Most of us have a drawer, jar, or little bag filled with old sewing buttons those tiny bits from shirts, coats, and forgotten craft projects. Instead of letting them collect dust or tossing them out, you can upcycle them into fun, practical, and creative things around your home. Upcycling means giving used objects a new life and purpose, making both your space and the environment happier.
Here are 10 clever and inspiring ways to reuse old buttons:
1. Turn Buttons Into Decorative Magnets
Make fridge magnets from spare buttons by gluing a small magnet to the back of each one. These are great for holding lists, photos, or kids’ drawings — and they turn your fridge into a playful display.
2. Make Unique Jewelry Pieces
Buttons can become charming jewelry! String them together for bracelets, necklaces, or earrings, or use them as decorative charms. Different shapes, sizes, and colors make each piece one-of-a-kind.
3. Create Button Artwork or Wall Decor
Buttons can be arranged into patterns, pictures, or shapes on canvas or wood to create cheerful artwork for your walls. For seasonal decor, turn them into button trees, snowmen, or floral designs that brighten up any room.
4. Embellish Clothing and Accessories
Add life to old clothes by sewing buttons along pockets, collars, or cuffs. You can also decorate scarves, hats, beanies, or even plain tote bags with a splash of colorful buttons to give them fresh personality.
5. Decorate Photo Frames and Mirrors
Glue buttons along the edge of a frame or mirror to add texture and color. It’s an easy DIY way to personalize your decor and reuse materials you already have.
6. Make Fun Kids’ Crafts
Buttons are perfect for kids’ creative projects: let children create button animals, rainbows, or collages. Simple items like button flowers, button butterflies, or button owls are easy and fun for all ages.
7. Craft Button Bouquets and Centerpieces
Attach buttons to floral wire to make colorful “button flowers” that never wilt. Arrange them in a vase for a whimsical centerpiece or use them in seasonal decorations.
8. Personalize Gift Wrapping
Use buttons as fancy closures for ribbon or twine when wrapping presents. They add a charming, handmade touch that makes gifts feel extra special — especially for birthdays or holidays.
9. Make a Button Clock or Functional Art
Turn an ordinary clock into something extraordinary by replacing the numbers with buttons. This fun twist transforms a utilitarian object into something artistic and unique.
10. Create Decorative Button Bowls or Trinket Holders
With some glue and a mold (like a balloon or bowl), you can create a button bowl to hold jewelry, coins, or keys. It’s both practical and beautiful — a great way to keep small items organized.
Bonus: Donate or Share for Crafts
If you have more buttons than you know what to do with, consider donating them to schools, community centers, or craft groups. Many art programs love receiving recycled supplies for projects and workshops.
Why It’s Worth Saving Buttons
Buttons are small but versatile. With a little creativity, they can become stylish accessories, personalized gifts, art pieces, or functional household items. Reusing them is not only eco-friendly but can also inspire fun DIY projects — whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just looking for ways to get creative at home.
