Cute as a Button

Trying to decide which buttons to make into something is like being a kid in a candy store with just one penny.

So many colors, shapes, sizes. Four holes, two holes. I even found one with ONE hole and several with NO HOLES!! That’s odd, wouldn’t you say? How do I sew on a holeless button? Maybe I am supposed to glue it on and then stand by the dryer with the glue in hand each time I wash it.

It was a tough choice but I settled on summer colors since it IS finally summer time.

Next challenge was finding buttons of equal size so I could use them back-to-back. I was making a bracelet and necklace and wanted the “view” from either side to be about the same.

Then I had to decide how to connect the buttons. That almost proved to be a Project Breaker. I only had small jump rings. No larger than 10mm. And those would not even come close to closing around a large button. At the craft store I found some larger silver rings. Not much of a selection and I came away thinking I would have to learn to make my own jump rings. (Putting that on my To-Do-List)

Here is the bracelet I made. It is lightweight so I used a magnetic clasp. I love that square navy button. I only had one like it.

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And the necklace… I really like how this turned out. I even added three little charms to dangle from the front.

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And another bracelet made from navy buttons and light blue plastic cubes. For this one the idea just came to me out of the blue. Get it? The BLUE.

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Well, it is time for me to get back to my design board. I have hundreds of buttons to choose from. They are probably happy to get some face time with me and are hoping to get a chance to get moved up the button chain and out of a plastic bag. Looking around… for my next idea.

Button Photos Tell THIS Story

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With Novelty Buttons, You Get Playtime

Saturday, June 7

I totally forgot about all the novelty buttons I have. I have been accumulating them over the years as well. I add to my collection whenever one of my favorite craft stores has a button sale.

Here are two examples of how I decorated a macrame basket using novelty buttons.

The red basket is perfect for a child’s room to keep the crayons, pens and pencils off the floor and neatly organized. I made two baskets and just need to sew on the buttons. They are temporarily attached with T-pins. Also perfect for a small child learning their ABC’s. Think playing school. There’s even a yellow school bus.

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The royal blue basket has a sports theme. It has sports buttons sewn on the front side and different toys inside including a toy bat. It will make a perfect gift for a sportsminded child. Can be used by boy or girl.

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I like how the buttons add something extra to the baskets but HATE sewing on buttons. I use those little tiny leather dots to protect my fingertips since I have never ever gotten the hang of using thimbles. The darn things will not stay on my fingers.

I wish someone would invent a way to get buttons sewn on without the sewing.

Was Out Shopping Today…

Friday, June 6

I spent a little bit of money today. Mostly in craft stores.

I think I told you that my neighborhood JoAnn’s is closing the end of July. There isn’t an inch of glass in the store front window that isn’t plastered with 20% off this and 30% off that. I can’t get all hot and excited about 20% off, geez. That is not a bargain. Anybody can get anything any day of the week for 20% off. BUT.. they are doing gangbuster business. I kid you not. I was in there yesterday too and the line went from the cashier counter as far back as I could see. I don’t remember seeing that many people in there EVER!! I doubt they reduce the pricing too much. Now why would they do that? If people (self included) are buying up everything at 20-30% off, why reduce the pricing anymore!!

I made my rounds also to Munro Crafts (love the place, they LOVE my bracelets) and Michaels. The nice lady at Michaels gave me a 50% off coupon to use for my highest item. That was so sweet of her and a total surprise. I saved 5.00. I was happy about that plus she complimented me on my bracelet.

I am ALWAYS happy to save money, with the price of groceries and gasoline nowadays.

Did you receive your stimulus check yet?

Got one of those FORM letters from the IRS last week telling me to expect a check on June 6th. It went on to state if check hadn’t arrived within 6 weeks of receiving the notice to contact them…. What!!?? Does that make sense to you??!! IF THE CHECK IS SUPPOSED TO BE HERE JUNE 6TH, THEN WHY SHOULD I STILL BE LOOKING FOR IT THE END OF JULY? HELLO!!!

If you guessed the check wasn’t in the mail, then you guessed correctly. It DID NOT arrive today…..

Thank goodness I didn’t go overboard and didn’t depend on good old Uncle Sam to come through for me. I was glad I used lots of self control and didn’t buy everything I wanted. Only got the craft necessities.