How to Make Button-Embellished Cards
comments (4) March 19th, 2009
kayte terry, contributor 
7 users recommend 
A set of cute ribbon and button–embellished cards in blues and yellows.
Photo: Kayte Terry
When is the last time you got a nice handwritten note from a friend? Can't remember? Well, it seems that the art of letter writing is almost lost to us. Sure, e-mails are easier, but a handwritten note is something really special. Let me tell you, the only thing better than a handwritten note is a handmade and handwritten note. When I was about 14, I had a really great pen pal. We were both artistically inclined and would turn our letters and envelopes into mini works of art. One envelope she sent was encrusted with sewn-on buttons. It was one of my favorites and I still have it to this very day. These cards are definitely inspired by her.
A couple of things to keep in mind when sewing on paper: Make sure to change out your sewing needle before you go back to sewing on fabric, and I think that leather needles sew better on paper.
And one more thing: If you are going to mail these cards, remember that the buttons make them a bit heavier and you might need more postage.
What you'll need to make two cards:
- Cardstock in two contrasting colors
- X-Acto knife, cutting mat, and ruler
- Decorative-edge scissors and fabric scissors
- Assorted buttons
- Scraps of ribbon
- Glue stick or spray adhesive
- Sewing machine
- Needle and thread
- Envelopes
 | Here are your two blank cards. |
1. Lay out a sheet of cardstock on the cutting mat. Fold the cardstock in half lengthwise, and press the folded edge flat with the side of a ruler. Using a ruler, cut the sheet in half to make two cards that are 4-1/4 inches x 5-1/2 inches.
 | I used pinking shears to make these decorative edges. You also could use a scallop or even just cut them straight with an X-Acto knife. |
2. Mark two 3-3/4-inch x 5-inch rectangles on the other sheet of cardstock. Cut out with decorative-edge scissors or, if you prefer, with an X-Acto knife.
| A selection of some ribbons and buttons I used. Pick a color story that you really love. |
3. Lay out all your buttons and ribbons and figure out your design. You will be working on the 3-3/4-inch x 5-inch rectangles.
 | Sew on the ribbons with a straight or zigzag stitch. Backstitch at the beginning and end of each line. |
4. Start with the ribbons: Lightly coat the back of the ribbons with adhesive and adhere to the cardstock as desired. Trim the ends with fabric scissors. Use your sewing machine to topstich over the ribbons. You can also add some more decorative lines with the machine if you wish.
| Poke holes in the card to make a guide for sewing on the buttons. |
5. Add the buttons: You will want to make guide holes in the card for the button. Hold the button on the card where you want it to go, and poke holes into the cardstock through the button holes with a needle. Thread a needle and knot at the end. Sew the button on using these holes as a guide and knot on the back of the cardstock.
6. When you are happy with your design, use a glue stick or spray adhesive to lightly coat the back of the cardstock and affix it to the front of the cards.
7. With the sewing machine, stitch around the edge of the contrasting cardstock rectangle to permanently affix to the card. If you have buttons close to the edge, either sew the cards using a zipper foot or just sew some of the sides of the card.
8. If you want, you can also add some ribbon and button embellishments to the flap of the envelope in the same way.
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