I've been obsessed with christmas trees made out of buttons lately because they're honestly the easiest way to use up those random jars of spare buttons we all have lying around. You know the ones—the buttons that come in little plastic baggies attached to new sweaters that you never actually use, or the vintage ones inherited from a grandma who saved every single fastener like it was a precious gem. There is something so incredibly nostalgic and cozy about button crafts, and turning them into festive little evergreens is a total game changer for holiday decorating.
The best part about this project is that there aren't really any rules. You don't need to be a master crafter or have a fancy studio. If you have some glue, a bit of patience, and a pile of buttons, you're basically halfway there. Whether you're making tiny ornaments for the tree or a big centerpiece for the mantel, these little button trees bring a whimsical, handmade touch that you just can't find in a big-box store.
Why Buttons Make the Perfect Craft Material
If you think about it, buttons are basically miniature works of art. They come in every shade of green imaginable, from deep forest hues to bright, punchy limes. Then you've got the textures—matte, shiny, pearlescent, and even those cool wooden ones. When you start layering them, you get this amazing 3D effect that looks way more expensive and intentional than it actually is.
Plus, crafting with buttons is just plain satisfying. There's something tactile and soothing about digging through a tin of them, listening to that clinking sound, and hunting for the "perfect" one to fit a specific gap. It's the kind of project you can do while watching a cheesy holiday movie with a mug of cocoa. It's low-stress, high-reward, and kids can usually get in on the fun too, provided they're old enough not to try and eat the "sprinkles" (aka the tiny seed bead buttons).
Stacking Up: The 3D Button Tree Ornament
One of my favorite versions of christmas trees made out of buttons is the stacked ornament style. These are super simple to make and look adorable hanging from the branches of a real tree.
To make these, you basically need a variety of green buttons in graduated sizes. You start with the largest ones at the bottom and slowly work your way up to the smallest. I usually start with a large brown or black button at the base to act as the "trunk," then stack about 10 to 15 green buttons on top.
The secret to making these look professional is how you thread them. You can use thin floral wire or even a heavy-duty embroidery thread. If you use wire, you can twist a little loop at the top for a hook. If you use thread, just tie a big knot at the bottom and leave a long loop at the top. To finish it off, I love gluing a tiny gold star button or a yellow bead at the peak. It's simple, effective, and you can make a dozen of them in an afternoon.
The Styrofoam Cone Method for Tabletop Decor
If you want something a bit more substantial for your shelf or coffee table, the styrofoam cone method is where it's at. You can buy these cones in various sizes at any craft store. For this project, you're basically "tiling" the cone with buttons.
Choosing Your Adhesive
Now, you have a couple of options here. Hot glue is the fastest, but it can be a bit messy with those annoying "spider web" strings everywhere. If you have the time, a tacky craft glue works great, but you have to let it dry in sections so the buttons don't slide off. Another pro tip? Use straight pins with colorful heads. You can pin the buttons directly into the foam. It gives it a cool, quilted look and you can easily move things around if you change your mind.
Layering and Texture
Don't just stick to one layer. Start by covering the cone in your larger, flatter buttons to hide the white foam. Once the base layer is down, go back in with smaller, more decorative buttons to fill in the gaps and add dimension. I like to mix in some white buttons to look like snow or red ones to look like ornaments. If you want a more "glam" look, you can even use all-white and cream buttons with a few silver ones mixed in. It looks surprisingly sophisticated!
Button Tree Wall Art and Cards
Not everyone wants 3D decorations cluttering up their surfaces, and that's totally fine. Christmas trees made out of buttons also make for stunning flat art. I've seen people create beautiful "button paintings" on small canvases or even inside old wooden picture frames.
For wall art, you can trace a simple triangle shape onto your background (burlap or cardstock works beautifully) and then fill it in with buttons. This is a great way to use those really unique, mismatched buttons that don't quite fit anywhere else. You can create a "shabby chic" look by using a mix of vintage buttons in different colors, or keep it modern with a monochromatic green palette.
These also make the most charming handmade Christmas cards. A simple stack of three buttons—large, medium, and small—glued onto a piece of kraft paper with a hand-drawn star on top is such a classy way to tell someone you're thinking of them. It feels personal and thoughtful, and let's be honest, everyone loves receiving something handmade in the mail.
Color Palettes to Try
While green is the obvious choice for christmas trees made out of buttons, don't feel like you have to stay inside the box. Here are a few "non-traditional" ideas that look amazing:
- The Winter Wonderland: Use only white, clear, and silver buttons. It gives off a very frosty, elegant vibe that works well even after Christmas is over.
- The Retro Rainbow: If you have a massive collection of random colors, why not use them all? A multi-colored button tree looks like it's covered in vintage lights and feels very mid-century modern.
- The Minimalist: Use all wooden buttons for a rustic, farmhouse feel. The different wood grains and shades of tan look really earthy and cozy.
- The Candy Cane: Stick to just red and white buttons. You can even arrange them in stripes if you're feeling particularly patient!
Making it a Family Tradition
One of the reasons I love this craft so much is that it's very "approachable." You don't need a lot of expensive tools, and there's no "wrong" way to do it. It's a great activity for a rainy December afternoon when the kids are bored. You can set out a few bowls of buttons and let everyone design their own tree.
I've started a little tradition where we make one new button tree ornament every year. It's fun to look back at the ones we made years ago—some are a bit clunky and lopsided, while others are more refined, but they all hold memories. It's a way to slow down during the holiday rush and just create something for the sake of creating.
Final Thoughts on Button Trees
At the end of the day, christmas trees made out of buttons are all about charm and character. They aren't supposed to look perfect or like they came off a factory assembly line. The beauty is in the imperfections—the slightly mismatched buttons, the tiny bit of glue peeking through, and the unique combination of shapes.
So, before you head out to buy more plastic decorations this year, take a look in your sewing kit or check out a local thrift store for some old buttons. You might be surprised at how much festive spirit you can pack into a handful of buttons and a little bit of creativity. It's a budget-friendly, eco-friendly, and totally adorable way to celebrate the season. Happy crafting!