The following is an in-depth guide on how to upcycle old buttons into statement jewelry.
A Beginner’s Guide to Upcycling Old Buttons into Unique Statement Jewelry
Are you tired of seeing a jar of old, mismatched buttons sitting in your sewing kit? Do you love the idea of creating something new and beautiful from something old and forgotten? If so, then upcycling old buttons into statement jewelry is the perfect project for you. This guide will take you through everything you need to know, from sourcing and selecting the perfect buttons to turning them into stunning, one-of-a-kind pieces.
The Art of Button Selection: From Jar to Jewelry Box
Before you can even think about crafting, you need to master the art of selection. The right buttons are the foundation of your future masterpieces. Don’t just grab the first handful you see. Be intentional.
Sourcing Your Buttons
Your button journey can start in many places:
- Your Own Stash: This is the most obvious starting point. Dig through your grandmother’s old sewing box or the one you inherited. You’ll be amazed at the hidden gems you find—bakelite, mother-of-pearl, and intricate metal buttons are often waiting to be discovered.
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Thrift Stores and Secondhand Shops: Look for old clothing with interesting buttons. Often, a beautiful coat or blouse with a small tear is discarded, but its buttons are in perfect condition. Don’t be afraid to buy a garment just for its buttons.
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Craft and Hobby Stores: While not “old,” these stores can provide new buttons that complement your vintage finds. Look for unique shapes, sizes, and colors that you can mix and match.
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Estate Sales and Flea Markets: These are treasure troves for vintage buttons. Look for buttons sold in bulk or on cards. This is where you’ll find the truly unique and rare pieces.
Identifying Your Statement Buttons
A statement piece is all about impact. Not every button is suitable. Look for buttons that have:
- Unique Shapes and Sizes: A large, geometric button or a cluster of small, interesting ones can make a powerful statement.
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Intricate Designs: Look for buttons with detailed carvings, beautiful enamel, or delicate filigree work.
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Interesting Materials: Buttons made of wood, shell, leather, or carved resin will have more character than simple plastic ones.
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Cohesive Themes: Gather buttons that tell a story. Maybe they’re all different shades of blue, all have a floral motif, or are all made of similar materials.
Essential Tools and Materials: Building Your Craft Arsenal
Once you have your buttons, it’s time to gather your tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and your final product more professional.
The Absolute Essentials
- Wire Cutters: To cut various types of wire.
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Round-Nose Pliers: Crucial for creating loops, curves, and spirals in wire.
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Flat-Nose Pliers: For bending, holding, and flattening wire.
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Super Glue or E6000 Adhesive: For attaching buttons to backings. E6000 is flexible and strong, making it ideal for jewelry.
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Jewelry Findings: These are the components that turn your buttons into wearable art. You’ll need:
- Earring Posts and Backs: For creating stud earrings.
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Brooch Pins: To turn a button into a beautiful pin.
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Adjustable Rings: For making statement rings.
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Jump Rings: Small metal rings used to connect different components.
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Necklace Chains and Clasps: For creating pendants and necklaces.
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Drill with Small Bits (Optional but Recommended): For creating holes in buttons where none exist.
Button-Up Creations: Actionable Projects and Techniques
This section will walk you through five specific, high-impact projects. Each one uses different techniques and materials, ensuring you learn a wide range of skills.
Project 1: The Layered Brooch
A layered brooch is a fantastic way to combine multiple buttons into a single, cohesive statement piece.
- Gather Your Buttons: Select a large “base” button and several smaller, complementary buttons. A large vintage metal button with a floral design works well as a base. Choose three to five smaller, colorful buttons to layer on top.
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Prepare the Base: Clean your large button thoroughly to ensure the adhesive will stick. If it has a shank (the loop on the back), you can snip it off with wire cutters for a flatter profile, or leave it and use it as an anchor point.
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Arrange and Attach: Before gluing, play with the arrangement of the smaller buttons on the large one. Try a triangular cluster or a more random, organic pattern. Once you have the perfect layout, use a small dab of E6000 on the back of each small button and press it firmly onto the base button.
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Add the Brooch Pin: After the glue has fully cured (this can take 24-72 hours, depending on the adhesive), flip the piece over. Use E6000 to attach a brooch pin to the back of the large button. Ensure the pin is centered and straight. Let it cure completely.
Example: Use a large, gold-toned filigree button as a base. Layer a small, cobalt blue glass button, a mother-of-pearl button, and a tiny, sparkly rhinestone button on top. This creates a rich, textured, and colorful piece.
Project 2: The Statement Ring
A large, unique button can be instantly transformed into a show-stopping ring.
- Choose Your Button: Find a button that is both beautiful and has a relatively flat back. A large, carved wooden button, a single ornate metal button, or a vintage enamel button are perfect candidates.
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Select Your Ring Base: Purchase an adjustable ring base from a craft store. These often have a flat pad on top, which is where your button will be attached.
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Prepare the Button: If your button has a shank, snip it off with wire cutters. Use a file to smooth the back of the button so it’s flush against the ring base.
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Glue It On: Apply a generous amount of E6000 or super glue to the flat pad of the ring base. Center the button on the pad and press down firmly. Wipe away any excess glue with a toothpick.
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Let It Set: Allow the glue to cure for a minimum of 24 hours before wearing.
Example: Use a large, black and white geometric bakelite button. Attach it to a silver-toned adjustable ring base. The result is a bold, art-deco-inspired piece that draws attention.
Project 3: The Dangle Earrings
This project is a little more intricate but results in stunning, lightweight earrings.
- Select Your Buttons: You need two matching buttons for this project. They should be lightweight, as heavy buttons will be uncomfortable to wear. Vintage plastic or lightweight metal buttons are great choices.
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Add a Hanging Loop: If your buttons have shanks, this is simple. Use a jump ring to attach to the shank. If your buttons have holes, you’ll need to get creative.
- Buttons with Two or Four Holes: Use a small piece of wire. Thread it through two holes, twist it at the top to create a loop, and then twist the ends together on the back to secure. Snip off any excess wire.
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Buttons with No Holes/Shank: This is where the small drill comes in handy. Carefully drill a tiny hole at the top of the button, then use a jump ring.
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Attach to Earring Wires: Open a jump ring, thread it through the loop you just created on your button, and then thread it onto the loop of an earring wire (the hook that goes through your ear). Close the jump ring securely with your pliers.
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Repeat for the Second Earring: Follow the same steps for the second button.
Example: Use two identical, small, white mother-of-pearl buttons. Drill a tiny hole at the top of each. Attach a silver jump ring, then a small length of silver chain, and finally, a third jump ring to the earring hook. This creates delicate, dangling pearl earrings.
Project 4: The Pendant Necklace
A single, beautiful button can be the focal point of an elegant necklace.
- Choose Your Star Button: This button should be a true showstopper. Think a large, intricately carved wooden button, a beautiful enamel piece, or a cluster of small buttons glued together.
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Attach a Bail: A bail is a component that allows a pendant to hang from a chain.
- Buttons with a Shank: Simply thread a jump ring through the shank and then onto your necklace chain.
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Buttons with a Flat Back: Use a pendant bail (a small metal piece with a loop on top and a flat pad on the bottom). Glue the flat pad to the back of the button using E6000.
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Select a Chain: The chain should complement the button, not overpower it. A thin, delicate chain works well for a small or intricate button, while a thicker chain can balance a large, heavy button.
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Attach the Pendant: If you’ve used a bail, simply slide the chain through the bail’s loop. If you’ve used a jump ring, open the last jump ring and thread the chain through before closing it.
Example: Use a large, ornate brass button with a detailed lion’s head. Glue a small, rectangular bail to the top of the back. Thread a thick, antique brass chain through the bail. The result is a powerful, regal necklace.
Project 5: The Stacked Cuff Bracelet
This project requires a little more time but the result is a bold, modern piece.
- Choose Your Base: You’ll need a blank cuff bracelet. These are available in various metals and widths at most craft stores. A wide, flat cuff is best for this project.
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Select Your Buttons: Gather a large collection of buttons that share a common theme, such as color, material, or era. For example, all shades of green, all vintage wood, or all buttons from the 1950s. The more variety you have within the theme, the better.
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Map Out Your Design: Lay your buttons out on a flat surface and arrange them in the pattern you want. Play with overlapping them, stacking them, and creating a textured mosaic. Take a picture of your final arrangement.
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Glue Them On: Using E6000, begin gluing the buttons onto the cuff bracelet. Start with the “base” layer and then add the overlapping buttons on top. Work slowly and carefully, ensuring each button is firmly attached.
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Let It Cure: This project has a lot of surface area for glue, so it’s essential to let it cure for a full 48-72 hours before wearing to ensure maximum durability.
Example: Gather dozens of small, iridescent, mother-of-pearl buttons. Glue them onto a wide silver cuff, slightly overlapping them to create a textured, shimmering mosaic.
Final Touches and Maintenance
Your work doesn’t stop once the glue is dry. A few final steps will ensure your new jewelry lasts a lifetime.
Polishing and Cleaning
- Metal Buttons: Use a soft polishing cloth specifically for jewelry to bring out the shine. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners, as they can damage the button’s finish.
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Wooden Buttons: A light coat of mineral oil can rejuvenate dry wood and bring out the grain.
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Plastic and Resin Buttons: Simply wipe them with a damp cloth and buff dry.
Storage and Care
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Store Carefully: Don’t just toss your new jewelry into a box. Store it in a jewelry box with compartments or hang it to prevent tangling and scratching.
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Avoid Water: Do not wear your button jewelry in the shower or while swimming. Water can weaken the adhesive and damage the buttons.
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Handle with Care: These are delicate, handmade pieces. Treat them gently to ensure they last.
Conclusion
Upcycling old buttons is more than just a craft; it’s a way to give new life to forgotten objects. It’s an act of creativity and sustainability that results in beautiful, personal accessories. With the right tools, a little patience, and a dash of imagination, you can turn a jar of old buttons into a treasure trove of unique, handmade jewelry. Each piece you create will tell a story—the story of a button’s journey from a humble garment to a cherished piece of wearable art.