I upcycled some antique buttons to make three quirky and fun bracelets.  I found the information in Retro Revamp by Jennifer Knapp.

You will need:

“6 inches of black elastic ½ wide or wider

25 or 50 buttons (depending on the size of your wrist and the size of the buttons)

Needle and black thread.

1. Measure your wrist, adding an inch for overlap, and cut the elastic to size.  Sew the ends of the elastic together by overlapping one side with the other by about half an inch.
2. Sew the buttons to the band, knotting the thread on the inside of the band.  Tie off each button individually so the elastic will still be able to stretch.
3. Entirely encrust the band with buttons so that no elastic is visible.”

I used black DMC 25 embroidery thread to sew the buttons on and sew the elastic closed.  The thread comes in 6 strands which I divided into 3.  I think it is softer than one thick strand of black thread and easier to work with.  The bracelet takes a while to make.  I sewed a few buttons on every day while watching a movie or hanging out with friends.

 The other charm bracelet I made using metal and glass toggle buttons.  These have a different backing which is why they are called toggle buttons.  They have one opening on the back instead of two or four holes like regular buttons. You would need jump rings, needle nose pliers and chain to make this bracelet.  The instructions are also in the Retro Revamp book.

I especially like to wear my elastic button bracelet with a black solid or black polka dress and a red sweater.  The cheerful, colorful buttons brighten any outfit and are a conversation piece.  I have received a lot of compliments on my button bracelets.

I also like to store my antique buttons in recycled honey bear jars.  It gives them a quaint looking little home and makes it easy for me to differentiate them from all my other craft supplies.

The book Retro Revamp has some other fun projects such as decorating a black bustier with buttons, a Zsa –Zsa Jewelry Box,  houseware items you could make or decorate (such as decorating an ugly old chest of drawers) and some cute Pink Posie Envelopes made out of old handkerchiefs.  I have no idea what anyone would do with those.  If I made those I believe I’d use them as a pocket on a dress or skirt to add some detail to the garment.  I could see this book being inspirational for young adults who like vintage and just moved into their first apartment or two.  It has several ideas about making items for the home and decorating things that would be great for someone just starting out on their own. The button bracelets were my favorite idea in the book.