I hope you have some buttons left, because now we're creating some charming button flowers! These are easy and fun to make, and a great way to use up some of those buttons that have been sitting in the button box for years and years.
Materials and Tools List:
Assorted buttons
Wire cutters
Florist's wire and/or jewelry wire of your choice
Hot glue
Assorted embellishments of your choice
Directions:
Begin with a large button for your base. If your buttons have shanks on the ends, you can feed the wire through the shanks then secure with hot glue underneath to stabilize the button upright:
If your buttons have holes, you can feed the wire through the holes. twist it on the underside, then secure with glue. If your wire is too big to go through the button holes, you can twist a little flat spiral and simply glue it underneath the button. These will be your bases to build upon:
Select other buttons to go into the center and around the outer edge. You have to work quickly with hot glue:
You can use other embellishments for your centers, such as scrapbooking doo-dads. This center was a Mod Podge Melt. I just started using them, and they are fun to make. You buy sticks that go right into your glue gun and squirt the hot melted plastic into molds. I added some pearly paint to mine after it hardened:
I created a second type of "flower" by laying three buttons down, applying glue to them, sandwiching some very stiff wire inside, and gluing the same buttons on top:
You can add more buttons on top, or other embellishments:
To make the wire curlicues, I wrapped colored craft wire or paper wrapped craft wire around a paintbrush handle:
Leave enough of a "tail" on your wire curlicue to wrap around your wire stem:
Use your imagination! And use up little things you have in your stash. I had some vintage plastic feather-like pieces that were used in jewelry making. I added them to some of my flowers:
These look like Valentine's Day button flowers, don't they? I decorated the bottle with that in mind:
Are you inspired to try some button flowers? I hope so!
I am participating in the following link parties, so please stop by: Made By You Monday; Handmade Tuesdays; Anti-Procrastination Tuesday; and Craft-O-Maniac Monday:
You are so amazing! I think I say that in all my comments. I just love seeing what you are creating. Even though I don't craft as much anymore, when I do, I look to your blog for ideas. Your talent it special, Mitzi!
Posted by: Mindy | 01/13/2014 at 10:12 PM
Very cute and clever! Not something I would have thought of doing with buttons - thanks for the inspiration!
Posted by: Zelna | 01/13/2014 at 11:45 PM
Hi Mindy,
Thank you so much! I was just thinking of you the other day, and wanting to make the rounds of all my blogging friends. I hope things are going well in your world and 2014 is off to a good start!
Mitzi
Posted by: Mitzi Curi | 01/14/2014 at 08:08 AM
Hi Zelna,
Thank you! I had hoped to come up with something a little different.....its hard with all the Pinterest ideas out there!
Mitzi
Posted by: Mitzi Curi | 01/14/2014 at 08:12 AM
I love this idea. There are so many possibilities for holidays and special event decorations (let alone just a pretty vase of button flowers to set on my shelf year round). Very inspiring!
Posted by: Hannah's Treasures Vintage Wallpaper | 01/14/2014 at 12:15 PM
Thanks so much! I love crafting with vintage materials. Newer materials cant compare, and I know you agree!
Mitzi
Posted by: Mitzi Curi | 01/14/2014 at 12:38 PM
Wow I love love these. Great instructions thanks. visiting from Ladybug blessings
Posted by: Karen Schulz | 01/14/2014 at 02:17 PM
I adore your clear instructions! Your creations are button-lovely!
Posted by: Laurie | 02/14/2014 at 10:31 AM
Thanks so much, Laurie! I have come a long way with my craft tutorials....
Mitzi
Posted by: Mitzi Curi | 02/14/2014 at 04:58 PM