespa Woolf from Peru, South America on July 28, 2012:

Random Creative, congratulations on a well-deserved Hub of the Day!

Yvonne Spence from UK on July 28, 2012:

I used to work as a fashion designer and have tons of buttons left over from those days. Probably enough to do all these projects and still have more left over. Thanks for all these great ideas, and congrats on your HOTD!!