25 Days of Hand Crafted Gifts and Ornaments - Buttons & Pearls Ornament

This ornament is again one near and dear to my heart because it's main component is buttons :)

I am using clear, white or pearl type buttons because it seems like that is what I have more of than any other color.  You could mix it up a bit using different or select colors...totally up to you.  Whatever you prefer.  Many people suggest gluing the buttons to the styrofoam ball I am also using pearl head corsage pins to affix them...that way if I ever want to I can remove them all if I wish to do so ~ no harm done.

Supplies:

Buttons
Pearl Corsage Pins
Styrofoam Ball
Ribbon
Alcohol Inks (optional)

Instructions:

1. Start by threading 1 or more button(s) of different sizes on the corsage pin.  I am using 2 on most and three on a few.

NOTE: I left all the old thread and bits of fabric on my buttons to give it that vintage "used" feeling...you can of course remove it if you would like.

2. Poke the pin into the styrofoam ball.

3. Continue adding pins/buttons....

until it is completely covered....

4.  Add a hanging ribbon by poking a pin through the ribbon before adding the button(s).  Poke it into the ball as you have been.

5. (optional) If you are using white buttons like I did and you'd like to add color you can squirt the buttons with Alcohol Inks to color them.

And you're all done!

Note:  Don't worry about the exposed areas of the styrofoam...once you step back away you don't notice it at all.

Now I do have to warn you this is a bit time consuming because if you're like me you have to sort through all your buttons for just the right ones to add to your stack.  It is very easy though so it's not a difficult project and goes quickly once you decide what you're using.