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You are visiting: Home » Decorating/DIY » Create Your Decor » Easy Artwork That’s as Cute as a Button

Easy Artwork That’s as Cute as a Button

by Lindsay Ballard on January 4, 2010 88 Comments

I had a great first post of 2010 planned, you guys. I had been thinking about it for weeks. I even had my list started…I was going to fill you in on all the great projects I have in store for the new year.

The closer it came to January 1st, the more nervous I became. What if I didn’t get them all finished this year? What if I said I was going to do something that I didn’t actually do? We all know how the toile-covered headboard and mirrored nightstand tutorials that I promised but never actually wrote turned out. Y’all still email me about them weekly. You people are like elephants that never forget! I love it.
So, I panicked and decided to teach you an easy glue gun craft instead. Cool?
Framed Button-Filled Design
Supplies:
– Picture frame with glass
– Fabric scrap approximately the size of the glass
– Assortment of buttons
– Spray adhesive
– Glue gun and gluesticks
You will likely be able to throw this together without spending a dime. I raided my button stash, fabric stash, and frame stash (man, I have a lot of stashes!) and was able to pull this together for free.
Well, I take that back. I bought another frame at the Dollar Tree I was going to use, but my husband ran over it in the garage while I was letting the spray paint dry. I ran outside when I heard him pull into the garage and I said, “Did you run over my frame?” He replied, “Oh, is that what that crunching sound was?” But, I digress.
To start your project, remove the glass from the frame and set the frame aside. Spray the adhesive onto one side of the glass and onto the back of your fabric scrap. Wait for about one minute, and then apply the fabric to the glass, sticky side to sticky side. Smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles with your hand.
Flip the glass over, and trim away the excess fabric. You want it to just cover the glass.
Next, lightly draw your design onto the front of the fabric with a pencil. I printed a fleur-de-lis design from the Internet, but you could draw an initial or any other design. Just remember that a design without a lot of small or skinny details works best.
Sort your button stash into like hues. For my design, I used white, off white, light brown, and light blue buttons. You are welcome to use a mix of every color under the rainbow if you would like, but I decided to keep mine in the color scheme that matches the room in which this picture will hang.
Now comes the fun part! Fire up your glue gun and just start gluing buttons on the fabric, filling in the design. After playing around with it, I decided that I like the buttons to overlap each other in areas. Make sure you are really varying your button size and color throughout your design.
The time this will take will depend upon your design, but mine took me about an hour to glue together completely. You can still see the pencil lines on some of the areas if you look closely, so don’t look too close!
Once you are happy with your button-filled design, simply put the glass back into the frame and hang on the wall or set out on a table.
Isn’t it so fun? I love that I was able to customize it to fit in with my living room decor AND I was able to use up some supplies I had on hand.
I’ve been wanting to hang a small picture in that space, and this fits just perfectly. I love it! What do you think?
Join in the fun by clicking here!

About Lindsay Ballard

Lindsay Ballard is a former college mascot turned political geek turned roller derby playing, DIY fanatic.

Lindsay chronicles her projects, design ideas, and lifestyle tips here at Makely, where she shares tutorials and inspiration. Her DIY designs are bold and graphic, while her spirit is fun and full of color.

Lindsay lives outside of Austin, Texas with her husband (Tom), children (Zack and Emma), and dogs (Duke and Jill). She plays roller derby for the Rockin' City Rollergirls out of Round Rock, Texas.

« The Year in Review
Blessed. »

Comments

  1. southerninspiration says

    January 4, 2010 at 7:41 am

    Oh, that is TOO Cool!!!
    Suzanne

    Reply
  2. Heather Crawford says

    January 4, 2010 at 8:38 am

    OH, LOVE this..thanks for sharing and glad I have come across your blog!

    Reply
  3. Gina Stinson says

    January 4, 2010 at 8:38 am

    I can do this!!!

    Reply
  4. Jenny@ L.O.T.s of Love says

    January 4, 2010 at 8:41 am

    I think it's lovely! However, writing down your ideas and making them public might actually help motivate you to complete your 2010 projects. I have found this the help me. I announced on facebook that I was running a half-marathon in April and found tons of support and motivation from the responses!

    Reply
  5. Christina says

    January 4, 2010 at 9:10 am

    Beautiful. The peal/blue/silver combo is delish.

    Great idea.

    Reply
  6. Kimm at Reinvented says

    January 4, 2010 at 9:34 am

    Oh gosh, girl, you KNOW I love free projects! This is very cool, and just perfect for that very spot. Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply
  7. Emilee says

    January 4, 2010 at 9:36 am

    Love it! I've been following your blog for only a couple of months now but you've got some great projects (I made the book wreath and get so many compliments!) and I can't wait to see more. I think you should re-visit the mirror nightstand in 2010 – I have faith that you can do it and it will turn out fabulous. Keep up the great work, you are inspiring us all!!!

    Reply
  8. Sara says

    January 4, 2010 at 4:37 am

    That is as cute as a button! lol

    Reply
  9. Holly says

    January 4, 2010 at 9:48 am

    I love this! Thanks for the idea!

    Reply
  10. Laura says

    January 4, 2010 at 10:18 am

    I love it!!! Thanks for sharing!!!

    Reply
  11. Paula says

    January 4, 2010 at 5:48 am

    Your button craft really adds a pop of interest to that low wall. This is a great idea and would be a good way to use all those extra buttons that many of us accumulate.

    Reply
  12. the BLAH BLAH BLAHger says

    January 4, 2010 at 10:53 am

    Please take that down immediately and replace it with a lyre, young lady!!! You're no Kappa!

    Reply
  13. slip4 says

    January 4, 2010 at 5:54 am

    LOVE. IT.! I think I am going to try it first with a less permanent idea…I have a shadow box with a cork lining. May try that first. Thanks!

    Reply
  14. Sarah says

    January 4, 2010 at 6:21 am

    I'm so doing a "Q" for my daughter Quinn's room! Thanks for the super cute idea!

    Reply
  15. 1 Funky Woman says

    January 4, 2010 at 7:12 am

    Very cool project. You could make so many designs. I just love your chair, I think I will bring my kindle over and cozy up and read for a while!

    Megan

    Reply
  16. Salinda says

    January 4, 2010 at 7:23 am

    i. love. that. fleur de lis. must make one. wonder if i have enough gold buttons…

    Reply
  17. The Working Home Keeper says

    January 4, 2010 at 7:38 am

    Very cute! Love it!

    Reply
  18. sara@augustfields says

    January 4, 2010 at 7:42 am

    lindsay…what a great idea 🙂 this turned out really cute and looks great in that little nook.

    Reply
  19. aimeewrites says

    January 4, 2010 at 1:09 pm

    Ooh, it's GORgeous!!

    Reply
  20. Oregonsun says

    January 4, 2010 at 8:10 am

    That is so cool…I am thinking of doing our initial in our last name on burlap! Woo hoo Thanks for a great idea!

    Reply
  21. Get Your Martha On says

    January 4, 2010 at 8:15 am

    What do I think? I think you are unbelievably creative and it makes my head hurt. 🙂

    Very cute project!

    Reply
  22. Stephanie says

    January 4, 2010 at 8:20 am

    I love it! I am a big button collector and have done projects like this in the past. I love your colors and that you found a use for those many, many white buttons. Of course I have more of those than any other.

    Reply
  23. heidi @ wonder woman wannabe says

    January 4, 2010 at 8:29 am

    Very fun! If ever I find myself in abundance of buttons, I'll know exactly what to do with them!

    Reply
  24. Rachel@oneprettything.com says

    January 4, 2010 at 1:34 pm

    That is so cute! What a fun idea for designs and monograms. Thanks so much, I'll be linking.

    Reply
  25. gina says

    January 4, 2010 at 1:36 pm

    LOVE it!

    Reply
  26. Amanda @ Serenity Now says

    January 4, 2010 at 2:02 pm

    WOW!!!!! Beautiful. 🙂 I love the fleur de lis design, and the fact that you used buttons makes it even more fab in my opinion. 😉 Lovely!!!

    Reply
  27. Monkey Doodle Designs says

    January 4, 2010 at 9:28 am

    Love ithat it's easy enough for kids to do (sans the hot glue part). This is up next on my rainy day craft idea list!

    Reply
  28. Sunny Tuesday says

    January 4, 2010 at 9:35 am

    I absolutely LOVE your blog! You make the most amazing things and make them seem doable. You've inspired me to really decorate my house in 2010.

    Reply
  29. Isabella & Max Rooms says

    January 4, 2010 at 9:38 am

    Get out!! That is too fabulous…
    Janell

    Reply
  30. Jen says

    January 4, 2010 at 9:42 am

    Aaaahhhh-dor-a-ble! Super cute. No pressure on your projects sweetie! We're just as busy and frantic in our own little craft world! Trust me!!!!

    Reply
  31. Susan Ryan says

    January 4, 2010 at 9:52 am

    Lovely! If you're worried about your pencil marks showing, you can use a marking pen that will disappear with a spritz of water. Your local quilt store will point you in the right direction. You could also buy quilting stencils to make some designs. (spot the quilter!)

    Reply
  32. Gail says

    January 4, 2010 at 9:59 am

    You are just amazing and soooooooo creative! I've been following your blog and I just love everything you do.

    Have a wonderful day.
    Gail

    Reply
  33. mary'smom says

    January 4, 2010 at 10:03 am

    I love this. It's beautiful. I am going to copy very soon! This post is going into my favorites for sure!

    Reply
  34. Kendall says

    January 4, 2010 at 10:14 am

    That is just the cutest thing! I want to make some of these for me and to give as gifts! I've got a bag of antique buttons screaming to be used. Thanks for the idea!

    I also wanted to thank you for your advice on refinishing that TV unit with the bubbly veneer! I sanded down through the veneer and put 3 coats of primer on and it worked like a charm! I posted a pic of it along with the game room re-do on my blog today if you want to take a peek! Thanks again Lindsay!

    http://www.finesseyournest.blogspot.com

    Reply
  35. The Oxford Family says

    January 4, 2010 at 10:17 am

    Very cute! Would love to post this and link to it if that's ok? Along with the high 5 garden!

    innerhooker(at)yahoo.com

    Reply
  36. Brittany says

    January 4, 2010 at 11:17 am

    I LOVE the way this looks! The fleur de lis is adorable!! Thanks for sharing. I'm linking this tutorial to my blog. 🙂

    Reply
  37. Amber @ Two Nuts in a Shell says

    January 4, 2010 at 12:05 pm

    Yes you DO need to work on that headboard tutorial! I'm going to be attempting a framed headboard and I LOVE yours! C'mon girl! 😉

    Reply
  38. Jessabells says

    January 4, 2010 at 12:33 pm

    Wow, love it. I'm going to go through my buttons and create! Thanks for the inspriation!

    Reply
  39. Kara@ Creations by Kara says

    January 4, 2010 at 1:25 pm

    Very cute! I'm a sucker for a great fleur de lis project!

    Reply
  40. Jaimie says

    January 4, 2010 at 1:39 pm

    LOVING this idea! ALSO always loving the fleur de lis.

    Reply
  41. Laine says

    January 4, 2010 at 1:47 pm

    totally love it! Thanks, Lindsay, for such a fab idea!!

    Reply
  42. Anonymous says

    January 4, 2010 at 6:50 pm

    That's so cute

    Reply
  43. Dawn says

    January 4, 2010 at 7:33 pm

    That is sooo cute! I'm going to have to try that!

    Reply
  44. Shannon says

    January 4, 2010 at 3:50 pm

    I love this idea! And as a seamstress, I am extra enamored of it! I can't wait to try this myself. Thanks for the tutorial.

    Reply
  45. bridget {bake at 350} says

    January 4, 2010 at 5:37 pm

    Lindsay…I love you! I think I.CAN.DO.THIS. 🙂 So wish I was going to Blissdom and could meet you in person. I'm sending my neighbor, Kristen from We Are THAT Family with a hug from me. Thanks for giving me the courage to CRAFT!!!

    Reply
  46. Centsational Girl says

    January 4, 2010 at 10:45 pm

    Absolutely lovely darling ! People would pay serious buckaroos for that in a specialty shop. You should sell some in your Etsy shop ! I love it – can't wait to meet you at Blissdom!
    Kate

    Reply
  47. Chic Crafty Chick says

    January 4, 2010 at 5:49 pm

    Wow, what a great idea. And such a cheap way to create artwork for a hard to fill space. What a great way to start off the year! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  48. Jenna says

    January 4, 2010 at 7:03 pm

    Oh, this is SO adorable!! Definitely going to be trying this!

    Reply
  49. AlittlePieceOfShabby says

    January 4, 2010 at 7:55 pm

    I love this, so very cute. I've been obsessed with damask recently. I plan to stencil it in my mudroom, and I did it on some curtains the other day. Something so very sophisticated about it. I'm not a button collector..? I guess I'll have to wait until garage sale season to collect some! Cant wait to see what you have for Teach me tuesday!

    Reply
  50. Ellen says

    January 4, 2010 at 8:48 pm

    That is pretty creative! LOVE it!!!

    Reply
  51. fawnda says

    January 4, 2010 at 9:12 pm

    I LOVE IT! What an awesome idea! Simple but beautiful! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  52. Nancy says

    January 4, 2010 at 9:22 pm

    WOWEEEE, what darling idea! So clever and easy. Just wish I had that big of a stash of old buttons. But now I know what I will be on the hunt for.
    Thanks for sharing.
    XO Nancy

    Reply
  53. Melissa Stover says

    January 5, 2010 at 12:15 am

    that is cute as a button!

    Reply
  54. Stephanie Lynn says

    January 5, 2010 at 3:33 am

    This is fabulous! I love it … going in my to-do. Thanks for the inspiration – great job.

    Reply
  55. Riviera Boardwalk says

    January 5, 2010 at 9:14 am

    You did a great with that project. I am impressed. Thanks so much for sharing!
    nancy

    Reply
  56. Sarah @ Hennessey House says

    January 5, 2010 at 11:27 am

    genius! wow. not gonna lie, when i read "art with buttons" from Kimba's DIY Day, i thought it might be cheesy, but this is FABULOUS! super super creative.

    Reply
  57. Rhonda says

    January 5, 2010 at 8:55 pm

    Really cute!! You could do lots of variations of this. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  58. Abbi says

    January 5, 2010 at 5:00 pm

    I like that! And I have lots of buttons too! Maybe in a butterfly shape for my girls room… Or an airplace for my son… Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply
  59. Melynda says

    January 5, 2010 at 6:23 pm

    I love buttons, and the antique sewing machine in a cabinet came with a drawer full, so I am on the look out for projects. Thanks so much.

    Reply
  60. Colleen @ MuralMaker&More says

    January 5, 2010 at 6:26 pm

    I never woulda thought of that. What a fun piece to make – and I have a ton of buttons! Thanks so much!

    Reply
  61. Cindy says

    January 6, 2010 at 12:54 pm

    Love it! I'm thinking of doing something like that with my boys' initials for their room. Very cute!

    Reply
  62. Bethany Haile says

    January 6, 2010 at 4:14 pm

    Hi, I tried out this project today. So fun, I love it…though not as much as yours! 🙂 I linked to your post too….
    Bethany @ Happy By Design

    Reply
  63. Brian and Ashley says

    January 6, 2010 at 5:25 pm

    That is so cute! Great idea!

    Reply
  64. Sarah Robbins says

    January 6, 2010 at 10:43 pm

    I love it and I am totally going to copy that!

    Reply
  65. Barbara Jean says

    January 7, 2010 at 1:35 am

    Love this project!
    It is sooo sweet!

    blessings

    barbara jean

    Reply
  66. pk @ Room Remix says

    January 7, 2010 at 8:33 am

    This is adorable, Lindsay! Love it…

    Reply
  67. Stephanie B says

    January 7, 2010 at 1:12 pm

    That is such a neat idea! So many possibilities!

    Reply
  68. Embellished Bayou says

    January 7, 2010 at 11:22 pm

    LOVE this! You had me at fleur de lis….

    Reply
  69. somedaycrafts says

    January 8, 2010 at 1:05 am

    Gorgeous! I featured this at somedaycrafts.blogspot.com

    Reply
  70. Joanna says

    January 8, 2010 at 9:31 am

    This is an awesome project – I MUST do it! I have millions of buttons just waiting to be made into something beautiful! Thanks for the tutorial!

    Reply
  71. TheFancyFritter says

    January 8, 2010 at 3:45 pm

    I LOVE this! wow! I'm going to start collecting all the buttons I see now, so I can make it! 🙂

    Reply
  72. Mitzi Curi says

    January 9, 2010 at 5:44 am

    OMG, I have mountains of buttons just waiting for a good project to come along! I can't believe I haven't discovered your blog before….it's now bookmarked so I can get more great inspiration!

    Reply
  73. Carina the Blogarina says

    January 9, 2010 at 10:30 am

    loves it!!!

    Reply
  74. Craft Rose says

    January 10, 2010 at 4:44 pm

    I just stopped by another blogster, who you had obviously inspired with your craft project.

    I like seeing the additional photos of it, on how you've place it in context.

    It look stunning where you are hanging it and you kept it simple, which is the secret to successful craft, I have come to believe.

    Reply
  75. Tracey says

    January 10, 2010 at 6:10 pm

    Thanks Lindsay, I am CRAZY about this idea! I have a plate that I have been wanting to put our initial on to hang in our kitchen, I think I will try buttons.

    Reply
  76. RedHead says

    January 10, 2010 at 9:07 pm

    This inspired me to make this: http://redheadscraftmorefun.blogspot.com/2010/01/be-mine-conversation-heart-picture.html

    Thanks for the inspiration!!

    Reply
  77. Amber says

    January 16, 2010 at 1:28 pm

    I think the depth added by the buttons makes the piece. It's lovely and adds such a pop of character to your sitting area.

    Reply
  78. margaret says

    August 26, 2011 at 5:02 pm

    i sooooooooooo love this. i’m gonna make one for my ‘boudoir’ x

    Reply
  79. emerald hills says

    September 12, 2011 at 10:35 pm

    I LOVE THIS! I love fur-de-lies to begin with this, but this is easy and so cute! I just can’t say how much I love it!

    Reply
  80. Sandi says

    October 13, 2011 at 2:41 pm

    Wow, I really love this idea! I think I will try this one out very soon! Precious!

    Reply
  81. Jamie @ SewRockin' says

    January 6, 2012 at 11:14 pm

    Your project ROCKS! I just wanted to let you know I featured it today on “You Sew Rock Me Fridays” on my blog Sew Rockin’. You can view the post here: http://wp.me/p1VAkT-mG. Awesome work…I can’t wait to see what you come up with next!

    Reply
  82. ggrassle says

    January 18, 2012 at 7:33 pm

    Great idea! It looks great in your LR.

    Reply
  83. Jamie B says

    January 22, 2012 at 12:48 pm

    Wow, this is gorgeous! You did a great job on this. I hope it is okay, I just couldn’t help but feature your beautiful framed Fleur de lis on my button crafts round-up hub here:

    http://jamiebrock.hubpages.com/hub/Super-Cute-Button-Crafts-Tutorial-Round-Up?done

    Thank you so much for sharing this!

    Jamie

    Reply

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About Makely

Lindsay Ballard is a former college mascot turned political geek turned roller derby playing, DIY fanatic.

Lindsay chronicles her projects, design ideas, and lifestyle tips here at Makely, where she shares tutorials and inspiration. Her DIY designs are bold and graphic, while her spirit is fun and full of color.

Lindsay lives outside of Austin, Texas with her husband (Tom), children (Zack and Emma), and dogs (Duke and Jill). She plays roller derby for the Rockin' City Rollergirls out of Round Rock, Texas.


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