Just a button.

Sometimes I find a two-dimensional piece that I love, and wish to turn it into a pendant. Here's a tutorial for a way to make flat art into a necklace, using, well...


...just a button.

These were a surprise gift from my sis-in-law, in a box full of little crafty doodads. (Notice: where most people would put a heart or a happy face, she drew an undead vampire cat. She looks sweet, that Bec, but she's kind of an edgy girl.)

Okay, here is some flat art:


They're also from Bec, some funny pressed-paper oblongs she found in Tokyo. I have no clue what they are - but they must be worn! I love them so much!

Next I chose these dark abalone buttons. And some cord, thin enough to go thru the shank.


Punch a hole in your art piece. Thread the cord through the hole and the button...


And pop the shank through the hole:


You have turned your button into a bail to hold your pendant! How quick was that? And, for bonus cuteness...


...use a matching button to make the clasp.

You could also use very fine chain instead of a cord:


Aren't they unusual?


I'm pretty darn happy with them. Thanks again, Bec.

Here's a different look, using a vintage enamel button. This one is particularly special to me:


My clever little Mom did this flower painting in her watercolor class. (The original is 18 inches tall.) I loved it - swiped it - and laminated a teeny tiny copy of it so I could wear her art around town.

That's the basic idea. Think how many ways you could change this up! I'm sure your wheels are whirring as you read this. Go forth, and transform 'just a button' into a unique and pretty pendant bail.