I always love colourful and big necklaces. So I got an idea of a simple necklace with big fabric-covered button as the pendant. It’s not a new idea actually, there’s already a lot of button accessories everywhere, but I love making them. I think it’s a good way of using fabric scraps that are too pretty to throw away.
The pendants are made with Japanese kimono fabrics, the colours are so vibrant and they have some kind of coated sheen over it. I use vintage necklaces for the chain. The necklaces are pretty short, so I use two necklaces and connect them together.
I’ve made a series of pictures to show how I made the necklaces. It is not really a tutorial, as it is very easy and simple. I think it is more like sharing ideas on making stuff.
How I made the necklace:
- fabric-covered buttons kit.
- scrap of fabric for front of pendant.
- scrap of fabric for back of pendant.
- fabric scissors and fabric marker.
- modpodge or its alternative. I use ‘Decoupeur’s Aqua Podge’ from Japan. You can also use thinned down PVA glue.
- small brush to use with the podge.
- silicone glue, i.e: E600. I use a Japanese brand.
- pendant bail, jump rings, chain.
- pliers.
There are several types of fabric-covered buttons. The one on the left is more expensive than the one on the right. I use the one on the right because the button shank can be removed.
The kit comes with a template. Cut the template and use it to cut the scrap fabric for the front of pendant. For the back of pendant, use the button as the template.
Place fabric on the kit and place button over it.
Push the button all the way down. Arrange the fold of fabrics around the button, making sure that there’s no overlapping folds.
Place the back of button and put the pusher over it. Push until the back of button clicks into place.
A fabric-covered button!
Use a plier to pull the button shank.
Using a small brush, cover the back of button with podge.
Put back fabric on the button and smooth over it. Leave to dry around an hour.
When it is dry, use the brush again to coat the fabric with podge. Don’t forget the edge of button where the fabric frays. The podge will dry clear.
There are many types of bail. I like these kind of bail tag, but since the back of button is not flat, I have to bend the bail a bit until it fits.
I use this plier to bend the bail.
Place a small bit of silicone glue on the bail.
Place the bail on the back of button, paying attention to the direction of your fabric pattern (if there’s any). Silicone glue is fast-drying and it will dry clear. Leave it to dry for several hours.
Put jump pring on the bail.
And a chain over the ring. I use chains from vintage necklaces. They are short, so I use two necklaces and put them together. You can also put clasp on the chain if you like.
A necklace!
Now make more!
Cool..! this is so inspiring! π thanks
this is so cleaver! What a great thing, I love it. And your instructions are very clear. Thank you!
Oh wow, love these! I am going to make some soon! And I had an idea too — instead of the chain, I’m going to try using some thin vintage ribbon that I’ve been saving for something special!
.-= sideoats + scribbles (Lisa)Β΄s last blog ..Hero Artsβ Summer Catalog! =-.
WOW fabulous! I must try!
i LOVE fabric-covered buttons, but i’ve only made earrings – i hadn’t thought of necklaces! lovely! by the way, the dress you’re wearing in the first is pic is FABulous!! did you make it??
I love these! thank you for sharing! I can(t wait to try and make one
This is a really cool idea.
These are so pretty! Thanks for sharing. Off to look for bails right now!
Cantik bangat! (Haha, how’s my Indonesian?) Definitely great choice of fabrics. Simple idea but fantastic result!
you are good stuff. i love the spirit of sharing. nice lady and very nice necklaces. thanks.
These are wonderful! Thanks for the tutorial!
I love these button necklaces so much that I made a few and blogged about it. Great idea and super easy. Thank you!
Pretty buttons! I also love your creativity with the hook, I guess we should be able to make use of anything in hand! Anyway, I got my pendant bails from etsy.com. You can just search for bails and they have lots of sellers who carry those things. My bails are called bail tags, there are many types and colours of bails there
The necklaces have a simple yet pretty look. I also really like your dress!
Aww, this is so pretty and fun! Thanks so much for the great idea, I’ll be linking to this.
I love those necklaces, but I also love that dress. Did you make it? If so what pattern did you use?
Thank you!
Yes I made that dress: http://verypurpleperson.com/2008/11/denim-dress.html
I drafted my own pattern.
Thank you so much for sharing! You’re so creative! I love your style!
The necklaces look fabulous. Very inspiring. And the fabric you used is just great, I love the pattern on it. It must feel very soft and silky! And a super good way for using rests of fabrics in a lovely way!
So simple and great! Wonderful idea, great for gifts. Thanks for sharing!
The necklaces were really cute π π Thanks for the tutorial!! Lol now I’m thinking if I can make a necklace out of beer bottle caps π π
They look fabulous and so chic! Great choice of fabrics.
p.s Thanks for the pic.
thank you so much for sharing.
wonderful idea!
Looks so fun this idea ^^ thanks
disini (indonesia) g ada yang jual alat bikin kancing nya d mba..
pdhl aku naksir bgt kalung nya..
seneng d bs nemu blog ini.. sangat- sangat mengisnpirasi.. bakal sering mampir kesini n jd makin mantap beli mesin jahit.. thx u 4 sharing mba..
Haaa ngga ada? Wah beli di etsy aja kalo gitu, tapi mahal dong yah jadinya…
so pretty .. thank you for sharing …