Are you looking for a quick and easy way to accessorize an outfit? Even if you have minimal crafting skills, you can make button jewelry that will add style an interest to your clothing. If you haven’t explored the world of buttons lately, pay a visit to a button store or a store that sells higher end fabrics and buttons and see what’s available. Prepare to be amazed by the incredible selection of buttons in all shapes and materials including glass, ceramic, enamels, and metals. This doesn’t even take into account the gorgeous vintage buttons you can find at estate sales and antique shops. Using simple techniques you can learn how to quickly make one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry from these buttons. Here’s how to make button jewelry:
Make button jewelry: Make a beautiful pin
You can make a pin from buttons in less than five minutes. All you need are several buttons, five minute two part epoxy glue, and a pin back. You can buy the epoxy glue at your local hardware store and pin backs from you local craft or bead store. If your buttons have shanks on the back, you’ll need metal cutters and a file to cut off the shank and file it down until it’s smooth. The object is to choose a large button to serve as the base of your pin and stack complimentary, decorative buttons on top of the base to give a unique design. A large black button makes a nice base with a smaller textured metal button on top, with an interesting glass button completing the stack. Once you have a pleasing arrangement, use your five minute epoxy to attach the buttons to one another. After your pin is completely dry, turn it over and apply the pin back using epoxy glue. When dry, your button pin will be ready to wear.
Make button jewelry: A different variation on the pin
Another way to use buttons to make a pin is to start with a round metal disc or filigree to serve as the base of your pin. You can also use a large flat button as the base piece. You then arrange smaller buttons, interesting stones, and small charms in a pleasing arrangement on the base. Once you’re pleased with the design, use five minute epoxy to attach the pieces. Once dry, use the same glue to attach the pin back to the back of your design. You know have a one-of-a-kind collage pin that’s sure to bring compliments.
Make button jewelry: Quick button earrings
Unusual buttons can be made into attractive earrings using a few simple steps. Select two identical buttons that flatter your face. If the buttons have shanks on the back, use your metal cutters to remove the shank and file down the back until its flat. You’ll need to purchase two earring posts from your local craft or bead store. The earring posts should have a round metal disc on the end to for gluing to your buttons. The large the size of this metal post the more surface area you’ll have for gluing and, thus, a better bond. To help the glue stick to the post and the surface of the button, lightly sand the metal disc on the earring post before gluing to rough up the surface. You can then attach the posts to the back of your buttons using your five minute epoxy glue. Glue the post toward the top of the button. If you glue them in the middle, the button will fall away from your ear at the top. Your earrings are now ready to wear.
Now that you know how to make button jewelry, you can put those old buttons hiding away in drawers to good use. Be on the look out for interesting, old buttons if you go to estate or garage sales. Some of the bakelite and old glass buttons make stunning jewelry.
