Make Whimsical Trees with Buttons

Difficulty:
Very Easy
Cost:
$1-$50
Average rating:
There are people who collect buttons and it is easy to see why. There is something appealing about an object, which has such a common purpose while at the same time conveying such a fascinating sense of geometry. Plus buttons come in every color imaginable. However, for those who collect buttons, the question soon becomes, what to do with them? Buttons in a jar just don't satisfy. Here is a fun and easy way to display your buttons, make a button tree. Button trees are simple to make and multiply the geometric fun of buttons. In addition to providing a fun way for displaying your buttons, button trees are easy to take apart if you find you want to use the buttons for some other project.
Step 1:

Supplies

  • Styrofoam cone
  • Buttons (one color or a combination of colors to match your décor works well)
  • Fabric
  • Adhesive
  • Straight pins (in coordinating or contrasting colors to your buttons)
Step 2:

Use the adhesive and fabric to cover the Styrofoam cone. Because circles are not the most efficient use of space, there will be gaps on the tree where the foam base can be seen. If it doesn't bother you to see plain Styrofoam, this step is not necessary.

Step 3:

Start applying buttons to the Styrofoam. Because of the curvature of a cone, you should stagger the size of your buttons for the best coverage.

For buttons with two holes, use a straight pin in each button and push the pins into the foam to hold the button in place.

For buttons with four holes, it is not necessary to put a straight pin in each hole, however, if the button is particularly large, it may be a good idea to place a pin in each hole to create consistency and to make sure the button doesn't become lose.

Step 4:

Ideas and Suggestions

  • This is a simple craft project, however, be prepared for it to take time. Large trees, especially, take longer than one might expect.
  • If you like the rustic look, consider stopping at your local coffee shop and see if they will give you their burlap coffee bags for free.  Burlap makes a great 'base' under the buttons.

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