My mom passed away recently. She left behind an assortment of buttons.
I remember the buttons, growing up, on her shirts over the years. I didn’t want to just throw them away. The buttons hold memories, but who wants to store a tin of buttons, not being used in a closet somewhere.
So, my son and I decided to make button Christmas tree ornaments with the buttons.
Now, instead of having a tin full of buttons that’ll never see the light of day, we can hang my mom’s button Christmas tree ornament on the tree each year, and best of all, it was extremely easy to make!
Button Christmas Tree Ornament
Materials:
- Styrofoam balls
- Leaf pins or pins
- Buttons
- Ribbon
Directions:
Step 1: Loop the buttons into the leaf pins (or regular pins). When picking out buttons to use, try to stick to a similar color scheme. I went with pink, purple, teal, and gold buttons with beige leaves.
Step 2: Insert the pin into the Styrofoam ball with the button attached.
Step 3: Continue inserting all the buttons on the pins into the Styrofoam ball. I used different color buttons in different areas, so it was a little more random.
Step 4: Keep inserting the pins and buttons in until the Styrofoam ball is completely covered.
Step 5: Add your ribbon using pins or hot glue.
Step 6: Wala! You’re done! So easy!!!
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Diane says
November 13 at 6:59 amWhat a beautiful idea! I wish I would have thought of this when my mom passed away.
Sarah Titus says
November 13 at 12:10 pmGlad you like it Diane. Sorry to hear of your loss.
Bonnie | Playing Perfect says
November 16 at 7:00 pmSarah, I read this a few days ago and have been thinking about it since so I had to leave you a message. 🙂
I’m just really touched by this idea – I have tears in my eyes writing to you actually.
This little ball is a ball of beauty to me because of what it represents. Christmas is a time of celebration, and this button Christmas tree ornament is a celebration of your mom!
I don’t know if anyone ever says they had the perfect parent or the perfect relationship with their parent, but I know from reading your posts you did not have the picture perfect life growing up. But… you have taken the chance to make something beautiful as a symbol of your mom and your relationship with her. I just love this and am inspired by it.
You said, “The buttons hold memories.” These buttons, that your mom wore, saved, and left behind… something uniquely connected with your mom… are now going to be on display on your Christmas tree year after year so that every Christmas you have will be shared with your mom by this simple, beautiful act.
You have added brightness to your tree and brightness to the memories of your mom for both you and your kids to recall every Christmas. I could only hope that when I die I would be honored… appreciated… and loved in such an endearing way. Honestly, I would be so touched if someone made such a precious ornament in remembrance of me… what an incredible gift to someone to create a beautiful ornament to be brought out during the most celebratory time of year.
Thank you for this wonderful idea. I want to make some ornaments that connect with my loved ones in a special way as well… a Christmas tree is about one of my most favorite things in the world and I love the idea of making a beautiful ornament to shine bright on my tree that makes me think of bright memories of those I love. You’re the best Sarah, I appreciate you and your heart. 🙂
Sarah Titus says
November 21 at 4:41 pmAwww, you are so sweet Bonnie. I’m so glad it inspired you. You’ll have to do a post of what ornaments YOU make now to connect with your loved ones! I’d definitely love some ideas. 🙂
Nicki says
December 18 at 9:51 amThank you for the awesome idea. When my dad passed a few years ago I kept his shirts to make quilt tops for my mom, siblings, kids, etc and I kept all the buttons too. I know I will run out of his shirts before I can make one for all the grandkids/great-grandkids but your idea will work great for the great-grandkids!!! Thanks again!!!
Merry Christmas!!!
Sarah Titus says
December 19 at 5:08 pmThat’s a great idea Nicki. Glad I could help. 🙂