Discover 15 ingenious button craft ideas that transform ordinary buttons into extraordinary art. Perfect for crafters of all ages, these projects range from simple children's activities to sophisticated home decor pieces.

Remember that mysterious button collection your grandmother kept in an old cookie tin? Or perhaps you've accumulated your own stash from discarded shirts and forgotten sewing projects. Those humble fasteners—practical, overlooked, and oddly compelling—hold remarkable creative potential just waiting to be unleashed. Buttons represent one of craft's most democratic mediums; they're affordable, accessible, and require no special tools or artistic training to transform into something magical. Like tiny time capsules, buttons often carry their own histories—the pearl ones from a wedding dress, the brass set from a military uniform, or the colorful plastic circles from childhood clothing. When we repurpose them into art, we weave these stories together into new narratives that connect past and present. Whether you're looking to entertain restless children on a rainy afternoon, searching for a meditative crafting practice, or hoping to create meaningful handmade gifts, buttons offer endless possibilities. I've explored countless button projects over the years, and these fifteen ideas represent the perfect starting points for crafters of every age and skill level. From simple sorting activities that develop a toddler's motor skills to sophisticated art pieces that showcase buttons as the jewels they truly are, you'll discover projects that transform these everyday objects into extraordinary creations. Ready to see buttons in an entirely new light? Let's dive into the colorful, tactile world of button crafting together.

1. Rainbow Button Sorting Activity for Toddlers

Transform a simple button collection into an engaging developmental tool that delights toddlers while building essential skills. I discovered this activity when my two-year-old nephew became fascinated with my craft supplies—his little fingers naturally wanted to explore these colorful treasures. Create a sorting station with a muffin tin or divided container, assigning each section a specific color. Provide a mixed button collection and demonstrate how to place each button in its matching colored compartment. The simple act of selecting, identifying, and sorting builds fine motor control, color recognition, and early mathematical thinking through classification. For younger children, choose larger buttons and supervise closely to prevent choking hazards. As their skills develop, introduce more complex sorting criteria—by size, number of holes, or material. This activity transforms ordinary buttons into educational tools that grow alongside your child's developing abilities.

2. Button-Embellished Greeting Cards

Elevate ordinary cards into tactile works of art that recipients can't help but cherish. Unlike mass-produced cards that inevitably land in recycling bins, these button-adorned creations often find permanent homes on display shelves or memory boxes. I began making these when seeking more meaningful birthday greetings for my craft-loving friends—each card now becomes a gift in itself. Start with blank cardstock as your canvas, then arrange buttons to form festive balloons, blooming flowers, or seasonal motifs like snowmen or autumn trees. Secure buttons with strong craft glue or create a more structured design by sewing them directly onto the cardstock with embroidery floss. The dimensional quality engages both visual and tactile senses, while the unique button combinations ensure no two cards are identical. This project works beautifully for all occasions and allows complete creative freedom while utilizing even the most mismatched button collections.

3. Vintage Button Jewelry Creations

Transform those spectacular statement buttons—you know, the ones too beautiful for mere clothing—into wearable art that showcases their unique character. I began creating button jewelry after inheriting my grandmother's collection, which included hand-carved mother-of-pearl pieces too precious to stay hidden in storage. For simple beginner projects, attach a single striking vintage button to an adjustable ring base or pendant setting using strong jewelry adhesive. For more advanced designs, combine several buttons into a statement bracelet by connecting them with jump rings, or create cascading earrings using buttons graduated in size. The most interesting pieces often incorporate buttons with history—military uniform buttons, hand-painted porcelain pieces, or intricate metal designs from bygone eras. Each completed piece carries stories from the past while creating contemporary fashion that starts conversations. This craft transforms forgotten fasteners into precious accessories while honoring the craftsmanship of original button makers.

4. Framed Button Monogram Art

Personalize your living space with sophisticated monogram art that transforms ordinary buttons into elegant custom décor. I created my first button monogram after moving into a new apartment, seeking personal touches that wouldn't violate rental agreements. Begin by selecting a deep shadow box frame and cutting a piece of quality fabric or decorative paper as your background. Trace or print your chosen letter in a size proportional to your frame, then arrange buttons within the letter outline. The magic emerges through thoughtful button curation—create ombré color effects, stick to sophisticated monochromatic palettes, or arrange vintage buttons in order of visual interest. Secure each button with fabric glue, allowing complete drying before framing. This project elevates humble buttons into sophisticated wall art that adds personal significance to any space. The dimensional quality creates beautiful shadows that change throughout the day, making these monograms far more interesting than flat printed alternatives.

5. Button-Decorated Photo Frames

Breathe new life into ordinary picture frames with button embellishments that complement cherished photos while adding textural interest to your displays. I discovered this project while seeking ways to unify mismatched thrift store frames into a cohesive gallery wall. Start with wooden or sturdy cardboard frames in any condition—even scratched or damaged ones transform beautifully under button coverage. Apply buttons in patterns that complement your décor style—concentric circles create formal elegance, while random placement in coordinated colors feels playfully contemporary. Secure buttons with strong craft glue, working in small sections for better adhesion. For family-friendly versions, involve children in creating frames for their own photographs, allowing them to select special buttons that hold meaning. The resulting frames protect precious memories while becoming conversation pieces themselves. This craft offers perfect entry-level button projects with high-impact results, proving that sometimes the frame deserves as much attention as the photograph it surrounds.

6. Seasonal Button Tree Display

Create an ever-changing seasonal decoration that showcases your button collection while marking time's passage through the year. I developed this craft after seeking more storage-friendly holiday decorations that wouldn't consume valuable apartment space eleven months of the year. Begin with a sturdy wire or wooden tree form—either purchased or handmade by securing branches into a small pot base. For each season, curate button collections that reflect appropriate themes: pastel florals for spring, vibrant rainbows for summer, amber and copper tones for autumn, and sparkling whites and metallics for winter. Attach buttons to the branches using fine craft wire wrapped through button holes, allowing easy seasonal rotation. The resulting display creates striking visual interest with wonderful dimensional shadows while providing practical storage for your growing button collection. This project transforms into a family tradition as you add special buttons that commemorate yearly events, gradually building a three-dimensional scrapbook of memories displayed as functional art.

7. Button Mosaic Wall Art

Reimagine traditional mosaic techniques using buttons as tesserae to create stunning wall art that incorporates color, texture, and dimension in one striking piece. I discovered this technique while seeking projects that would utilize my most oddly-assorted button remnants that didn't work well in matching sets. Begin with a sturdy base—canvas board, heavy wood, or reinforced artist's paper—and sketch your desired design. Simple silhouettes, geometric patterns, or abstract compositions work particularly well for beginners. Sort buttons by color, size, and visual weight, then begin placing them in your pattern, securing each with strong craft adhesive. The irregular shapes create fascinating negative space between buttons, adding complexity to even simple designs. For gallery-worthy pieces, incorporate unexpected elements—vintage metal buttons amidst colorful plastic ones, or deliberately placed spaces revealing painted background surfaces. This craft transforms random button collections into cohesive artistic statements while providing meditative focus during the creation process.

8. Button-Embellished Fabric Bookmarks

Combine practical functionality with artistic expression by creating fabric bookmarks adorned with carefully chosen buttons that peek out from beloved books. I began making these as literary-themed gifts for my book club friends, creating uniquely personal reading accessories. Start with fabric strips approximately 2" × 8", hemming edges or using ribbon with finished borders. Embellish one end with buttons that reflect the recipient's personality or reading preferences—vintage pewter buttons for history buffs, colorful flower shapes for gardening enthusiasts, or miniature novelty buttons for children. Secure buttons with small, neat stitches using coordinating thread or contrasting embroidery floss for additional detail. The overhanging buttons create a decorative element visible when the book is closed, while the fabric portion remains flat between pages. These bookmarks become treasured reading companions while providing the perfect outlet for special singleton buttons too beautiful to leave unused in your collection.

9. Mason Jar Button Luminaries

Transform ordinary glass jars into enchanting luminaries that cast button-shaped shadows while adding whimsical charm to any space. I discovered this project while planning an outdoor garden party, seeking affordable centerpieces that would provide gentle evening illumination. Begin with clean glass jars in any size—Mason jars, pasta sauce containers, or even baby food jars for miniature versions. Apply strong clear-drying craft glue in your desired pattern, then press buttons onto the adhesive, ensuring they're firmly attached. Once dry, place battery-operated tea lights or small votive candles inside to illuminate your creation. The light shines between and sometimes through buttons, casting magical patterned shadows on surrounding surfaces. For seasonal variations, select colors reflecting holidays or occasions—red and green for Christmas, pastels for spring celebrations, or elegant white and metallic combinations for weddings. These luminaries transform basic containers into enchanting lights while showcasing even the most ordinary button collections.

10. Button-Decorated Throw Pillows

Elevate plain throw pillows into custom décor statements with button embellishments that add color, texture, and personality to any living space. I began creating these after moving into a new home with neutral furniture that needed personality without major investment. Start with solid-colored pillow covers in complementary shades to your existing décor. Design a button arrangement—concentric circles, sweeping spirals, geometric patterns, or representational images like flowers or trees. Sew each button securely using strong upholstery thread, varying standard sewn attachments with stacked buttons or buttons connected by thread bridges for dimensional effects. The resulting pillows add tactile interest to sofas and chairs while withstanding everyday use. For family-friendly versions in children's spaces, create interactive patterns with particularly large, textured buttons that invite touch. This craft transforms ordinary pillows into textural art pieces while providing the perfect showcase for button collections too beautiful to remain hidden in storage containers.

11. Children's Button Butterfly Crafts

Introduce children to the joy of button crafting with adorable butterfly creations that transform ordinary materials into magical flying creatures. I developed this project while teaching elementary art classes, seeking activities accessible to various skill levels while producing genuinely gift-worthy results. Begin with pipe cleaners bent into butterfly body shapes with curved antennae. Help children select buttons in graduated sizes for the butterfly body and wings, threading them onto the pipe cleaner and securing in place by twisting the flexible material. The resulting three-dimensional butterflies can stand independently, hang from windows, or attach to plants as garden decorations. For older children, enhance the project with patterned wing arrangements or embellishments like beads and sequins between the buttons. This craft builds fine motor skills while teaching pattern recognition and symmetry concepts. The portable nature makes it perfect for travel activities, while the finished creations become treasured keepsakes that showcase children's developing creative abilities.

12. Button Bouquet Flowers

Create everlasting blooms that showcase buttons in three-dimensional floral arrangements perfect for permanent displays or special occasion centerpieces. I discovered this craft while planning my best friend's bridal shower, seeking non-traditional décor that she could keep afterward. Begin with floral wire for stems, wrapping with green floral tape for a finished appearance. For each flower center, select a distinctive larger button, then surround it with smaller "petal" buttons in complementary colors. Connect buttons to wire using fine gauge craft wire threaded through button holes, or secure with strong adhesive for buttons lacking holes. Arrange finished flowers in vases, decorated jars, or hand-tied bouquets wrapped with ribbon. For wedding applications, incorporate buttons from family members' clothing into memorial bouquets that carry special significance. The resulting arrangements bring garden-inspired beauty to any space while remaining completely maintenance-free. This craft transforms button collections into conversation-starting décor while providing perfect showcases for particularly special or unusual specimens.

13. Button-Embedded Clay Ornaments

Combine the textural beauty of buttons with the versatility of clay to create heirloom-quality ornaments and decorative pieces that preserve special buttons for generations. I began making these after inheriting family buttons too fragile for wearable projects but too significant to remain unused. Start with air-dry or polymer clay rolled to approximately ¼-inch thickness. Press buttons into the clay to create distinct impressions, then remove them. For permanent button inclusions, press especially significant buttons partially into the clay, leaving portions exposed while embedding others securely within the medium. Cut around your composition with cookie cutters or craft knives, then add hanging holes for ornaments or display stands for decorative pieces. Once dry or baked according to clay type, paint, and finish as desired—metallic highlights often bring out impression details beautifully. These creations become family treasures that tell stories through both the buttons themselves and the impressions they leave behind.

14. Memory Button Garlands

Celebrate family history and special occasions by creating button garlands that transform loose collections into meaningful decorative strands perfect for mantels, windows, or celebration spaces. I created my first memory garland after my grandmother's passing, using buttons from her sewing room to create a tangible connection to her creative spirit. Begin by sorting buttons with personal significance—those from a grandparent's collection, baby clothing buttons, or buttons from significant garments like wedding attire or graduation gowns. String them on strong, transparent fishing line or coordinating ribbon, interspersing buttons with beads, small photographs, or written memory tags if desired. The resulting garlands bring meaningful decoration to holiday trees, doorways, or photo displays while keeping precious buttons together in a form that's both decorative and story-preserving. This craft transforms scattered button collections into cohesive memory tools that spark conversations about family history while creating new traditions around these tiny treasures.

15. Button-Covered Furniture Makeovers

Transform ordinary furniture pieces into extraordinary functional art through strategic button application that turns forgotten pieces into conversation-starting focal points. I discovered this technique while seeking affordable ways to make inexpensive furniture reflect my personal style without major woodworking skills. Start with small furniture pieces like footstools, side tables, or children's chairs—thrift stores provide perfect candidates for reinvention. Paint your base piece in complementary colors, then apply buttons in deliberate patterns using industrial-strength adhesive suitable for high-touch surfaces. For practical pieces, concentrate buttons in low-contact areas like drawer fronts or table edges, while decorative pieces can feature complete button coverage. Finish with several coats of clear polyurethane to protect buttons and ensure durability. The resulting pieces bring playful texture and visual interest to any room while showcasing button collections in functional forms. This craft transforms both ordinary furniture and button stashes into extraordinary design elements that personalize living spaces while preserving crafting heritage.

Conclusion

Buttons may be small, but their creative potential is limitless. These fifteen projects demonstrate how these humble fasteners transform into art, decoration, educational tools, and even preserved memories. Whether you're crafting with children, seeking personal creative expression, or preserving family heritage, button projects connect generations through shared creativity. The most meaningful button crafts often combine practicality with artistry, creating useful objects that showcase these tiny treasures. As you explore these ideas, allow your own creativity to guide button placement, color selection, and project adaptation, making each creation uniquely yours.