M&J Blog

By Dara

As some of you may know, M&J Trimming is like a candy store for the creative mind.  Every time I’m in the 5,000 sq ft showroom, I feel as though it is neccessary that I create something.  So after browsing around the button section, my little hands got right to work.  I decided to to create a button bouquet.  For what reason, you ask?  Well, for no particular reason.  I just wanted to dress up my desk in the office.  I know I could always use real flowers, but can you image how empty my pocket would be if I changed the flowers in my office every week?  So to save on some cash and still be able to dress up my desk, I’ve decided to use buttons instead.  Now, let’s put it together.

Materials:

• 22 gauge floral stem wires
• Pencil
• A pair-0-pliers to snip and tighten the wire
• Scissors
• 1/4 yd of 1″ satin ribbon
• 1/2 yd of 3/8″ ribbon of your choice
• Colored 12 pt card stock
• Your choice of assorted buttons in different sizes
• Gem-tac glue

Buttons I used:

• 11.5MM Yellow 4-hole shell button
• Trocus White natural shell button
• Yellow & Navy 4-hole plastic button
• Two-hole floral button available through Customer Service 1.800.9.MJTRIM

You can pretty much use any style buttons you like.  Four-hole and two-hole buttons are the easiest to work with.

How to:

1. Using the pencil, draw a few leaves on the 12 pt card stock.  Then cut it out using the scissors.  I used some green and white color card stock.  The white didn’t show up in the picture very well, but you can use any color you like. 
2. Adjust the wire according to your project.  It can be as long or as short as you’d like.
3. Stack your buttons onto the wire. Use as many–or as few– buttons in a stack that you want.
4. After you finished stacking your buttons, make a loop at the top of the wire.  It should be long enough to slip backthrough the buttons & still have 1/2″-1″ left sticking out.
5. Twist the excess 1/2″-1″ of wire that is sticking out the back of the buttons with your fingers. Use the pliers to secure & tighten the buttons in place.
6. After completing the twist, stick the wire through the edge of a the leaves your cut out. 
7. Repeat the steps again until you finish the desired amount you like.
8. After you’ve finished, then twist the wires together to make one large stem. 
9. Once that is done, then use the satin ribbon to wrap around and cover the stem.  Use can use gem-tac glue at the beginning and end of the ribbon to make it stick.
10. Then tie a bow with the 3/8″ ribbon and you’re done!

Besides using it to dress up your desk, you can also use it for weddings, parties, gifts, etc.