9 Creative Ways to Use Novelty Buttons in Crafts and DIY Projects

by | Mar 15, 2024 | General | 0 comments

Attention all crafters and DIY enthusiasts! Are you tired of using the same old buttons in your projects? Look no further, because we’ve got some fresh and exciting ideas for using novelty buttons in your next crafting adventure.

These quirky and unique buttons are not only fun to look at, but they can also add an extra touch of creativity to your creations. Get ready to think outside the box and elevate your crafting game.

So gather your supplies and get ready to be inspired as we share the endless possibilities of using novelty buttons in crafts and DIY projects.

1. Use Them as Decorative Accents on Clothing

These unique and eye-catching buttons add a fun and personal touch to any outfit. They can be used to replace standard buttons on shirts, jackets, or pants, or even added to accessories like hats or bags. Mix and match different shapes, sizes, and designs to create a one-of-a-kind look.

Novelty buttons can also be used as statement pieces on plain clothing items, instantly elevating the look. The possibilities are endless with using novelty buttons as decorative accents on clothing.

2. Create a Button Collage on a Canvas or Frame

This can be done by choosing a variety of buttons in different sizes, shapes, and colors that fit a specific theme or color scheme. Then, using a strong adhesive, the buttons can be arranged and adhered onto a canvas or frame to create a visually appealing collage.

This can be a great way to add dimension and texture to a piece of artwork or home decor. It also allows for endless creativity and personalization, making each button collage truly one-of-a-kind.

3. Use Them as Eyes or Noses for Stuffed Animals or Dolls

These colorful and unique buttons can add personality and character to your creations. Simply sewing or gluing them onto plush toys or fabric dolls can transform them into adorable and charming creatures. With a wide variety of novelty buttons available, from cute animals to fun shapes and designs, the possibilities are endless.

This is a great way to upcycle old stuffed animals or give a special touch to handmade toys. It’s a simple and cost-effective way to make your crafts stand out. For a fun and cozy addition to your craft projects, you might want to buy penguin plushies to complement your creations.

4. Create a Button Wreath or Garland

Creating a button wreath or garland is not only a fun and creative way to use unique button crafts in crafts and handmade decorations, but it also adds a unique and personalized touch to your home decor. By stringing different colors and sizes of buttons onto a wire or string, you can create a beautiful wreath or garland to hang on your door, mantle, or wall.

You can even add other elements such as beads, ribbons, or flowers to make it even more eye-catching. This project allows you to express your style and personality, making it the perfect addition to any home.

5. Glue Them Onto Picture Frames

This is a fun and easy way to add some personality and flair to plain and ordinary frames. You can glue them onto the corners of the frame for a subtle touch, or cover the entire frame with an array of different buttons for a bold and eye-catching design. Not only does it add visual interest to your frames, but it also allows you to showcase your collection of novelty buttons practically and artistically.

6. Use Them as Game Pieces in a Homemade Board Game

By using novelty buttons as game pieces, you can add an element of fun and playfulness to your game. Not only will it make your game more visually appealing, but it also add a personal touch to your project. You can create themed games like a candy land or animal adventure using novelty buttons as the characters.

This not only makes for a fun activity but also encourages creativity and imagination. So, the next time you’re looking for a unique way to use novelty buttons, don’t forget to incorporate them as game pieces in a homemade board game.

7. Create Button Flowers

These colorful and playful buttons can be arranged in layers to mimic the petals of a flower and can be attached to a stem made out of wire or twine. These button flowers can be used to adorn anything from greeting cards to picture frames, and can even be made into a bouquet as a fun and whimsical gift. With the wide variety of buttons for crafts available online, the possibilities for creating unique and eye-catching button flowers are endless.

8. Use Novelty Buttons as Embellishments

These playful and unique buttons add a touch of personality and charm to any project, whether it’s a handmade greeting card, a scrapbook layout, or a piece of clothing. By incorporating unique embellishments, such as shaped, colorful, or patterned ones, you can create eye-catching designs and make your crafts stand out.

You can also mix and match different types and sizes of novelty buttons to add dimension and texture to your projects. The possibilities are endless with novelty buttons as embellishments – let your imagination run wild!

9. Use Them as Plant Markers or Garden Decorations

Novelty buttons are not just for sewing and clothing decorations, they can also add a fun and unique touch to your garden. Using them as plant markers is a great way to add a personal touch to your garden while keeping track of your plants. You can attach colorful buttons to dowels or sticks and label them with the plant’s name or picture.

This is not only practical but also adds a decorative element to your garden. Additionally, you can use unique button crafts to create eye-catching garden decorations.

For example, you can string them together to make a garland, use them to decorate your flower pots, or even create a button mosaic on your garden wall. The possibilities are endless, and incorporating novelty buttons into your garden will surely make it stand out.

Incorporate Novelty Buttons Into Your DIY Projects and Crafts

Novelty buttons can add an element of fun and creativity to any craft or DIY project. With a variety of shapes, colors, and designs, the possibilities are endless.

Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and incorporate these unique buttons into your next project. Start experimenting and click that “add to cart” button now! Your imagination is the limit.

Looking for more tips and advice? You’re in the right place! Make sure to bookmark our page and come back to check out more interesting articles.

In Columbia, Maryland, there’s a former grocery store that has been transformed into a department store for mythical creatures, time travelers, and intergalactic tourists.

It’s called DoodleHATCH.

You can groom a unicorn, visit an intergalactic space station, climb onto a giant’s bed, meet guinea pigs, explore an artist’s studio, and discover approximately a million other things that somebody actually sat down and made.

It’s a nonprofit interactive art museum, a community project, an educational resource, and one of my favorite places I’ve ever discovered.

And it could be demolished as part of a proposed redevelopment of the Long Reach Village Center.

But there’s still an opportunity to help.

You don’t need to donate money. You don’t need to live in Maryland. And you don’t need to know anything about zoning laws.

You can start by writing an email.

🚨 Here's what's happening

Developer Columbia Concepts has proposed redeveloping the Long Reach Village Center in Columbia, Maryland.

The proposal would replace existing buildings with new housing, recreational facilities, and other development.

Unfortunately, that puts a whole collection of existing community resources at risk of being demolished, including:

  • DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum
  • Maryland Fashion Institute
  • A makerspace used for community education
  • Local restaurants, shops, and service businesses
  • Early childhood education and community programs
  • A 140-foot-long mural created by approximately 100 community members

This isn’t just about losing a fabulous museum. It’s about losing an entire collection of places that people have built, supported, and relied on.

And there’s another possibility!

🌈 Meet The REALM

Lee Andersen, the founder of DoodleHATCH, and her nonprofit ManneqART want to preserve the existing community resources and transform the village center into an arts and culture destination called The REALM.

Imagine a place where artists have studios, children have room to explore, students can learn creative skills, people can attend performances, and local businesses continue serving their neighbors.

There are plans for a performing arts space, more opportunities for artists, and a Witches Kitchen that might serve you a horrible-disgusting breakfast.

Which, personally, I think sounds promising.

The people behind DoodleHATCH are gathering support to oppose the developer’s zoning proposal and advocate for The REALM.

And they’d love your help.

💌 How to help in about two minutes

If you live in Howard County, Maryland

If you’re 18 or older, DoodleHATCH is asking eligible county residents to visit the museum and sign their petition in person.

📍DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum

8775 Cloudleap Court, Unit 101
Columbia, MD 21045

⏱️ Museum hours: Friday–Sunday, 10 AM–5 PM.

And while you’re there, I highly recommend exploring the museum. Bring someone who needs a reminder that being an adult doesn’t mean you have to stop enjoying ridiculous things.

If you don't live in Howard County

You can still help!

DoodleHATCH is collecting emails from people who oppose the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and support preserving the existing arts and community resources through The REALM.

Send your email to: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com

Suggested subject: Support The REALM | Oppose Columbia Concepts Zoning Proposal ZB 1132M

You can write your own message or use one of the templates below.

You don’t need to write an essay. A short, genuine message explaining what you support and why is enough to participate in this email campaign.

✍️ What should your email say?

To make your position clear, include these three things:

1. Say what you’re opposing.

State that you oppose the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center, case ZB 1132M.

2. Say what you’re supporting.

Express your support for preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, existing community resources, and the proposed arts and culture center called The REALM.

3. Explain why you care.

This is the part that makes your email yours.

Maybe you’ve visited DoodleHATCH. Maybe you’re a parent who wants more creative places for children. Maybe you’re an artist, an educator, or someone who thinks it’s important to protect the few spaces where people can explore and make things without needing to buy something.

Maybe you live across the country and just learned that there’s a department store for mythical creatures in Maryland, and you think the world would be a little less interesting without it.

That’s a perfectly good reason to care.

Automatically Build Your Email!

💌 Email templates you can copy

Option 1: Short, simple, and effective

Subject: Support The REALM | Oppose ZB 1132M

Hello,

I’m writing to express my opposition to the proposed Columbia Concepts zoning amendment and redevelopment of the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M).

I support preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, and the existing community services and small businesses, as well as the proposal to create The REALM arts and culture center.

Creative and educational spaces like these provide valuable opportunities for families, artists, students, and the wider community. I believe they deserve to be protected.

Please include my email with the messages of support being collected for DoodleHATCH and The REALM.

Thank you,

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

Option 2: For artists, creatives, and fellow merriment makers

Subject: Please Protect DoodleHATCH and Support The REALM

Hello,

I’m writing in opposition to Columbia Concepts’ proposed redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M), and in support of The REALM.

I believe communities need places where creativity, imagination, and play are actively encouraged.

DoodleHATCH is an extraordinary example of what can happen when artists and community members are given room to create something that doesn’t fit into an ordinary commercial space.

Places like this are rare. They encourage people of all ages to experiment, learn, explore, and connect with one another.

I support preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, the existing community resources, and the vision for The REALM.

Thank you for collecting these messages and advocating for the creative community.

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

Option 3: For people who've visited DoodleHATCH

Subject: Please Save DoodleHATCH | Oppose ZB 1132M

Hello,

I’m writing to express my opposition to the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M), and my support for The REALM.

I’ve personally visited DoodleHATCH, and I want to share why I believe it’s worth preserving.

[Write two or three sentences about your experience. What did you see? Who did you bring? What surprised you? What made you want to return?]

DoodleHATCH is more than a collection of exhibits. It’s a place where creativity is something people can actively participate in, and I believe losing it would be a tremendous loss to the community.

I support preserving the museum, the Maryland Fashion Institute, and the other existing community resources through the proposed arts and culture center, The REALM.

Please include my email with the messages of support you’re collecting.

Thank you,

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

A few tips before you hit send

Automatically Build Your Email!

DO:

  • Use your real name.

  • Include your city and state so organizers can understand where support is coming from.

  • Clearly identify the redevelopment proposal you’re opposing.

  • Specifically mention your support for The REALM.

  • Add a personal sentence or two if you can.

  • Be respectful, even if you’re frustrated.

  • Share this page with other people who might want to help.

DON’T:

  • Pretend to be a Howard County resident if you’re not.

  • Claim to have visited DoodleHATCH if you haven’t.

  • Make up experiences or information.

  • Send threatening, insulting, or harassing messages.

  • Assume your email is the same thing as signing the official petition.

  • Worry about making your message sound impressive. Clear and genuine is better than elaborate.

💌 The Save DoodleHATCH Email Machine

A few clicks, a little personality, and an email that helps support DoodleHATCH and The REALM. No account or signup required.

What's your connection to DoodleHATCH?
Why does protecting places like this matter to you?
✨ Your email preview
To: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com
Subject: 


✉️ Open in My Email App




Your information stays in your browser until you choose to copy or open the message. The email does not send automatically. Emails support DoodleHATCH's advocacy campaign; they are not the same as official petition signatures or zoning testimony. Please review the message before sending.
 





			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
				
				

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
🐹 Wait. What exactly is DoodleHATCH?

			

				
				
				
				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
I’m so glad you asked.


DoodleHATCH is an interactive art museum in Columbia, Maryland, created by artist, designer, and professional generator of wildly ambitious ideas, Lee Andersen.


The museum is designed as a pretend department store for mythological creatures, time travelers, and galactic tourists.


There are dozens of installations, and unlike most museums, you’re encouraged to touch things, explore, and participate.


There’s also an artist’s studio full of fabric and handmade garments, workshops, special events, birthday parties, free books, and opportunities for local artists to share their work.


The museum welcomes families and children, but adults are absolutely allowed to enjoy themselves, too.


And the woman behind it has spent decades bringing creativity into the community through fashion, festivals, education, and public art.


I discovered DoodleHATCH in 2020 and loved it so much that I started volunteering.


I’ve been back multiple times, and there are still things I haven’t seen.


That’s part of what makes it special. You can keep discovering things because people keep creating them.

			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
You don't have to live near DoodleHATCH to care about it.

			

				
				
				
				
				
There are Merriment Makers everywhere.


People turning empty buildings into art spaces. People organizing parades. People teaching kids how to sew, paint, dance, or build things. People putting enormous amounts of time into projects that make their communities more interesting.


Sometimes they’re running nonprofits. Sometimes they’re working out of their garages. Sometimes they’re making something weird in a strip mall that you might drive past a hundred times without realizing what’s inside.


I hope you’ll help protect DoodleHATCH.


And I hope you’ll look around your own community, too. Visit the strange little museum. Go to the local art show. Find the person who makes giant puppets or organizes an absurd annual festival. Spend your money at the independent shop with the handmade things.


There are people everywhere creating reasons for us to be curious about being alive.


I’d like them to be able to keep doing that.

			

				
				
				
				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
Help save DoodleHATCH. Help protect The REALM. Help keep the world interesting.

			

				
				
				
				
				
💌 Email: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com


🌈 Visit: DoodleHATCH.com


🦄 Share: Uncustomary.org/Doodle