This creative project was shared by the National Button Society.

© NBS 2020 Creative H-004 Author: Joy Journeay Created: November 3, 2020

Wood Button & Bead Box Lo temp hot glue is used for button projects because it can be easily pulled off the buttons, and is safer for the creator’s fingertips! WHAT YOU NEED • 230 wood beads, all the same or a

variety of colors and textures • A variety of wood buttons, two cups • Lo temp hot glue sticks (4-5 short

sticks) • Lo temp hot glue gun • Needle nosed pliers (to hold small

buttons when applying glue) • A short awl (for pushing pieces into

place when needed)

BUILDING THE BASE • Lay your wood beads out in a random or

organized pattern to form a rectangular base for your box.

• Using lo temp hot glue, squeeze a bit into each space where the beads touch each other.

• Repeat to form four sides. Don’t worry about spaces or alignment too much, because the wooden buttons will cover any awkward spots (like at the top of the side shown below left).

This creative project was shared by the National Button Society.

© NBS 2020 Creative H-004 Author: Joy Journeay Created: November 3, 2020

EMBELLISHING WITH WOOD BUTTONS 1. Select a couple large

wood buttons for each of the four sides.

2. Add 6-8 medium buttons to each of the four groups. Vary the wood colors and finishes so that there is richness on each side.

3. On the first side, arrange the large buttons. When you are satisfied, glue them in place.

4. Now add your medium buttons and then glue. 5. Repeat #3 and #4 for each side. 6. Finish the sides with smaller buttons between the

others, and along the top of the sides. 7. Glue wood buttons to the inside box bottom. 8. You might wish to spray a sealer or varnish over

your button box.

STEP 3

STEP 4