Making the most of what you have and contributing less to landfills is more important than ever, and recycling or “upcycling” is the way to go! Plenty of people who love to do arts and crafts (especially sewing) wind up with an oversized button collection on their hands–remember your Grandmother’s “button bag”? If you’ve found yourself in a similar position, then you’re sure to gain some much-needed inspiration from these 11 smart strategies to recycle buttons!
1. Colorful button picture frame
Sort your button collection by color and pick a palette that suits your own personal style–or the style of someone in your life who needs a cheery gift. Take an old picture frame that hasn’t seen much use lately, and sand down the surface to let glue take a better hold.
Approach this project like a puzzle, taking your ideal pieces and arranging them however they fit best on the frame before gluing them in place.
2. Soil topper for potted plants
Many people love the natural look of spreading river rocks or gravel over the top layer of soil in their potted houseplants but maybe you’re bored with the neutral color palette. You can add a quirky splash of color to your indoor garden by incorporating a bright button here and there for visual interest.
If you want to go bolder with the look of your “button garden,” then you can use a layer of them to completely replace the stones and cover the top of the soil all on their own.
3. Whimsical hairpins or cufflinks
Most people can put a good hairpin to use, whether it’s for a stylish man-bun or a dinner party updo. Add a unique touch to yours by gluing or tying your most colorful button onto the end. A cluster of button-tipped hair pins can create a pretty, organic look much like a bouquet of flowers.
You can upcycle an eye-catching button into a pair of handsome or whimsical cufflinks as well by threading one button to another and wrapping the connecting threads to secure the link in place.
4. Refrigerator magnets
If you’re looking for something quick and simple, then button refrigerator magnets are for you! Simply get some disc magnets or cut strip magnets into the proper lengths, glue down your button, and you’re good to go. These cute magnets are great for holding up family photos or kids’ artwork–and they’re easy enough to make that the kids can help, too.
5. Color gradient flower vase
If you like the hodgepodge look of a button collage but want a more cohesive look that’s well-suited to a centerpiece, then you might want to try a flower vase with a color gradient.
As you might expect, the process is relatively simple: Find an old vase, have at your button collection, and glue each one on the vase where it fits best. The key here is to sort your collection by color before you get started, and then pick your favorite colors to work with.
6. Stationery and personal note cards
Mass-produced stationery can be lovely, but sometimes the occasion calls for something more personal. Button-decorated stationery can be used for thank-you notes or invitations that you send to others, or it can be posted around your house with positive reminders or inspirational quotes that will brighten your day. For an extra touch, you can glue a button down to seal envelopes too!
7. One-of-a-kind jewelry . . .
A large button set off with a few fringes of beads will make a gorgeous pendant. A button set in ascending order of size can come together to make a lovely pair of teardrop-shaped earrings.
Button bracelets are also easy to put together by simply threading some sturdy twine through the button holes as if you were about to sew it down, and then tying a knot and adding the next one.
8. . . . and a jewelry organizer to match!
When you’re done crafting your button jewelry, you can upcycle even further by using leftovers to create a unique jewelry rack!
For best results, recycle some wine corks by affixing them to a board and gluing a button on the end to create a sturdy hanger for necklaces and bracelets. For earrings, glue a button onto the top of a thumbtack instead of the cork itself, and then use it to tack your earrings securely in place.
9. Secure twine while gift wrapping
For a fresh, artistic approach to gift wrapping, grab some twine and a brightly colored or pearlescent button. Using a button with wider threading holes will make it easier to fit sturdier twine through. Not only will using a button to secure your gift wrapping make the whole process easier, but it will make the final result look extra charming as well!
10. Eye-catching napkin rings
As you’ve probably realized by now, you can glue or thread a button onto just about anything, and napkin rings are no exception. You can thread a few key pieces onto your napkin rings for an understated look, or you can go all in with your trusty glue gun and completely cover the surface of each napkin ring.
Bonus points if the colors coordinate with that lovely gradient vase you were working on earlier!
11. Lamp shade
For this one, you’ll want to sift through you collection and set aside any button that’s somewhat translucent. The key here is to balance beauty with practicality, so you’ll want to decorate your lampshade with pieces that will still allow some light to come through–especially if you intend to cover the entire shade.
If you simply want to accent your lampshade with a colorful button here and there, then it’s far less of an issue if a button is opaque. Once you’ve decided on the right button pattern for your lampshade, you can either sew or glue them in place.
Remember:
When it comes to upcycling, your imagination is the limit! Don’t hesitate to try out any combination of these 11 smart ideas for upcycling your button collection. Create an entire gift set if you like, with matching hairpins, cufflinks, bracelets, and earrings. Don’t forget to wrap that gift box with another button or two and decorate your stationery to match.
If you don’t have any gift-giving occasions on the horizon, then you can still gift yourself with splashes of color in your own jewelry station, home, or garden!