If you’re anything like me, you probably have a tin, jar or drawer quietly filling up with spare buttons. They come from old shirts, forgotten coats, or those tiny packets attached to new clothes “just in case”. Instead of letting them gather dust, why not turn them into something beautiful and useful?
Here are seven creative categories of craft and art ideas to help you make the most of your spare buttons.
1. Customising Clothes
One of the simplest and most effective ways to use spare buttons is by updating your wardrobe. Swapping out plain buttons for colourful, vintage or quirky ones can completely transform a garment.
You could brighten up a cardigan, add personality to a denim jacket, or create a mismatched look on a shirt for a more playful style. It’s a quick, affordable way to refresh clothes without buying anything new.
2. Handmade Jewellery
Buttons make fantastic materials for jewellery. Their variety in size, colour and texture means you can create truly unique pieces. I have designed some unique pieces of jewellery for Goodordering using clay buttons and trinkets here.
Try threading small buttons into bracelets, layering them for statement necklaces, or turning decorative buttons into earrings. With just a few basic tools, you can create accessories that no one else will have.
3. Home Décor Projects
Buttons can add charm and character to your home. They’re perfect for small decorative touches that make a big difference.
You could create button art by arranging them into shapes or patterns and framing the result. They also work beautifully glued onto photo frames, mirrors, or even lampshades and flower bouquets for a quirky, personalised finish.
4. Kids’ Crafts and Activities
If you have children, spare buttons are brilliant for creative play (with supervision for younger ones). They can be used for sorting games, colour matching, or simple craft projects.
Kids can make button collages, decorate greeting cards, or create fun characters. It’s a great way to encourage creativity while using materials you already have at home.
5. Seasonal and Holiday Decorations
Buttons are perfect for festive crafts. Their shapes and colours lend themselves well to seasonal designs.
Think button Christmas trees, wreaths, or snowmen in winter, and floral patterns or pastel designs in spring. You can make decorations, gift tags, or even handmade ornaments that become part of your yearly traditions.
6. Sewing and Embellishment Projects
Beyond replacing lost buttons, you can use them as decorative embellishments in sewing projects. for example in bags and even shoes and socks as seen in these images.
Add them to cushions, tote bags, or quilts for extra texture and interest. They can also be used to create patterns or highlight certain areas of a design, giving your handmade items a more professional and creative finish.
7. Gifts and Keepsakes
Handmade gifts are always special, and buttons can help you create something meaningful.
You might design a personalised card, a framed initial made from buttons, or a small keepsake for a friend or family member. These thoughtful creations often mean more than shop-bought presents.
Final Thoughts
Spare buttons might seem small and insignificant, but they’re full of creative potential. Whether you’re customising your wardrobe, crafting with children, or making thoughtful gifts, there are countless ways to put them to good use.
So next time you come across that growing button collection, don’t ignore it—turn it into your next creative project.
