BUTTON PROJECTS/TUTORIAL

REMOVING BUTTON SHANK

If you’re making pony tail holders, magnets, earrings, etc., anything that is NOT to be sewn on, you’ll want to remove the button shank before putting your button together. 

To remove the shank turn your button back over and you’ll see where the shank is bent under on both sides.  Gently pry the ends up with a flat screwdriver, nut pick, etc. make sure you don’t hit your finger (one end pried up normally works).  Use needle nose pliers on the loop side of the shank to maneuver the shank off.  What I normally do at this point is to use a marking pen and put a little X on the side that goes down when putting the button together so I don't get confused when assembling it and put the wrong side down.  Have also found that if you use your pliers and push down on the loop sticking up it helps break the shank apart from the button.

Cover Those Buttons - SOOOOOOOOOOO EASY!!!!!!

MANY, MANY CUTE USES

Unless you're ACTUALLY using your button as a button and sewing onto something most of the projects require that you remove the button shank from your button back.

Cut a circle of fabric and light weight interfacing (optional ) about 1 inch wider in diameter than the button size you’re using.  I cut a small circle of felt, fleece, etc., the actual size of the button top and add little glue to hold it in place because I just like the feel of a little padding.  Place your fabric on your button front and place in the base and push down.  You can pull up on the edges of the fabric to make sure it's snug.  If you're adding an initial, etc., you obviously want to make sure it's centered on your button.

COVERING YOUR BUTTON

Assembly tool has two parts. The Base and the Pusher.

Photo shows Base (white), Pusher (blue) and the front and back of your button.

Using your fingers push the fabric down.  If you've got too much bulk trim some of it off.

Place your button back on top and then your pusher tool on top of that and push down hard.  You will probably hear a slight snapping sound.  Turn your button tool over and apply little pressure to the top and your finished button will pop right out.

PONY TAIL HOLDER

1 button

1 pony tail elastic - purchase from WalMart, etc.

Length of Craft Wire

Remove the shank off your button back as descreibed above.  Twist together 3 or 4 lengths of craft wire and wrap around your pony tail elastic.

Push the two lengths of wire through the holes left in your button back from removing the shank and twist wires together underneath.  Pull on your elastic a little to make it you're left enough wire so the elastic won't pll out.  Cut off any excess wire.

Put your button together as described above.

Below shows back of pony tail holder.

ADD A WIRE LOOP AND JUMP RING

Key Chain

1 Button

1 Key Chain with Ring

Length of Craft Wire

These are really cute, very light weight because your button basically has no weight to it.  The chains and rings I carry are short.  You could always purchase chain of your choice, a couple of jump rings and add your own key ring.  Trick here is to attach the chain without adding a lot of bulk when putting your button together.  I've seen this done using cording but I found it was too thick and wanted to pop apart.  I use craft wire which was a little tight in pushing the two pieces together but doesn't appear that it'll come apart.

Remove the shank on the back of your button.

Push a small length of wire through one of the holes left by removing the shank.  This should go from what would be the back side of the button that shows to the side that doesn't show. 

By adding a little wire loop and a jump ring and appropriate hardware (key ring chain and ring - necklace chain - bracelet -  hook for zipper pull, etc.) you can turn your covered button into of the above.

Thread your wire through your jump ring and back through the same hole so that your jump ring is on a little loop.  Thread those wires back through the other hole. 

Adjust all your wires so that the jump ring is just at the edge of the button and twist your wires together.  Do not twist close to the edge where the two pieces fit together because it will be too thick to snap the two pieces together.  You want your jump ring to be right at the edge, it should not get caught up where the two button pieces are snapped together.  I put a little dab of glue on the wire to hold it to the button back to help keep the loop and jump ring in the wright place.  Snip off excess wire. 

These would also make a cute napkin ring!!

Put your button together as described earlier, because of the wire added you might need to push a little harder.

Add your chain and ring for cute little key chain.   Add necklace chain to make necklace pendant.  Attach jump ring to charm bracelet.  Add little laynard hook for zipper pull.  

OTHER BUTTON USES WITH SHANKS REMOVED

HOPEFULLY WILL HAVE SOME PHOTOS UP LATER

Remove the shank from your button and make up the finished button as described earlier.

Get your glue gun ready and add ---

Round Magnet to make Refrigerator Magnet

Thumb tack (flat, not the push button type) to make decorative bulletin board tacks

Large paper clip for book mark - purchase clip from WalMart, etc.

Add a doo-dad and make a Shoe Button for your Crocs

Add Alligator Clip, Ribbon and Paci for Paci Clip

Glue onto Hair Clips, Head Bands

Glue on a Pin Back for Clothing or Tote Bags, etc.

Use Small Buttons and Glue on Earring Back

Hopefully More Suggestions to Come

BUTTON USES FOR BUTTONS WITH SHANKS ATTACHED

Now, you could really original here and use it as an actual button for clothing, decorative pillows, etc. 

Attach 2 small buttons together with small link of chain or clear elastic for cuff links.

Visitors Since May 1, 2008