Another Cheap Trick

i recently shared this DIY on krystal's kitsch, but thought i'd share it with all of you, in case you missed it over there. :)

when i was decorating mack's nursery, i put together a wall collage of Ms (which i'll show you soon) and this is one of my designs for it. it was really easy and fun to make! in fact, i'm thinking about doing another version of it for my living room, because it doesn't have to be just for a nursery!

how to create a button monogram

here's what you'll need:

• a pre-printed letter (you can print one either in a color or using the outline tool from a program such as microsoft word), the point size of your choice, but try to use a bold font (nothing swirly)
• a piece of cardboard (i used a bit from a box of diapers)
• an assortment of buttons (feel free to use identical buttons or an array of styles), make sure you have one extra large button set aside
• a piece of ribbon
• glue
• an exacto knife (if you're uncomfortable with this, you can use scissors)
• a hot glue gun
• a black marker

first cut out your letter. if you have a cricut or a silhouette cutting machine, feel free to use that, as it's much faster and gives you cleaner lines.

using the letter as your stencil, place it on the cardboard and trace around it with your exacto knife.

next, adhere the paper letter to the cardboard letter using glue, not hot glue. i used scrapbooking glue strips, so that the paper wouldn't bubble.

 

then, using your marker, blacken the edges to make the cardboard less noticeable.

now it's time to get out the hot glue and start applying your buttons. (tip: i bought my buttons in bulk on ebay. i only paid $15 for 2 lbs of assorted buttons.) be sure to cover up any space, layering your buttons where needed.

 

 

 

now, grab that extra large button and the piece of ribbon. run the ribbon through the button from the back, doubling back through the hole to create a loop. this will be your nail hanger (to hide the nail). clever, no? ;)

 

finally, hot glue the ends of the ribbon to the back of your button letter, making sure it's balanced, and you're done!

 

it's ready to hang!

wasn't that easy? now get to it! and, if you do make one, i'd love to see pics!