How to Make a Button Wreath

Button wreaths are a whimsical and unusual way to say "Happy Holidays!"

Finally, there is something to do with all those extra buttons. You can turn your buttons into holiday decorations that are unique and clearly show your own personality. This is a simple project and very young children will enjoy selecting and placing the buttons, while older ones will be able to do it entirely on their own in about 45 minutes.

Things You'll Need

• Cardboard
• Scissors
• Assorted buttons
• Craft glue
• Christmas ribbon bow
• Gold or silver spray paint

Instructions

1. Cut out a circle of cardboard. The circle will have a hole in the middle like a big cardboard doughnut, and the width of the cardboard will be about the width of the button wreath. If you want a thick wreath, then leave more cardboard, whereas if you want a thin one then make the middle hole larger.

2. Spray paint the front and back of the cardboard circle gold; this way, if any of the cardboard shows through it will be pretty and not a dull brown. Be sure to spray paint outside if possible, and in a well-ventilated area if you must work inside.

3. Arrange the buttons on the cardboard circle. Use larger, flatter buttons on the bottom layer, and more elaborate and smaller buttons on the top. Be sure that you cover the edges of the cardboard, and use plenty of glue so that the buttons will stick securely.

4. Glue the holiday bow to the wreath. You can put it at the top, bottom or on one of the sides. Try holding it in various positions until you find one that you like.

5. Allow the wreath to dry flat for 24 hours. You need to give it this long because buttons are heavy and may pull away from set but not firmly dried glue. Once the wreath is completely dry, you can hang it on the wall or give it as a homemade holiday gift.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have lots of different colored buttons, you can spray paint them also to make your wreath appear a little more coherent. However, most people find an eclectic mix of buttons looks charming.

• Only use buttons that you are sure you will not need for clothing repair. Once you glue them on the wreath they can no longer be used for mending.