Craft with me! Make Ugly Buttons Pretty! Easy Method :)

With basic supplies, you can quickly transform your ugly plastic buttons into gorgeous antiqued vintage style buttons useful handmade journals, book dangles and jewelry, collage and mixed media projects and many other craft projects! It's a good idea to spray them with a matte finish spray or paint them with a sealant like Mod Podge 24 hours after they are dry to help protect the new finish :)
Supplies used: Paint, rubber stamps, ink pad, rub and buff or gilding paste, pearlescent drops or stickles, matt sealant spray and of course ugly buttons! The uglier the better :)
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Remember that Fun Can Be Simple! Go Forth and Create with Reckless Abandon! :)
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#junkjournal #thepaperoutpost #buttoncrafts #junkjournaling #paperoutpost #junkjournalideas

[@shirleygreaves9650]

I use metallic nail polish on my plastic button edges then stick pictures in the middle and finish off with a coat of clear nail varnish, very easy and I’ve got lots of old nail varnishes to use. Yours look great too. I love your vlogs.❤️

[@judydyer]

Love the ladies who turn trash into treasure. it's one of my favorite things to do.

[@DawnConnor-wh2ln]

I love that you get dirty! I'm new to your channel so I'm going back to find you older videos to see some of your wonderful ideas! Just learning to junk journal and your easy step by step tutorial was perfect for me. Plus I have tons of paper bags!

[@thread.needle.scissorsstcl9537]

Tip:. In a small zip lock bag, toss buttons that you want to paint. Drip several drops of paint, zip lock shut and wiggle them inside to cover with paint. Also works great for wood beads or pieces that are too small to hold.

[@Lauriebird1]

Great idea ❤

[@sassymimisandysue3997]

Pam, you craft with such “Reckless Abandon”. You just never cease to amaze me! Thanks for all the inspiration!

[@christineandersen1220]

Holy smokes! All these years of collecting buttons and I never thought of painting them and embellishing them! What a great idea to make them look vintage instead of just plastic! I just happen to come across this video amongst some of your journaling videos and I’m so glad. Now I know how to get the kids involved too. Appreciate your talent!

[@sassymimisandysue3997]

Pam and followers. Think about it, NOT ONLY can you paint buttons, how about decoupaging something on them, like leftover bits and pieces of napkins?? Seems like it is easier & quicker even than painting!

[@sandysue202]

I agree! This technique is awesome...I love how they turned out!! ❤

[@jodyconrad3763]

This is such an original idea. I have so many ugly buttons that my grandkids that play with but now I have a new life for them Thank you. I love how you make things and don't just go out and buy other people's things and use them in your projects. LOVE this.

[@ThePaperOutpost]

Hi Jody! I am so happy you are out there :) Pam :) !!

[@sassymimisandysue3997]

Pam, you are fearless! You are so funny and craft with “reckless abandon”, each and every time I watch you! Love it! ❤️

[@ellieferguson104]

I am so glad that I found you. I love your humour and your wild and crazy ideas that make you wonder "why the heck didn't I think of that..duh"!!! :D. Turning ordinary buttons into something pretty is magical. I wonder how well you sleep, as you must have a gazillion ideas running around in your head. Thank you for sharing Pam. You are such fun to watch over a coffee.

[@Jana-TheCraftyGambler]

You are such an enabler, now I have to go thru my button and start spraying them. I thought they were pretty till I saw this. Lol.

[@ThePaperOutpost]

Hi The Crafty Realtor! Fantastic! Let the fun times roll! :)

[@elainefeather9465]

Thank you Pam , these are just gorgeous , I was tidying my sewing things last night and came across THE heart button box , perfect timing !! I can’t wait to try this out x

[@vickiserre9457]

I inherited 3 round metal boxes of buttons from Grandmothers family going back to about 1910- now I can make something pretty to add to family memories and antiques. Great video 😁

[@livingauthenticallyonmyownterm]

Now I know what to do with my not so loved old buttons. Thanks so much Pam! 💕

[@pma613]

Thank you so much. I look forward to changing the face of my buttons. You are so much fun. 🌱💛

[@Wvnursey]

What a great idea for box of buttons that inherited from my Grandmother!! I started my first junk journal last night cutting the cover and spine off of the book pages and reinforced the spine. Now to start my first signatures!!

[@mydirtylittlehands4389]

I thought to myself I bet there's a tutorial on how to alter ugly buttons. Im so glad I found it right away. Thank you for being ahead of my creativity lol

[@crab3696]

Great idea. I will give it a go. Thanks Pam.. you are a recycling genius!

[@alilbitshabbyjubri6942]

I love this idea, first cover of paint drying. TFS! Judyxx

[@conniebraaten8945]

What a wonderful idea! I pulled out about six buttons....just to give it ago....and had so much fun, I emptied the whole bag of “ugly” buttons I didn’t know what to do with!! Awesome!

[@ThePaperOutpost]

Fantabulous Connie!!! Pam :) !! I love it!

[@carriekernel2273]

Bravo Pam !

[@marlenegura1161]

WOW.......that was fun!!!!! Thanks for sharing this great idea!!!!

[@thegypsy1968]

I have a a gallon bucket of "UGLY" buttons...(rolls her eyes)! This is fantastic! Will you adopt me?..lol You are so smart, love all your ideas! Hugs, Gina B

[@ThePaperOutpost]

Awe! You are so sweet Gina B :)! Pam

[@juneribbons5196]

Very pretty. I decorated buttons with bling and put prettier ones in top of plain ones

[@leslyewhittemore6889]

"Take the hidious into the future!!" So so funny! you are the best...and I LOVE the "new" buttons. Can't wait to try it cuz I have oodles of uglies!!!

[@ThePaperOutpost]

Hi Leslye! Oh my gosh, me too! ! :) Pam :)

[@nicoledemana]

Super idea I have tons of ugly button and thanks to you they will become wonderful tfs have a blessed day Nicole UK

[@ThePaperOutpost]

Hi Nicole! Yes, me too! This ne is fun! :)

[@angelakm6753]

Excellent idea! As soon as i get my huge button box back from the Fire Station, I'll try some. We were going to make button pictures with my local craft group but C-19 closed us down between the 2 groups!

[@mommaknowsbestakagwen4028]

Sweet Job on the button's

[@jillelainejones]

This has been a very special craft I’m repurposing clothes and this came at the perfect time 🥰

[@FlamingoFan1]

These are fantastic! How smart are you, girl. Thanks for sharing.

[@ThePaperOutpost]

Thanks Annette! Its a very fun project! :) You can make a lot in a short period of time! :) Pam :) !!

[@luepetri]

Wow!!!!!! From Vancouver Island BC Canada

[@irisstormo6913]

I have embroidered on buttons but now my mind is whirling with more ideas. Thx 🌺🌲🌺

[@OneGuyOnline2]

I like your finished buttons, very vintage looking. You can get flat boho looking wooden buttons really cheap. I think they would work well for this technique!

[@ThePaperOutpost]

Hi One Guy Online! Brilliant idea! :) !!

[@MorriganSlayde]

I was skipping around because I was like "ugh I hate intros" but your personality was so fun I went back to the beginning to watch this in its entirety.

[@jeannethomas6965]

What a brilliant idea, love it.

[@christinetuhong7140]

I have got plenty of ugly buttons😀 now you gave me a good idea for using them in my creations... And in a whatever color and style I need 👍👍👍 thank you very much for sharing this tutorial...Hugs Christine

[@ThePaperOutpost]

You are most welcome Christine! :)

[@juneribbons5196]

These are so.pretty. I love this idea !!!!

[@susanvanschuyver7900]

Very nice. I love the renovated buttons. I have tried this unsuccessfully, but now I have new ideas. Thanks for sharing.

[@ThePaperOutpost]

Hi Susan, hope you have lots of fun making new and pretty buttons :) It's easy and fun and a tad bit addictive :) Have a blast!

[@silviagennari4547]

you are a genius, I love you. you really do the junk jornal😍😍😍😍😘🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@denisegarcia4435]

So glad I found this. I have bunches that r blah. TFS 😊

[@beckyanderson2504]

I love the - A blind Squirrel finds a nut eventually 😂😂

[@laurie7604]

Love these! Thank you!

[@chrismatheson4367]

Lovely. Thankyou Pam

[@vonieisenbeis5432]

i love hearing holly in the background

[@pclouse07]

Also, I was just thinking (when watching the washi tape part 2 video) that you could make button cards with them. They would be super cute and you could use these FABulous repurposed buttons. 🥰

[@XenobiaF]

I do have a bunch of ugly buttons! Thanks for the ideas!

[@maziesummers4036]

"Even a blind squirrel finds a nut." Idioms, buttons, and junk journals --- be still my heart! Loving your videos!

[@ThePaperOutpost]

Hi Pamela Brady! So happy to hear this! TFW! :) Pam :) !!

[@LaNaeRossfound4u]

Excellent idea! Thank You so much for sharing. I love your ideas and Etsy Shop too!

[@tuthillg]

Cute idea! TFS the inspiration!

[@ThePaperOutpost]

Hi Gail! Happy crafting! Pam :)

[@jneigler]

Super cool. Will try it. Thanks

[@silviagennari4547]

you are a genius, I love you. you really do the junk jornal😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@artcraftjournals]

Great idea. Thank you for sharing. Sue💜

[@ThePaperOutpost]

Happy to do so Sue! :) Thanks for watching! :) Pam :) !!

[@angelinalozada189]

Such a Great idea, Thank You.

[@marthagiza4884]

These are cool, I’m gonna try it. Thank you

[@ThePaperOutpost]

Have fun and beware its addictive!!:) We have the power of transformation!!...at least over buttons ;)

[@kkossor3046]

Very pretty! TFS

[@valerieb8006]

This is one of those "why didn't i think of that " moments! ha ha! Great idea. so many ugly buttons, so little time. actually this is a fun project which would not require loads of time to do. Gotta give it a try! Thanks!.....My sister directed me to your channel and i'm subscribing.

[@ThePaperOutpost]

Hi Valerie! Welcome aboard Happy to get to know you :) Yes my ugly buttons were taking over the place. It was me or them! ;) Hi to your sister! :) Pam

[@bettyswinford5886]

Beautiful

[@jacquiliddell1811]

They look amazing !!

[@ThePaperOutpost]

Hi Jacqui Liddell! Happy dance! :) Pam :) !!

[@carlawolf8260]

I love this.such a fantastic idea.

[@ThePaperOutpost]

Glad you like it!

[@cheryl2455]

Cool! Never thought of doing this! Great idea! Thanks!

[@ThePaperOutpost]

Hi Cheryl! Thanks! This is beyond fun and highly addictive! :)

[@cjsimplyscraps]

I can’t tell you how many buttons I have and I just had 2 friends give me more because I tell them don’t throw anything out. I papercraft and do mixed media and they just papercraft so I’ve started training them, lol. Theses are fantastic! Thanks for sharing, soooo much better! Happy New year

[@carolllundy49]

This is awesome Pam. You have an extraordinary gift. Just love these. I am one of those with a bunch of old and ugly buttons but I have something to try now. TFS. 😊😍

[@ThePaperOutpost]

Hi Carol Lundy! Happy you like it! :) Pam :) !!

[@pamtheado5325]

I love your ideas

[@kathyh.2190]

Great idea! You're so talented!

[@pattijosinerius9588]

Hi from Seattle Washington. I found you! Did you know you were lost? 😀 I am your new kid on the block. I love buttons! A little hint * use some fine fine sanding paper to # your buttons, that way it gives some texture to slick surfaces ie* paint, paper glue bling ect. Also if you should pick up a jar of buttons at a thrift store, bb sure to pay attention to your (unusual metal) buttons. They are antique or vintage and worth a lot of money. I have found some from the 20s military buttons 30s 40s 50s ect. When I find them I sew them on a piece of velvet and hang them on my bulletin board. Great conversation piece. Happy trails. PJ

[@lucybanta7311]

Wasn’t going to watch this one, but am sure glad I did! What fun and such a great idea!

[@jillelainejones]

The only thing I wanted was a wider picture ❤

[@barbaranoble9748]

Love your decorated buttons! Great idea Pam! tufs

[@ThePaperOutpost]

Thanks Barbara! Another early video and yes starring me the bumbling camera person ;) Thanks for watching! :) Pam :) !!

[@LadyMomT]

This is a fantasic idea!

[@ThePaperOutpost]

Hi Lady Mom T! You are so sweet! :) Thank you! :)

[@chreiharrison7116]

Thank you for your ideas concerning ugly buttons, which I have containers and containers…

[@camillefulton7709]

B4 I MET UP WITH YOU, HOW GOOD LOOKING BACK, JUST LOVE THESE BUTTONS. 💜🇦🇺 CAMILLE

[@amyjo1293]

Wonderful!

[@ThePaperOutpost]

Hi Amy Jo Evans! Thanks so much! :) Pam :) !!

[@DreamyBohemian]

Ooooooooooooooo I l❤ve these!!!!!! I can wait tontry them if I can stop watching your videos 😂

[@ThePaperOutpost]

Oh these are just plain fun to make and you can bang out a bunch in a short period of time! Pam :) !!

[@arizonamonarch]

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!!!!!!!

[@ThePaperOutpost]

Hi Spry grl! Thanks!Many blessings to you! :)

[@pattiehartmann8771]

Button video is weird cause it is not showing a full screen. Love your button idea. Love that I found your KZbin channel. Happy crafting.

[@ThePaperOutpost]

Hi Pattie and welcome! Please excuse the recording, it was one of my earlier videos before I figured out how to record properly on my phone. There was a bit of a learning curve :) Happy you took a peek though! :) Thanks, Pam :)!

[@pattiehartmann8771]

@@ThePaperOutpost you are a hoot in a good way. I have tried so many of your techniques so far and looking forward to seeing what comes next. Thank you for making part of my day cheery.

[@leannefletcher4412]

You have always inspired me to do different things I never done before thank you Pam xx

[@maryfigueroa8088]

You’re awesome, buttons !!!,

[@AnnaMorris411]

I do hate the plastic buttons the most…well, I used to! Now I have this idea saved in two places!

[@rose5150fl]

Very cool 👍

[@ThePaperOutpost]

Thanks bunches Rose! Pam :) !!

[@tcovington0711]

An idea pam, when u are painting the buttons do what other crafters...use a bamboo skewer put button on thru on of the holes..paint and let dry. You can do both sides w this "hack"

[@user-xd1qc2oc2n]

Мне понравилось! Интересное занятие! 🌹🌺🌼👍💥

[@misakitakumi9316]

My kind of glow up😍

[@carolekinsey7835]

Loving this idea. Glossy accents would, if I'm not mistaken, fix all the pretty patterns too. I wonder if there's a mat version to use. Im no way new to crafting, but new to that product. I'd appreciate any info from you or your lovely followers, if there is such a thing? Thanks in advance. 😊

[@gurkmeja2021]

Lost count on how many fabulous tips I've got from you by now (I discovered your awesome YT channel August 18th). You're so generous to share all this fantastic stuff! Who doesn't have ugly buttons?! Have a great week! Best wishes from Ditte

[@ThePaperOutpost]

Ain't that the truth Ditte! ! Pam :)

[@crystalmclaughlin3458]

And I love your bird sounds. What is it, a love bird?

[@letha57]

I knew there was a reason I was saving buttons.

[@lorrainedurgee1761]

I have millions of buttons to use, real easy again , thanks..Nov, 2019 anyone can make these......

[@ThePaperOutpost]

Hi Lorraine! These are fun to make too! :)

[@gracejohnson1926]

Fantastic!!!

[@staceycorteville5347]

Messy fingers is what makes it fun!

[@ThePaperOutpost]

You should see me make mud pies! :)

[@staceycorteville5347]

🤣🥰

[@susiescraftroomandstudio]

I LOVE this idea! Can’t wait to try. I had to end watching early as I have with your other videos because of the bird driving me crazy. Very annoyingly distracting. You are probably used to it.

[@ThePaperOutpost]

Hi Susie, feel to mute me. I won't mind :) :) Pam :) !!

[@helenw6594]

I quite like the bird, myself...

[@Jana-TheCraftyGambler]

Susie's Playroom I personally love listening to them.

[@georgiajeff912]

What bird?

[@Runningtorchbearer]

Love your stuff but i live in UK and not exactly sure of some terms, names etc of paints or decor or where to get the stuff, nit much where i live. But great tutorials

[@ourcrackerboxcottagebyanit9027]

I wonder if it would be easier to dip the buttons in the beginning in white paint with tweezers?

[@ourcrackerboxcottagebyanit9027]

and then blot and dab where needed, idk...

[@ThePaperOutpost]

Great idea! :) I think spray painting them in mass might be another idea too :)

[@juliec4750]

Can you wash them on clothing in the regular laundry? (Machine)

[@ramonakearns2101]

Do you use an acrylic spray as a finisher?

[@dorismartinez7307]

Omg you just expanded my universe with a button. Thank you!

[@ThePaperOutpost]

Glad I could help!

[@martiadams1534]

[@1029tbarton]

I'm new. What do you do with buttons that have the loop on the back instead of holes in the button?

[@lolodee3528]

Those are called shank buttons. They are sewn through the shank rather than through holes of the button.

[@pclouse07]

Pam: I have scoured your Amazon store and could not find the Fabri-Fix icing tip and “that bottle” you transfer your glue into? Help?!? Name? Link please? I’ve been a fan of Beacons Fast Grab glue for years, but that glue tip makes me insane.

[@elisabetemunhozartereborn2462]

Um mais lindo que o outro

[@patriciatavernier1383]

Merveilleuses idées, technique de déco, très beau résultat ! 👍Mais la caméra me donne le mal de mer ...🥺

[@sandofthesun]

Where on earth did you get those mini stamps? What do call them? I need the key stamp. 💕💕💕💕

[@marieannejacquelinekeough2549]

Michael's has these tiny stamps, they come in collections!

[@terrilyndel]

How did you use them in your journal making?

[@ThePaperOutpost]

Hi Terri! I have placed them on top of journal tage, I use them as closures for folded paper, I have used them on covers for decoration, for accents on embellishments, as page tabs, and as spine decorations, or on spine dangles :)