21 Frugal Uses for Grandma’s Button Box
Now that I have my own growing collection, I’m constantly on the lookout for projects that use them in brand new ways. Because even though they come in super handy when it’s time fix a pair of Joseph’s jeans {seriously, why do buttons fall off so easily!?}, I love the idea of adding them to cards, jazzing up old frames, creating art, and more.
I thought I would share my absolute favorite projects from the interwebs in hopes that it would inspire a few button DIY’s for yourself….the only problem is, I have no idea which one to try first!
1. Make a Set of Magnets
Bring a cohesive look to your fridge with fabric-covered magnets that go from vintage to modern within minutes. Make one set for yourself, then give the rest as a frugal housewarming gift!
2. Embellish a Napkin
Turn ordinary napkins into pretty statement pieces with these charming Fruit Button Embroidery Napkins. What a fun way to celebrate Summer!
via Martha Stewart
3. Upcycle a Pretty Frame
Buy a cheap frame from the dollar store, then glam it up with buttons of all shapes and sizes. I love the seaside look to this wooden ombre frame!
via Punk Projects
4. Make a Set of Pushpins
DIY Button Thumbtacks add a cute and crafty touch to your home office. Who says accessories have to be boring when you work from home?
5. Fill a Vase
Flower gems from the craft store can be expensive, so I love the idea of filling a vase with buttons instead! Apothecary jars would look really cute too.
6. Make a Bookmark
It’s no secret I’m a book loving junkie, and these adorable button bookmarks would look absolutely gorgeous peeking out of my pages!
7. Craft a Pretty Card
This colorful card is going on my card crafting wish list — now I just need to plan a day to make it! For one with more of a Christmas touch, you must see this stunning tree.
via Day Designs
8. Embellish a Tote Bag or Purse
Give your purse a new look with a set of matching buttons. These clutches are so unique and make a fun statement piece for any outfit!
9. Create Framable Artwork
Grab a set of coordinating button colors, and create your very own wall art. I think this beauty deserves a prominent place in my craft room stat.
10. Make Your Own Gift Tags
Homemade gift tags become even more precious with bright red holly buttons and green felt leaves. Pretty packaging is definitely my weakness!
11. Give Your Flip Flops a Makeover
Make over an old pair of flip flops (or grab a set on clearance) for funky footwear that is perfect for Summer. I would totally wear these, you?
via Scrapbook and Cards Today Mag
12. Create a Set of New Hair Pins
I know I have a ton of bobby pins lying around, and they would be so cute with a few buttons added to the ends. This tutorial looks super easy.
13. Jazz Up a Plain Tee
Give a plain white tee a mini makeover with colorful buttons your little girl will love to wear. These newborn onesies are pretty adorable too.
via iCandy Handmade
14. Decorate a Jewelry Box
A plain wooden box from the craft store can be turned into a stunning jewelry box. Hmmm…..me thinks this would make a pretty good Mother’s Day gift.
via All About You
15. Sew Napkin Rings
These shabby chic napkin rings bring a hint of vintage to any bridal shower, baby shower, or girls lunch in. The heart button is my favorite!
16. Make Your Own Coasters
All you need is a circle mold and clear resin to make these cuties. Use them as coasters OR paperweights!
17. Add Pizzazz to a Pillow
I love anything monogrammed, and this decorative pillow takes the cake. Wouldn’t this look pretty in a nursery?
via Dreaming of the Country
18. Create a Button Ring
I don’t know a little girl that doesn’t love play jewelry, and these button rings are perfect for mini fingers. Mix and match buttons for different looks!
19. Craft a Christmas Ornament
It’s not even Christmas yet and I’m dying to make these festive button ornaments. They would look darling on our little tree!
20. Make a Pretty Pair of Earrings
A set of button earrings to match every outfit is a definite necessity. The possibilities and color options are endless!
21. Add a Pop of Color to a Headband
Make over plain elastic headbands with colorful buttons for your daughters and their friends. You can also add buttons to these DIY Flower Hair Bows for a different look.
Need even more uses for old buttons?
Visit my post on Organizing Junkie, How to Organize Your Button Collection. A must-read to keep these little baubles contained, organized, and put away!
What wonderful, creative ideas!! I am going to keep my eyes out now for an inexpensive box of mixed buttons! Thanks for all the inspiration…
You’re welcome! I’ve wanted to grab a few more from garage sales and flea markets myself. It’s always nice to have a variety for these types of projects!
Hi. I have a lot of antique,vintage buttons. Would you be interested? I am selling mine.
Hi Julie. I have a lot of old sewing. Buttons. Would you be interested in buttons
[email protected].
Julie, If you are still interested in finding a box of mixed buttons, my friend is your source! She has acquired an immernse quantity. Contact MileysDiscountCrafts through http://www.etsy.com and ask her about “Grandma’s Button Box”. So far she only has them shown on cards, but she also has many varieties of buttons all colours and sizes off the cards and hundreds to a box. I don’t think she has photographed them yet to show on her site! Contact her.
Oh, what I wouldn’t do for my grandmother’s button box! I loved playing in it when I was a kid, but it is long gone. I forgot all about it and she down-sized and left their farm house years ago. This is a great list and it makes me want to start my own button box.
I LOVED playing in my grandmother’s button box! She had all kinds of old buttons that belonged to my great-grandmothers too. Recently, I had her make me a necklace by sewing a bunch of silver buttons on a piece of felt and attaching a chain. I’ll have to beg her to let me have some more buttons for some of these projects!
I love that necklace idea!
Hi I have a large sewing button collection, would you be interested? I am selling mine.