Making New Things Old

I love the look of old things. I found an awesome old scrapbook at a sale for $5. The binding was hurting so I saved the front and back covers and added my own pages. I wanted to embellish it with old buttons but didn’t have ones that looked old enough. So . . . I made my own.

Planning on making some yourself? You can use ‘old’ buttons to make jewelry, set in a cute teacup, or adorn your own art journal.

Want to make your own ‘antique buttons?’ Simple.

You’ll need:

• Red colored paint (Brand I used was Folk Art)
• Brown colored paint (Brand I used was Folk Art)
• Yellow colored Yellow paint (Brand I used was Folk Art)
• Tim Holtz Dark Brown Distress Crayon
• Distress Oxide Ink

1. The How To: Mix Red and Brown to get a Rusty color. Mix Yellow and Brown to get a Mustard color.
2. Take a small paint brush or paper towel and dab a little Rusty Brown paint on the brush or towel. Rub it lightly on the buttons in a circular motion. Let the paint dry or use a heat tool.
3. Do the same with Mustard Yellow paint.
4. Rub a little Dark Brown Distress Crayon on your finger and apply on top of buttons. Water it down a little if needed.
5. Swipe a Medium colored Brown Distress Ink pad on a slick surface. Spritz with water. Then take a paint brush and apply randomly on the buttons.
6. I used Mod Podge to adhere the lace onto the muslin to create and strengthen the binding. I also added different paints in the grooves of the lace to add to the distressed look.

Enjoy making new things old.

Warmest creative wishes,