Giant Button Spring Project

Today we're making a giant button to hang on the wall.  I've seen other versions of this on the web, so I want to say right away that this isn't my original idea.  But it's such a fun project, it bears repeating.  My version might be slightly different than others you might see, and so will yours!

Besides being a fun and whimsical bit of wall art, this would make a thoughtful gift for someone that likes to sew.  If your mother is a sewer, it would make a lovely Mother's Day gift, don't you think?  It could hang proudly above the sewing machine in the sewing room:

The main vintage object you need for this project is a round wood tray.  I found the perfect one (below) at the local Salvation Army store:

Additional tools and materials needed:

White spray primer (if you want to paint your button a light color)

Spray paint in the color of your choice

A drill with a large spade bit, about 1/2 to 3/4 inch in diameter (sometimes called a paddle bit)

Cotton filler cord (from the upholstery supply area of a fabric store)

A "D-strap" metal hanger

Sandpaper

E-6000 glue

Step 1:  I decided to prime the tray first with a couple light coats of white primer so I could see the marks for the drill holes and for better paint coverage.

Step 2:  Now I could measure the center and decide where to place marks for the four holes with a pencil.  At first, I used a measuring method, then I said "heck with this" and I positioned four pennies where I wanted the holes and traced around them.

Step 3:  Using a drill with a spade bit, drill four holes.  Tip:  start drilling from the front of the tray.  The inevitable splinters will show up more on the back.  Of course, if you prefer two holes rather than four, that's fine too.

Step 4:  Sand the drilled holes so they are somewhat smooth.  I rolled up a piece of sandpaper to get right inside.  Surprisingly, the tray I used had cardboard sandwiched between the two layers of wood.  Yours might not.  Remove all the dust with a damp paper towel or tack cloth.

Step 5:  Now spray paint your button the color of your choice.  I had to use about three coats of "Perfect Pink", waiting between each coat to dry according to manufacturer's directions.

Step 6:  Take your cording and thread it through the holes until you are satisfied with the appearance.  I decided to leave a "thread" hanging out the front, and I tucked the other end in the back.

 Step 7:  The package of D-strap hooks includes little nails, but I decided to use E-6000 glue instead because the tray was so thin I didn't think pounding a nail into it was a good idea. 

FYI:  I actually glued the hook closer to the top edge than what is shown in this picture.  Wait 24 hours for the glue to cure before hanging.

After the glue dries for 24 hours, your button is ready to hang!

 You just might have to make two:  one for mom and one for you!  If you try this project, I'd love to see your version.  You can send me a picture at: mitziscollectibles@comcast.net

I'm linking to the following link parties:  Petite Hermine, Nifty Thrifty Things, Making the World Cuter, C.R.A.F.T., A Bowl Full of Lemons, Sugar Bee Crafts, Sweet Anne Designs, Rook No. 17, FaveCrafts, Snapdragon Diaries, and Flamingo Toes.

Comments

[Theresa]

This is so cute, my daughter would love it! t.xoxo

[There Was a Crooked House]

This is sooo cute. I wish I had a little girls room to decorate in lots of different sized buttons. I will have to wait until I get a sewing room.

[Mitzi Made It]

Hi Theresa,

I know you could make your version of this project extra cute!

Mitzi

[Mitzi Made It]

The thought of a bunch of different size buttons never occurred to me.....I love it! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment today!

Mitzi

[Bethany]

love this! Pinned it for future reference….I think this would look fabulous in my baby girl's room!!

[Karen]

This is sooo cute!

[Kayla Domeyer]

I've never seen this before, so I for one am SO GLAD you revisited it! This is a super cute addition to ANY craft room! You could even mount it a little ways away from the wall and hang measuring tapes from it as storage! If you get a second, I'd LOVE for you to share this at Sweet Sharing Monday http://saynotsweetanne.com/2012/sweet-sharing-monday-2/

[Mandy @ Sugar Bee Crafts]

Thanks for linking to Take-A-Look Tuesday - you were featured today!!
--Mandy, www.SugarBeeCrafts.com

[Laura]

Wow, that is so cute! I want one!!

[Mitzi Made It]

Thanks, Laura! You can have one....theyre easy to make!

Mitzi

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[Mitzi Made It]

Hi Mandy,

Thanks so much for featuring the Giant Button on your blog! Ill definitely bee a repeat visitor over there....

Mitzi

[Mitzi Made It]

Hi Kayla,

Thanks so much for the kind words about the button project! I added it to your link party. When I have more time tomorrow, Ill spend more time reading your blog and checking out the other contributors to the link party!

Mitzi

[Tamara @ Etcetorize]

What a fun project...perfect for my studio. I'll have to keep my eyes peeled for big wooden plates!

[Jennie at Snapdragon Diaires]

Hahahaaa... what a fun thing to make. I have never seen this before -- wonderful for a craft room!
Thanks for linking up with my craft party today.
Jennie. x

[Mitzi Made It]

Im glad you liked it, Jennie! Ill be popping up again at your link parties in the future!

Mitzi

[Www]

I love this! Someday when I have a craft room I am totally making a giant button for the wall! Thanks for the inspiration!

[Mitzi Made It]

One of my blog readers suggested making several buttons in various sizes. Wouldnt that be cool? Im glad you liked the project, and thanks so much for stopping by to let me know!

Mitzi

[Dy7lan]

I would think this could also be done with a frisbee as the button... which should be considerably less work.