Alter a Wood Button

By Allie Gower on July 4, 2013 in Jewelry

Step One – Alter a Wood Button

Step Two – Create an Anklet with the Altered Wood Button.

First off, I love to alter things – so to alter a wood button was not outside my comfort range. At first, I was nervous but it just adds such a nice touch, and really accented the beads perfectly.

Do you really need to ask the question, to ink or not to ink? I mean really, don’t you just want everything to have your personal touch, a little added color? Buttons Galore has a variety of Carved Wooden Buttons and they are just little canvasses, waiting for you to create.

Supplies for Altered Wooden Button Anklet

You will need a Carved Wooden Button and some Rustic Coconut Shell Buttons.

Additional supplies include hemp and beads, as well as ink, glaze, and applicator (Tsukineko/Imagine Crafts). The beads I used are faceted Carnelian beads.

Directions

Altering the Wooden Button

Dab Stazon Ink on button with an Ink Blusher. You really need to use a permanent ink that will not run or bleed. I like to buff off any excess with a paper towel.
Seal the button with a finishing glaze. I used Creative Medium. This doesn’t get tacky – it’s perfect.

Creating the Ankle Bracelet

Measure your ankle so that you can determine how large you want your anklet. Triple this measurement.
Double your hemp and place the folded end through your Carved Wooden Button shank slightly. Pull the loose ends through this loop. Give yourself about 1/4″ of space and make a knot.
Add a bead. Knot.
Add a Coconut Shell Button. I take one of the strands and go up from underneath the button, then I take the other strand and go down through the top. This secures the button and prevents it from twirling around.
Repeat until you have reached your desired length.
Finish off with a loop. Make sure this look is large enough to accommodate the diameter of your Wooden Button.
I like to wrap a segment of the bracelet with the remaining length. I loop around the bracelet and bring the end through the loop, doing this several times, then tie a knot in the end of each strand – just to secure everything. You can also put a little nail polish on the ends of the knots.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial. With some different beads and buttons, you could really create so many different styles. With a little ink and glaze, you can really create a perfect match for any outfit.

See more of my creations on my own blog, My Card Party.

Thanks for joining me today. Since today is Independence Day, I want to wish all my American friends a safe and happy fourth. There is nothing quite like celebrating your freedom with the ones you love.