Easy DIY Button Crafts
Updated on October 20, 2019
In the world of crafting, there are certain classic techniques and supplies that we’ve been doing or using since we were little kids but that we’ve never gotten sick of, even on into adulthood. Buttons are absolutely an example of that! There’s just something so fun and simple but satisfying about working with buttons, whether we’re making something neat for ourselves or simple with the kids. That’s why we’ve always got our eyes peeled for awesome button craft ideas we haven’t tried before; our bookmarks list is basically a goldmine at this point!
Just in case you love the idea of collecting new ides for button crafts just as much as we do, if not more, here are 15 of the very best ides, designs, and tutorials that we’ve come across so far in our search for inspiration.
1. Colourful button flip flops
Are you the kind of fashion lover who enjoys buying, altering, and making new pieces when the seasons change, and you’re equally happy with whichever one you’re doing? Well, if you’re looking for a simple and colourful way to give those flip flops from last summer a new lease on life so you can wear them again but with a twist, here’s a great button strap idea thanks to Scrapbook & Cards Today.
2. Fabric covered button magnets
Does your button collection actually have a pretty large number of big fabric covered buttons in it besides all the plastic ones you’ve gathered over the years? Well, those are the perfect kitschy little things to use for making your very own magnets and they look super neat scattered across the surface of your fridge, especially if you have different colours and patterns! See how these simple magnets were made on Urban Comfort.
3. Framed button owl craft
Perhaps you’re more of a patient artist who prefers to make pieces that are purely decorative, and doing so with everyday household items like buttons is one of your favourite ways to craft? In that case, we think you just might be the perfect person to give this lovely little framed button mosaic owl a try! Take a better look at A Spectacled Owl to see their tips and tricks from when they made this one.
4. Button globe
Are you very intrigued by this whole concept of mosaic style button art but you’re less of an animal person and more of a world traveler? We also love traveling just as much as we love crafting and our home decor scheme is themed such that this is very apparent! Just in case you want to show of your two biggest loves in the same place as well, here’s an awesome tutorial from Happiness is Homemade that teaches you how to cover a foam ball in blue and green buttons to make an awesome globe.
5. Button cluster key rings
Maybe you’re the kind of person who loves marking your keys in unique and interesting ways because you used to lost them a lot but you’ve been better since you started making yourself cool DIY key rings to keep them on? Then we have a feeling you’ll get along quite well indeed with this adorable clustered buttons key chain idea from Sum of Their Stories! These would even make a cute gift.
6. Fabric ruffle flowers with button centres
Whether we’re making them to turn into hair accessories, to embellish another craft, or just because we’re bored and feeling crafty, ruffled fabric flowers are one of our favourite classic projects. We’re especially fond of this particular tutorial from The Crafting Chicks because it shows you how to make the centre of the flower using a button!
7. Mini button and mint tin travel game
If you’re going to put in the time and effort it takes to turn buttons into something else using your DIY skills, would you rather create something more practically useful and less decorative? Well, speaking of travel, if you’re also the kind of person who travels with your kids a lot, here’s a simple way to upcycle some buttons and a mint tin, as well as to keep your kids busy. Take a better look at Canadian Family to see how this miniature button tic tac toe game was made!
8. Button thumb tacks
Fridge magnets aren’t the only simple thing around the house that you can jazz up using buttons! We actually just finished making ourselves a whole new batch of these cute button thumb tacks featured on Inspired by Charm because we love how colourful they look on our notes and reminders board at work. Anything to make our office area a little more cheerful!
9. Button tree canvas art
Just in case you’re still not over the idea of button art but you’ve always preferred the process of making wall art over making 3D pieces, here’s a beautiful canvas project that will help you combine your love for buttons in one place with your painting skills! Check out the tutorial on Crafts By Amanda in more detail to see how they turned all those buttons into rainbow leaves for their tree.
10. Cute button headband
Do you actually love the simple look of buttons so much that you’re often making different types of accessories so that they can be work around all day besides just the ones that are on your clothes? In that case, we think you simply must take a look at how Sugar Bee Crafts made this adorable button clad hairband that’s the perfect style accessory for a little girl.
11. Button and embroidery hoop clock
Did we actually really catch your attention when we started talking about the idea of making button crafts that are just as practical as they are decorative, but you simply haven’t seen the design that really convinces you yet? Then we’d like to direct your attention to this fantastic embroider hoop and button wall clock that actually works! Get the full details for making one of your very own on Epheriell Designs.
12. Vintage button flower and thread spool arrangement
Perhaps you’re the opposite of what we’ve already described above and you much prefer making little decorative things whenever you have the time, just because you like the feeling of creating something pretty? In that case, we think you’ll really appreciate the way Life After Laundry upcycled a vintage thread spool in addition to their buttons in order to make these miniature lacy flower arrangements that look like no matter where you put them!
13. Gift wrapping with paper and buttons
Perhaps you’ve long been looking for a way to share your love of how versatile and useful buttons can be with those you love but you’ve already made them just about as many button based DIY gifts as a person can handle? Then perhaps the next step us simply using buttons in your gift wrapping process itself! We love this suggestion from Craft and Creativity for using a button as the anchor to tie string and ribbon around the gift so it stays fastened and in place.
14. No-sew burlap and button owls
Have we actually still got you thinking about the idea of combining buttons and owls in one place thanks to the previous idea we showed you but you’re just not sure that you have enough buttons to complete that concept? Then perhaps you’ll have more fun making something like this no-sew button and burlap owls with your kids instead! We love the way Kids Craft Room outlines the super kid-friendly process for making these and also suggests using an actual twig to give the owls something to sit on.
15. Pretty button bib necklace
Did we really pique your curiosity when we started talking all about how buttons can be used to make different types of accessories and now you knot that’s definitely the kind of project you want to make but you haven’t seen one that really makes you feel decided yet? Then here’s a fantastic alternative for your consideration! We love the way My Two Butterflies outlines the surprisingly simple steps for making a button bib necklace use all different colours and sizes in one place for personality.
Have you made other super fun and unique crafts from buttons before that you really enjoyed creating but that you don’t see here on our list? Tell us all about them or link us to photos of your finished work in the comments section!