Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Just a button.

Sometimes I find a two-dimensional piece that I love, and wish to turn it into a pendant. Here's a tutorial for a way to make flat art into a necklace, using, well...


...just a button.

These were a surprise gift from my sis-in-law, in a box full of little crafty doodads. (Notice: where most people would put a heart or a happy face, she drew an undead vampire cat. She looks sweet, that Bec, but she's kind of an edgy girl.)

Okay, here is some flat art:


They're also from Bec, some funny pressed-paper oblongs she found in Tokyo. I have no clue what they are - but they must be worn! I love them so much!

Next I chose these dark abalone buttons. And some cord, thin enough to go thru the shank.


Punch a hole in your art piece. Thread the cord through the hole and the button...


And pop the shank through the hole:


You have turned your button into a bail to hold your pendant! How quick was that? And, for bonus cuteness...


...use a matching button to make the clasp.

You could also use very fine chain instead of a cord:


Aren't they unusual?


I'm pretty darn happy with them. Thanks again, Bec.

Here's a different look, using a vintage enamel button. This one is particularly special to me:


My clever little Mom did this flower painting in her watercolor class. (The original is 18 inches tall.) I loved it - swiped it - and laminated a teeny tiny copy of it so I could wear her art around town.

That's the basic idea. Think how many ways you could change this up! I'm sure your wheels are whirring as you read this. Go forth, and transform 'just a button' into a unique and pretty pendant bail.

11 comments:

  1. you just gave me a great idea M. This is to cute and so simple. I have been looking for something I can do that doesn't invole my glue gun. Thanks for the idea.

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  2. Help me Rhonda... a bunny with an ant and a vampire cat. I am in blogging heaven!

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  3. How cute! And very unique!!!!! You should etsy those...I've never seen anything like them! Thanks for linking up to gettin' crafty on hump day :)

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  4. Hopping over from Trendy Treehouse. What a great idea and well-written tutorial. Going in my 'to-do' folder!

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  5. like you paper necklas but how would you presser paper to make it last long time
    thanks angeleye

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  6. What a creative idea! Thanks for sharing this :0)

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  7. What a lovely idea! And its simplicity just adds to how pretty it is!

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  8. Cute and crafty! Thanks for linking up @PonyTails&FishScales!

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  9. Thanks for sharing @ Anything Related!

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  10. Super cute idea! Thanks for sharing... love it!

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  11. You have some great ideas floating around on this here blog! I can't wait to explore more.

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