Wooden Buttons: Endless Creative Potential from Every Natural Button

Wooden buttons offer a myriad of applications not only for sewing but also for various DIY crafts, decor, and more! You can create and decorate everything with them—from a formal dress to a Christmas ornament. All you need is a little imagination and skill.

With the rich selection of wooden buttons at EM ART, you’ll have the opportunity to create freely, and we will introduce you to interesting information and tips on how to enhance your ideas for working with wooden buttons! But first, let’s explore the nature of these little quaint embellishments:

Buttons in the fashion world represent a disc or other shape with holes in it, used to join different parts of clothing. But as we already mentioned, buttons can also serve a purely decorative purpose. When used for fastening, it is threaded through a small hole in the garment called a buttonhole.

Curiosity Unveiled: Why Are Buttons on Men’s and Women’s Shirts on Opposite Sides?

Have you ever noticed that the buttons on men’s and women’s shirts fasten on opposite sides? They may look similar, but a closer look reveals that the buttonholes are on different sides.

For men, the buttonholes are typically on the right side, while for women, they are on the left. But why this difference? Was it a stylistic choice by designers? Or does it reflect an industry standard to differentiate gender in clothing? In fact, the explanation is historical.

The tradition of placing buttonholes on different sides for men and women dates back to the 13th century, when buttons were first used in Germany primarily for decoration, and then later for fastening clothes as they gained popularity across Europe. Interestingly, in ancient times, smugglers even used buttons, hollowing them out to transport illegal substances.

During World War II, the English and American militaries used buttons on their uniforms not just for fastening but also as makeshift compasses.

The historical reason for the different placement of buttonholes on men’s and women’s shirts...

In the 13th century, only wealthy women who could afford buttoned clothing had servants to help dress them, making it practical to place buttons on the left side for right-handed servants. On the other hand, men typically dressed themselves, favoring buttons on the right side as it suited right-handed fastening.

This simple historical necessity is why today’s shirts for men and women have buttons on opposite sides. Now you know the intriguing backstory behind this fashion norm.

Ideas for Button Arts and Crafts with Wooden Buttons

Button Pictures

It may sound strange, but with a few colorful wooden buttons, you can create a stunning and original button artwork to hang in your living room, hallway, or kitchen. The most common button art approach is drawing a tree with branches covered with wooden buttons in suitable colors to resemble leaves.

To create a stunning picture made from wooden buttons, you can use paper, fabric, vinyl, or another PVC material or textile as the base. If you have a frame, this wooden button picture can become a beautiful accent for your home’s wall! You can choose and sort the buttons by size, material, or color. If this is your first try, you can use different templates (with animals, trees, or other trendy shapes) that are pleasing to the eye.

Tip:Another option is to use these lightweight buttons to create button monograms!

Button Flowers

If you want a lasting and beautiful bouquet in your vase, try making one from wooden buttons. To create cute button flowers, you’ll need wire and wooden beads in a variety of colors and sizes. Group the wooden buttons in threes, with the largest button at the bottom and the smallest on top.

Instead of thread, use jewelry wire to secure the wooden buttons together. Then, use a longer piece of wire to create a stem for the flower. Twist the wire tightly to ensure that the buttons are secure and stable, preventing any movement. If desired, you can add felt, beads, or thick colored cardboard papers.

Button Lamps

Decorate an old lamp with wooden buttons! You can sew them on as a garland at the bottom or sew them directly onto the lampshade. If you glue wooden buttons onto a small glass cup and place a tea light inside, you’ll create an eye-catching candle holder.

Buttons in the Kitchen

Use a few colourful wooden buttons to make ordinary placemats more thematic and cheerful. The easiest option is to turn the buttons into little fruits. You’ll also need green thread to create the stems of the fruits.

If you have a corner sofa with decorative pillows in your kitchen, you can also use wooden buttons from EM ART to refresh the old pillow covers!

Buttons for New Frames

Transform ordinary photo frames into stylish and colorful pieces by covering them with wooden buttons. This project requires only wooden buttons of various colors and sizes, along with some super glue.

Door or Wall Decorations

Why wait for a special holiday to decorate? Wooden buttons can embellish your home any day of the year. Start with a cardboard or foam sheet, cutting it into a circle or any shape of your choice. You’re already halfway there! Select wooden buttons in your preferred colors and sizes and simply glue them onto the base.

If you prefer sewing to gluing, choose a well-marked and padded fabric base. Sew the wooden buttons onto the fabric, add some padding, and shape it to your liking. This technique allows for a more textured and dimensional finish.

The completed piece—whether it’s a figure, panel, or another type of decoration—can be proudly displayed on your wall or door, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all who visit.

Button Clock

This clock project is as beautiful as it is playful. It’s simple to try out, especially since it doesn’t require complex clock mechanisms or dials. You can choose any base material, and the shape and arrangement of the wooden buttons are completely up to your creative vision.

Decorative Button Art Flip-Flops

Transform ordinary flip-flops into unique footwear by decorating them with wooden buttons. You have two choices for this makeover: you can either sew the buttons on using silicone or an adhesive. This simple upgrade can turn everyday flip-flops into eye-catching fashion statements.

Wooden Buttons for Customized Bags and Jewelry

Enhance your personal style by customizing your bags with wooden buttons, or craft unique button jewelry to share with friends and family. These projects allow you to express your creativity while creating one-of-a-kind accessories.

Whether it’s a decorative clock, revamped footwear, a personalized bag, or bespoke jewelry, these art and craft ideas with wooden beads are perfect for experimenting at home. They require minimal effort and can be done on a budget, making them accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

The Essential Accessory: The Evolution of the Button

For centuries, the button has been a unique symbol of wealth, high social status, and noble origin.

Among the items utilized by ancient peoples, the button’s precursor—often a knot or bent twig—served as a living artifact of humanity and may be older than cave paintings.

Some of the earliest button-like accessories, used more as ornaments than for fastening clothes, were discovered in the Indus Valley. These artifacts date back to 2800–2600 BC and are attributed to the Kot Diji phase of the Indus Valley Civilization. Similar items from the Bronze Age have been found in China (2000–1500 BC), as well as in Ancient Rome and Greece.

It’s impossible to pinpoint who exactly invented the button, this seemingly small but crucial detail in clothing. However, some scholars suggest it may have originated in Greece or Rome, while others believe it was "born" in Asia.

It is known that early humans fastened their garments using spikes from plants, animal bones, or sticks. In Ancient Egypt, garments were fastened by threading one end through a hole made in the other or simply tying them together.

It wasn’t until the 18th century that buttons became commonplace in everyday European attire. After being nearly forgotten during the early Middle Ages, the advent of tailoring—allowing clothes to fit more snugly—elevated buttons to luxury items.

During that era, men’s suits were often adorned from neck to waist and from elbow to wrist with numerous, densely sewn buttons, sometimes totaling over a hundred. For nearly five centuries, they symbolized wealth, high social status, and noble origin.

Only kings and aristocrats could afford garments with this original and convenient accessory, which was typically crafted by jewelers from precious metals like gold and silver, as well as exquisite ivory.
It wasn’t until the 14th century that the button’s indispensable companion—the buttonhole—was invented. This "sweet pair" required careful attention, including matching the thread color of the buttonholes to the buttons.

Today, buttons are crafted from a vast array of materials:

• metal
• glass
• wire
• wood
• pearls
• amber
• leather
• bones
• porcelain
• and many other precious and commonplace materials.

Chinese buttons, crafted by twisting thread or fabric into a special knot, have been popular since the 1930s, alongside wooden buttons in everyday use.

The human imagination continues to transform ordinary materials into unique creations. Buttons can be fashioned into panels, necklaces, and used to decorate clothes and bags. Whether fastened with a few quick stitches, crossed in original stitching styles, or attached with special mechanisms as with jeans and denim, buttons remain an often overlooked but essential element of modern attire.

Despite the vast diversity of types, families, and groups, buttons have only recently become a sought-after collectible. Sadly, very few museums and private collections hold authentic ancient specimens. Yet, buried underground or resting at the bottom of the sea, their copper, ceramic, or gold counterparts still await discovery.

The Secret Functions of Buttons

Buttons fulfill at least four main functions in everyday life:

• Utilitarian – used to fasten pieces of clothing
• Decorative – serving as ornaments
• Magical – acting as amulets or talismans
• Informative – signifying belonging or serving as markers

Historically, buttons were used less for their practical utility in clothing and more for their aesthetic appeal.

Among certain cultures, buttons functioned as amulets, designed to protect against evil forces. Unique hollow designs housed tiny pieces of lead or stones that produced a sound similar to a small drum.

These magical buttons were attached to garments, often on the inside without a corresponding buttonhole, as their purpose was not to fasten but to serve a protective role.

The informative role of buttons emerged later, yet even today, some buttons indicate membership in specific professions, armies, or groups.

A Wide Range of Wooden Buttons from EM ART

In our one-stop-shop, you can find a wide variety of wooden buttons in various colors, sizes and shapes. Your choice for this item will be fully satisfied as we have curated a special selection for you!

Versitile Wooden Buttons at Affordable Prices

The price range for wooden buttons at EM ART online store is very budget-friendly and accessible. But that’s not all - you can easily find products at a promotional price and ones with a discount for bulk purchases.

Why Choose EM ART?

We have created this online store specifically for you, based on thorough research of consumer demand and alignment with current trends. Our primary goal is to ensure customer convenience.

The EM ART online store is one of the largest providers of art and craft supplies, tools, and kits. You can explore over 25,000 products suitable for a variety of hobbies, along with access to helpful consultants and inspiring DIY videos and blog posts.

Place Your Order with Ease

You can place your orders for wooden buttons anytime, 24/7, through EM ART’s online store. Whether you’re shopping as a guest or using your Facebook or Google account, the process is straightforward. Just ensure you provide a valid address, fill in your contact details accurately, and verify your delivery address. Rest assured, all your personal information is protected under the Personal Data Protection Act.

Your order will be processed promptly and delivered right to your door.

If you need assistance or have questions, our online consultants are here to help from Monday to Saturday, 09:30 to 18:30.

Discover our vibrant array of wooden buttons and beads—perfect for any project. Whether you’re making a cute Button Art painting with your children or looking for that unique touch for your own creations, our selection of wooden beads is designed to inspire and enhance your creative endeavours! Start your next project today and experience the joy of crafting something truly special.