Creating Button Bouquets For Your Wedding Day

If you're looking for a unique and eco-friendly way to add a pop of colour to your wedding, consider making a button bouquet. Not only is it a fun DIY project, but it's also a great way to upcycle old buttons and craft supplies. You can find button bouquets in various styles, from simple ornaments in empty cotton reels to intricate arrangements that resemble real flowers. With a bit of creativity and some basic supplies, you can create a beautiful and sustainable accessory for your special day.

How to make a button bouquet in a cotton reel

To make a button bouquet in a cotton reel, you will need buttons (flower-shaped buttons are ideal, but regular buttons will also work), wire, an empty cotton reel, a scrap of pretty paper, a hot glue gun, glue, and letter stamps and ink (optional).

Start by removing any labels from the cotton reel and spray-painting it in your chosen colour. While the paint is drying, cut a length of wire (around 6-7 inches or 15-18cm) and thread a button onto it, twisting the wire to secure the button in place. Fold the wire in half and twist it together, shaping the end into a leaf if you like. Repeat this process until you have enough button flowers for your bouquet, doubling up buttons if you like.

Once the paint is dry, cut a strip of patterned paper to fit your cotton reel, stamping or writing a message on it if desired. Attach the paper strip with glue. If your cotton reel has gaps in the top, cover them with paper or card.

To assemble the bouquet, put the cotton reel on a hot glue mat, baking parchment, or scrap paper, and fill the hole in the middle with hot glue. Poke the wired button flowers into the hot glue, arranging them as you go. The hot glue will set quickly, so work fast. Bend the wires to adjust the arrangement if needed.

Choosing the right buttons for your bouquet

• Colour: Consider the colour of your buttons and how they will complement your wedding theme or dress. You can choose buttons in shades of white, pink, yellow, or go for a more eclectic mix of rainbow colours.
• Size: Select buttons of various sizes to add depth and interest to your bouquet. You can even double up the buttons by placing a smaller one on top of a larger one.
• Type: While flower-shaped buttons are ideal for a bouquet, regular buttons can also be used. You can even mix and match different types of buttons for a unique look.
• Quantity: Ensure you have enough buttons to create a full and lush bouquet. A good rule of thumb is to have at least 10-20 buttons, depending on their size and your desired bouquet size.
• Embellishments: If you want to add extra sparkle or texture to your bouquet, consider using buttons with rhinestones, pearls, or other embellishments. These can make your bouquet stand out and add a touch of glamour.
• Sentimental Value: You can also incorporate buttons with sentimental value, such as vintage buttons passed down through generations or buttons with special meanings. This will make your bouquet even more unique and meaningful.

Take your time to select the right buttons, and don't be afraid to mix and match different colours, sizes, and types to create a bouquet that truly reflects your style and personality.

Using wire to create stems for your buttons

To make stems for your buttons, you'll need wire cutters and your choice of wire. You can use silver wire for a modern look or green florist wire. The wire should be thin enough to fit through button holes and twist easily. 18 or 20-gauge wire is recommended, as anything thinner may not support the weight of the buttons.

First, cut the wire to your desired length, ensuring you double it over to get the final length. Then, 'thread' the buttons onto the wire, one at a time, sliding them halfway down. Next, wrap the wire back down through the opposite holes in the buttons and pull it tight.

Now, hold the bottom button with one hand and begin to twist it while holding the two wires down below, using your fingers as a guide. Start with your fingers high up on the wires and gradually slide them downward with each twist of the button. Don't worry if the twisting isn't perfect—art is not meant to be flawless!

Finally, clip the stems to the desired length for your vase or bouquet. You can also use these button flowers for Easter decorations or small plants.

Preparing your cotton reel

To prepare your cotton reel for a button bouquet, you will need:

• An empty cotton reel
• A scrap of pretty paper
• Hot glue gun and glue
• Letter stamps and ink (optional)
• Spray paint in the colour of your choice

Start by removing any labels from the cotton reel. Then, spray paint it in your chosen colour. While the paint is drying, cut a strip of patterned paper to fit your cotton reel and stamp or write a message or word on it. You can also leave it plain if you prefer. Attach the paper strip with a little glue. If your cotton reel has gaps at the top, you may want to cover them with paper or card.

Assembling your bouquet

Now that you have your buttons, wire, cotton reel, paper, and glue ready, it's time to assemble your bouquet!

First, prepare your cotton reel base by removing any labels and spray-painting it in your chosen colour. While the paint dries, cut a strip of patterned paper to fit your cotton reel and stamp or write a message or word on it. You can also leave it blank or plain if you prefer. Attach the paper strip with a small amount of glue. If your cotton reel has gaps at the top, you may want to cover them with paper or card.

Next, fill the hole in the middle of the cotton reel with hot glue. Quickly poke the wired button flowers into the hot glue before it sets. Don't worry too much about the arrangement at this stage; just pop them in while the glue is still soft. You can always adjust the wires once the glue has dried.

Be careful not to pick up the cotton reel while you are poking in the flowers, as the hot glue may drip out of the bottom. If you used a hot glue mat or parchment paper, the cotton reel should lift off easily. If you used scrap paper, you may find that a little paper is stuck underneath, but this won't be visible when the bouquet is on display.

Finally, bend the wires to arrange your button bouquet. You can place your completed cotton reel button bouquet on a shelf or as part of a vignette. Alternatively, you can create multiple bouquets with a single letter on each one and display them in a row to spell out a word.

Frequently asked questions