With disposable fads and fast fashion everywhere, it is not only a trend to seek sustainable alternatives, but a necessity. The art of turning something ugly and old into something beautiful and new, which is known as upcycling has become a symbol of creativity and environmental awareness. We are going to the world of upcycling today with a very easy and adorable project, i.e. making an Upcycled Button Bracelet.
The Nature of Upcycling
Upcycling is more than recycling, it is giving waste a new life. When you upcycle, you revive something that would otherwise have ended up in the landfills. Not only does this process help to cut waste, but also to increase sustainability by lowering the amount of new materials required. When it comes to jewelry making, upcycling presents a rare chance to make a one-of-a-kind jewelry that is not only fashionable but also environment-friendly.
Why Buttons?
These seemingly insignificant little things, such as buttons, have a lot of potential in the area of crafting. They may be of various sizes, shapes, colors, and materials, which makes them versatile and infinitely tailorable. Whether metal, plastic, wood or glass, there is a button to suit every taste. In addition, there are lots of buttons at thrift shops, vintage stores, or even your own junk boxes of unwanted garments.
List of Materials
In order to begin your Upcycled Button Bracelet, you will need the following items:
Various buttons (mix and match to make it individual)
Stretchy string of a bracelet or elastic cord
- Scissors
- A safety pin (not compulsory, to measure the length)
- Glue (optional in case you want to stick the buttons)
Instructions Step-by-step
- Selection: First choose your buttons. You might want to consider mixing the sizes, shapes and colors to come up with an aesthetically appealing design. You may either select a monochromatic color scheme to give your room a sophisticated feel or you can go with a colorful combination to give your room a strong statement.
- Design Planning: Before you start to string your buttons lay them out on a surface and play around with the design. Consider how they will fall in place together and how they will fit snugly in your wrist.
- Cutting the Cord: Take a piece of string or ruler and measure your wrist, then cut your elastic cord a bit longer (approximately 1/4 inch) than the measure of the wrist. This additional length will enable you to knot without the bracelet being so tight.
- Stringing the Buttons: Take your elastic, and thread your buttons on it, according to your design. When you do not find holes in some of the buttons, or just want to make sure that the buttons remain fixed to the cord, you can use a needle to knot the elastic or put some glue on the buttons and then put them on the cord.
- Knotting the Ends: When your buttons are all strung, knot the two ends of the elastic to each other in a strong knot. Cut off any extra elastic, though be sure to leave some to cover the knot well beneath the last button.
- Final Touches: Do a final check on your bracelet to ensure that everything is in place. You can adjust the distance between the buttons and your fitted to wear!
Customizing Your Own Upcycled Button Bracelet
A bonus of upcycling is that you can customize your work. Insert some personalized flair by including beads, charms or even small trinkets that have special importance. As an example, you can take a set of antique buttons that have been family heirlooms and use them to make a story telling bracelet.
Success Tips
- Mix and Match: Do not be afraid to experiment, mixing and matching different kinds of buttons. This is where unforeseen and pleasing combinations may be derived.
- Play with Colors: Test color combinations and see what works the best with you. The bold contrasts may speak volumes and more subtle colors may create a more subtle and less ostentatious grace.
- Be Flexible: You are upcycling, which is all about creativity and fun. Be flexible in your design and love the process itself as much as the product.
Conclusion
Your Upcycled Button Bracelet is not just a simple jewelry as it is a sign of sustainability, creativity, and uniqueness. When you opt to upcycle, you will be making a positive choice to help cut down waste and make the planet a healthier place. And there is the ecstasy of building something beautiful out of your own hands. So, collect your buttons, free your imagination and begin creating!
