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DCL
It seems you can't buy an article of clothing without collecting buttons. I'm not complaining--those thoughtful extra buttons have come in handy more than once--but it means I have an odd assortment of extras. Of course, I've also been known to buy a good many buttons.
Somehow I've amassed a collection of buttons that includes everything from a silver-dollar sized wooden square beauty to green plastic frog-shaped buttons that are no bigger than the diameter of a disposable pen.
If, like me, you're looking for a way to use up those odds-and-ends buttons, here are five fantastic accessories you can make with buttons.
Button Brooch Select three buttons in different sizes--one small, one medium, and one large. Arrange the buttons so the smallest sits on the medium-sized, which will sit on the largest button. Glue of sew the buttons together, then glue a brooch fastener on the back. Just like that you have a pretty brooch that is as unique as the buttons you've selected.
Fancy Bobby Pin Jazz up ho-hum bobby pins with a pretty button. Take a favorite fancy button--think fabric covered, pearl or even just a decorative button--and glue it to the head of a bobby pin. Wear one in the front of your hair, or use several to keep an up-do in place. This is a great way to use a set of special buttons.
Cute Earrings Small buttons can sometimes be hard to find uses for, but they make really cute earrings. Simply glue posts to the backs of a pair of buttons and you have an adorable pair of earrings, that is perfect for adults and kids alike.
Simple Bracelet If you have a lot of buttons, you can string them all together on a piece of nylon thread to make a bracelet. String on enough beads to go around your wrist, and then tie each end of the thread to a jewelry finding.
Statement Necklace Treat buttons like beads to create a fantastic necklace. Start with a large, flat-front button (i.e. one that has no holes through it, but attaches underneath), using that as the centerpiece. Select smaller complimentary buttons to bracket it on either side. String half of the complimentary buttons on a piece of nylon thread, then add the centerpiece button, and finish by stringing on the remaining complimentary buttons. Attach a jewelry finding to the ends of the string, and you instantly have a statement necklace.
