How to Make a Button Necklace
Thanks so much to forum member Mama Sass for teaching us how to do this, and to Making Stuff: An Alternative Craft Book. For more information, check out the video!
Materials:
Bunch of buttons
Hammer
Wire Cutters
Needle Nose Pliers
Nails
Necklace Chain
Block of wood/hard surface
1. Take one of the buttons and pull the pin part back with the needle nose pliers.
2. Cut off the tip of the point part very carefully with your wire cutters
3. Flip the button over and punch a hole with your nail and hammer on the opposite side of where the point part was. They're a little slippery, so be careful and find a way to hold it in one place.
4. Depending on how long you want your necklace, you're going to prepare about 20 buttons.
5. Connect your pins by putting the wire/pointy piece into the punched hole of the next one so that they are layered on top of each other.
6. Take your needle nose pliers and pull the wire back to lock it in place.
7. Continue connecting all of your buttons. Be aware that even though you cut the point tip off, the wire is still sharp so you want it be turned under as much as possible so it doesn't scratch you.
8. Poke a second hole in the button all the way at the end so you can connect your chain.
9. Add your second necklace piece to the opposite end, and you are done!
I saw you on RR! Good luck with the contest! I'm wondering if you have any good ideas for old Mardi Gras beads??? Over the years I have collected bags and bags of them, but other than dress-up for my 4yr old I have no clue. Some are really cool with beautiful colors and textures. I would hate to throw them away!
Thanks!
Katie
way cool, but where can i get the necklace chains??
If you have wire cutters you can always get a cheap chain from a thrift store and use that. You can also find them at craft stores like Michaels or Jo Ann Fabrics. I found mine at Pearl Arts and Crafts here in Chicago.