7 Cute and Creative Uses for Old Buttons

Are you one of those people who has drawers full of buttons? If you are a crafter, collector, or just happen to have a jar full of old buttons, you might be wondering what on earth to do with them. Sure they look cute and kitschy hanging out in a jar, but the truth is there are so many fun projects you can do with them instead. Buttons are the perfect crafting medium for creating all sorts of fun projects that are not only fun for adults but for kids too. Don’t let that jar of old buttons sit around and collect dust any longer. Instead, take a look below at 7 cute and creative uses for old buttons. You just might be surprised at how versatile these colorful little gems are.
7 Cute and Creative Uses for Old Buttons:

First, gather your old buttons up and get ready to get busy! If you do not have any but wish to give these projects a try, you can always find these at your local thrift stores and garage sales. Craft supply stores such as Hobby Lobby also sell buttons for crafting. If you purchase some there, be sure to print off your 40% off coupon before you go.

Button up a picture frame

Buy a picture frame at your local dollar store. Apply hot glue to the frame and glue one button on at a time. You can then apply a second layer if you wish for more interest. Create a pattern or go for something random!

Make button blooms

You can string buttons on to a piece of florist wire. String the buttons down to the end of the wire and then twist the wire to secure them into place. Make several stems and you can then gather and arrange them into a small vase. So cute!

Create a button barrette

Buy some large, metal clasp barrettes at your local dollar store. You can then apply a thin strip of hot glue to the surface and glue on one button at a time. Stack the buttons if you wish for extra dimension and interest. Kids will love making these AND wearing them.

Try your hand at button and canvas art

You can take an inexpensive piece of canvas and hot glue buttons onto it to create a child’s name, a picture, or anything you wish! Just take your canvas and apply one dot of glue and button at a time until the image you wish is in place.

Make a “button up” practice center

Is your child still learning how to button up their clothing? Take a piece of scrap fabric and stitch some large buttons to it. Take another piece of fabric and cut slits into it. Kids can practice matching the slits up to the buttons and buttoning the two pieces together. This is a great way to develop this fine motor skill in kids!

Craft your own button ring

Find a cheap costume jewelry band and using hot glue, layer a variety of buttons on it. The end result will be a fun and frugal button ring that is sure to get noticed.

Add some pop to a headband

You can fancy up a dollar store headband when you use hot glue to adhere a variety of buttons to it. Spread the buttons along the whole band or group them all off to the side. Use a variety if colors or mix shades of one color to match an outfit.

Old buttons are so great for crafting, but you can use them a few other ways too. Kids will enjoy learning classification when they practice sorting by size or color. You can also use them as Bingo markers or game piece markers when your pieces are missing. Buttons look great displayed in jars by color, or even glued on to your summer flower pots. As you can see, you choices of what to do with them are endless!