Paper Buttons and Hearts Embellishments
Paper buttons are a wonderfully versatile embellishment that invite endless creativity. Inspired by the eclectic charm of jeweled brooches, these handmade buttons add a playful, custom touch to your paper crafts. Start by gathering patterned, foiled, embossed, or textured papers—anything with visual interest or a bit of shimmer works beautifully.
To keep the jewel theme going, enhance your hearts and buttons with metallic markers, metallic thread, sequins, seed beads, or tiny punched shapes—whatever bits you have on hand that give a hint of sparkle or mimic the look of real jewelry.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Create Your Button Shapes
Use circle punches or die cuts to make button bases. Don’t have button dies? No problem—any simple paper punch will do. Even hearts, flowers, stars, or leaves can become buttons with a little creativity. Use packaging or scrap paper to make a button-hole template. Trace real buttons to mark hole placements and punch them out with a hole punch. -
Design a Background Base
Cut a large heart shape (or any shape you like) from a coordinating paper. Add a border with a metallic marker if you’d like a defined edge. Save the cutout for another project—no scraps wasted! -
Layer & Compose
To help your buttons pop, layer busy patterns over more subdued ones or vice versa. Place simple buttons on detailed backgrounds for contrast. For a visually appealing design, use a mix of sizes and shapes, and stick to odd numbers. Start with a standout button in the center and build around it, avoiding a symmetrical or “happy face” look. -
Thread & Embellish
Thread your buttons with embroidery floss or metallic thread for extra flair. Once your layout feels balanced, take a quick reference photo to remember placement. Glue each button down, then fill any gaps with sequins, seed beads, or tiny shapes for extra sparkle.
This jeweled paper button and heart embellishment idea is easy to adapt for any theme or occasion—think vintage florals, winter frost, or even minimalist neutrals. Let your paper stash guide the mood!
Happy paper crafting!