October 1, 2012

Covered Buttons

I love covering buttons, there is just something about it that is relaxing to me and it's fun to pick just the right fabrics


I sell them in my booth at Orange Tree, but the only way it is profitable for resale is when I find buttons to cover at estate and thrift stores.   I can often pick up a whole bag full for .25 to $1.00.......


.....Then the only investment is sweat equity

I find it best to use fabric with small patterns, vintage pillow case material is perfect and fabric scraps


I used a frame from Graphics Fairy, wrote "Buttons" and printed it out on card stock


An easier way to display them is on a playing card, I showed HERE how I made this picture frame backing board


I am going to display this new batch in a little vintage drawer


Just throwing this idea out there for my friends that sell online or have retail space.   I price them at $4.50 a card and they always sell out


They are just a nice little addition to my booth....


....Keep your eyes open at estate sales and thrift stores for buttons to cover and save those little fabric scraps.......See.... We knew there was a reason we were saving those little pieces of vintage fabric!

Happy Creating!

Carol

44 comments:

Sherry@Back2Vintage said...

This is a great idea, Carol. I have many pieces of fabric that are small, but too precious to throw away. Now I'll be looking for buttons to cover!!! Your display is just perfect...thanks for the inspiration!

Deborah said...

These buttons are just gorgeous, you have used some beautiful fabrics, thanks for sharing, no wonder they sell out! have a happy week sweetie

Bee happy x

stefanie said...

sooooo clever, they are gorgeous!!!

Peggy said...

They are really lovely - thanks for sharing such a great idea! I've seen them too at estate sales, etc. and tried to think of how I could use them!
Peggy @ The Painted Pear

Gypsy Heart said...

Beautiful! Of course, everything you do is. You have more patience than I do, that's for sure! I so remember those packages in days past, when I sewed a lot. I didn't like covering buttons or sewing a zipper. :)

Great job!
xo
Pat

Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures said...

These are beautiful and I love the way you have them displayed!

Betty Sneeringer said...

I love these - beautifully done!

Betty

Anonymous said...

oh they are lovely, I love them,

Terra said...

Your floral button covers are delightful. Have you considered making pendants somehow, with the same fabrics? To wear as a necklace, one pendant hanging on a chain?

Debbiedoos said...

Well that is just the niftiest thing ever Carol!

Mari said...

Oh Carol, these are simply so beautiful :) love this idea ;)

Smiles~
Mari

Anonymous said...

Oh Carol, you have the best ideas ever! Another post to be book marked! ♥

June said...

Love, love, love them! The packaging and display make them even more special!

Gina said...

Oh they are soooo pretty!

Shabby chic Sandy said...

Your buttons are so pretty. Love them!

Kim said...

Hi Carol...

Thanks for stopping by my blog for a visit. You're very lucky that you've been able to meet and spend some time with Deb in person. She's a sweetheart. Just like I knew she would be after following her blog for a few years. It was so fun to finally meet her in person. Maybe next time you're up this way, I might get a chance to meet you too. Love your sweet buttons and button cards. What a cute idea. Take care..

Kim

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

LOVE THEM!!! They are so very pretty and the cards are perfect! NICE!!
I fixed the link for Tammy...oops!
Getting closer to the BIG DAY!!!
Warmly,
deb

Little Miss Maggie said...

I love these, Carol. They are so sweet. Do you know how many I have passed up? Never again.

Pat C. said...

What lovely buttons--and an adorable way to display them! Thank you for sharing your tips!: )

xoxo

Anonymous said...

What an awesome idea! I will start looking for those! They look so pretty too! Thanks,Traci

Tammy's in Love said...

The colors are like dessert! Gotta have buttons when they look that good! I saw your comment on Deb's blog, you don't have to be invited to my blog, come on over!

camp and cottage living said...

Carol
As usual you always have such fabulous ideas!
The fabrics you've chosen are perfect.

Unknown said...

I think these are fantastic!! LOVING the buttons on here! :D Youve created beautiful ones!

Hugs,

Anonymous said...

So, so pretty!!! By the way, thanks so much for stopping by my blog and leaving yoru kind comments on my Cape Cod/Martha's Vineyard trip! For some reason comments are not going through to my hotmail account...

Unknown said...

I like the fabrics you chose- as well as the button cards you attached them to :)

Sandy xo
Sandy-sandyscreations.blogspot.com

Screaming Sardine said...

These look awesome and something I'd love to do. I have no idea how to do the button covers. Are they easy to do?

Cheers,
Tracy, aka Screaming Sardine

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Carol, Your covered buttons are so pretty and your display is great shown in the vintage drawer. The fabric designs are perfect for buttons. I used to paint and sell mine, but not in a long time. Great idea!! Thanks for sharing. I have tons of little fabric pieces.
Happy Creating,
CM

Debbie said...

I think one of the reasons for your success is that you not only have an eye to use the thrifted stuff, but you also have an eye for the detail in display. You're also so generous with your ideas! You could keep it all to yourself, but you never, ever do.

There ya go. Reason # 426 why I love this blog so much.

Betty@SouthernGrace said...

The lady who can make something out of nothing...and make it beautiful...I want everything you post!!

Dee ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️ said...

Carol,

Those are the prettiest buttons I've seen. So cool that you used vintage fabric.

Dee

pipigirl said...

ive never seen anything like that. at least that i recall. will def. be on the lookout. want to thank you very much for all the great inspirations you send to us. you sure are generous. now if i can find these, i can start selling in my booth. lots of small print beautiful material. no buttons. thanks again, susy

Anonymous said...

No wonder they sell out Carol. I love shabby chic anything. Those prints on your new buttons are just darling, so I'm sure they will be a big hit in your booth.

Connie said...

Hi Carol, your buttons are adorable. What I am impressed with most is your display and marketing techniques. You Rock, girlfriend!

romance-of-roses said...

Your buttons are adorable. You know I have tried covering buttons with no luck and yes they are pricey. I have seen them in thrift shops but why buy them if I can't use them :( sad. Love yours. Hugs, Lu

Perfectly Printed said...

Thanks for sharing such a great idea!! Something new to look for at garage sales!

chris

Createology said...

Beautiful buttons and fabrics and displays...brilliant inspiration. Falling into Autumn Bliss...

Savannah Granny said...

Beautiful as usual, Carol.
Blessings, Ginger

Sara's Sweet Surprise said...

Hello Carol~I'm so happy to be back!
You're so fortunate to find button covers at thrift stores. They're a rare commodity here. I adore your fabric selections. With their cute packaging and afordable price, I can see how they're a great seller.

I've enjoyed catching up from where I'd left off. You've surely got a talent for creating some awesome transformations. I love that you take the time to recreate the beauty that once was in the sad pieces you find. Lending opportunity for someone else to create new memories with your labors of love.
Sweet wishes,
Sara

❁Velma ~Down Our Country Road❁ said...

Years ago, I used to sell my handmade wares at craft shows and covered buttons were some of the things that I made to sell. I recently purchased several packets of buttons on clearance not knowing quite yet what to do with them. Glad to know that covered buttons are still in vogue!

Little Susie Home Maker said...

Oh, yes, I see why they sell so well! Simply beautiful! And to buy pretty buttons is so expensive! You have them displayed great, too!
Blessings,
Susie

Silvia said...

I love your Buttons. I also make them as 'Table Fillers', for me they sell in 'real life' but alas not online:( But I love crafting with them also :)

Ric Rac and Polka Dots said...

I love the buttons, and the way you display them is wonderful. You do a beautiful job, they look so pretty. I really enjoy making them too. I usually visit antique stores and not many tag sales, so I have never come upon a bag of them for really cheap. They are such a perfect touch to a project or wearable, it kinda just makes it! Yep, we really need to hang on to all of our scraps, you just never know when they will come in handy!
Hugs,
Julie

Donna said...

Those are adorable! I wish I could find the covers at second-hand prices, but I've never come across any! And the regular retail price is steep for what they are.

hopeandjoyhome said...

Love this!!I do have the button blanks from estate sales...I just have to find them in my stash! I bought them to alter (paper/photos/text) but this idea is cool too and I have all the stuff.