Shh, don’t tell! Part 2

I promised I’d post a picture, so here it is:

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There’s no do-over when you use Industrial Strength glue and one-of-a-kind buttons, so I’m trying not to focus on the flaws. Please oh please, let my sister see the thought behind the gift, and help me remember that handmade is about heart, not perfection.

Edit note: I’ve included step-by-step instructions in the comments.

54 Comments

  5. Excuse me, but what ISN’T Perfect about this. I see no flaws. This is a beautiful gift. Some of those same buttons are in my mother’s button box, and you have given me a great idea about gifts for my siblings.

    • Well, if you don’t see the imperfections, I’m sure as heck not going to point them out! 🙂

      You’re probably craftier than I, but if you want to know how I did it (supplies, for example), I’d be happy to reveal my secrets. (I picked a lot of craft store people’s brains…)

      UPDATE: I added instructions below.

  16. Oh, that’s beautiful and unique!
    I think we always see our own flaws, when nobody else notices them at all. I don’t see anything wrong with this- it is beautiful!

    • I thought I’d find a lot of how-to’s on the Internet, but nope, I had to figure it out myself. Fortunately, I was able to rely on the good graces (and experience) of the saleswomen at a couple of craft stores.

      Thanks for the vote of confidence!! I’m really hoping this makes her happy when she sees it. I’ll try not to look at the imperfections, lest my sister’s eyes travel to the same spot(s) I’m focused on. 🙂

      • Re: Thank you.

        Ooh! I’m so glad you e-mailed me about this–I somehow missed your post this morning.

        I love love LOVE it! Your sister is going to cherish this…and you have to make one for you, too. That’s the kind of gift you keep forever.

        You’re a wonderful sister with a lovely heart–your sister is lucky to have YOU.

        xo,
        Cathy

        • Re: Thank you.

          I want one for myself. Maybe I should make one while all the supplies are scattered on my dining room table?

          I’m the lucky one. My sister loves me unconditionally.

    • They’re my favorites, too! Each one has an unusual design. I wish you could see them up close. I have two from Oklahoma, dated 1907! I couldn’t glue them down, though, because the metal shanks were so narrow.

  20. OMG what a FANTASTIC idea. I have a big jar of buttons that my grandma gave me and I adore what you did here. How clever… and boy am I going to pilfer your idea. these are exactly the kinds of presents I always hope people will give me. My grandma totally instilled in me my love of crafts and for sure made me more creative. I still miss her basement full of ideas and “stuff” to realize them with. You are magnificent. How can your sister not smile every time she gazes upon your gift????

    • Oh, stop! You’re making me blush. *g*

      You’re welcome to the idea! If you want to know how I did it (it took a special sealant and glue), let me know. Although…it sure sounds like you know your way around the craft store aisles.

      When you’ve finished a project or two, would you mind letting me/us see what you’ve done? I’d love to learn from someone more experienced than I am!! Plus, it’s fun to swap ideas.

        • I thought a glue gun would work, too, but when I tried it, the buttons fell off–even after they’d dried! Also…the weight of the buttons starts to separate the paper matting. Good thing I found experienced craft store employees, ready to help!

          Here’s what worked for me…I’m no good at short how-tos, so I apologize in advance for not being brief.

          1) Choose your buttons.

          2) With a fine-point pencil, mark the places where your button shanks will be glued to the mat.

          3) Set the buttons aside. I placed them on a cookie sheet, in the same order that I’d placed them on the matting. I didn’t want to have to go back and guess which markings were for which buttons.

          4) Dab some Delta Ceramcoat Prep (sll-purpose sealant) over and around the pencil mark with a fine-bristled, tiny craft paintbrush. You don’t need a huge swath of the sealant–just enough to create a nonporous surface onto which you’ll glue the buttons. Allow to dry for 24 hours.

          5) Glue the buttons to the frame with E6000 glue. (It’s noxious stuff, so be sure you have cross-ventilation). Apply a small dab to the button shank or back, and another drop or so to the place(s) you’ve marked on the matting. Allow the glue dabs to dry for a couple of minutes before sticking the button to the mat. Allow to dry for at least 24 hours before hanging/standing upright. Allow additional time for the noxious fumes to dissipate.

          6) Stand back and admire your handiwork. 🙂

          Note: It takes about 10 minutes for the glue to hold, so you may have to hold the button(s) in place with your fingers until the glue sets. For that reason, I only did one row of buttons at a time. Also, the ones with skinny shanks were unstable for a little longer.

          Note also: I applied the glue with those disposable sponge make-up applicators–the kind you might find in an inexpensive eye shadow. You might be able to find something equally effective (for example, a q-tip) but be wary of anything that could shed hairs or threads. Too messy!

          • Awesome tutorial. I definitely plan to try this out. I’ll let you know how it goes. But seriously, this was a lovely idea. Your sister is sure to adore it.

  21. Wow! That’s beautiful, Melodye. I can see the love that went into this but not the flaws. Your sister is lucky to have you in her life.

    I love the metalic buttons on the corners. They look like they belong on a blazer.

    • Thank you for noticing the most important thing about this gift…it’s made with lots of love, that’s for sure.

      Hey! I think those buttons would be perfect on a blazer. Hmm…I wish I knew their history.

      • I’m late to the button frame party. Of course, I’m late for everything these days, but I’m so glad I didn’t miss it altogether. It’s gorgeous! And I’m not at all surprised to hear that your sister loves it too.

        • You’re working so hard…no wonder you’re running a little late! No worries, though. I’ve got a special place at the craft table (and in my heart) reserved for you–always do!

          • Every time you say something to me I feel the greatest urge to hug you. I can only imagine you get squeezed like a rag doll by everyone who gets within arms reach of you.

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