~ Vintage Button Ornament and Garland ~

Vintage Button Ornament and Garland ~ A Nancyfangles Whimsical Creation
 
  When contemplating my next Christmas Creation I was trying to think of something that everyone would already have in their home or could easily find in a thrift shop or craft retailer. Buttons came to mind… I thought I would try threading buttons on wire and then shaping it into an ornament. After figuring out the easiest way to do it, I created a heart to hang on the tree. I loved it so much that I decided to try a garland as well. For the garland I used buttons in shades of white and added pearl beads as an accent. I Love how they turned out and I hope that you do too!

Supplies:
Wire thin enough to fit through the button holes, I used 24 gauge.
A selection of buttons in mixed or similar colors.
Wire cutters.

Technique:
Cut a piece of wire long enough to bend into a shape.
Leave about a two inch length of wire on one end and thread the long end up through the bottom of the button and then back out through the front. Pull the wire tightly.
Thread the long end up through the next button and pull the button down until it touches the first one.
Thread the wire back through the front and out the back of the second button, pulling tightly to keep the buttons close together.
Continue this process until you get the desired length. Make sure to save an inch or two on the end.
The hardest part is keeping the wire from twisting while pulling it tightly.
I also found it easiest to hold the short end closest to me and work out away from myself (hope that makes sense).
When you reach the desired length, bend the wire into the shape you desire.
If you are forming a heart, tightly twist the two ends together to form the point.
Twist another small piece of wire onto your ornament to use as the hanger.
You can create shapes, or even letters, be creative and use your imagination…

*For the garland I used the same technique but added in some pearl beads, and formed hooks on each end of the wire to hang.