make something monday :: fabric button earrings

Button earrings have become super popular in the past few years and I myself have had tons of fun making them. They have such a fun vintage feel that I just love and they are my favorite kind of project, quick easy and instantly gratifying. These are pretty self explanatory and certainly not original but I love the versatility that you have with fabric covered buttons and thought it could be fun to do a mini tutorial- just in time for valentine's day!

I keep a big jar of different sized button blanks on hand at all times. You can find them at almost any craft store in teeny tiny to really big sizes.

You just need:

some button blanks
fabric scraps
scissors
pliers
glue
earring posts

Basically you are going to follow the directions on the back of the package to make a fabric button. But the first time I made these I made a button and then attempted to rip off the shank portion so that I could successfully glue on the earring post. It seriously killed my hand and since I was making several pairs it just wasn't going to do. So what I suggest is taking some old pliers (maybe raid your husbands tool box if you don't have jewelry pliers) and grab the shank (third picture above). Give it a good squeeze and twist and you should be good to go, it will fall right on out. I like to take all of the shanks off first so that I can move on and play with fabric without going back but whatever you want to do obviously is fine.

Next your just going to follow the instructions on the package by cutting out two small circles and laying the fabric into the button mold thing. Just let the fabric naturally layer itself into the button and then snapped the back portion in with the blue press that is provided in your kit. Now all that is left to do is glue on the earring posts. I always use E600 for my jewelry projects but you could totally use hot glue as well. Another idea if you don't want to buy new earring posts you could totally use small earrings that you don't wear anymore and glue those onto the button just to save a little more money.

Let the glue dry and your done! Experiment with fabrics - I layered satin and lace on one pair and made a collection of valentine's day earrings.

The hounds tooth were my favorite pair today! Make these for all those teachers, grandmothers, girlfriends, girls in your life - it will make them smile I promise! You can also easily switch out thumb tacks or magnets instead of the earring posts for a fun little impromptu present. Really the skies the limit!

Enjoy!!