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Buttoned Up Paperweight
Buttons may be used in a variety of ways to decorate your paperweights. You may display a single button on a fabric background, arrange several buttons to form a pattern, or create a collage of various buttons as we've done here. We also added a cute file index card holder with a handwritten label that reads, "buttons."
Because we had to cut the back loops of the two larger buttons, we chose antique reproduction buttons (La Mode manufactured by Blumenthal Lansing Company blumenthallansing.com). These may be purchased at many fabric and craft stores and are available in a variety of styles dating to the late 19th Century and early 20th Century. We do not recommend cutting antique or vintage buttons.
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Supplies
Decorative paper or fabric for the background
La Mode button (#1719), black onyx
La Mode button (#1704), brass flourish
Small, assorted buttons
File index card embellishment
Wire cutters
Hot melt glue
Liquid, clear glue
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Step One
Place your background material (paper or fabric) onto the adhesive side of the mounting board that comes in each PhotoWeights kit. Using a pair of sharp scissors, trim any overlapping material.
We used a sheet of scrapbooking paper from The Paper Company. The item is Ecorse Black 11001-097.
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Step Two
If any of the buttons you're using in your design include a loop on the back, cut the loop off as close to the back surface of the button as possible. If you're not able to cut it too close, a small rotary file may be used.
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Step Three
Arrange your items on the mounting board until you're happy with the configuration. One at a time, remove each piece and affix with glue. Hot melt glue will work well for larger buttons. For smaller buttons, especially those with four holes in the center, we recommend clear, liquid glue so the color of the background will show through the holes.
Allow glue to dry completely prior to moving to the next step.
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Step Four
Place the mounting board face-down onto the bottom of the paperweight. Apply the velvet bottom pad to finish. |
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Cute as a button!
Your button paperweight is finished and ready to proudly put on display.
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