How to Upcycle Old Buttons into Statement Jewelry

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Upcycling Old Buttons into Statement Jewelry: The Ultimate DIY Guide

The humble button, a simple fastener with a rich history, often gets relegated to a jar in a sewing kit, forgotten and unloved. But within that jumbled collection of plastic, wood, metal, and shell lies a treasure trove of potential. It’s an untapped resource for the creative mind, a palette of textures, colors, and shapes just waiting to be transformed. Upcycling old buttons into statement jewelry is not just a craft; it’s an art form that merges sustainability, personal expression, and a touch of vintage charm. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, from selecting the right buttons to mastering the techniques that turn them into wearable works of art.

Chapter 1: The Art of the Button Hunt – Curating Your Collection

Before you can create, you must collect. The success of your jewelry hinges on the quality and variety of your buttons. A haphazard collection of mismatched buttons will lead to mediocre results. Instead, approach this with the eye of a curator.

Where to Find Your Treasures:

  • Your Own Stash: Start with the button jar. Open it, dump it out, and examine each button individually. You’ll be surprised at the unique pieces you’ve accumulated over the years. Look for buttons that stand out in terms of color, material, or design.

  • Thrift Stores and Secondhand Shops: These are goldmines. Look for vintage clothing with interesting buttons. Often, a beautiful coat or blouse with a small stain can be had for a song, and the buttons are the real prize. Don’t be afraid to buy a garment just for the buttons.

  • Estate Sales and Antique Shops: These venues often have entire collections of buttons for sale. Look for “button cards,” where old buttons were sold on a cardboard backing. This is a great way to acquire a themed set of buttons.

  • Garage Sales and Flea Markets: Keep an eye out for sewing boxes or crafting supplies. Sometimes, a whole collection can be found for a few dollars.

  • Family and Friends: Ask around. Many people have a button jar they’d be happy to pass on. It’s a great way to acquire buttons with a personal history.

What to Look For:

  • Unique Materials: Beyond the standard plastic, seek out buttons made from mother-of-pearl, wood, metal, glass, Bakelite, or even fabric-covered. These materials add a level of sophistication and texture that elevates your finished piece.

  • Interesting Designs and Shapes: Don’t just settle for round. Look for squares, ovals, stars, hearts, or even intricate carved patterns. The more unique the shape, the more compelling the final piece.

  • Color and Texture: Look for buttons with a rich, vibrant color or an interesting texture. A smooth, glossy button can be beautiful, but so can a matte, rustic one. Think about how these will play together in a finished piece.

  • Size and Scale: A statement piece requires buttons of varying sizes. You’ll need large, focal buttons and smaller ones to act as accents. A good mix is essential for creating dynamic designs.

Cleaning and Preparation:

Once you have your buttons, they may need a little TLC. Use a soft brush to remove dust and a gentle soap and water solution to clean them. For metal buttons, a quick polish can bring back their luster. Ensure they are completely dry before you start working.

Chapter 2: Essential Tools and Materials – Building Your Crafting Arsenal

You don’t need a professional workshop to create stunning jewelry. A few key tools and some basic materials will get you started.

The Foundational Tools:

  • Pliers: A set of jewelry pliers is non-negotiable. You will need:
    • Round-nose pliers: For creating loops and curves in wire.

    • Chain-nose pliers (or needle-nose): For gripping, bending, and shaping wire.

    • Flush cutters: For making clean, precise cuts in wire.

  • Adhesives:

    • E-6000 or a similar industrial-strength jewelry glue: This is your best friend. It provides a strong, durable bond for attaching buttons to findings.

    • Hot glue gun: Useful for quick mock-ups or for attaching buttons to a fabric base. Not recommended for a final, durable bond.

  • Drill (Optional but Recommended): A Dremel or a small handheld hobby drill with a tiny bit is excellent for drilling holes in buttons, especially for creating a new attachment point.

  • Tweezers: Essential for handling small buttons and components.

The Hardware and Findings:

  • Earring Backs:
    • Stud earring backs: For single-button earrings.

    • Lever-back or fishhook earring wires: For dangles.

  • Brooch Pins: For turning a button arrangement into a beautiful pin.

  • Ring Blanks: Adjustable ring bases for creating button rings.

  • Pendant Trays: A pendant blank with a bezel or tray to securely hold a button.

  • Jump Rings: Small metal rings used to connect components. You’ll need a variety of sizes.

  • Wire: A 20- or 22-gauge wire is a good starting point for wrapping and creating loops.

  • Necklace Chains: For your pendants. Look for different lengths and styles.

Additional Materials:

  • Felt or Leather Scraps: For backing your designs, providing a clean finish and a stable surface for gluing.

  • Beads and Rhinestones: To embellish your creations.

  • Epoxy Resin: For creating a domed, glassy finish over your buttons.

Chapter 3: The Techniques – From Button to Bling

This is where the magic happens. We’ll explore several techniques, each with its own unique application.

Technique 1: Simple Stud and Brooch Creation

This is the most straightforward method, perfect for beginners. It involves using a single, beautiful button as the focal point.

The Process:

  1. Select Your Button: Choose a button with a shank (the loop on the back) rather than holes. The shank provides a clean, easy surface for gluing.

  2. Cut the Shank: Using flush cutters, carefully snip off the shank. Try to get as close to the button’s surface as possible to create a flat back. File it gently if needed.

  3. Prepare the Finding: Take your stud earring back or brooch pin. Lightly scuff the surface where the glue will be applied. This creates a better grip.

  4. Glue It On: Apply a small dab of E-6000 glue to the back of the button and press the finding firmly into place.

  5. Cure Time: Let it cure for at least 24 hours. Don’t rush this step. A full cure ensures a durable, long-lasting bond.

Example: A large, mother-of-pearl button with a filigree design makes a stunning, elegant brooch. A pair of smaller, matching Bakelite buttons can become chic, vintage stud earrings.

Technique 2: The Wire-Wrapped Pendant

This technique is for buttons with holes and creates a more rustic, handmade feel.

The Process:

  1. Cut the Wire: Cut a piece of wire about 6 inches long.

  2. Thread the Wire: Thread the wire through two of the button’s holes.

  3. Create the Bail: Bring the two ends of the wire up over the top of the button. Twist them together a few times to secure the button. This creates the bail, the loop through which a chain will pass.

  4. Wrap and Secure: Using round-nose pliers, form a loop at the end of the twisted wire. This is your finished bail. Use your chain-nose pliers to wrap the remaining wire tightly around the twisted base, creating a clean finish. Trim any excess.

  5. Ready to Wear: Slide a necklace chain through the bail.

Example: A cluster of three small wooden buttons can be wire-wrapped together to create a charming, rustic pendant. You can also wire-wrap a single, large button with intricate carving.

Technique 3: The Button Cluster

This is where you truly create a statement piece. It involves combining multiple buttons into a cohesive design.

The Process:

  1. Create a Base: Cut a small, felt or leather circle (or another shape) to act as your base. This will be the hidden foundation for your design.

  2. Arrange and Plan: Before gluing, arrange your buttons on the base. Experiment with different sizes, colors, and textures. Place the largest buttons first as your focal points, then fill in with smaller buttons. Overlap them slightly to create depth.

  3. Glue It Down: Use E-6000 glue to attach the buttons to the felt base. Start with the central, largest buttons and work your way out. Let each one set slightly before adding the next.

  4. Attach the Finding: Once the entire cluster is dry and secure, turn it over and glue a brooch pin or a large jump ring to the back of the felt.

  5. Final Touches: Let it cure completely. You can also add small beads or rhinestones with a tiny drop of glue to fill in any gaps.

Example: Create a floral brooch by using a large, round button as the center and smaller, oval or petal-shaped buttons arranged around it. Use buttons in different shades of a single color for a monochromatic effect.

Technique 4: The Resin Finish

This technique adds a professional, high-end look to your button jewelry, encasing them in a clear, glossy dome.

The Process:

  1. Prepare the Button: You’ll want a button with a slightly concave surface or a button that fits perfectly inside a pendant tray or bezel.

  2. Mix the Resin: Follow the instructions on your epoxy resin kit precisely. Measure the two parts (resin and hardener) carefully and mix them thoroughly. Inaccurate mixing will prevent it from curing properly.

  3. Pour the Resin: Gently pour the mixed resin over your button. Use a toothpick or small stick to guide the resin and pop any air bubbles that rise to the surface.

  4. Cure Time: Let the resin cure in a dust-free environment for the time specified on the package. This can take anywhere from 12 to 72 hours.

  5. Finishing: Once cured, the resin will be hard and clear, giving your button a beautiful, glassy finish. You can then attach a bail or other finding as described in previous techniques.

Example: A flat button with an intricate pattern or a beautiful picture on it is perfect for this. The resin will magnify the details and protect the design.

Chapter 4: Designing and Styling – From Creation to Statement

Creating the jewelry is only half the battle. The other half is knowing how to design pieces that are truly unique and how to style them.

Designing with Intent:

  • Theme and Mood: Approach each piece with a theme in mind. Are you going for a vintage, art deco feel? A rustic, bohemian look? Or a modern, minimalist vibe? Let this theme guide your button and material choices.

  • Color Palette: Stick to a cohesive color palette. A piece with too many clashing colors can look messy. Try a monochromatic scheme, a complementary color pairing (like blue and orange), or an analogous one (like greens and blues).

  • Balance and Symmetry: For earrings, ensure the buttons are a good match in size and shape. For brooches and pendants, consider the visual weight of the design. A large button at the bottom of a cluster will feel unbalanced, while a central focal point is often pleasing.

  • Telling a Story: Every button has a history. Don’t be afraid to let that story shine through. A collection of buttons from an old family coat can become a beautiful, sentimental piece.

Styling Your Button Jewelry:

  • The Brooch: A brooch is incredibly versatile. Pin it to the lapel of a blazer, on a scarf to hold it in place, or even on a simple t-shirt to instantly elevate the look. Don’t be afraid to pin it to a purse or a hat.

  • The Pendant: A button pendant can be worn on a simple chain, a ribbon, or a leather cord. Layer it with other necklaces of different lengths for a modern, boho look.

  • The Ring: A button ring can be a playful and unexpected accent. Pair a large, bold button ring with simple, clean lines in your clothing to let it stand out.

  • The Earrings: Statement earrings draw attention to the face. Pair a bold pair of button dangles with a simple updo to show them off.

A Final Word on Sustainability and Craft

Upcycling old buttons is a deeply satisfying creative pursuit. It’s a way to rescue forgotten pieces, give them a new life, and create something beautiful and personal without contributing to waste. Each piece of jewelry you create is a conversation starter, a small piece of history you can wear. It’s a craft that rewards patience, attention to detail, and a willingness to see potential in the ordinary. Start with a single button, a pair of pliers, and a vision, and you’ll be on your way to crafting a unique and stylish collection of your own.